How to remove the lid from Xiaomi Redmi 4: full instructions

Xiaomi Redmi 4 has proven itself as a reliable device with a metal body, but even such a strong design sometimes requires intervention. The need to remove the rear panel can occur when replacing a broken screen, installing a new battery or deep cleaning of the speakers from dust. Unlike modern models with non-removable glass panels, the procedure requires accuracy, but it is quite feasible at home with a minimum set of tools.

The main challenge is that the metal body fits tightly into the frame and is held not only by screws, but also by adhesives around the perimeter. Careless movement can lead to deformation of the frame or damage to the plumes connecting the components. Before you start work, it is important to understand that you take responsibility for the integrity of the device, so following the disassembly technology is critical to a successful result.

This article details every step of dismantling, from the work site to the final assembly, and we'll look at the nuances of working with screws of different calibers and how to safely disconnect the plumes without damaging their connectors on the motherboard.

Tools and workplace preparation required

The use of inappropriate items such as knives or needles often results in scratches on the body and damage to the internal elements. To work with Redmi 4, you will need a specialized kit that can be purchased from radio stores or ordered online.

First of all, get a set of screwdrivers with interchangeable bits, be sure to include the cross sizes Phillips #00 and #000. These are the ones used to twist screws in the cases of Xiaomi smartphones.

• 🔧 A set of precision screwdrivers with magnetic tips for convenient work with small screws.
• 🧤 Antistatic gloves or bracelets to protect electronics from static voltage.
• 🌡️ A dryer or heating platform (thermophene) to soften the glue under the lid.
• 📦 Organizer for sorting screws, so as not to confuse them when Assembly.

Prepare a clean, well-lit workplace. Cover the desk with a soft mat or cloth so that small details don't scratch or roll into hard-to-reach areas. Be sure to turn off the device before you start any manipulations, even if you plan to just remove the lid for visual inspection.

Dismantling SIM-tray-twisting

The first step in any disassembly is to free the device perimeter from the fixing elements. In the Xiaomi Redmi 4, the body design implies the presence of hidden screws that are closed by external elements.

Start by removing the tray for SIM-Use a special paper clip or a thin sting to press the opening mechanism located on the lower end. After removing the tray, carefully examine the bottom face of the smartphone: next to the charging port of the Micro-USB, you will see two small screws.

These are the screws that hold the bottom of the case. Use the Phillips #00 screwdriver to unscrew them. Be careful not to over-exert yourself to break the thread. Once the screws are removed, don't try to pull the lid right away -- they only lock the bottom, but their presence blocks the panel shift.

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Fold the screws twisted into the organizer in the same order that you took them out. The screws can have different thread lengths, and mounting a long screw into a short hole can pierce the body through.

Once the screws are removed, carefully put them aside. Now the body is formally unlocked from the bottom, but still tightly held by glue and latches on the sides. Do not use force at this stage, as the metal frame may deform.

Heating of the housing and separation of the rear panel

The key to removing the lid from the Xiaomi Redmi 4 is to soften the adhesive layer. The factory adhesive solidifies over time, making the panel monolithic with a frame. It requires heating to a temperature of about 80-90 degrees Celsius to activate it.

Use a building dryer by setting an average temperature, or a regular household heating pad. Warm up the perimeter of the back cover evenly for 2-3 minutes. Constantly check the temperature with your hand - the surface should be hot but tolerant to touch. Overheating can damage the display or internals, so don't keep the hair dryer at one point for too long.

Once heated, take a suction cup and attach it to the bottom of the back cover, closer to the edge. Pull the suction cup up, creating a small gap between the lid and the frame. Insert a thin plastic blade or mediator immediately into the resulting slit.

Without removing the blade, start slowly moving it along the perimeter of the body, and you'll hear the characteristic crackling of the unsticking glue and the clicks of the plastic latches. Move smoothly, without trying to bend the lid all over the area, and your task is to gradually release the locks throughout the circuit.

Working with internal retainers and plumes

When the main perimeter is free, the lid can still hold around the top corners or volume control buttons, and these are the places where the additional mounting points are located, and be especially careful in the key area so that their mechanisms or plumes do not damage if they come to the board.

Carefully lift the lid, but don't open it completely at once. Inside, the device is connected by thin plumes that lead from the motherboard to the modules on the lid (for example, to notification LEDs or antenna modules, if removed).

⚠️ Attention, never pull the plumes with your fingers, use a plastic shoulder blade or blunt-ended tweezers to turn off the connector, putting the connector firmly upwards.

If your Redmi 4 model has a plume going to the back, find its connector on the board. Carefully bend the connector latch (if any) and remove the plume. Only after all communications are completely turned off can the back cover be completely removed and put it away to a safe place.

Removal of the metal shielding plate

Once the lid is removed, you will see the inside of the smartphone, which is covered by a metal plate, which protects the motherboard and other components from mechanical damage and shields electromagnetic radiation, and you have to remove it to access the battery or connectors.

And you can look at the plate very carefully, and there are many screws of different sizes around the perimeter. 10-12 So you can twist them in sequence using the right bit, and it's important to not lose any screws, because they have different thread lengths.

Once all the screws are removed, the plate can still be held on glue or latches. Carefully tuck the edge of the plate with a plastic blade and remove it. Under it, you'll see the main board, the display and battery connectors. Now access to key nodes of the smartphone is fully open.

Battery shutdown and final actions

Before you start replacing parts or deep cleaning, the first thing you need to do is turn off the device. Find the battery connector on the motherboard, which is usually located at the bottom or center of the board and has a wide plume.

Using a plastic blade, gently disconnect the battery plume. The movement should be directed upwards, without jerking to the sides. After turning off, press the switch on several times to make sure that the device is completely discharged and does not respond, which guarantees safety in further manipulation of other plumes.

⚠️ Attention! If you notice a battery bloating, do not puncture it or bend it. Remove it as carefully as possible using a plastic tool so as not to damage the shell.

Now that the power is off, you can unplug the plumes of the display, touchscreen, cameras and other modules to replace or repair them, and once the work is done, the assembly is done in the reverse order: plugging the battery, installing a protective plate, gluing and fixing the back cover.

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The correct sequence of disconnecting the plumes and careful handling of screws is the key to successful assembly of the device without unnecessary details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)