How to remove the battery from Xiaomi Redmi 4: disassembly without damage

Why you might need to take the battery off the Redmi 4

Xiaomi Redmi 4 (including Redmi 4 Pro and Redmi 4 Prime) remains a popular device even years after its release. However, over time, owners face typical problems: fast battery discharge, bloating or the need to replace it after 2-3 years of use. Unlike modern flagships, where batteries are often glued to the dead, in Redmi 4 the battery is removable, but its removal requires caution.

It is important to understand that improperly removing the battery can cause damage to the plumes, rupture of contacts or even fire (in the case of a bloated battery).This article will help avoid errors from tool preparation to final assembly. We will consider both the standard case and the nuances of working with a bloated battery, which occurs in 30% of devices older than 3 years.

If you've never taken a smartphone apart, don't worry. The Redmi 4 is one of Xiaomi's most maintainable models, and with the right approach, it's only 20 minutes long, and the key is to follow the instructions and not improvising.

Preparation: security tools and measures

Before you start disassembling, make sure you have everything you need. The minimum set of tools includes:

• 🔧 Plastic blade (or mediator) - to separate the back cover without scratches.
• ⚡ Screwdriver cross (PH00) — motherboard-mounting screw.
• 🧲 Suction (optional) - helps to suction the cover if the glue is too strong.
• 🔋 Alcohol or isopropyl alcohol - to clean contacts and remove glue residues.
• 🧤 Gloves – protection against possible microcuts and contact with lithium (relevant for bloated batteries).

Critically, if the battery is swelling (the lid is raised, the screen is walking), DO NOT use metal tools to remove it, and the risk of puncture and fire is up to 15%.

Also prepare the workplace:

• 📱 Brush soft cloth or antistatic mat.
• 🔦 Lighting should be bright – it is better to use a table lamp.
• 📦 Spread the screws into individual containers (or stick them on scotch in order of extraction).

⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone has been in water or has been hit hard, be sure to turn it off for 24 hours before disassembling.A short circuit on wet contacts can disable the motherboard.

Step 1: Removing the back cover

The first stage is the most important one, and the Redmi 4 lid is attached to the latches and double-sided tape, so that it can be removed.

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove the tray for SIM-cards (use a paper clip or special key).
2. Heat the edges of the cover with a hair dryer (temperature not higher than 60°C) for 1-2 minutes. This will soften the glue.
3. Insert a plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the body (start with the lower left corner where the antenna is located).
4. Carefully drive the shoulder blade around the perimeter, snapping the clamps. Do not force - if the lid does not respond, warm up the problem area again.

Common mistakes at this stage:

• 🔨 Using a knife or screwdriver - leads to chipped plastic.
• 🔥 Overheating with a hair dryer (above 70)°C) - may deform the cover or damage the battery.
• 💥 Sharp removal of the cover - the risk of tearing the plume of the fingerprint scanner (if it is in your modification).

If the lid is removed, but glue residues are in the way, wipe them with alcohol. Do not use acetone or solvents: they can damage the plastic.

Step 2: Disconnect the battery from the motherboard

When you take the lid off, you'll see the battery covered in black film. First rule: before you touch any components, disconnect the battery from the board.

1. Find the white battery connector (located at the top of the battery, next to the camera).
2. Carefully tuck it in with a plastic spatula, pulling it up. Don't pull the wires!
3. Make sure the corroding contacts are not bent or oxidized. Clean them with alcohol if necessary.

If the connector fails:

• 🔌 Try to sway it slightly left-right.
• 🔋 Do not apply force - it is better to warm up the area with a hairdryer again (maximum 40).°C).
• 🛠️ If the contacts are oxidized, use an eraser to clean them (without pressing).

⚠️ Warning: If you accidentally touch other components of the board (such as chips) with tweezers or a screwdriver, it can cause static discharge. Always touch the grounded metal object before work.

After turning off the battery, wait 1-2 minutes - this will discharge the residual voltage in the capacitors.

Step 3: Remove the battery

Now you can start removing the battery itself. In Redmi 4, it's attached to double-sided tape, but it's not soldered.

1. Put a plastic blade on the battery from any angle. Don't put a blade deeper than 2-3 mm, because there are plumes under the battery.
2. Slowly drive the blade along the battery, separating it from the body, and if you feel resistance, stop and heat the area with a hairdryer.
3. When the battery is 50 percent separated, take it by the edge and pull it out carefully. Don't rot or twist it!

Features for different modifications:

If the battery is swelling:

• 🚨 Do not use metal tools.
• 🧊 Before extraction, cool it in the refrigerator (10-15 Minutes – this will reduce the risk of fire.
• 📦 Dispose of the bloated battery in special reception points (do not throw it into the garbage!).

💡

If the battery is boiling and does not separate, drop 1-2 drops of medical alcohol under it. Wait 5 minutes - the glue will dissolve, and the battery will move.

Step 4: Installation of a new battery

Before installing the new battery:

1. Clean the seat of the remnants of old glue (use alcohol and cotton swab).
2. Check the contacts of the connector on the board - they should be clean and even.
3. If the new battery comes without glue, apply a thin layer of double-sided tape (e.g. 3M 9448A).

Installation:

• 🔋 Connect the battery connector to the board (make sure it sat down before clicking).
• 📱 Carefully put the battery in place, starting from the side of the connector.
• 🔨 Press it evenly over the entire area (do not press the center!).
• 🔧 Keep your car in the car (if you have one in your model).

After installation:

• Don't turn on your smartphone right away. Wait 5-10 minutes, it'll let the glue grab.
• First power on from charging (even if the battery is charged) this calibrates the power controller.

⚠️ Warning: If the battery doesn't turn on after you change the battery, check: Is the connector properly connected (sometimes it shifts when you build it), is there any bent contacts on the board or battery, or have you forgotten to plug in the power plume of the display (it's under the battery).

💡

After replacing the battery, perform 2-3 full charge/discharge cycles (0% to 100%) and this will extend the life of the new battery by 20-30%.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when replacing a battery, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

Another common problem is the wrong calibration of the new battery: If the smartphone shows the wrong charge level after replacing it (for example, jumps from 50% to 1%), reset the battery data:

1. Go to Settings → Battery → Three dots (menu) → Reset battery data.
2. Connect the charger and wait for 100%.
3. Turn off charging and discharge the smartphone until it is automatically turned off.
4. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.

If the battery is running out too quickly after replacing, check the power consumption in Settings → Battery → Battery Use.The cause may be background application activity or a faulty power controller.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions