The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3, often referred to as the "Trehsotka" or "3x" by the people, remains one of the most popular budget devices in the company's history. Despite its age, the model is still actively used, which leads to frequent breakdowns: screens crack, batteries deteriorate or charging connectors fail. Self-disassembly of the device requires not only accuracy, but also a clear understanding of the design, since the body of this model is quite dense.
Before you start dismantling, you need to realize that opening the case automatically deprives you of warranty if it was still in effect. However, for most owners, this is no longer relevant, and the desire to save on services from a service center comes to the fore. Home repairs are quite real if you have the right tool and understanding of the sequence of actions. In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of complete disassembly of the device.
It's built on an all-metal body, which makes it durable, but makes it difficult to access the internal components. Unlike today's glass-backed models, you can't just heat and remove the backrest. You'll have to work with screws, hidden plugs, and plumes that require careful handling. Improper movement can lead to the breakdown of thin contacts, so be patient.
Preparation of the workplace and tools
The high-quality disassembly begins long before the first screw. You need to organize a workspace that will be well lit and free of unnecessary objects. The metal body of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 requires a specific approach, because conventional suction cups will not help here. The main tool will be thin flat blades and a set of precision screwdrivers.
Special attention should be paid to safety. Inside the device is a lithium polymer battery, damage to which can lead to fire. Therefore, any work with the battery is carried out only after it is disconnected from the motherboard. It is also strongly recommended to use an antistatic bracelet or periodically touch a grounded metal object to relieve static stress.
To successfully complete the task, you will need the following set:
- 🔧 Sets of screwdrivers (Torx star) T5, cross-section PH000)
- 🛠 Plastic spatula (mediator) and metal scalpel
- 🌡 A dryer or thermophene for warming up the glue (if the screen is glue-on)
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer for screws
☑️ Ready to disassemble
Primary dismantling of the back cover
Unlike many modern smartphones, the Redmi Note 3 (Pro and Special Edition versions) has a non-removable back cover, which is mounted around the perimeter on the screws, which are hidden by decorative plugs, and you start with the bottom edge where the connectors are located, and you will find two screws covered with small plastic plugs.
Carefully tuck the plugs into the tip of a scalpel or a thin needle. Don't put too much effort into not scratching the aluminum body. Once you remove the plugs, you'll see two screws. You'll need a PH000 cross sting screwdriver to unscrew them. Unscrew them and put them aside, remembering their location.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to remove the back cover without twisting all the screws. Attempting to squeeze the cover by force will deform the metal frame and damage the antenna plume that passes underneath it.
After removing the lower screws, move to the upper elements. In some versions, additional hidden screws may be found under the logo or in the area of the camera, but in the standard version. 3x/Pro The main fixation is located at the bottom and around the perimeter of the internal screws, which will open after the lid is removed. However, to move the lid from the place, it is sometimes necessary to slightly warm the perimeter with a hairdryer if the device has previously undergone repair using glue.
Removal of metal frame and access to board
Once the bottom screws are removed, the back cover should be easy to move away, but it can hold on to the latches around the perimeter. Use a plastic blade to gently walk along the entire circuit of your smartphone, snapping the locks, and inside you'll see a massive metal plate covering the motherboard and battery.
This plate is the basis of rigidity, and it's screwed with a lot of screws around the perimeter, and you need a Torx T5 screwdriver to twist it, and you need to be careful, because screws can be of different lengths, short screws can be screwed into thin areas of plastic, and long screws can break through the paths on the board or damage the battery.
The recommended method is to use the screw map: lay the screws twisted on a piece of paper in the same order in which they were twisted in the case, which will save you time during assembly and save you from errors. There can be more than 15 pieces in total.
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Take a picture of the screws before removing the metal plate, which will help you remember which screw to twist when you reverse assemble, as they can differ in length of thread.
Disabling the plumes and retrieving the battery
When you remove the metal shield, you have full access to the filling. The first thing you need to do is to turn off the device. Find the battery connector on the motherboard. Carefully put the plume on the plastic blade or nail, trying not to damage the connector itself. Only after the battery is turned off can you touch the other components of the board.
Then you detach the display and touchscreen plumes. They're usually located next to the battery connector. You often need to remove the plastic bar that holds the connectors down for ease of operation. In the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3, the plumes can be quite tight, so act confidently, but without jerking.
If your goal is to replace the battery, you need to remove the sub-board where the charging connector is located after the plumes are turned off, and it is also fixed by the screws, and after removing the battery, you can remove it by pulling a special tongue (if it is designed) or gently putting the battery case under the blade.
The main elements that need attention in this phase are:
- 🔋 Main battery plume (disconnect first!)
- 📱 Display plume (wide, requires caution)
- 🔌 The touchscreen plume (located next to the display)
- 📡 Antenna contacts (crush contacts) Wi-Fi/GPS)
Removal of display and touch screen
Replacing the screen with a Redmi Note 3 is one of the most common reasons for disassembly. The display module here can be glued to the frame. If you change the screen assembled with a frame, the task is simplified. If you need to replace only the glass or the matrix, you need heating.
To remove the module, you need to unscrew the screws holding the bottom of the body and carefully disconnect the plumes going to the top board. Often the touchscreen plume passes under the battery or through special channels in the frame. Carefully study the path of the plume so that it does not break when extracted.
Nuances of glue-based
When installing a new screen, make sure that there are no shards of old glass or pieces of glue left on the frame.The surface must be perfectly clean, otherwise the new touchscreen may crack under pressure or work incorrectly.
Version Comparison and Component Compatibility
It's important to understand that there are multiple versions of a smartphone, and their internal structure may differ, with the main differences being the processor and the body material, but also affecting the location of some elements and the types of plumes.
| Characteristics | Redmi Note 3 Pro | Redmi Note 3 Special Edition | Redmi Note 3 (MTK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 650 | Snapdragon 650 | MediaTek Helio X10 |
| Case material | Metal | Metal | Plastic/Metal |
| Fingerprint scanner | Got it (back) | Got it (back) | No. |
| Compatibility of fees | Incompatible. | Partially compatible. | Incompatible. |
As you can see from the table, the Snapdragon and MediaTek versions have radically different motherboards and plumes. When ordering parts, always specify the exact model of the device. The Pro version display plume will not fit the MTK version, and vice versa.
Assembly and initial launch
The assembly process is done in reverse order. There are a few critical issues, however: First, make sure that all screws are metal and not lost inside the body, which can cause a short circuit. Second, the plumes must be inserted before the characteristic click.
Before the final screws are rolled, it's recommended that you run a test run. Connect the display plume and battery, then press the switch. If the screen catches fire and reacts to touch, you can safely complete the assembly. If there's no image, recheck the plumes.
⚠️ Warning: Do not tighten the screws of the metal plate too much. Excessive pressure can damage components under the board or split the display glass during subsequent use.
The final step is to install the plugs and check all the modules: the camera, the speakers, the microphone and the sensors, and make sure that Wi-Fi catches the network and the touchscreen responds throughout the area.
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The main risk in the assembly is to confuse screws of different lengths. Use a magnetic mat or circuit to make each screw fall into place, otherwise there is a risk of damage to the thread or piercing the body through.