How to remove the lid from the Xiaomi Redmi 4X phone: a step-by-step guide

Xiaomi’s Redmi series has long proven itself to be a reliable metal case, but over time, even the strongest battery needs to be replaced. The question of how to remove the lid from the Xiaomi 4X phone becomes relevant when autonomy drops to critical values or a broken glass is needed. The metal body of this model creates the illusion of monolithicity, which often scares inexperienced users who fear damage to internal components during dismantling.

Unlike plastic models, where the back panel is removed by force of hands, it requires a specialized tool and adherence to a certain sequence of actions. Incorrect opening attempt can lead to damage to the plumes, rupture of antenna lines or deformation of the frame. In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of disassembling the body, paying special attention to the subtleties of working with adhesive joints and fragile connectors.

Before work begins, you need to prepare the workplace, provide good lighting and be patient. Xiaomi Redmi 4X has a classic layout, but access to the insides is hidden behind the screws located at the bottom and hidden mounts around the perimeter. Understanding the design of the device is a key success factor, allowing you to avoid typical mistakes, such as trying to fit the lid on the side of the volume buttons.

Tools and workplace preparation required

Quality preparation is key to successful repairs. To safely dismantle the back cover, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be purchased from any electronics store or ordered online. Using inappropriate items such as knives or pins significantly increases the risk of slipping the tool and injuring the fingers or screen.

First of all, make sure you have a set of precision screwdrivers on hand. Most Xiaomi smartphones use screws with PH00 or PH000 slashes. You will also need a plastic blade (mediator) to snap the latches and sucker to create an initial gap. Some craftsmen prefer to use thin metal blades, but for beginners, plastic is safer.

Special attention should be paid to heating equipment. The glue that holds the lid is very strong at room temperature. Thermophene or a special heater (separator) is necessary to soften the adhesive. If there is no professional equipment, you can use a household hair dryer, although this will take longer and require caution not to overheat the display matrix.

• 🔧 A set of screwdrivers with magnetic tips (PH00, PH000, Pentalobe)
• 📱 Plastic mediators and shoulder blades for opening the body
• 🌡️ Industrial dryer or heating panel for softening glue
• 🧲 Magnetic mat for sorting screws of different sizes
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol or special liquid B-7000 glue-residue

⚠️ Warning: Do not use acetone or aggressive solvents to soften the glue, as they can damage the plastic elements of the inner frame and melt the insulation of the plumes.

Extraction procedure SIM-screw-up

The first step in the disassembly process is always to disconnect the device from the network and remove the tray. SIM-This is necessary not only to access the internal screws, but also to prevent short circuit in the event of accidental damage to the battery during operation. 4X combined, supports two SIM-microSD cards and memory card.

Once you remove the tray, turn the smartphone down. At the bottom of the device, on the sides of the Micro-USB charging port, there are two screws. They hold the bottom of the case. Use a thin cross screwdriver to unscrew them. It's important not to put too much effort into it so as not to break the thread or damage the slag.

Once the screws are removed, the lid will not be removed by itself, as it is further fixed by glue around the perimeter. However, weakening the lower mounts is a must. Some users try to warm the case immediately, forgetting the screws, which is a mistake, since the tension of the metal can complicate the process of warming the glue.

Check if there are screws in the holes. Sometimes they can get stuck in a plastic frame. If the screw is tight, you can drip alcohol on the thread, but in the case of Xiaomi 4X this is rarely required. Carefully fold the screws in a separate container so that they do not lose them in the pile or dust.

Heating of the housing and separation of the rear panel

The most important step is to soften the adhesive layer. The back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi 4X is made of aluminum, which conducts heat perfectly, but also cools quickly. So the heating should be uniform and constant. Turn the hair dryer on to the average temperature (about 80-100 ° C) and start warming the perimeter of the device.

Do not hold the hot air stream in one spot for longer than 3-4 seconds so as not to damage the display or internal components. Move the hair dryer around, paying special attention to the corners and edges. The heating process usually takes from 2 to 5 minutes depending on the power of the equipment. You can understand that the glue has softened by easily changing the color of the moisture indicator (if any) or simply by experiment.

After enough warming up, take the suction cup and attach it to the bottom of the back cover, closer to the navigation buttons. Pull the suction cup up slightly, creating a small gap between the lid and the frame. Insert a plastic mediator gently into the resulting gap.

• 🔥 Warm up the perimeter evenly without staying in one place.
• 👐 Create a vacuum with a sucker to form an initial gap
• 🪓 Slowly lead the mediator along the edges, cutting the adhesive layer
• 🚫 Avoid sharp jerks that can crack glass or metal

Now, as you hold the suction cup in a strained state, start slowly with the mediator along the side faces. The movements should be cutting, directed parallel to the plane of the screen. You will feel the resistance of the glue - this is normal. Warm up the resistance sites again if the mediator stops walking easily.

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If the mediator is stuck, don't try to push it through by force. Add a little more heat and try to change the angle of inclination of the instrument to a sharper one.

Work with internal fastenings and plumes

When the adhesive layer is overcome around the perimeter, take your time to remove the lid completely. There may be connections inside the device, such as the fingerprint scanner plume if it is structurally fixed to the lid, or antenna contacts. In the Redmi 4X model, antenna contacts are often pinned with screws to the board or contacted through spring elements.

Carefully lift the bottom of the lid and inspect the interior space. Notice the thin wiring going from the buttons or other elements to the main board. In some versions, the fingerprint scanner can be mounted on the inside of the back cover. If you see the plume going to the lid, it must be turned off.

To turn off the plume, use a plastic blade or dielectric-coated tweezers. Put the connector up, trying not to damage the plug on the board. The plumes in Xiaomi smartphones are quite fragile, especially at the point of entry to the connector. Once all communications are disconnected, you can finally remove the back panel.

⚠️ Warning: Never pull the plume itself when disconnected.The impact should only be on the hard part of the connector, otherwise the conductive doros inside the tape may break.

If a fingerprint scanner is mounted on the lid, it takes a lot of care to dismantle it, and it's often based on double-sided tape, and if you build it back, you'll need to replace that tape to make sure it fits tightly and works properly.

Dismantling of Plastic Insert of the Antenna

A unique feature of the Xiaomi Redmi 4X design is the plastic insert at the bottom of the metal back cover, which is necessary for the passage of cellular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals, since the metal shields radio waves.

The plastic insert is attached to the metal body of the lid with adhesive and several small screws or latches (depending on the revision of the board and the case). If you sloppyly remove the lid of the phone, the plastic can detach from the metal or crack, which is critical, because damage to this area will disrupt the antennas.

If your goal is simply to replace the battery and the plastic insert is left on the metal frame of the phone (sometimes it leaves with the inside frame), make sure it does not interfere with access. However, most often the insert remains on the removable back cover. Carefully examine the junction of metal and plastic.

For safe dismantling, if the insert starts to move, gently tuck it in with a metal mediator. Act slowly, controlling the force. If you're planning to install a new case, move the insert to the new cover using fresh glue.

Characteristics table and Compatibility of Components

When disassembling, it is important to understand what components you interact with. The Redmi 4X came in several versions, and although the lid removal procedure is universal, the internal components may differ. Below is a table of basic characteristics relevant to the process of disassembling and replacing parts.

Knowing the type of battery (BN20) is important if you plan to replace it immediately after the lid is removed. The old battery will also be glued, and it will require reheating the inside of the case to remove it. Be careful: a puncture of the lithium polymer battery can cause fire.

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The Redmi 4X metal body shields signals, so the integrity of the plastic antenna inserts is critical to communication quality.

Frequent errors and precautions

Disassembling modern smartphones is a process that requires careful attention. One of the most common mistakes is to try to remove the lid without sufficient warming up. This causes the aluminum lid to deform (bend), and it becomes impossible to install it exactly back. The metal has a shape memory, but when it is bent, it remains deformed.

Another common problem is the loss of small screws: Xiaomi 4X uses different length screws for different nodes (although they are the same at the bottom, inside the frame may differ). If you screw a long screw into a short hole, it can break through the board or rest on the battery, causing a short circuit.

Ignoring battery shutdown. Even if the phone is off, there is residual current on the board. Before disconnecting any display plumes or cameras, it is strongly recommended (if the design allows at an early stage) to disconnect the battery connector from the motherboard. In the case of the Redmi 4X, this is done after the lid is removed, but before working with other plumes.

• 🚫 Do not pick sharp metal in the area of plumes and chambers
• 🚫 Don’t heat your phone for longer. 5-7 minute-on
• 🚫 Do not leave your phone with the battery disconnected for a long time.
• 🚫 Do not use superglue to fix the lid when assembly

⚠️ Warning: A bulging battery is a fire hazard. If you notice that the battery is inflated and takes up its entire volume when you remove the lid, remove it as quickly as possible and dispose of it according to safety rules.

Assembly and final recommendations

The assembly process is reversed, but it has its own nuances: Before you install the back cover, you need to completely clean the old glue from the phone frame and from the lid itself. Use isopropyl alcohol and a plastic card to do this. The surface should be perfectly clean and fat-free.

To fix the lid, use a special smartphone glue sealant (such as the B-7000 or T-7000) or ready-made adhesive frames. Apply a thin, uniform layer of glue around the perimeter of the frame. Let the glue dry for 1-2 minutes to the state of Velcro, then carefully combine the lid and press it.

After you have the lid installed and you've got all the plumes connected, don't rush to twist the screws. Turn on your phone and check the touchscreen, the sound, the vibration, and most importantly, the fingerprint scanner. Make sure everything is working correctly, turn off the device, set up the tray. SIM-cards and twist the lower screws.

For better fixation in the first minutes after assembly, you can use stationery gums, stretching them across and along the body, or put the phone under a light press (for example, under a stack of books), pre-wrapped in a towel. The time for complete polymerization of the glue is about 2-4 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)