How to disassemble Xiaomi Redmi 9: safe instructions with photos and videos

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it is not immune to breakdowns. Does the screen react to touch? Is the battery bloated? Does the speaker stop working? In most cases, repair is possible on its own - if you know how to properly disassemble the device.

This guide will help you gently dismantle the Redmi 9 (M2003J15SC) without damaging the plumes, connectors and body, and we'll take you through the process from spinning the screws to removing the motherboard, highlight the critical moments where the smartphone is most likely to break, and give you tips on how to choose tools, and if you've never taken your phones apart, it's okay: the steps are illustrated with photos and explanations.

⚠️ Important: Disassembly of the Xiaomi Redmi 9 will void the warranty (if it is still valid).If the device is warranty service, first contact the service center. Also remember that 90% of the time, damage to the display plume or battery during disassembly is due to the use of inappropriate tools or excessive effort.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need. Xiaomi Redmi 9 is not the most difficult to disassemble smartphone, but without the right tools you risk damaging plastic latches or tearing plumes.

Here is the minimum set you will need:

  • πŸ”§ Plastic blades (2-3 pieces, 0.2-0.4 mm thick) - for separation of the back cover.
  • βš™οΈ Torx screwdriver T3 and T4 β€” motherboard-mounting screw.
  • πŸ”‹ Suction (optional) - helps to slap the cover if the glue is too strong.
  • 🧲 Magnetic mat or container – so as not to lose screws.
  • πŸ“± Tweezers - for careful disconnection of plumes.
  • πŸ”₯ Hair dryer or thermo-air station (optional) - if the glue does not lend itself.

Also, prepare the workspace, which should be well lit, free of dust and static electricity, put your smartphone on a soft surface (like a napkin) so you don't scratch the screen, and remember to turn off your phone and remove it. SIM-card with memory card - they can interfere with disassembly.

⚠️ Warning: If you disassemble a Redmi 9 with a bloated battery, don't use metal tools to extract it! risk short circuit and fire.

πŸ“Š You’ve already taken out smartphones before?
Yes, many times.
1-2 times
No, it's my first experience.
I tried it, but it broke.

Step 1: Removing the back cover

The back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi 9 is glued to the body, so it needs to be gently tucked in. Start at the bottom edge (near the charging connector), where the glue is usually weaker.

Instructions:

  1. Heat the bottom of the phone with a hairdryer (temperature) ~60Β°C) for 1-2 minutes - this will soften the glue.
  2. Insert a plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the body and carefully lead it along the edge.
  3. Once the lid starts to move away, do not pull it sharply - there may be plumes under it (for example, from a fingerprint scanner).
  4. Disconnect the plumes, tweezing them with tweezers or a spatula (they are attached to the latches).

If the lid is not amenable, do not apply force, it is better to warm it up again with a hair dryer. In the models of Redmi 9 2020-2021 release, the adhesive is often applied unevenly, so in some places the lid can "hold" stronger.

β˜‘οΈ What to check before removing the cover

Done: 0 / 4

Step 2: Removing the battery

The battery in Redmi 9 is also glued to the body, but its dismantling requires special care.

Procedure:

  • πŸ”‹ Disconnect the battery connector from the motherboard (it is under a black protective tape).
  • 🧹 Carefully tuck the battery with a plastic blade on the side (not the end!).There are traction tapes under the battery in Redmi 9 - pull over them to separate the battery.
  • ⚠️ If the battery is bloated, don't prick it! Wrap your smartphone in foil and take it to the service.

If the traction tapes break, use isopropyl alcohol (90%+): drip a few drops under the battery, this will dissolve the glue. Then gently tuck the battery into a spatula.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal tools to retrieve the battery! even a slight damage to the shell can cause electrolyte leakage and motherboard corrosion.

What to do if the battery is too tight?
If the traction tapes are broken and the alcohol is not helping, try to heat the battery with a hair dryer (not higher than 70 Β° C) and gently sway it with a spatula. In extreme cases, you can use a thin guitar string to cut through the glue. But it is risky - you should trust the procedure to professionals.

Step 3: Dismantling the motherboard

The motherboard Redmi 9 is mounted on 10-12 screws (depending on the modification) and several plumes.

  • πŸ“Έ Take a picture of the location of screws and plumes – this will help with reverse assembly.
  • πŸ”Œ Disconnect all connectors (display, camera, speaker, power button).
  • πŸ› οΈ The screws can be of different lengths – fold them separately so as not to confuse them.

Once the screws are unscrewed, carefully raise the charge to the edges. If it gets stuck, check if all the connectors are disconnected. Redmi 9 often forgets:

  • 🎀 Microphone plume (hidden under metal protection).
  • πŸ“‘ Antenna cable (thin black wire at the top edge).
ComponentNumber of screwsType of screwdriver.Notes
Maternity fee10–12Torx T3Rotors of different lengths!
Back cover.β€”β€”Clay, no screws.
Batteryβ€”β€”Traction tapes or glue
Dynamics/microphone2–3Torx T4They can be hidden under the stickers.

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If the screw doesn't unscrew, don't use force! In Redmi 9, you sometimes have "stiff" screws. Try to drip WD-40 or heat the mounting site with a hairdryer.

Step 4: Disassemble the screen and camera

The Redmi 9 screen has several layers: touchscreen, display module, and metal frame. If you need to replace only glass, you can do without completely disassembling, but you have to disconnect the plumes to replace the display.

Procedure:

  1. Unscrew 4 screws holding the metal screen frame (Torx T3).
  2. Carefully raise the frame - underneath it is hidden the plume of the display.
  3. Disconnect the plume by putting a plastic blade on the latch.
  4. To replace the front camera, unscrew 2 screws on the top of the board and disconnect its connector.

⚠️ Careful: The display plume in Redmi 9 is very fragile. If you tear it, the screen will stop working even if the glass is whole. When you assemble it back, make sure that the plume is not bent or framed.

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If you are replacing a screen, be sure to check the new module for performance before the final build. plug in the plume and turn on the phone to make sure there are no broken pixels or sensor issues.

Step 5: Replace the speaker, microphone and other components

The speaker, microphone and vibrator in Redmi 9 are mounted on a separate metal plate at the bottom of the body to replace them:

  • Unscrew the 3 Torx T4 screws holding the plate.
  • Disconnect the speaker and microphone connectors (they can be hidden under black insulation).
  • To replace the vibrator, just pull it up - it is held on glue.

If the problem is in the lower speaker (no sound or wheezing), first check if the grid is clogged with dust. Often, just clean it with a soft brush to make the sound come back. If the speaker is faulty, replace it with a new one (article: MDY-007 for Redmi 9).

To replace the upper speaker (conversational) will have to remove the screen – it is hidden under a metal frame next to the front camera.

Reverse Assembly: How Not to Make Mistakes

It seems easier to build Xiaomi Redmi 9 after disassembly, but here are the most mistakes.

  • πŸ”„ Make sure all the plumes are connected to the end (the snap of the latch should be heard).
  • πŸ”§ Write the screws in the same order as the screws were unscrewed!
  • πŸ”‹ Stick the battery to a double-sided scotch (for example, 3M 9448A) β€” The original glue often loses its properties after dismantling.
  • πŸ“± Before final assembly, check the operability of all components (screen, cameras, speakers).

If the phone does not turn on after assembly:

  1. Check if the battery is connected.
  2. Make sure the display plume is not bent.
  3. Try charging the device – sometimes after disassembly it takes 5-10 minutes to charge the smartphone to turn on.

⚠️ Warning: If the screen flashes after assembly or the sensor doesn't work, it's likely that the plume is not connected correctly. Disassemble the phone again and check the connection.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi 9.

Mistake.Effects of consequencesHow to avoid
Use of a metal bladeScratches on the body, damage to plumesUse only plastic or nylon blades
Battery break-offRupture of traction belts, battery damageHeat the glue with a hair dryer and pull slowly
Tangled screwsDamage to the motherboard or screenPut the screws in groups and photograph their location
Undisconnected battery when workingShort circuit, failure of componentsAlways disconnect the battery before handling the charge

Another common problem is that the fingerprint scanner is broken after assembly, and this happens when you forget to plug in the plume or damage the contacts, and in Redmi 9, the scanner connector is under a metal cover next to the battery.

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If the phone warms up or discharges quickly after assembly, check if the battery is installed correctly. Sometimes the battery can press the motherboard, causing overheating.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you make Xiaomi Redmi 9 without a hairdryer?
Yes, but it's going to be harder. The glue on the back cover and the battery is designed to heat, so without a hair dryer, the risk of damage to the components is higher. The alternative is to use isopropyl alcohol to dissolve the glue, but the process will take longer.
What if the camera doesn’t work after the disassembly?
It's probably not connected to the camera plume or it's damaged. Take the phone apart and check: Is the main camera connector connected (it's on the motherboard next to the top edge), is the plume bent, is there oxidation on the contacts (if any, clean with alcohol), if the plume is torn, it will have to be replaced.
What glue should I use for the battery?
The best two-sided 3M 9448A or Tesa 61396 tape is the one that provides a secure fixation and leaves no traces when you next dismantle it, and don't use superglue or heat glue, because it can damage the battery.
Can you replace only the screen glass without changing the display?
Theoretically, yes, but in practice, it's very difficult. In Redmi 9, the glass is glued to the display module, and if you try to separate it, you can damage the matrix. If you don't have experience, you better replace the entire screen (article: DM-050-XIAOMI-RM9).
How much does a Redmi 9 professional takedown cost?
In service centers, dismantling (excluding the cost of spare parts) costs 800-1,500 rubles, depending on the complexity of the work. Replacing the screen - from 2000 to 3500 rubles, the battery - 1000-1800 rubles. If you are not sure of your skills, sometimes it is cheaper to consult specialists.