Xiaomi Mi4 is a legendary smartphone released in 2014, which is still popular among enthusiasts. However, as the device ages, there is a need for repairs: replacement of the battery, cleaning of connectors or diagnosing internal components. Disassembling the Mi4 requires care, since its body is glued together and the plumes are fragile. In this article, you will find a step-by-step guide with photos, a list of tools and unique tips for preventing damage to the board during dismantling.
It's important to understand that self-disassembly is insecure (if it's still in place), and that wrong actions can lead to permanent damage to the device. If you're not sure about your skills, you should contact a professional, but for those who decide to act on their own, we'll go through every step of the way, from tool preparation to reassembly.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. Xiaomi Mi4 has a non-shatterable body, so you can't do without specialized tools. Here's the minimum set:
- 🔧 Plastic mediators (2-3 (a) for the purpose of carefully sliding the.
- 🔨 Thin asterisk screwdriver. T3 and T5 — board-pin.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or container – to avoid losing small details.
- 🔥 Hair dryer or thermoair station - for softening the glue (optional, but recommended).
- 📸 Smartphone for photography – capture each step so as not to confuse details during assembly.
Also, make sure that the workplace is well lit, free of dust and static electricity, use an antistatic bracelet if you have one, it will protect the cost from damage, and don't work on carpets or synthetic fabrics that accumulate statics.
⚠️ Attention: If the battery Mi4 If you're swelling, don't heat the body with a hair dryer, it can lead to fire, in which case it's better to trust a specialist to disassemble the body.
Step 1: Removing the back cover
The Xiaomi Mi4 body is glued around the perimeter, so you can't just open it. Start by heating the edge with a hairdryer (~60°C) for 1-2 minutes. This will soften the glue and reduce the risk of plastic damage.
- Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the case and the screen at the headphone jack.
- Carefully drive the mediator along the edge, gradually increasing the gap.
- Once the lid starts to move, do the same from the opposite side.
If the lid doesn't lend itself, reheat the problem area. Don't use metal tools, they'll scratch the case. Once you remove the lid, you'll see the battery, the motherboard and the plumes.
Heat the edge with a hairdryer|Prepare plastic mediators|Disconnect the smartphone from charging|Take a picture of the initial state-->
Step 2: Shutting off the battery
Before you touch the board, be sure to turn off the battery.
- Put the battery plume with a plastic spatula (it is under a black film).
- Carefully unplug the plug from the board.
If the battery is swelling, don't try to remove it by force, it may burst, so it's best to replace it with a new battery immediately, pre-ordering the original battery for the Mi4 (article: MB38).
⚠️ Warning: Touching the board without the battery switched off is dangerous - it can cause a short circuit and disable the power controller.
What to do if the battery connector is stuck?
Step 3: Removing the motherboard
The Mi4 motherboard is mounted on 8 screws of different sizes. It's important to remember which screw is twisted from where, that's what you need photos for. Use the T3 screwdriver for most screws and the T5 screwdriver for the camera attachment.
After you unscrew the screws, gently raise the board, starting from the top (on the speaker side).
- 📱 Display plume (the widest).
- 🔊 Dynamics and microphone plume.
- 📷 Main camera plume.
Unplug them one by one, before lifting the locks (black or metal latches). Don't pull the plumes - they are fragile!
| schleife | Location. | Features of disconnection |
|---|---|---|
| Display. | Top of the pay | The locker goes up. |
| Battery | Lower left. | Detached without a locker |
| Camera. | Upper right side | Thin plume, easily torn |
| Activation button | Right-hand side | Fixing up on bilateral scotch |
Step 4: Disassemble the front panel and display
If you need to replace the display or touchscreen, you'll have to take the front side apart.
- Heat the screen with a hair dryer (temperature ~50°C) around the perimeter.
- Insert a plastic mediator in the gap between the screen and the frame.
- Carefully drive the mediator along the edge, separating the adhesive base.
Be careful: the approximation sensor and LED notification plumes are underneath the screen, and they're easy to damage! If the screen cracks, use tape to fix the shrapnel and avoid cutting.
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If the glue is too strong, try using a string or guitar string that is soaked in isopropyl alcohol, and swipe it between the screen and the body, the alcohol will dissolve the glue, and the thread will help separate the panels.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Xiaomi Mi4, and here are the most common ones:
- 🔧 Removing the slits on the screws - use high-quality screwdrivers and do not make excessive efforts.
- 🔥 Overheating the board with a hairdryer - keep the temperature not above 60°C and do not direct airflow to the chips.
- 📱 Display plume damage – always lift the lock before disconnecting.
- 💥 Short circuit – do not touch the board without an antistatic bracelet.
Another common problem is the loss of screws. Mi4s use screws of different lengths, and if you mix them up, the board may not fit in or damage the components, so to avoid this, spread the screws in order on a magnetic mat or sign them.
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The most vulnerable part of the Mi4 when disassembled is the camera plume, which is thinner than the others and often breaks when it is sloppy to disconnect. Always record its position with a photo before disassembling.
Device Assembly: reverse order and testing
The Xiaomi Mi4 is assembled in reverse order, but with some nuances:
- Make sure all plumes are tightly connected and the locks are lowered.
- Twirl the screws, starting with the longest (usually they attach the camera).
- Before installing the battery, check that there is no dust or metal sawdust on the board.
- Stick the back cover to a new double-sided scotch (the original 3M 9448A adhesive is best).
After assembly, turn on the device and check:
- 📶 Network operation (SIM-map, Wi-Fi).
- 🔋 Charging the battery.
- 📷 Camera and microphone.
- 🎵 Dynamics and vibration.
If something doesn't work, disassemble the device again and check the plumes are connected, most often due to poor contact or damaged plumes.