Removing the battery from Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: disassemble the phone without the risk of damaging the board

Why would you want to take the battery off the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5?

The battery in Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) is one of the most vulnerable parts of a smartphone after 3-4 years of use. Even with careful use, the battery capacity decreases by 30-40%, and in some cases it begins to swell, which is dangerous for internal components.

First, to replace with a new battery is the most common reason; second, when repairing other nodes (for example, replacing a display module or microphone), when the battery interferes with access to the board; third, if the phone stopped turning on after falling or getting moisture, and the battery became "blown" - it must be removed urgently to avoid damage to the screen or short circuit.

It's important to understand that the Redmi Note 5 is not designed to disassemble itself. The manufacturer uses adhesive tape to lock the battery and the latch on the back cover, which are easy to break without experience. If you've never disassembled a smartphone, you'd better go to a service center. But if you decide to act on your own, this instruction will help minimize the risks.

What tools will be needed to disassemble

Without the right tools, it's almost impossible to remove the battery from the Redmi Note 5. Here's the minimum set you'll need:

• 🔧 Plastic blade (or mediator) to separate the back cover and smack the battery. Metal tools can not be used, they will damage the case or board.
• 🔨 Cross screwdriver (size) PH00) — The Redmi Note 5 uses fine-rotted screws, so a regular screwdriver might not work.
• 🧲 Suction cup - helps to lift the back cover after heating, you can use a glass suction cup or even a household one (for example, from a hanger).
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station for softening the glue. Optimal temperature: 60-80°C. Overheating above 100°C may damage the display or board.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — to remove the glue residue from the battery and the housing. Acetone or solvents cannot be used!
• 📦 Plastic containers are for storing screws and small parts, and they're easily lost, and without one screw, the assembly is incomplete.

If you don't have a thermal air station, you can use a household hair dryer, but keep your temperature on track -- direct the air to the edges of the case, not the center where the board is located, and you'll also need an antistatic bracelet (or at least a ground metal surface) to avoid static discharge that can disable the chips.

⚠️ Warning: If the battery is swollen, do not heat it with a hair dryer - this can lead to fire.

Check for all tools on the list |

Charge your phone at least 30% (if it turns on) |

Prepare a clean, well-lit workplace|

Take it down. SIM-card and memory card (if installed)|

Take a photo of the phone from all sides (useful when assembling)-->

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

The first and most important step is to detach the back cover, and in the Redmi Note 5, it's glued around the perimeter, so you can't just shovel it with a blade.

1. Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-If the battery is swelling, the tray may jam, so don't make any effort, or you'll break the mechanism.
2. Heat the edges of the body with a hair dryer for 2-3 minutes. Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 cm, constantly moving it so as not to overheat one area. The glue should become soft, but not liquid.
3. Attach the suction cup to the bottom of the back cover (near the USB-C connector). Pull up carefully, and a small gap should appear.
4. Insert a plastic blade into the gap and slowly lead it along the edge of the case, separating the lid. On corner latches (especially at the top), apply minimal force - they are brittle!

If the lid fails, reheat the problem area. Do not try to tear it by force, this will lead to cracks or damage to the antenna contacts (they are located under the lid along the upper and lower edges).

Once the lid is removed, you'll see the inside of the phone, and the battery occupies almost the entire bottom half, and it's glued to the body with double-sided duct tape. Don't pull it right away, you need to turn off the plume first.

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If the back cover is cracked during disassembly, it can be temporarily fixed with tape, but it is better to order a new one (article: MB1165 for black, MB1166 for gold).

Disconnecting the battery from the board: where is the connector

Before you try to remove the battery, be sure to disconnect it from the board. In the Redmi Note 5, the battery connector is located at the top of the board, next to the camera, and it looks like a small white or black connector with 2-3 contacts, closed with a plastic latch.

To disconnect the plume:

1. Take a plastic blade and gently apply the latch of the connector to the side, which should rise by 1-2 mm.
2. You can pull the plume up, it'll come out of the connector, so don't pull the wire, so you don't take it off the battery.
3. Check with a multimeter (if any) that the voltage on the battery contacts has become 0 V. This will confirm that the power is turned off.

If the connector fails, do not force it — perhaps it is fixed with additional glue, in which case, carefully heat the board around the connector with a hairdryer (not higher than 60 ° C) and try again.

⚠️ Attention: If you accidentally touch the battery contacts with a screwdriver after the plume is turned off, it may cause a short circuit.

How to safely remove the battery: working with duct tape

The battery in the Redmi Note 5 is glued to the body with double-sided adhesive tape, which eventually becomes very sticky.

1. Find the stick tape, which is usually located at the bottom of the battery (on the side of the USB-C connector), and if it's not there, you'll have to gently tuck the battery in with a plastic card.
2. Pull the tongue slowly and evenly. If the tape breaks, heat the battery with a hairdryer to 50–60°C (not higher!). Never use metal tools to tweak the battery, which can break through the shell and cause fire.
3. If the tape doesn't respond, put a few drops of isopropyl alcohol under the battery, it will dissolve the glue, but it won't damage the electronics. Don't use acetone or gasoline!
4. Remove the battery after the tape is removed. It can stick to the body — don't pull it, but gently sway from side to side.

If the battery is swelling, it should not be punctured or bent.

• 🛑 Place it in a non-combustible container (such as a metal can of sand).
• 🚫 Don’t throw it in the trash – take it to the battery recycling point.
• 🔋 Do not store near other electronic devices.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when removing the battery from the Redmi Note 5. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:

• 🔌 Trying to remove the battery without turning off the plume can cause a short circuit. Always check that the power connector is disconnected.
• 🔥 Overheating of the body with a hairdryer - if the temperature exceeds 100°C, the display may be damaged or small parts of the board soldered off.
• 🗜️ Using metal tools -- they punch the battery or scratch the board. Just plastic or wood!
• 🧲 Loss of screws when disassembled — Redmi Note 5 uses screws of different lengths, and if you mix them up, you risk damaging the board when you build them.
• 💧 And when you put alcohol on the board, isopropyl alcohol is safe for electronics, but if it gets on the chips, the contacts can oxidize. You only apply it under the battery.

Another common mistake is to use excessive force to separate the back cover, so if the latches don't lend themselves, the glue is not softened enough, and it's better to reheat the body than to break the mounts.

If you notice that the contacts on the board have become oxidized after removing the battery (green or white coating), you need to clean them with pencils eraser (yes, regular eraser!) or alcohol. Don't use sandpaper, it will damage the tracks.

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The most dangerous mistake is a battery puncture, and even if it's not swelling, there's an electrolyte inside that, when it comes into contact with air, emits toxic gases, and if the battery is damaged, leave the room immediately and ventilate it.

Installation of a new battery: nuances and tips

If you removed your old battery to install a new one, consider a few key points:

• 🔋 Check compatibility – for Redmi Note 5 suitable batteries with an article MB1167 (original) or analogues from Patona, Baseus with a capacity of 4000 mAh.
• 📏 Compare the size, the new battery should fit perfectly into the groove. If it's even a little wider, don't try to squeeze it in, it will deform the body.
• 🧴 Use a new duct tape -- remove the old tape completely. You can buy double-sided tape. 3M 9448A (0.2 mm thickness) or special battery belt.
• ⚡ Charge the battery before installation - the new battery is usually discharged. Connect it to a charger for Li-Pol batteries (for example, TP4056) and charge to 3.7-3.8 V.

When installing a new battery:

1. Stick double-sided tape to the body (not on the battery!).
2. Carefully put the battery in place, aligning it to the contacts.
3. Press the battery and connect the plume to the board, make sure the latch locks with a characteristic click.
4. Check the phone before the case is assembled – plug in the charger and make sure it turns on and recognizes the battery.

If the phone is not switched on after replacement:

• Check if the battery is properly connected.
• Make sure the contacts on the board and battery are clean (no oxidation).
• Connect your phone to charge for 10-15 minutes – sometimes a new battery needs to be “waked up.”

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions