Xiaomi Redmi 5A has proven to be a reliable budget device, but time spares no one, and even the most enduring gadgets require intervention. Most often, owners face the need to replace a worn battery or broken display. The process of disassembling Xiaomi Redmi 5A does not require supernatural skills, but requires a certain set of tools and accuracy. Before you start active actions, you need to assess the risks and prepare the workplace.
The main challenge is that the smartphone body does not have screws hidden under plugs, as is the case in older models. Redmi 5A is built on plastic latches that if you carelessly break. Incorrect opening can lead to gaps between the frame and the screen, and damage the plumes of internal modules. It is important to understand that self-repair deprives you of warranty if it was still in operation, but for an old device it is often the only economical way out.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at each step of dismantling, from turning off the power to turning off the plumes. You will learn what tools will be required to work safely with the plastic case, and how to avoid damaging fragile electronic components.
Necessary tools for opening the body
For high-quality disassembly Xiaomi Redmi 5A standard set of screwdrivers may not be enough. Plastic latches that hold the back cover, require a specific approach and thin tools that will not scratch the glossy surface of the body. The use of metal objects such as a knife or pin, strongly discouraged, as there is a high risk of damage to the internal plumes or the frame itself.
First of all, you'll need a mediator or a special plastic spatula tool. If you don't have a professional kit at hand, you can use an old plastic card cut into thin strips. You'll also need a suction cup to neatly tear off the lid, although experienced craftsmen often do without it, using a thin blade or fishing line. To work with screws inside the device, you need a small cross screwdriver, usually this type of Phillips #00 or #000.
- 🔧 Plastic mediator or blade for opening the body.
- 🔧 Thin suction cup or line for separation of cover.
- 🔧 Small-sized cross screwdriver (PH00).
- 🔧 Tweezers with dielectric coating for working with small parts.
- 🔧 Organizer for screws, so as not to confuse them during assembly.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal blades to lid in the area of plumes! in the area of the cameras and volume buttons under the plastic are important cables, cutting which will lead to expensive repairs.
Special attention should be paid to the organization of the workspace. Small screws have the property to run around the table, and their loss can make assembly impossible. It is recommended to use a magnetic mat or simply spread the screws in order of their extraction on a piece of paper, marking the steps, which will simplify the process of reverse assembly and help not to forget any detail of the design.
Preparation of the device for dismantling
Before you start physical impact on the body of the smartphone, you need to perform a number of program and preparatory actions. The first and critical rule is to completely turn off the device. Working with the battery on and disconnecting the plumes under voltage can lead to short circuit and failure of the power controller on the motherboard.
If the smartphone screen is broken and does not respond to touch, you can turn off the device by clamping the power button for a long time (about the same time). 10-15 seconds) or a combination of volume and power buttons, depending on the firmware version. SIM-MicroSD cards and memory cards are a must, as having a card can prevent some internal components from being removed or damaged when disassembling.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Also, clean hands and surfaces. Fat marks can make it harder to work with adhesive layers, and static electricity is dangerous for electronics. It is recommended to treat your hands with an antistatic bracelet or simply touch a grounded metal object before starting work. If you change the battery, make sure that the new battery has a charge of about 50-60%, as new batteries often come in dead.
Removal process of the back cover
Removing the back cover is the most critical step in the post-assembly look of the device. Unlike many modern smartphones, the Redmi 5A has no screws on the ends, but has very tight latches around the perimeter. The best way to start opening is from the bottom end, in the area of the microphone hole or charging connector, where there are no important plumes.
Insert a thin mediator or a plastic card into the gap between the frame and the back cover. Move the tool along the perimeter, gently snapping clips. You'll hear the characteristic clicks - that's normal. Move slowly, don't make sharp jerks. If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't use excessive force, better warm the edges up to 40-50 degrees to soften the plastic structure.
⚠️ Attention: Don't pull the lid back abruptly after you snap the first corner! Inside, at the top of the smartphone, is a plume connecting the main board to the button control board and the speaker. A sharp jerk can break this thin cable.
Once you've walked around the perimeter and made sure all the latches are free, you can gently lift the lid. Don't remove it completely right away -- check the insides first for additional connections. In this model, the lid is removed completely, but you need to be careful not to damage the plastic ears of the latches, which, when opened frequently, can become brittle.
What to do if the lid is cracked?
Disabling the plumes and removing the protective plate
Once you successfully remove the lid, you'll see the inside of the smartphone, and most of the space is occupied by the battery, and at the top is a motherboard, which is covered by a metal protective plate, and this plate is attached with several screws that you need to unscrew before you access the contact groups.
Carefully unscrew all the visible screws holding the metal screen. Note that some screws may be of different lengths, so remember their location. Once you remove the plate, you will have access to the main connectors: the display, the touchscreen, the cameras and the battery itself. The first thing you need to do is turn off the battery to turn off the board.
| Component | Location of the connector | Type of connection | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | Lower part of the fee (closer to the center) | Wide plume | First turn it off! |
| Display. | Top of the pay | Wide plume | Fragile, requires care. |
| Main camera. | Central part | Small connector | Often covered by film |
| Button plume | Lower end of the fee | Narrow plume | It comes from the bottom. |
To turn off the plumes, use a plastic blade or nail. Metal tweezers are best avoided so as not to close the contacts on the board. Tweak the battery connector from the bottom up with a light movement. Once the battery is off, you can safely disconnect the other plumes. When assembled back, it is important to press the connectors until the characteristic click, ensuring reliable contact.
Replacement of battery and other components
In the Redmi 5A, the battery is attached to the body with double-sided tape. The glue loses its properties over time, but in older devices it can hold very tightly. Do not try to rattle the battery with metal objects under any circumstances - a puncture of the lithium-ion cell will cause fire. Use a suction cup and heating to safely extract.
Heat the battery area with a hair dryer or place the smartphone on a warm (not hot!) surface for a couple of minutes. Then suction the edge of the battery and insert a plastic card or fishing line under it, carefully separate the adhesive layer. Movements should be sawing, without jerks. After removing the old battery, clean the landing site of glue residues with alcohol or degreaser.
- 🔋 Heat the case to soften the glue under the battery.
- 🔋 Use a suction cup to create an initial gap.
- 🔋 Use a plastic card to separate the battery from the body.
- 🔋 Degrease the seat before installing a new element.
- 🔋 Lock the new battery on a two-way Scotch.
Replacing the battery in the Redmi 5A often requires installing a new adhesive layer, as the old one rarely retains adhesion after the first removal.
If you change a display or other modules, the process is similar: disabling the old one, transferring the necessary elements (such as an auditory speaker or a speaker grid) to a new part, and connecting the plumes. Make sure the contact pads are clean and not oxidized. When installing a new screen, check its operability before the final assembly of the case.
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To make the new battery last longer, after installation, spend 2-3 cycles of full discharge and charging of the device, without interrupting the process.
Assembly of a smartphone and checking the performance
The assembly is done in reverse order, but it requires care. First, connect the display plume and touchscreen, then the button plume, and only at the end, the battery. Before you snap the lid, you need to check the device's performance. Turn on your smartphone and make sure that the image on the screen is free of defects, the touch screen responds to touch throughout the area, and the speakers and microphone work correctly.
If all the tests are successful, turn the device off again. Put all the plumes exactly in the channels they are designed for so they are not clamped. Apply the back cover and start snapping it around the perimeter with your fingers pressing. A characteristic click will tell you that the latch has fallen into place. Pay special attention to the corners and areas around the cameras.
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The main criterion for successful assembly is the absence of gaps around the perimeter of the body and the absence of unnecessary sounds (crunch) when compressing the smartphone in the hand.
After assembly, wipe the screen and the body from fingerprints. Turn on the smartphone and check the battery level - it may not display correctly immediately after replacement, so it is recommended to calibrate. If you notice that some buttons are falling or the screen is not tightly fitting, perhaps one of the plumes is laid incorrectly or the screw is forgotten inside.