Disassembly Xiaomi Redmi 4A: a step-by-step guide with photos and nuances

Why to Disassemble Xiaomi Redmi 4A and What You Need to Know

Xiaomi Redmi 4A, released in 2016, is still a popular budget device due to its reliability and simplicity. However, even such models have problems over time: battery drains, speaker breaks, buttons stick or need to change the screen. In most cases, repair is cheaper than buying a new gadget, but you need to be able to properly disassemble the device.

This article will help you safely disassemble the Redmi 4A at home without damaging the internal components.We will take a detailed look at the tools you need, the sequence of actions, and the typical errors that can lead to failure.If you have never done electronic repair before, don’t worry: the design of this smartphone is relatively simple, and with careful approach, the risks are minimal.

It is important to understand that disassembling the Xiaomi Redmi 4A is warranty-free (if it is still valid) and requires caution. For example, improper removal of the battery plume can short circuit, and damage to flexible cables can lead to a broken display.

What tools will be needed to disassemble

You don't need professional hardware to disassemble the Redmi 4A, but you can't do without a basic set.

• 🔧 Plastic mediators or shoulder blades (2-3 (S) - for careful slapping of the lid and disconnecting the latches.
• 🔨 The screwdriver. PH00 — for twisting small screws (a common screwdriver can rip off the splints!).
• 🔋 Screen suction cup – will help to smack the front panel after heating.
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature not higher than 60)°C!).
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or screw container – to avoid losing small details.
• 📏 Tweezers – to work with plumes and small components.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — Cleaning contacts and removing glue residues.

If you don't have a thermal air station, you can use a normal dryer, but watch the temperature: overheating can damage the battery or display. It is also recommended to work in an antistatic bracelet or at least ground your hands to avoid static discharge, which can disable the motherboard.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal tools (knives, screwdrivers) to lid the lid! They can scratch the body or damage the plumes. Plastic mediators are safer and more efficient.

Preparation for disassembly: what to do before the start of work

Before starting the disassembly, follow a few mandatory steps:

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-card with a memory card (if installed).
2. Charge the battery to 30-50% – this minimizes the risk of short circuit when disconnecting the plume.
3. Back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup or using Mi PC Suite.
4. Prepare the workplace: a clean desk, good lighting, no dust or moisture.

If you're disassembling a Redmi 4A to replace your battery, buy an original or certified 3,120 mAh battery in advance (article: MB-J10). Cheap alternatives can swell or fail quickly. The LCD+Touch module for the Redmi 4A will suit your screen replacement, so make sure you have new adhesive tapes.

If you are planning to replace a speaker, camera or microphone, check their performance in advance through test codes:

• Dynamics test: ##36446337##
• Microphone test: ##36446338###
• Camera test: ##3644633733##

Next articleHow to Disassemble Xiaomi Redmi 4A

Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions in strict order to avoid damage.

Step 1: Removing the back cover

The Redmi 4A body is glued around the perimeter, so it needs to be heated. Turn on the dryer at minimum power and evenly warm the edges of the smartphone for 2-3 minutes. The temperature should be such that the body becomes warm, but not hot (maximum 50-60 ° C).

After heating:

1. Place the suction cup on the bottom of the screen (near the Home button).
2. Pull up carefully, creating a small gap.
3. Insert a plastic mediator into the slot and slowly lead them along the edge, disconnecting the latches.

Don't put too much effort into it -- if the lid doesn't lend itself, warm it up again, and at this point, the key is not to damage the fingerprint scanner plume (if you have one in your modification).

Step 2: Spinning the screws

When you take the lid off, you'll see 10 screws holding the metal plate, and you'll have to twist them out with a PH00 cross screwdriver.

• 4 screws at the corners;
• 3 screws along the upper edge;
• 3 screws along the bottom edge.

Put the screws in a magnetic container or paste them on tape in order of twisting, which will help you not to confuse the assembly. Under the metal plate hides the plumes of the battery, motherboard and camera.

Step 3: Battery disconnection

Never disconnect the plumes until the battery is turned off, which can short-circuit and cause the motherboard to fail.

1. Find a black plume that says BATTERY (usually on the bottom right).
2. Carefully tuck it in with a plastic spatula or tweezers.
3. Then, remove the stain from the sleeve and pull it upwards.

Once the battery is turned off, you can safely work with the rest of the components, and if the plume doesn't respond, don't pull it, try to sway a little bit from side to side.

Step 4: Removing the motherboard and other modules

Now you can disconnect the other plumes:

• 📱 Display plume (center, under metal plate);
• 📷 Main camera plume (top left corner);
• 🔊 Dynamics and microphone plume (lower right corner).

Once the plumes are unplugged, gently lift the motherboard. It's mounted on multiple screws -- unscrew them and remove the board with the edges (don't touch the chips!) And underneath it are:

• Vibromotor;
• Antenna modules;
• The charger connector (USB Type-C).

If you need to replace the speaker or microphone, they are located at the bottom of the case, and to remove them, you just need to unsold the contacts or disconnect the duct tape (depending on the modification).

Common Mistakes in Disassembly and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to the Redmi 4A breakdown. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔋 Damage to the battery plume -- never pull the wire, just the connector! If the plume breaks, it can be replaced, but it requires soldering.
• 📱 Scratches on display - use only plastic mediators. Metal leaves microcracks that eventually lead to a broken screen.
• 🔧 Loss of screws - even one missing screw can cause vibration or poor board contact.Save them in a magnetic container.
• 🔥 Overheating when the body is heated -- if the dryer is too hot, the glue can dry even more: 50-60°C.
• 💧 Fluids on board – isopropyl alcohol evaporates quickly, but if you use other solvents, they can damage components.

Another common problem is that the flexible fingerprint scanner cable (if you have one in your Redmi 4A version) is very thin, and it goes from the Home button to the motherboard, and if you don't take the cover carefully, it can easily be broken, and if the scanner stops working after you disassemble it, you'll probably have to replace the entire button module.

⚠️ Attention: If the smartphone does not turn on after assembly, check: Is the battery plume connected; Is the contacts on the motherboard closed; Is all the screws installed correctly (an extra screw can short the board!). If the problem remains - perhaps damaged board or display plume.

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Before final assembly, turn on the smartphone with only the display and battery plug connected, so you make sure that the screen is working and avoid re-disassembly.

How to build Xiaomi Redmi 4A after repair

The assembly of the smartphone takes place in reverse order, but there are nuances:

1. Check all the plumes - they should be tightly inserted into the connectors, without distortion.
2. Set the motherboard and twist the screws. Don't pull them over, or you'll damage the thread.
3. Stick the battery together -- use a new duct tape or double-sided tape. Don't put too much glue on it, otherwise it'll be difficult to separate the battery the next time you disassemble it.
4. Close the lid, start at the top and slowly snap it around the perimeter, and if the lid doesn't fit tightly, check if the plume or cable is disturbing.

After assembly, turn on the smartphone and check:

• 🔋 Does charging work;
• 📶 Is there a network (SIM-map recognized);
• 🔊 Does the speaker and microphone work;
• 📷 Is the camera functioning;
• 👆 Whether screen touches are recognized.

If something doesn't work, take the smartphone apart again and check the connection of the corresponding plumes, for example, if the touchscreen is not working, the display plume is likely not well connected.

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After assembly, let the smartphone lie down for 10-15 minutes before turning on, which will help the glue to better grasp and avoid displacement of components.

When is the best time to contact the service center

Although the Xiaomi Redmi 4A is relatively easy to disassemble, some breakdowns are best left to professionals.

• 💥 The smartphone does not turn on after a fall - it can be damage to the motherboard or chip failure (solding under the microscope is required).
• 🔥 On the board you can see blackened or bloated components – self-repair can aggravate the problem.
• 📉 Battery swollen - its replacement at home is dangerous (the risk of fire!).
• 📶 The antenna does not catch the network - the problem may be damaged RF-A module that is difficult to diagnose without equipment.

It is also worth considering that in some cases, repairs are more expensive than buying a used Redmi 4A in good condition. For example, replacing the motherboard can cost 3-5 thousand rubles, while the smartphone itself in the secondary market can be found for 4-6 thousand.

If you’re still trying to repair yourself, but you’re having trouble, use the YouTube video tutorials (see Xiaomi Redmi 4A teardown) or ask a question on topic forums like 4PDA or Mi Community.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Redmi 4A disassembly