Many users face a situation where the smartphone stops holding charge or turns off in the cold. For the Xiaomi Redmi 4 model released a few years ago, it is quite natural wear of the chemical battery. Battery replacement is a process that can be performed on your own if you are careful and have a minimum set of tools. Unlike modern monoblocks with non-removable covers, the design of this device allows you to access the insides without extreme effort.
However, before disassembling the case, you need to be aware of the risks. Inside the device are fragile plumes that are easily damaged if handled carelessly. The battery in Redmi 4 is glued to a frame, not just inserted into a niche, which requires a special approach to dismantling. Ignoring this fact can lead to deformation of the new battery or damage to the display when trying to tamper with the battery.
In this article, we will take a look at each step of the procedure, learn what tools are needed, how to disable the plume properly, and how to unplug the old element safely, and look at common beginner mistakes and ways to avoid them, and if you are willing to act methodically, it will take no more than 30-40 minutes to restore your gadgetβs autonomy.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Quality repairs start with arranging spaces, so you need a smooth, well-lit surface, preferably with antistatic surfaces, or just a clean desk, and you need to remove foreign objects so you don't lose small screws, and you need to have bright lights to see the fine details of the connectors and the plumes.
Working with Redmi 4 requires a specific set of tools that are not always in a standard home medicine cabinet. Lack of the right screwdriver can lead to slicing of the screw faces, which will greatly complicate the assembly process. So prepare everything in advance.
- π οΈ Set of screwdrivers: mandatory presence of cross PH0 or PH00 hull-rotor.
- π§€ Plastic blade or mediator: to open the cover without damaging the plastic.
- π¬οΈ Dryer or thermophen: necessary to heat up the battery-holding glue.
- π§² Magnetic mat or organizer: for sorting screws of different sizes.
Special attention should be paid to the source of heating. A normal household hair dryer for drying hair may not give enough temperature, so it is better to use a building hair dryer with the ability to adjust the temperature, setting a value of about 80-100 degrees Celsius. Overheating is dangerous for the screen matrix and plastic elements.
βοΈ Ready for repair
Primary diagnostics and safety measures
Before you start physical manipulation, you need to make sure that the problem is really the wear of the battery. Sometimes software failures or background processes create the illusion of a quick discharge. Check the usage statistics in the Settings β Battery section. If the discharge schedule is linear and fast even in standby mode, replacement is inevitable.
Safety is priority number one. Lithium polymer batteries are sensitive to mechanical damage; puncture in the battery casing can cause ignition or chemical burns; work carefully, without excessive force; if you feel that the cell is not amenable, you are doing something wrong.
β οΈ Warning: Never attempt to remove the battery while it is connected to the motherboard.This can cause the power controller to short-circuit and fail.
It is also important to reduce the battery before work to 25-30%: a fully charged cell is more energy intensive and potentially more dangerous when damaged, and a fully discharged cell may not start the phone for inspection after repair.
Removal process of the back cover
The Redmi 4 has a plastic body that is relatively easy to remove but requires the right approach. Start by finding a small recess to open the lid, which is usually located in the upper or lower corner of the rear panel. Insert a plastic blade or nail there and gently swipe along the perimeter.
Audible clicks mean that plastic latches are unbuttoned.Do not use metal objects such as knives or needles, as they can leave deep scratches on the ends or damage the internal structure of the plastic.The movements should be sliding, not stabbing.
Once the lid is removed, you'll see screws that fix the decorative bar or components themselves. In Xiaomi Redmi 4, you'll often see a pattern where some of the screws are hidden under stickers or decorative plugs.
Hidden screws.
Dismantling protective slats and disconnecting plumes
Once you remove the lid, you'll see the internal layout, and to access the battery, you often need to remove the plastic protective bar that covers the top and bottom of the board, and it's mounted with multiple screws around the perimeter, unscrew them and put the bar aside.
The next critical step is to turn off the battery plume, and the connector is usually located at the top of the motherboard, and you need to gently put the connector in a plastic blade or nail, and you need to move upwards, from the board, not sideways, so you don't break the connector.
- π Turn off the main display plume if it interferes with access.
- π Disconnect the battery connector first, before touching other components.
- π± Remove the main camera module if it blocks access to the locking zone of the battery.
- π‘οΈ Remove the vibrator motor if it is fixed over the battery terminals.
This is normal behavior for electronics when completely powered down, and the key is not to plug the charger in until all connections are fully assembled and checked.
Removal of the old battery
This is the most difficult step in the entire manual. As mentioned earlier, in Redmi 4, the battery is kept on double-sided tape. You can't just pull it out, you can damage the shell. You can preheat the back of the phone with a hairdryer for 2-3 minutes. The temperature should be comfortable for the hand, but sufficient to soften the glue.
Use a suction cup to lift the edge of the battery or gently tuck it in with a plastic card. Don't use sharp metal tools inside the case! A punctured battery is a risk of fire. Move slowly, gradually separating the adhesive layer throughout the area.
If the battery is swelling, be careful, because the swelling indicates a chemical breakdown inside, and the shell is thinned, and the pressure on the battery can cause instantaneous gases or fire, so you'd better lock the phone in a soft sponge grip and pull the battery evenly.
β οΈ Warning: If you smell a specific sweetish smell or see smoke, stop working immediately, take the device outdoors and fill it with sand or salt.
Installation of a new battery and assembly of the device
Before installing a new battery, you need to clear the bed of the residue of old glue. Use a soft cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol or a special glue B-7000. Do not leave clumps of old glue, as the new battery must fit the entire surface for effective heat removal.
Apply a thin layer of glue or use pre-made adhesive strips (often bundled with quality battery packs). Set the battery by combining the connector with the contacts on the board. Carefully press the connector until the characteristic click. Make sure the plume is flat, without clatters.
Now you can do a pre-test. Without twisting the screws, plug in the display plume (if you've switched off) and try turning the phone on with the Power button. If the device reacts and shows you a charge or a MIUI logo, it's a success. If the screen doesn't light up, double-check the density of the plume.
| Phase | Action. | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Shutdown and heating | Do not heat for more than 5 minutes |
| Autopsy | Removal of the lid | Use only plastics |
| 3. Disconnection | Removal of the AKB plume | First to turn off the battery |
| 4. Replacement | Glue removal, installation | Clean the surface clean. |
| 5.Verification | Incorporation without assembly | Make sure the screen reacts |
Once you've done a successful test, you can start the final assembly, put all the screws in place, keeping the order (usually the corner first, then the center one), and cover the body with a lid, evenly pressing the perimeter until the latches click.
π‘
The main challenge of replacing is to carefully separate the glued battery without damaging its shell and surrounding components. Patience and heating are your best assistants.
Primary calibration and calibration of the battery
Once a new battery is installed, the system may not correctly display the percentage of charge, due to the fact that the power controller has not yet βunderstoodβ the characteristics of the new cell, and for calibration, it is recommended to completely discharge the phone before turning off, and then charge it to 100% when turned off.
This procedure should be repeated 2-3 times, which will help the controller to remember the real capacity and correctly display the data in the interface, and also prolong the life of the new battery, preventing deep discharge or overcharging.
In the first days of use, watch the heating temperature. Normal operation involves light heating in the area of the camera under heavy use, but not hotter than 40-45 degrees. If the phone is warming in idle mode, there may be a problem with the software or a poor battery.
π‘
To extend the life of a new battery, try not to keep your phone charging after reaching 100% and not discharge it to zero regularly.