How to disassemble Xiaomi Redmi phone 2: a step-by-step guide

Restore a smartphone or replace a worn-out battery is a challenge many gadget owners face. Xiaomi Redmi 2, released a few years ago, is still popular for its reliability, but over time, even the most durable battery loses capacity. Disassembly of this device has its own features different from the more modern models of the Redmi Note or Pro series.

Before you start to act, you need to be clear that opening the case automatically deprives you of warranty service, if it is still relevant. However, for a device whose life is already significant, this is rarely a problem, the main thing is to prepare a quality tool and act methodically, without sudden movements, so as not to damage fragile plumes and plastic mounts.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the process of removing the back cover, turning off the plumes and removing the main components. You will learn which screws to unscrew first and how to safely snap the clips that keep the case assembled. The right approach will allow you to extend the life of your smartphone without going to the service center.

Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools

The success of any electronic repair operation depends 90 percent on the quality of the preparation. You don't need industrial equipment, but a basic set of masters is a must. The main tool will be a set of precision screwdrivers, because the screws in Redmi 2 are small in size and a specific head.

Special attention should be paid to the organization of space. The work surface should be clean, well-lit and, preferably, not conduct electricity. The metal table should be covered with an antistatic mat or at least a sheet of paper, so that small screws do not get lost and roll into the crevices.

For the work you will need the following items:

  • πŸ”§ Set of screwdrivers (cross-haired) PH00 or PH000).
  • 🎴 Plastic blade (mediator) for opening the body.
  • 🧲 Magnetic mat or sheet of paper for sorting screws.
  • πŸ”₯ A hair dryer or thermophene (optional, for warming up glue).

⚠️ Note: The use of metal tools (knives, needles) to slam the lid is strongly discouraged.The metal can damage internal plumes or break through the insulation, which will lead to a short circuit.

Remember to turn off the device completely before starting work. Even if the phone does not respond to buttons, trying to disassemble the on device can cause the power controller to fail, and it is also recommended to discharge the battery below 25% to minimize the risk of fire if it is damaged by careless removal.

Rear cover removal and removal SIM-map

The process of dismantling Xiaomi Redmi 2 begins with the removal of the rear panel, which is removable, unlike many modern monolithic designs. This greatly simplifies access to the main nodes, but requires care when working with plastic latches around the perimeter.

The first step should always be to remove the tray for SIM-Find a small hole on the upper or lower end (depending on the modification) and press it with a paper clip.

Then you have to remove the back cover. Unlike the non-removable battery models, you don't need to heat it up, you just have to find a little ledge in the corner of the case and gently apply the lid with your nail or plastic blade. You move around the perimeter, sequentially snapping the locks.

There's a common misconception that you have to pull the lid with force, and that's a mistake, because if you hear cracking, you're not doing it right, and the plastic in this model is fragile enough that if you push too hard, it will break the mounts, and then the lid will hang around.

When you take the lid off, you'll see the battery and the internal structure, and you'll notice the battery condition, if it's swelling, be very careful. The bloated Li-Ion battery is fire-prone, and it requires the utmost delicacy to remove it.

Removal of the battery and protection of contacts

In the Redmi 2, the battery is fastened to a relatively simple position, often with double-sided tape or simply inserted into a niche with little tension, but a critical action must be taken before the power source is physically removed.

Immediately after removing the back cover, before you start disconnecting the plumes of the display or motherboard, you need to disconnect the battery connector from the board, this will turn off the device and eliminate the risk of short circuit when accidentally touching the contacts with the tool.

You can use a plastic spatula to extract the battery, dent the edge of the battery (usually at the bottom where there is a small gap) and gently pull up. Do not use sharp objects that can puncture the battery shell.

If the battery is sitting tight, don't try to snatch it out with a jerk. Try to sway it slightly from side to side, gradually increasing the amplitude. In some cases, it helps to lightly warm the back of the body with a hairdryer to soften the adhesive base.

β˜‘οΈ Safety when working with AKB

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Once the battery is removed, inspect the connector on the motherboard, which may accumulate dust or oxides, carefully blow the connector or clean it with a dry soft brush, and the purity of the contacts is the key to stable electronics after assembly.

Disassembly of the main part of the body and disconnection of plumes

If your goal is to change the screen, to change the speaker, or to repair the motherboard, you will need further disassembly. After removing the battery, you will see a metal frame or plastic platform covering the main nodes.

This frame is mounted with multiple screws, and the number of screws can vary depending on the board revision, but they're usually around. 10-12 They're perimeter-centered, and they're all screw-twisted and unrolled in order to avoid confusing the length.

Once you remove the screws, carefully remove the safety bezel, and underneath it you'll see connectors connecting the display, touchscreen, main camera, and the charging board to the motherboard, and turning off the plumes is the most critical step.

The plumes in Redmi 2 are connected through special latch locks. To disconnect the plume, you need to carefully bend the lock (if you have one) or simply pull the connector up, holding on to the thickened part of it. It is forbidden to pull the wires themselves, this will lead to a break in the tracks.

ComponentLocation of the connectorType of connectionFeatures
Display (LCD)Top of the payWide plumeIt requires caution, it is easy to break
touchscreenNext to the displayNarrow plumeOften goes in assembly with a screen
Main camera.Upper cornerSmall connectorFragile compound
Charging chargesLower part (through the plume)Long plumeGoes through the whole body.

When you turn off the main camera plume, be especially careful. The camera module in this model is quite sensitive to static electricity and mechanical damage. Try not to touch the lens and contacts with your fingers.

Replacement of speaker and charge boards

One of the common reasons Redmi 2 disassembly is quiet sound in the conversational speaker or charging problems, and these components are located at the bottom of the body and require partial disassembly to be replaced.

The speaker speaker is usually located at the bottom, next to the charging connector. It can be glued or screwed. Before removing a new speaker, make sure that the speaker grid is clean - sometimes the problem is solved by simple cleaning.

The charging board (sub-payment) is connected to the main motherboard with a long plume passing through a special channel in the case, and when replacing this board, you must carefully remove the plume from the channel without damaging its insulation against the edge of the plastic.

⚠️ Warning: When installing a new charging board, make sure that the contact pads on the plume and the board are perfectly aligned. Misfitting can lead to no charging or unstable microphone operation.

To replace the speaker (which is on top of the ear), you'll need to remove the top of the frame, which is often integrated into the top module or glued to the inside of the case, and use a hair dryer to soften the adhesive if the speaker is placed on it.

What if the speaker doesn’t work after the replacement?
If you don't have a sound after you change the speaker, check the density of the connector. It's also possible that the problem is software -- check the sound settings or try to reset the settings to the factory. In rare cases, the motherboard itself is faulty.

Remember to check the microphone, which is often located on or near the same sub-board, and dirt and dust stuffed into the microphone holes can create a β€œquiet conversational” effect.

Assembly of the device and verification of functionality

It's the golden rule of repair, you start by installing and connecting the plumes, then you set the safety frame and you twist all the screws, and then you plug the battery in.

Before the final installation of the back cover, it is recommended to conduct an initial test: connect the battery, press the on button and make sure that the phone responds, the image appears on the display and the touch screen works.

If everything is working correctly, turn off the battery again (for safety), set the back cover in place until a characteristic click around the perimeter.

The final check should include testing all features that may have been affected by disassembly:

  • πŸ“ž Checking the quality of communication and microphone operation.
  • πŸ”‹ Control of the charging process.
  • πŸ“Έ Testing of the camera (main and frontal).
  • πŸ”Š Testing of polyphony sound and conversational speaker.

πŸ’‘

Use the sensor testing app to make sure there are no dead zones at the corners of the screen after assembly.

It's important not to tug the screws when you build. The plastic of the Redmi 2 body can crack with excessive force. Twisting the screws until you have a little resistance, nothing more. This will preserve the integrity of the threaded holes.

Frequent errors and expert recommendations

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes, let alone beginners. The most common problem is losing screws or getting them tangled up. Long screws twisted into short holes can pierce the body or damage the board.

Another common mistake is to ignore statics, and without antistatic gloves or a dry mat, you can cause sensitive chips to fail. Always touch a grounded metal object before you start working.

Don't try to force the plumes in. If the connector doesn't come in the first time, you're not orienting it correctly. Look at the shape of the connector and the plume, they have keys that will prevent you from inserting them incorrectly if you act carefully.

πŸ“Š What most often breaks in old smartphones?
Screen/Touchscreen
Battery
Charging connector
Dynamician
Camera.

If the phone doesn't turn on after assembly, don't panic. Check if the battery connector is tight. Often the problem is poor battery contact, which you might just have touched when you disassemble.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to completely discharge my phone before replacing my battery?
Yes, it is advisable to discharge the device to a minimum (less than 10-15%), which will reduce the risk of short circuit and fire in the event of accidental damage to the battery housing by the tool during extraction.
Can you play Redmi 2 without special tools?
Theoretically, you can use a knife or a coin, but the risk of damaging the case or internal components increases many times over. A plastic blade and the right screwdriver are inexpensive, but they will save your device.
What to do if the screen plume broke during disassembly?
The screen plumes in Redmi 2 are not repairable. You'll need a complete replacement of the display module. Try not to bend the plume at a sharp angle or pull it sharply.
How do I know if the battery is blown?
If the back of the phone starts to bulge, or if the phone stops lying flat on the table and spins when you press the corner, then the battery is swelling, and it's dangerous to use such a device.

πŸ’‘

The key to successful disassembly is to take your time and remember the sequence of actions, and haste is the main reason plastic latches and plumes break.