Xiaomi Redmi 5 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017-2018, but over time, its battery begins to lose capacity. If you notice that the phone quickly discharges, suddenly turns off or the case is swollen, it's time to replace the battery. However, removing the battery on the Redmi 5 is not so easy: it is glued to the body, and the wrong actions can damage the board or display.
In this article, we will take a look at the process from tool preparation to final assembly, learn about the risks of self-disassembly, avoidable errors, and what to do if the battery is swelled or deformed, and give you recommendations for choosing a new battery and checking its originality.
If you've never taken a smartphone apart, don't worry, because this is a good guide for beginners, and the key is to take the steps consistently and take your time, and if you're in doubt, you should go to the service center.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures
Before you start removing the battery, you need to prepare the workspace and tools, and without the right set of tools, you risk damaging the plumes, scratching the body, or even getting hurt.
- π§ Plastic mediators or shoulder blades (2-3 (a) - for the careful liding and disconnection of the plumes.
- π¨ The screwdriver. PH00 β for twisting screws (a regular screwdriver will not work!).
- π§² Magnetic mat or container β to avoid losing small details.
- π₯ Hair dryer or thermoair station - for softening the glue (optional, but recommended).
- π§΄ Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) β glue-cleaner.
- π¦ New battery β preferably original or certified analogue.
Also, prepare a clean, well-lit workplace without carpets or soft surfaces β a lost cog can cause a lot of problems. If you have long hair, tie it up, and you better remove rings and bracelets from your hands so that nothing clings to details.
β οΈ Warning: If the Redmi 5 battery is swelling, don't try to prick it or bend it! This can cause a fire or explosion.
Before starting work, turn off the phone completely and remove it. SIM-If the battery is still holding the charge, discharge it to the point of 20-30% β This will reduce the risk of short circuits when disconnected.
Step 1: Removing the back cover of Xiaomi Redmi 5
The first and most important step is to carefully separate the back cover, and on Redmi 5, it's glued around the perimeter, so you can't use brute force.
- Turn on the dryer at a medium power (temperature ~60-70Β°C) and evenly warm the edges of the back cover for 2-3 minutes.Do not direct hot air to one place for too long - this can damage the plastic or display.
- Put a plastic mediator in the gap between the lid and the body at the charging connector, gently swipe it around the perimeter, gradually separating the lid, and if you feel resistance, warm it up again with a hairdryer.
- Once the lid starts to give in, don't take it off completely! There are plumes from the fingerprint scanner and antennas underneath, and they need to be disconnected.
At this point, many people make the mistake of trying to pull the lid off with a jerk. Remember: the glue on Redmi 5 is quite strong, and this action can lead to plumes breaking or cracks in the plastic. If the lid does not lend itself, warm it up again.
βοΈ Preparation for lid removal
Once the lid is removed, carefully disconnect the plumes by putting a mediator on them, and they are attached to the latch connectors, just lift the lock slightly, and the plume will come out effortlessly. Don't pull the wires!
Step 2: Disconnecting the battery from the board
Now that the lid is removed, you'll see the battery that's also glued to the body. But before you pull it out, be sure to disconnect the battery from the motherboard!
- And you can find a small white connector on the board with a red or orange marker -- this is a battery connector -- and it's located next to the bottom of the battery.
- Carefully put the connector on a plastic blade, lifting it up. Don't use metal tools - you can close contacts!
- After disconnecting, check with the multimeter (if any) that there is no voltage at the battery terminals.
If the connector fails, do not force it β it may be fixed with glue, in which case, gently warm the area around the connector with a hairdryer (no more than 10 seconds!) and try again.
β οΈ Warning: If you accidentally close the battery contacts with a metal tool and smell burning, stop working immediately! 10-15 You can check the charge for damage, and if you get too hot, the battery can ignite.
Once the battery is turned off, you can start removing it, but remember, even a deactivated lithium-ion battery can be dangerous if it's mechanically damaged.
Step 3: Remove the battery from the housing
The Redmi 5 battery is glued to the body with double-sided tape, which eventually gets very sticky, and it takes patience and care to remove it.
- Put a plastic blade on the edge of the battery and try to lift it. If it doesn't, warm it up with a hair dryer. ~50Β°C) during 1-2 minute.
- Put a thin plastic card or mediator under the battery to keep it from sticking back. Gradually push the card deeper, separating the battery from the case.
- If the battery is swelling, don't try to bend or prick it! gently remove it with the edges and immediately place it in a non-combustible container (for example, a metal jar).
At this stage, the main thing is not to rush. If you pull the battery by force, you can not tear off the adhesive strips completely, and they will remain on the case.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The battery doesn't move away from the hull. | The glue is too strong or old | Warm up with a hair dryer and use isopropyl alcohol to dissolve glue |
| The lids were broken when the lid was removed. | Improper handling or excessive effort | Replace the plumes (bought separately) or contact the service |
| After the battery is turned off, it magnetizes again. | Residual charge in board condensers | Wait 5-10 minutes or close the contacts of the battery on the board with a screwdriver (carefully!) |
| New battery not recognized by phone | Unoriginal battery or poor contact | Check the connection of the connector, reboot the phone |
Once the battery is removed, clean the case with isopropyl alcohol. Do not use acetone or solvents - they can damage the plastic! Also inspect the contacts on the board: if they are oxidized, gently clean them with a lasticle or alcohol.
π‘
If the glue doesn't come off the battery, you can use a special glue remover (sold in electronics stores), apply it with a brush and wait 5-10 minutes, the glue will soften and the battery will go away without effort.
Step 4: Install a new battery and build your phone
Before installing a new battery, make sure it is compatible with the Xiaomi Redmi 5. The original battery is labeled BM43 or BM44 and has a capacity of 3300 mAh. Analogues should have the same parameters.
- Remove the protective film with the adhesive side of the new battery (if any).
- Carefully place the battery in the case, combining the contacts with the connector on the board. Make sure that it lies flat, without distortion.
- Press the battery around the edges so that the glue is well grasped. Don't press the center, it can warp the cells.
- Connect the battery connector to the board. It should snap with a click.
Once the battery is installed, check it by plugging the phone into a charger without the lid; if it's turning on and charging normally, you can start building it; if it's not, check the contacts and connect the connector.
The phone is assembled in reverse order:
- Connect the tailgates to the back cover.
- Set the cover in place, starting at the top (where the volume buttons are located).
- Carefully press it around the perimeter so that the glue grabs, you can use clamps or a heavy book for 10-15 minutes.
- Turn the screws (do not pull!).
Once assembled, turn on your phone and check all the features: sensor, camera, speakers and fingerprint scanner. If something doesn't work, take the phone apart again and check the connection of the plumes.
π‘
If the battery is not turned on after you change the battery, check the battery connector first, and then the display plumes. 90% of the time, the problem is the poor contact, not the battery itself.
How to Choose a Quality Battery for Redmi 5
The quality of a new battery depends on how long it lasts, and there are many fakes on the market that lose capacity quickly or can even be dangerous.
- π Capacity: 3300 mAh (like the original) batteries with overcapacity (like 4,000 mAh) are often tricky.
- π·οΈ Labeling β Original batteries have Xiaomi labels, BM43 or BM44, and also a hologram.
- π¦ The packaging must be factory-made, with protective stickers and instructions.
- π° Price β The original battery is worth it ~1000-1500 Too cheap analogues (less than that). 500 Potentially low-quality.
Buy batteries only from trusted stores: AliExpress (from official sellers), Beru, Xiaomi's Connected or specialized repair services. Avoid spontaneous markets and questionable online stores.
You can also check the battery using the AccuBattery app (available on Google Play), which will show the actual capacity and condition of the battery, if after replacing the capacity below 3000 mAh - the battery is defective or fake.
How to distinguish the original battery from a fake?
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing batteries, and here are the most common problems and ways to prevent them:
- π Trail damage - occurs due to sudden movements or the use of metal tools. Always use plastic mediators!
- π₯ Battery overheating -- if you heat it too much with a hair dryer, the glue can dry even harder, and the plastic will deform β 60-70Β°C.
- π± Dust hitting the display - after disassembly wipe all the details with a walnutless napkin. Dust can cause interference in the sensor.
- π Incomplete battery shutdown -- if you forget to disconnect the connector, you can close the circuit board. Always check with a multimeter!
Another mistake is to use superglue to fix a new battery. It's strictly forbidden! Superglue can damage the contacts or make the next battery replacement impossible. Use only the original double-sided tape or duct tape that comes with the battery.
If after replacing the battery, the phone began to warm or discharge quickly, check:
- Correct connection of the battery connector.
- The state of the contacts on the board (are they not oxidized).
- Power saving settings (possibly high performance mode enabled).
In rare cases, a new battery may be defective. If there are problems after replacing, contact the seller for a replacement.