Step-by-step: how to disassemble Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 to replace the display

When to Replace Your Screen and Should You Replace It?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed Whyred) remains popular even years after its release, thanks to its balanced performance, Qualcomm Snapdragon 636’s robust platform and affordable price tag. However, one of the device’s most vulnerable features is the display module, which often suffers from falls, bumps or factory defects, cracks on glass, broken pixels, a broken touchscreen or flashing backlights are all reasons to think about replacing the screen.

The service center will charge you between 3,000 and 6,000 rubles (depending on the region and type of module), but with the tools and patience, you can do the repair yourself. The main thing is to understand the risks: improper analysis can lead to damage to the plumes, separation of battery contacts or even short circuit. In this article, we will analyze the process in detail, point out the pitfalls and give tips on how to avoid typical errors.

Before you start, evaluate your skills: if you have never held a Pentalobe screwdriver in your hands or do not know what a screwdriver is. FPC-Well, train, you'd better trust the professionals, but if you're willing to take a chance, go ahead!

Preparation: Tools and spare parts for screen replacement

To successfully repair the Redmi Note 5, you'll need not only a new display module, but also a specialized tool. You shouldn't save on it - cheap plastic blades can break in the process, and poor-quality solder on the new screen's plumes will lead to problems with the sensor.

Here is a complete list of what to buy or borrow:

• 🔧 Screwdriver kit: Pentalobe P2 (for screws on the bottom cover, Phillips PH00 and Y00 (interior-mounting), T3 and T4 (camera-disassembly).
• 📱 New display module: choose only original or certified analogues with labeling JDI Samsung (cheap Chinese copies often have color rendering problems).
• 🔥 A dryer or thermal air station (at least 800 W) to soften the adhesive around the perimeter of the screen.
• 🧲 Suction cups (2 pcs., with a diameter of 5-7 cm) for separation of the display from the body.
• 📏 Plastic mediators (0.2–0.4 mm thick) and a metal blade for careful tailing of plumes.
• 🔋 Insulation or capton to protect the battery and plumes from accidental circuits.
• 🧴 Alcohol (90%+) and lilac-free wipes for cleaning contacts.
• 🔌 Multimeter (optional, to check the power chains after assembly).

The tool kit will cost 1,500-3,000 rubles, but it will be enough for dozens of repairs. If you plan to do this regularly, it makes sense to buy a magnetic screw mat, which will help you not lose small parts.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal blades to separate the screen - they can damage the aluminum case or plumes under the display. Also avoid overheating: the temperature of the hair dryer should not exceed 80-90°C, otherwise the glue will melt too much and flow inside the device.

Step 1: Shutting off power and removing the back cover

The first and most important step is to turn off the power, and even if the battery is dead, there may be a voltage in the capacitors that could damage the motherboard if it were to accidentally circuit.

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press on the power button.
2. Remove the tray for SIM-cards by means of a paper clip or special key.
3. Heat the lower part of the body with a hairdryer (where the screws are located) for 1-2 minutes - this will soften the glue on the lid.
4. Unscrew two Pentalobe screws P2 charge-stop.
5. Carefully tuck the cover with a plastic mediator, starting at the corner near the connector USB-C. Move around the perimeter, gradually separating the latches.

The Redmi Note 5 lid is mounted on 12 plastic latches and a thin layer of glue, and if it doesn't lend itself, don't force it, you better warm up the problem area with a hairdryer again, and when you remove the lid, you'll see the battery, the motherboard, and the plumes.

Is the smartphone off?|Is the tray removed? SIM-map?|Whether Pentalobe screws are unscrewed?|Are the suckers and mediators ready?|Checked the temperature of the hair dryer (not higher than 90)°C)?-->

Critical detail: underneath the lid is a thin plume of the fingerprint scanner, glued to the body and easily torn! Don't pull the lid up sharply, first lift it 1-2 mm and gently disconnect the plume.

Step 2: Disconnect the battery and display plumes

Before you touch the insides of the smartphone, you must necessarily disconnect the battery from the motherboard. Otherwise, the risk of short circuit when accidentally screwdriver touches the metal parts of the case or board increases significantly.

Act on the algorithm:

1. Unscrew 4 Phillips screws PH00, battery-holding.
2. So, put the slack down and put it aside (do not lose the screws!).
3. Unplug the battery connector with a plastic mediator, pull the black tongue of the connector, not the wires!
4. Conduct a visual inspection: if the battery shows swelling or traces of corrosion, it should also be replaced.

Then we go to the display plumes, and they're placed under metal protection at the top of the board. Unscrew the 3 screws. Y00, remove the plate and gently disconnect:

• Display plume (wide, 30 contacts).
• Trail of touchscreen (narrow, 16 contacts).
• Light sensor plume (small, 4 contacts).

⚠️ Attention: The plumes in Redmi Note 5 are extremely fragile. If the contacts are oxidized (green coating), clean them with alcohol and a soft brush. Do not use abrasive materials!

Step 3: Removing the old screen and preparing the case

Now that all the plumes are disconnected, you can start removing the damaged display, which requires maximum care, because there are:

• 🔊 Speaker (at the top of the column).
• 📷 Front camera and sensors.
• 🔋 Flexible antennas Wi-Fi/LTE (sideways).

Instructions for removal:

1. Warm up the screen edge with a hair dryer (30 seconds on each side) and the glue under the display is hot-melting, so uniform heating is mandatory.
2. Stick the suction cups to the bottom and top of the screen. Pull them up carefully, creating a small gap.
3. Put a plastic mediator in the gap and slowly lead it around the edge, separating the display from the body, and if the glue resists, warm up the problem area again.
4. Once the screen is separated, remove it and clean the case of glue residues with alcohol. Do not use acetone - it can damage plastic parts!

At this point, many people make the mistake of trying to force the screen apart without heating it up enough, breaking the latches of the case or tearing the plumes of the sensors, and if the display does not respond, it is better to pause and warm it up for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Install a new screen and build a smartphone

Before installing a new display module, make sure it is compatible with your Redmi Note 5 model. JDI NT36672A Samsung AMOLED (Redmi Note 5 Pro version: Cloned displays may have different connectors or color profiles!

Procedure:

1. Remove the protective film from the new screen and check the integrity of the plumes.
2. Apply a thin layer of new glue (for example, B-7000) Avoid getting glue on the speaker or sensors!
3. Carefully set the display, combining screw holes and connectors, press evenly over the area so that the glue is distributed.
4. Connect the plumes in reverse order: first the touchscreen, then the display, then the light sensor.
5. Fix the metal plate over the battery and connect it to the connector.
6. Set the back cover by snapping it around the perimeter and twist the Pentalobe screws.

After assembly, do not turn on the smartphone immediately - let the glue dry for 1-2 hours.

• 🔍 Display: Are there no broken pixels or backlights.
• 👆 Touchscreen: Does it respond to touches in all zones.
• 🔊 Speaker: sound when you call or play music.
• 📸 Cameras: Do the front and main cameras work.

💡

If the screen flickers or artifacts appear after the change, try reconnecting the display plume, often solved by re-installing the connector.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced wizards sometimes make mistakes when replacing the screen Xiaomi Redmi Note 5. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:

• 🔥 Overheating of the body: if you hold the hair dryer too long in one place, you can melt plastic latches or damage the battery. Solution: use thermocouples or control the temperature with your hand (the body should be warm, but not hot).
• 🔌 Forgot to turn off the battery: it's the most common cause of motherboard failure. Always check if the battery connector is disconnected before working with the plumes.
• 🧲 Loss of screws: Redmi Note 5 uses 5 types of screws of different lengths. If you confuse them, you can damage the board. Solution: spread the screws in groups or use a magnetic mat.
• 📱 Incompatible screen: Cheap replicas may have other connectors or may not support Always-on Display.
• 💧 Getting glue on the contacts: this leads to corrosion and bad signal. Always clean excess glue with alcohol before assembly.

Another common problem is a broken fingerprint scanner after assembly, usually because of a damaged plume or a misconnection of the connector, check if the plume is sitting tight in the nest, and if necessary, clean the contacts.

💡

If the smartphone doesn't turn on after you change the screen, check the battery and power plume connection. 90% of the time, it's the battery and the display itself that are the problem.

Should I repair it myself or contact the service?

The decision to self-repair depends on several factors: your experience, the availability of tools and the cost of services in your area.

If you've never disassembled a smartphone but want to try, start with less critical repairs - like a battery replacement or a back cover. Replacing a screen is a challenge of increased complexity, and without experience, the odds of success are about 50 percent.

On the other hand, if you already have tools and are willing to take risks, self-repairing can save up to 50% of the cost.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions