How to disassemble Xiaomi Mi 4X yourself: step-by-step instructions with photos and nuances

Xiaomi Mi 4X (also known as Mi 4i in some regions) is a popular 2015 model that is still used by many users, and may need to be disassembled over time to replace the battery, repair the screen, clean the dust or diagnose malfunctions, but it needs to be carefully disassembled – its body is glued together, and some elements (such as plumes) are extremely fragile.

In this article, you will find a step-by-step photo manual, a list of tools you need, and key nuances to avoid damage: how to remove the back cover, disconnect the battery, dismantle the motherboard and other components, and highlight the common mistakes that beginners make when disassembling the Xiaomi Mi 4X.

If you have never taken a smartphone apart before, we recommend that you read the entire article first and then get to work. Some steps (for example, disconnecting the touchscreen plume) require special care - one incorrect manipulation can lead to irreversible damage to the display or motherboard.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you start dismantling Xiaomi Mi 4X, you need to prepare the workplace and tools, which depends not only on convenience, but also security for the device and for you.

Here is the minimum set of tools you will need:

• 🔧 Plastic blade (or mediator) - for separation of the back cover and smearing of plumes.
• ⚙️ The screwdriver. PH00 — screw-up.
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermoair station - for softening the glue (optional, but recommended).
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or container – so as not to lose screws.
• 📱 Screen suction cup – will help to remove the front panel carefully (if you need to replace the display).
• 🔋 Multimeter – to check the voltage of the battery (optional).

Also, prepare a clean, well-lit workplace, use an antistatic table, or at least a soft cloth to avoid scratching the case, and if you're working with a battery, make sure it's at least 50 percent discharged, which will reduce the risk of fire from an accidental short circuit.

⚠️ Warning: Don't use metal tools to separate plastic parts! Even a small scratch on the motherboard can lead to corrosion and future malfunctions.Plastic spatula or special spasher is the only safe option.

Step 1: Removing the back cover

The back cover of the Xiaomi Mi 4X is glued around the perimeter, so removing it is one of the most difficult steps. If the glue is fresh (for example, the phone has not been disassembled before), you will need a thermo-air station or a hair dryer.

Procedure:

1. Heat the edges of the back cover with a hair dryer (a temperature of ~60–70°C) for 1-2 minutes. This will soften the glue.
2. Insert a plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the body (start at the bottom edge where the charging connector is).
3. Carefully drive the shoulder blade around the perimeter, gradually separating the lid. Don't make excessive efforts - you can damage the latches!
4. When the lid is separated, remove it and put it aside.

Under the lid, you'll see the battery, the motherboard, and some plumes. Don't pull the plumes. They're attached to the board with plugs that are easy to tear off.

Check if the glue is heated enough|Try another angle (for example, next to the volume button)|Use two shoulder blades at the same time for uniform pressure.|Don’t use force – it’s better to repeat the heat.-->

If the glue is too strong, you can use isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher), apply a few drops around the perimeter of the lid, it will dissolve the glue without damaging the plastic. But don't overdo it: alcohol can get on the motherboard and cause corrosion.

Step 2: Battery disconnection

The battery in the Xiaomi Mi 4X is glued to the body, but it must be disconnected first, which will prevent short circuits during further disassembly.

How to properly disable the battery:

1. Find the battery plume – it is located at the top of the device (near the camera).
2. Carefully put the black connector on the plastic shoulder blade.
3. When the connector is separated, isolate it with tape so that you do not accidentally close the contacts.

If the battery is swelling, don't try to puncture it or bend it! Bloated batteries are extremely dangerous - they can ignite. In this case, you should contact the service center.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is still on when you connect to the charge after the battery is turned off, then there is power left somewhere (for example, from the capacitors on the board.

Step 3: Dismantling the motherboard

The Xiaomi Mi 4X motherboard is mounted on multiple screws and connected to other components through plumes.

1. Untwist all the screws (usually 6-8 pieces). Remember the location of each screw!
2. Carefully disconnect all plumes: Display plume (at the bottom of the board); camera plume (top); turn-on/volume button plume (right side); antenna cables (if they interfere).

Fill the board with a plastic spatula and remove it. Don't pull the edges, there may be fragile elements (like a SIM card connector).

If the board fails, check if all screws are twisted. Sometimes one lost screw can cause damage to tracks when forced to retrieve.

💡

Before you unplug the plumes, take a picture of their location on the board, which will help to connect everything back to the assembly correctly.

On the back of the board are located:

• 📶 Module Wi-Fi/Bluetooth — screw-mount.
• 🔋 Power controller – sensitive to static electricity.
• 📱 EMMC memory chip - when overheating can fall off (occurs with careless soldering).

Step 4: Disassemble the front panel (screen + touchscreen)

If you need to replace the display or touchscreen, you have to disassemble the front panel, which is the most risky step, because the touchscreen plume is extremely fragile.

Procedure:

1. Heat the screen with a hair dryer (temperature ~50°C) around the perimeter for 2-3 minutes.
2. With a suction cup, gently raise the screen on one side. Don't pull too much -- there are plumes underneath!
3. Insert a plastic blade into the resulting gap and slowly lead it along the edge, separating the glue.
4. When the screen separates, put it on the table with the display down, and the touchscreen plume will remain connected to the board.
5. Disconnect the plume of the touch screen (it is fixed with a latch - put it in a spatula).

If the screen cracks, tape it so the pieces don't fall apart.

⚠️ Attention: The touchscreen plume in the Mi 4X It has a thin print track that can easily break, and if you feel resistance when you pull the plug off, don't pull it any harder, just check if the latch is caught.

Step 5: Replace the battery

The battery in the Xiaomi Mi 4X has a capacity of 3120 mAh and eventually loses capacity. If the phone quickly discharges or turns off at 20-30% charge, it is time to replace it.

How to replace the battery correctly:

1. Disconnect the battery plume (as described in Step 2).
2. Put a plastic blade on the battery, it's glued, so it takes a lot of effort, and if the glue is too strong, use isopropyl alcohol.
3. Install a new battery (preferably original or from a proven manufacturer, such as ZOP Power).
4. Connect the plume and check if the phone holds a charge.

After replacing the battery, calibrate it:

• 🔋 Completely discharge the phone (before switching off).
• 🔌 Charge to 100% without interruptions.
• 🔄 Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.

If the new battery is quickly discharged, check the current consumption in sleep mode (using the AccuBattery app). Normal value is 10–50 mA. If the current is higher, the problem may be in the board or software.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Xiaomi Mi 4X. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:

• 🔧 Stripped screws - use a high-quality screwdriver PH00 And don't put too much effort into it. If the screw doesn't work, drop a little. WD-40.
• 🔥 Train damage -- always pull the connectors from the side instead of pulling the wires!
• 💥 Short circuit – before working with the board, touch an earthed object (for example, a heating battery) to remove static electricity.
• 📱 Scratches on the case – use plastic tools and put soft cloth under the parts.
• 🔋 Bloated battery - if the battery is swollen, don't try to remove it yourself.

Another common problem is that you don't build the right thing, so if you forget to plug in the camera plume, the phone will work, but it won't take any photos, always check all the connectors before you build them.

1. Is the battery connected?

2. whether the motherboard is correctly installed (all screws are in place, there are no clamped plumes).

3. Is there any damage on the board (blackened elements, burn marks).

If everything is fine but the phone is not responding, there may have been a reset. NVRAM (IMEI). In this case, you will need a firmware.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about the dismantling of Xiaomi Mi 4X