Xiaomi Redmi 4X has earned a reputation for being an “unkillable classic” with its metal body and robust build. However, time takes its toll: the battery loses capacity, the charging connector loosens, or the speaker begins to wheez. Owners often face the dilemma of whether to carry the device into the service or try to solve the problem yourself. Disassembly of this device has its own nuances that are critically important to consider so as not to damage the aluminum body or internal components.
The process of removing the back panel here is very different from disassembling modern glass monoblocks. The main difficulty is that access to the screws is hidden by decorative plugs, and the lid itself is held on fairly rigid latches around the perimeter. Incorrect handling of the tool can lead to chipping on the ends or, worse, damage to the main camera plume, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the attachment.
Before you start to act, you need to prepare the workplace. You need a clean, well-lit surface and a set of tools. You don't need to ignore safety precautions, even if you only change your SIM card or battery. The glue under the screw plugs becomes viscous when heated and can stain the insides if you act too harshly. Careful adherence to the algorithm will preserve the aesthetic appearance of the gadget and its functionality.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Good disassembly begins long before you pick up the first tool. Space management is a key success factor. You'll need a special electronics repair kit that can be purchased from any radio parts store or online. Use of improvised tools like kitchen knives or thick needles is strongly discouraged, as they can slip and damage the motherboard.
The basic toolkit should include a thin metal spatula or mediator, a set of cross screwdrivers (usually the size of a PH00 or PH000), a screen suction cup and tweezers with curved ends. It is also highly desirable to have a hairdryer (building or ordinary household, but with the ability to adjust temperature) and isopropyl alcohol to clean surfaces of glue residues.
☑️ Preparation for the Redmi disassembly 4X
Pay special attention to lighting. Small screws and thin plumes are not easily distinguishable in dim light, which increases the risk of error. If you have a magnifier or a zoom lamp, use them. SIM-card and memory card, if installed, so as not to damage their contacts during the dismantling process.
Removal of plugs and twisting of fasteners
The first step in removing the Xiaomi Redmi 4X lid is removing the decorative elements that hide the fastener. On the bottom of the device, on the sides of the Micro-USB charging port, there are two elongated plastic plugs that close the screws that hold the bottom of the case. Use a thin needle or edge of a sharp blade to remove them, but act with extreme caution.
Carefully pull the plug from one of the edges. Don't try to pull it out with a sharp jerk, because the plastic can crack. The best thing is to grab the edge and slowly loosen the element, gradually pulling it up. Under the plugs are two screws that need to be twisted with a cross screwdriver. Once they are removed, the lower part of the body will become freer, but the main fixation is still maintained along the perimeter.
⚠️ Attention: When you unscrew the screws, try not to put too much effort. If the screw does not go, check if the size of the screwdriver is correctly chosen. A torn screw cap will turn a simple repair into a complex operation to drill the fasteners.
After removing the lower screws, you need to pay attention to the top. In some versions or after previous repairs, there may also be hidden screws under the stickers, although in the standard Redmi 4X, the main fasteners are below and under the camera module (which is hidden).
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Put all the screws in a magnetic tray or on a piece of paper, where you've mapped the layout with a marker. The screws in Xiaomi smartphones can be of different lengths, and if you confuse them when you build them, you can punch through the motherboard.
Technology of opening the body around the perimeter
The most important thing is to separate the back cover from the frame. The metal body of the Xiaomi Redmi 4X is assembled using tight latches around the perimeter. First, we recommend that you slightly warm the edges of the body with a hairdryer. You don't need to heat the device to red, it's enough to heat 60-70 degrees Celsius for 1-2 minutes. This will soften the glue that can be present in the joints, and make the plastic and metal a little more elastic.
Take a plastic blade or a mediator. Start putting the instrument into the junction between the back cover and the side frame in the lower corner where you've already twisted the screws. Move the blade along the edge, gently snapping the clips. You'll hear the characteristic crackling -- that's the normal sound of the plastic locks opening. The key is not to sink the tool too much so as not to touch the internal components.
- 🔧 Move smoothly, without jerks, sequentially passing the entire perimeter of the device.
- 🔧 If the lid does not lend itself in place, do not press harder, but try to warm up this area with a hairdryer once again.
- 🔧 Use a suction cup: glue it to the center of the back cover, slightly pull upwards, creating a gap, and insert a spatula into this gap.
When you go all the way around the perimeter and all the latches are snapped, don't try to take the lid off completely right away. Inside the device are plumes connecting the main board to the daughter board (where the charging connector is located) and other modules. A sharp jerk will cause these thin conductors to break off. The lid should move a few millimeters away, opening up the insides.
Disabling plumes and removing protective screens
Once the lid is lifted, you'll see the inside of the smartphone, and you'll see connectors at the top, closer to the main camera module, and that's where you need maximum concentration. The plumes in the Redmi 4X are pretty thin and sensitive to chops. The first thing you need to do is turn off the battery to shut down the device and avoid short circuits with further manipulation.
To turn off the battery plume, gently tuck the connector with a plastic blade or a nail, moving from the bottom up. Don't pull the wires! Once the power is turned off, you can safely remove the lid and put it aside. Now access to the main nodes is open. You will see a metal screen covering the motherboard. It also attaches to the screws.
Unscrew all the visible screws holding the metal plates. Note that some screws can be hidden under stickers or under plumes. Xiaomi often uses a scheme where the plume of a display or touch screen can run over the fasteners. Act methodically, remembering the location of each screw.
⚠️ Attention: Main camera plume in Redmi 4X It's very close to the edge of the body, and if you don't take the lid off, you're at high risk of damaging it or displacing the lens, which will cause you to see black spots in your photos or you'll see the camera fail completely.
Replacement of the battery and work with adhesive base
One of the most common reasons for dismantling Xiaomi Redmi 4X is a battery replacement. The battery in this model is glued to the inside of the back cover or to the middle frame (depending on the specific revision of the build) on the double-sided tape. Over time, the glue loses its properties, but often the battery is held tight. Trying to dig it out with a screwdriver can lead to puncture and fire.
To safely extract, use a hairdryer again. Warm up the back of the device (or the area around the battery if the lid is already removed) for 2-3 minutes. This will soften the glue. Then use a plastic card or a special spatula with rounded edges. Put the tool between the battery and the case and, as you make sawing movements, gradually separate the battery.
| Parameter | Original battery | Analogue (Quality) | Cheap copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4100mAh | 3800-4000 mAh | 2500-3000 mAh |
| Tension. | 3.85 In | 3.85 In | 3.7-3.8 Included |
| Cycle resource | 500+ cycles | 300-400 cycles | 100-150 cycles |
| Risk of bloating | Low. | Medium. | High-pitched |
When installing a new battery, be sure to apply a new layer of glue or use special adhesive tapes (B-7000 or analogues) to lock the battery. This will prevent it from shifting when falling and provide a better heat sink. Do not leave the battery dangling inside the case, as vibrations can damage the contacts.
How to check a new battery without installation?
Assembly of the device and verification of functionality
The assembly is done in reverse order, but it requires no less care. Before you snap the lid, make sure that all the plumes are tightly seated in their connectors. The characteristic click when you install the connector is a good sign, but it is also worth checking visually if there are any skews. Put all the plumes exactly in your channels so that they are not clamped when you close.
When you put the back cover, first combine the top of the camera and the speaker, and then gently press the perimeter until the latches click. Don't be afraid to make moderate efforts, the metal should stand tightly in place. Then put the bottom screws back in place and cover them with decorative plugs. You can use glue to fix the plugs, but this will make future disassemblies more difficult.
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Final pre-assembly check: Turn on the phone without twisting the screws to the end. Check the vibrator, speaker, microphone and charging, which will save time for re-disassembly if some plume was not fully connected.
Once you've turned on, do a full diagnostic. Check the touchscreen across the area, make sure the proximity sensor is working correctly (the screen goes out when you've touched your ear). If you've changed the battery, calibrate it, completely discharge the phone before you turn off and then charge it to 100% when it's off.