Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: how to open the case and not damage the details

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still actively used for its reliability and maintainability. However, disassembly of this device has a number of nuances, from the unobvious attachment of the rear cover to fragile plumes that are easily damaged if handled carelessly.

In this article, we will take a look at how to properly disassemble the Redmi Note 4 (MTK and Snapdragon models) without risking the phone out of order. You will learn what tools you need, how to avoid typical errors and what to do if something goes wrong.

Important: the disassembly process will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and requires care. If you have never disassembled a smartphone before, we recommend that you first practice on a non-working device or contact a service center.

What tools will be needed to disassemble

To safely disassemble the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, you will need a minimum set of tools, but each of them is important. You should not save on quality - cheap plastic blades can break and scratch the body, and a poor-quality screwdriver can tear the screws.

Here's the full list:

• 🔧 Screwdriver cross (PH00 or PH000) — It's better to use a magnetic one so that the screws don't get lost.
• 📱 Plastic blades/mediators (2-3 (a) - for the careful liding and disconnection of the plumes.
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermal air station - to soften the glue under the battery (if you plan to replace it).
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or container – so as not to lose small parts and screws.
• 🛠️ Tweezers - to work with small connectors and plumes.
• 🔋 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — Cleaning contacts and removing glue residues.

A multimeter (to check the chains) and a suction cup (if the screen is too glued) may also be useful if you are planning to replace the display, you will also need bilateral scotch or B-7000 glue to lock the new module.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal blades or knives to lid! this is almost guaranteed to result in scratches on the body or damage to the plumes.

Preparation for disassembly: what to do in advance

Before you start dismantling, follow a few mandatory steps, which will save you from unpleasant surprises and simplify the process:

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-Memory card (if installed) Pressing the power button during disassembly may cause a short circuit!
2. Discharge the battery to 20-30%, and a fully charged battery can ignite if damaged.
3. Back up your data. Even if you don't plan on touching the motherboard, there's always the risk of an accidental reset.
4. Prepare your workspace: a clean desk, good lighting, and an antistatic mat (if any).

If you’re disassembling a battery replacement phone, buy an original or certified 4100mAh battery (for the Redmi Note 4) in advance. Cheap analogues can not only fail quickly, but also swell, damaging the motherboard.

Critically, if your Redmi Note 4 has a non-removable battery version (most models), don’t try to remove it without first heating.The glue it is glued to, when you force it to tear the battery, can tear its shell, which will lead to a leak of the electrolyte.

Step-by-step: how to remove the back cover

The back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is mounted on latches and two screws under plugs. The main difficulty is to gently tamper with it without damaging the antenna contacts around the perimeter.

1. Remove the screw plugs at the charging socket (there are two on the right and left) and apply them with a plastic shoulder blade or a nail.
2. Unscrew two screws under the plugs (they can be of different lengths - remember which one was standing).
3. Heat the edges of the cover with a hair dryer (~60°C) for 1-2 minutes. This will soften the glue and make it easier to remove.
4. Put a plastic blade in the gap between the lid and the body at the headphone jack, carefully guide it around the perimeter, snapping the clamps.
5. Remove the lid from the top. Don't pull too much -- it's connected by a plume to the power button!

If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't put too much effort into it. You may have missed the latch or not warmed the glue enough. Reheat and try again. The power button plume is very brittle, and the cliff will require the entire module to be replaced.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of the Redmi Note 4 (e.g., the Redmi Note) 4X With Snapdragon 625), the power button plume is glued to the lid. When you remove it, don't pull it upwards - first gently disconnect it from the lid with a plastic blade.

Disconnection of the battery and motherboard

When you take off the back cover, you'll see the battery, the motherboard, and a few plumes, and the rule is to turn off the power first to avoid short circuits.

1. Disconnect the battery connector with a plastic spatula.It is located at the bottom of the board and is usually black or red.
2. Unplug the battery (if you need to replace it): Put a plastic card or a mediator on the battery. If it doesn't respond, heat the battery with a hair dryer (80°C maximum) and pour the isopropyl alcohol under the battery to dissolve the glue. Don't use metal objects - risk puncture of the battery!

Unscrew the motherboard screws

Carefully raise the fee

Pay special attention to flexible plumes - you can't pull them by the wires! Only take the black plastic connectors. If the plume doesn't detach, check if there's a lock on it (sometimes you need to lift a small latch).

The Redmi Note 4 motherboard often accumulates dust, especially around the charging connector and speaker. After removing the board, clean it with a soft brush and wipe the contacts with alcohol. This will help avoid charging or sound problems in the future.

Disassembly of the front panel: screen and buttons

If you need to replace the display, touchscreen or front camera, you need to remove the front panel, a process that is more difficult than disassembling the rear, since the screen is glued around the perimeter and connected to the board with several plumes.

Here are the key steps:

1. Heat the screen with a hair dryer (60-70°C) around the perimeter for 3-5 minutes. This will soften the glue.
2. Put a plastic blade on the screen, starting at the bottom edge (at the charging connector), insert mediators into the slot so that the screen doesn't stick back.
3. Carefully raise the screen 45 degrees, and it's connected to the board by a display plume and touch screen.
4. Disconnect the plumes: Display plume (wide, white connector); touchscreen plume (thin, usually black); front camera and sensor plume (small, next to the battery).

Remove the metal frame

When installing a new screen, use the original double-sided tape or B-7000 glue. Apply it with a thin layer, avoiding hitting the speaker or sensors. After gluing the screen, check the touchscreen - sometimes you need to reconnect the plumes.

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 4 The front camera plume often breaks when handled carelessly. If the selfie camera or proximity sensor stops working after assembly, check the integrity of this plume (replacement article: Xiaomi) CDN4_FPC).

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If the screen doesn't go away despite the heat, try using a string or a guitar string. Run it under the screen along the body, gently moving back and forth, and this will help cut the glue without risking damage to the display.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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

• 🔋 Damage to the battery when you try to tear it off. Always heat the case and use isopropyl alcohol to dissolve the glue.
• 📶 Breaking antenna contacts on the back cover. Don't push the lid with metal objects, just plastic shoulder blades.
• 🔊 Dust on the speaker or microphone. Work in a clean room and cover the holes with tape during disassembly.
• 🔌 Mixed screws when assembled. Use a magnetic mat or marker to mark their location.
• 📱 Damage to the display plume when the screen is lifted. Do not lift it above 45 degrees until you disconnect all connectors.

If the phone does not turn on after assembly, check:

1. Is the battery connector connected (a common mistake is forgetting to connect it).
2. The integrity of the power button plume (if the phone does not respond to pressing).
3. Correct installation SIM-Cards (sometimes interfering with motherboard contacts).

If the problem is not solved, try connecting the phone to charge.The charging indicator (if it is burning) indicates that the problem is most likely in the display or plumes.

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The most common cause of failure after dismantling is poor contact of the plumes. Always check if the connectors are fully inserted, and if necessary, gently press them with tweezers.

Build the phone: reverse order and check

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 should be assembled in reverse order, but with some nuances:

1. Check all the plumes for integrity and correctness of connection. The display plume should enter the connector without distortion.
2. Set the motherboard and twist the screws. Start with the corners so that the board sits flat.
3. Put the battery on and check if the phone is turning on, and if so, turn off the power and continue building.
4. Stick the back cover. Use the original double-sided tape or glue. Press the perimeter lid for better fixation.
5. Twirl the screws under the plugs. Make sure the plugs are firmly set, they protect against dust.

After assembly, perform the test:

• 🔋 Check charging (plug the cable and make sure the current is coming).
• 📶 Make sure both work. SIM-maps and wifi.
• 🔊 Test the speakers and microphone (record voice message).
• 📷 Take a photo on the front and main cameras.
• 📱 Check the touchscreen at all corners of the screen.

If something is not working properly, re-assemble the phone and check the appropriate plumes or contacts. For example, if the vibration is not working, check the connection of the vibrator motor (it is located next to the bottom speaker).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions