Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still in active use due to its reliability and upgradeability. However, over time, owners have to face the need to repair: replacing the charging connector, battery, speaker or even screen. The first step in any such repair is to remove the back cover – an operation that seems simple only at first glance.
In this article, we will discuss three officially approved methods of removing the Redmi cover. 4X, We'll talk about the tools we need, and we'll warn you about the common mistakes that cause the plumes or the case to get damaged, and we'll focus on the unique feature of this model: the hidden latches under the tray. SIM-If you're planning a hand repair, read on!
Preparing for removal of the lid: tools and security measures
Before you start disassembling, make sure you have everything you need. The Redmi 4X has a plastic cover with a metal frame, which complicates the process - brute force will not work here. Here is the minimum set of tools:
- 🔧 Plastic mediator or guitar mediator (thickness 0.5-0.7 mm) – for separation of cover and body.
- 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station (optional) - for softening the glue around the perimeter.
- 📱 Suction cup for smartphones (diameter 4-5 cm) - will help to lift the lid after heating.
- ⚙️ Screwdriver. T3 or T4 — to unscrew the screws under the lid (if you plan to completely disassemble).
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or container – to avoid losing small details.
Important: If you're disassembling the Redmi 4X for the first time, practice on an old smartphone or watch a video manual, and the cover of this model is held on 12 plastic latches and double-sided tape, and improper force can lead to cracks in the area of the camera or charging connector.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal blades or knives! they scratch the body and can damage the fingerprint plume that runs under the lid at the top end.
Method 1: Classic removal of the lid without heating (for beginners)
This is a good option if the glue on your Redmi 4X has not yet dryed out (for example, a new phone or a new lid) and the main advantage is that the risk of damage is minimal, but you will need patience.
- Turn off your smartphone and remove the tray. SIM-And underneath it are two hidden latches that you'll need to gently crack out later.
- Put a plastic mediator in the gap between the lid and the body at the charging socket, and carefully steer it along the end, trying to separate the parts.
- Once the mediator enters 3-4 mm, move to the upper end (near the camera) and repeat the movement. The lid should begin to "step away" with a characteristic click.
- Lift the lid over the top edge and slowly separate it from the body, starting at the camera side. Don't pull sharply - the fingerprint scanner plume may come off!
If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't put too much effort into it. It's better to go to the heating method (described below) to avoid breaking the latches.
Make sure the phone is turned off
Extract SIM-memory-card
Prepare the workplace (clean surface, good lighting)
Check the availability of all tools
Take a picture of the original state of the phone (in case of warranty disputes)-->
Method 2: Removal of the cover by heating (for "glued" devices)
Over time, the double-sided tape under the Redmi 4X lid loses its elasticity and becomes a hard crust, in which case you can't do without heating. Use a dryer at minimum power (or a thermal air station at 60-70°C) to soften the glue.
Step-by-step:
- Heat the back cover around the perimeter for 2-3 minutes, paying special attention to the corners and areas around the camera.
- Stick the suction cup to the center of the lid (near the Mi logo) and pull up slightly. If the lid doesn't lend itself, repeat heating.
- Insert the mediator into the gap and carefully guide it along the end, snapping the latches. Start at the bottom edge (at the charging connector).
- Once all the latches are free, remove the lid by holding it to the top edge.The fingerprint scanner plume is attached to the motherboard - don't pull the lid sharply!
Critical: If the lid is not removed after heating, do not increase the temperature above 70 ° C, it can damage the battery or screen.
What to do if the cover is broken when removed?
Method 3: Alternative method using string (for experienced)
This method is suitable for Redmi 4X with a badly damaged lid or if previous methods have not worked, you will need a thin guitar string (diameter 0.2-0.3 mm) or fishing line.
Algorithm of action:
- 🎸 Skip the string between the lid and the body, starting at the corner at the charging connector.
- 🔄 Carefully saw the string along the end, as if cutting glue.
- 🛠️ Once the string passes 2/3 perimeter, lid the mediator and separate it.
⚠️ Attention: This method requires skill! A string can slip and scratch the body or damage the plumes.
What to do after removing the lid: next steps
When the finalmente lid is removed, the internal structure of the Redmi 4X will open up in front of you. Here’s what you’ll see (see the table below) and what actions you can take:
| Component | Location. | Possible action |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Center, under a metal plate | Replacement under bloating or low capacity (original: BM43) |
| The fingerprint scanner plume | Upper end, under the lid. | Cleaning contacts or replacing them (article: MDG6010) |
| Dynamician and microphone | Lower end, under a decorative grid | Replacement when sound is distorted or microphone is missing |
| Antenna contacts | On the sides, under a metal frame | Cleaning from oxidation with alcohol at a bad signal |
| Motherboard screws | Under the metal battery plate | Unscrewed with a T3 screwdriver for complete disassembly |
If your goal is to replace the battery, remember that in the Redmi 4X, it is glued to the body. Use isopropyl alcohol (90%+) and a plastic spatula to remove it safely. Do not pierce the battery with metal objects under any circumstances!
💡
Before assembling the phone, clean the contacts of the fingerprint scanner plume with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. This will prevent unlocking problems after repair.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi 4X, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- 🔋 Battery plume damage occurs when the lid is removed abruptly. Always turn off the plume before further disassembly!
- 📱 Cracks in the chamber area - the cover is thinner. Heat this area longer (up to 40-50 seconds).
- 🔊 Disconnect speaker from board - speaker glued to cover. Carefully separate it before removing.
- 🔧 Loss of screws at Redmi 4X 3 types of screws (T3, T4 Sort them by container!
Another common problem is that the fingerprint scanner is broken after assembly, and it's because the plume is not connected correctly or contaminated, and if the sensor doesn't respond after assembly, take the phone apart and check:
- The density of the plume adjacent to the connector on the motherboard.
- No swelling or tearing on the trail itself.
- Clean contacts (clean them with a sweeper if necessary).
💡
If the battery is not turned on after the battery is replaced, check the connection of the power plume to the motherboard, which often departs when the new battery is not installed neatly.
Video instruction and additional resources
For a better understanding of the process, we recommend watching the video disassembly Xiaomi Redmi 4X from the Repair Universe channel (available on YouTube).
- 🎥 0:45 - correct position of the mediator when snapping latches.
- 🎥 2:12 – How to separate the fingerprint scanner without damage.
- 🎥 3:30 – Dismantling the battery with alcohol.
Also useful materials:
- 📄 Official firmware for Redmi 4X (If you need to re-use the device after repair).
- 🛒 Parts for Redmi 4X AliExpress (search for model 2017042 code).
- 📖 Xiaomi Forum – a section on repairs where you can ask questions to experienced users.