Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 4A has earned a reputation for “people’s” device due to its reliability and availability, but even the most durable gadgets sometimes require the intervention of a wizard. Most often users are faced with the need to replace a broken screen, “tired” battery or restore the charging connector after careless handling. Understanding how to properly disassemble the Xiaomi Redmi 4A phone, will help you save a significant amount on the services of the service center and perform repairs at home.
However, before you take up the screwdriver, you need to realize that opening the case automatically deprives the device of an official warranty. If your device is still in warranty service, it is better to refrain from self-manipulation and contact an authorized service. In other cases, when the phone is already “not sorry” or the warranty has expired, you can start preparing the workplace.
The success of the operation depends on your accuracy and the availability of a suitable tool: inside the case are fragile plumes that are easily damaged by careless movement, and adhesive joints that require preheating. The main feature of the Redmi 4A design is a plastic frame that is attached to many screws and clips, which requires patience when dismantled. Take your time, follow the instructions Step-by-step, and you can successfully replace the failed component.
Tools and workplace preparation required
A cross screwdriver is not enough to disassemble a smartphone properly. Modern gadgets use a specialized tool that will not damage the plastic elements and allow the display to be unstuck safely. Preparation begins with a well-lit table where nothing will distract you from the process.
You'll need a toolkit that's often sold as electronic repair kits. You'll need to focus on the quality of the metal parts: a cheap tool can lick the screws or scratch the inner boards. It's also critical to prepare the screw folding capacity, as there are many screws in the Redmi 4A and they're of different lengths.
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers: mandatory presence of cross PH000 and a small flat screwdriver.
- 🎴 Plastic shoulder blades (poodgers): minimum 2-3 stuff for clipping and working with the display.
- 🌡️ Hair dryer or heating platform: necessary to soften the glue under the screen (a regular household hair dryer is also suitable).
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer: so that the screws do not fly around the table and do not get lost.
The issue of heating deserves special attention: the glue holding the display becomes very hard when cooled, and trying to remove the screen "cold" is guaranteed to destroy it. Warm the front panel evenly, avoiding overheating the battery if it is not removed immediately. The optimal temperature of surface heating is about 80-90 degrees Celsius.
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Use a suction cup together with a plastic spatula: the suction cup creates an initial gap, and the spatula helps to move deeper along the perimeter.
Dismantling the back cover and battery
Unlike many modern all-metal smartphones, the Redmi 4A has a removable back cover, which makes the initial disassembly phase much easier. You don't have to peel off the back panel, which reduces the risk of damage to the body at the start of work.
First, you need to remove the tray for SIM-It's standard procedure, but it's important not to confuse the tray with another device if you're repairing more than one phone. After removing the tray, you can gently tuck the lid with a nail or plastic spatula in a specially provided recess in the lower left corner (if you look at the screen).
Removing the lid will give you access to the battery. In the Redmi 4A, the battery is not glued to the top of the line, but is locked in a retractable tongue. However, before any work with internal components, be sure to disconnect the battery plume from the motherboard. This is a critical safety step to prevent short circuits.
☑️ Primary disassembly
⚠️ Warning: Never try to disconnect the battery plume by pulling it by the wires. Take your fingers or tweezers on the plastic connector and gently pull it up.
Once the power is out, you can move to removing the metal safety frame that covers most of the internal components, which is fixed by multiple screws around the perimeter, and remember the location of the screws, because they can vary in length, and if they are placed in the wrong holes, they can damage the board.
Removal of metal frame and access to board
The metal frame in Xiaomi Redmi 4A is a support structure, and it's the motherboard, connectors and other important components that are attached to it. To gain full access to the smartphone's stuffing, this frame needs to be dismantled. It requires care, because the frame is hidden behind the display and touchscreen.
The screws that hold the frame are located around the perimeter of the body, including the area around the camera lens and at the bottom of the near speakers. Some screws can be hidden under stickers or plugs, so carefully inspect the surface of the metal before you start unscrewing. Use a magnetic screwdriver to avoid dropping the fastener inside the case.
Once you've twisted all the screws, the frame doesn't come off on its own, it's held on plastic latches, and you have to gently snap them off with a plastic card or a blade as you go around, and you can't make any sudden movements, because the plastic frame is fragile and can crack, and it can cause the body to backlash when assembled.
Nuances of plumes
When the frame is removed, you'll have full access to the motherboard. Notice the layout of the modules: the top is the main camera and connectors, the bottom is the charging connector and microphone, and you can now safely disconnect the display plumes using a plastic blade to tweak the connectors.
Replacement of the display and touch screen
The most common reason for disassembly is to replace a broken display module. In Redmi 4A, the screen is a single unit consisting of a matrix, a touchscreen and a plastic frame. Changing the glass or touchscreen separately is economically inefficient and technically difficult, so you change the entire module in the assembly.
The process begins with the final removal of the old screen. If you haven't unplugged it completely, now is the time to complete this procedure by first disconnecting all the plumes from the board. The new module is recommended to check before installation: connect the plumes to the board (the screen can not be pasted yet) and start the phone to make sure that the matrix and sensor work.
Installing a new module requires a new layer of glue, which is usually already applied around the perimeter of the new screen, protected by a blue or transparent film. Remove the protection immediately before you stick it. Line the module around the body, make sure the plumes are flat and not bent, then press the screen tightly around the edges.
The assembly is reversed. First, a metal frame is installed, then the battery is connected (for verification), and only after the phone is successfully turned on is the case finally assembled. Remember to remove the protective films on the inside of the new screen, if they are present there.
Dismantling of connectors and auxiliary modules
If your goal is to replace the sub-board, it will take less time to disassemble, but it will require more precision. The lower board in the Redmi 4A connects to the main motherboard via a wide plume that runs through the entire body, and this plume is often glued to the plastic base, and it needs to be gently peeled off when heated.
To remove the lower board, you also need to remove plastic elements of the housing, such as the bottom stopper of the speakers, it can be attached to glue or latches. Be careful with the membrane of the main speaker - it is thin and easily breaks when handled carelessly.
When replacing camera modules (main or front), it is important not to touch the lens with your fingers. Fat marks on the optics can not be removed later without disassembling the camera module itself, which will lead to a deterioration in the quality of the photos. The cameras are fixed in slots and can be further pressed with metal plates.
| Component | Difficulty replacing | Risk of damage | The necessary tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | Low. | Minimum | Scapula, tweezers |
| Screen (module) | Medium | Medium (trains) | Fryer, shoulder blades, glue |
| Charging connector | Tall. | Tall (train) | Fen, tweezers, screwdrivers. |
| Camera. | Low. | Medium (lens) | Screwdrivers, spatula |
⚠️ Warning: The plume connecting the lower board to the main board is very thin and easily torn. When replacing it, try not to stretch it and stack it strictly along the factory canals.
Assembly of the device and verification of functionality
The final stage is assembly. It requires the same care as disassembly. The main task is to remember to connect all the plumes and not to confuse the screws. Before twisting the screws of the metal frame, be sure to check the phone's operation: plug the battery, press the switch on and make sure that the device responds.
Check the basic functions: touchscreen (drag the icons), sound in the speaker and headphones, microphone performance when recording the recorder, and charging the device. If everything works correctly, you can turn off the phone, turn off the battery and finally twist all the screws.
When you put the back cover, make sure it sits exactly around the perimeter. If there's a gap somewhere, don't push -- maybe the screws in the frame aren't fully twisted or the display plume is interfering with the tight fit. Take the problem node apart again and fix the cause.
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The quality of repair is determined not only by the replacement of the part, but also by the accuracy of the assembly: the absence of creaks, backlashes and unnecessary bolts inside the body.
Once fully assembled, turn on your smartphone and run the final test in real-time. Call someone, take a photo, check your Wi-Fi. Successful completion of all the tests means you've done the job and saved money on the repair.