How to carefully remove the back cover on Xiaomi Redmi 4A: disassembly without risk

The Xiaomi Redmi 4A is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, but even it has problems over time, from a worn-out battery to a faulty speaker. To get to the internal components, you’ll have to remove the back cover, a task that many find intimidating. In fact, with the right approach and minimal toolkit, you can do it yourself without damaging the case or plumes.

In this article, you will find a step-by-step photo instruction, a list of tools you need, and unique tips for disassembling a particular model — such as how to avoid damaging a fragile plastic latch near the headphone jack. We will also look at the common mistakes that cause mounts to break or the battery plume to break, and explain why you can’t use a knife or screwdriver as a lever.

If you've never taken a smartphone apart before, don't worry: the Redmi 4A is one of the most "friendly" self-repair models, the main thing is patience and attention to detail. Let's start with preparation!

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you start removing the lid, make sure you have everything you need, and even one tool that is missing can cause permanent damage to the body or internal components.

• 🔧 Plastic blade (or mediator) - for tidy lid tweaking. Metal tools scratch plastic!
• 🔋 Hair dryer or thermo-air station - to soften the glue (if the cover is glued) Temperature not above 60°C!
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or container – so as not to lose screws and small details.
• 📸 Smartphone for photography - fix the location of plumes and screws before disassembling.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (70%+) — To clean the glue residue (if necessary).

Important: Xiaomi Redmi 4A does not have an official degree of protection against dust and moisture (IP-rated), so when disassembling, avoid getting liquid on the board. If you use a hair dryer, keep it at a distance of 10-15 cm from the case, so as not to overheat the battery.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to remove the lid immediately after using the smartphone - let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Overheating the battery increases the risk of bloating when exposed to mechanical stress.

Step 1: Turn off and prepare the smartphone

The first and most important step is to shut down the power completely, and even if the battery is dead, shorting the circuit when disassembled can disable the motherboard.

1. Press the power button and select Turn it off.
2. Wait for the screen to turn off completely (the charging indicator should not burn!).
3. Extract. SIM-cards and memory card - they can interfere with the lid.

If the battery is swelling (the lid is markedly arched), do not try to puncture or bend it. In this case, it is better to contact the service center - lithium batteries can ignite if damaged. To check for bloating, put the smartphone on a flat surface and spin: if it swings like a boat, this is a sign of deformation.

Step 2: Removal of the back cover - Step-by-step instructions

The Redmi 4A covers are mounted on plastic latches around the perimeter and can be added to some locations (especially in 2017 models), starting with the most delicate part, the top part, where the camera and headphone jack are located.

Procedure:

1. Heating the edge (if the lid is glued): point the hair dryer to the top of the body for 30 to 40 seconds, then move to the bottom. Don't stay in one place!
2. Scapula squashing: insert a plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the body at the headphone jack (there is a thinner latch). Carefully press down until you hear a click.
3. Perimeter pass: slowly drive the blade along the side edge, alternately snapping the mounts. Take your time - the latches are especially fragile at the corners!
4. Separation of the cover: when all the latches are open, lift the lid on the bottom side (the easiest part) and if you feel resistance, check if there are any unclose areas.

At this point, many people make the mistake of trying to pull the lid off without breaking all the clamps, causing cracks in the plastic or a break in the battery plume, and if the lid doesn't respond, warm up the problem area with a hairdryer again.

Typical Problems and How to Avoid Them

Even with careful disassembly, you can encounter surprises, and here are the most common complications and ways to prevent them:

Pay special attention to the battery plume, which is glued to the lid and can come off if you don't remove it carefully. If that happens, don't try to glue it back with tape, so you'd better use heat-glue or replace the battery.

⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone doesn't turn on after disassembly, check if the plumes under the battery will hush up. Often the cause is contact of the metal case with the board - carefully bend the lid and inspect the insides for short circuit.

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Before final assembly, wipe the battery and board contacts with a lilac-free wipe dipped in isopropyl alcohol, which will improve the connection and extend the battery life.

What to do after the lid is removed?

When the lid is successfully removed, you will be able to access the main components of the Redmi 4A.

• 🔋 Battery: attached to duct tape, pull the black loop (if any) or gently tuck it with a plastic spatula to remove it.
• 📱 Motherboard - closed with a metal screen, which is mounted on 8 screws (unscrewed with a cross screwdriver) PH00).
• 📷 Camera and speaker, attached to separate plumes!
• 🔊 Vibromotor - located in the upper part, glued to the body.

If your goal is to replace the battery, remember: the original battery for the Redmi 4A has a capacity of 3120 mAh and is marked BM43. Don’t buy cheap counterparts – they may not meet the voltage parameters (3.85V) and quickly fail.

Replacing a display or touchscreen requires a complete disassembly, including removing the motherboard, a process that is more complex and requires experience — if you are not confident in your abilities, you should consult a specialist.

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After any disassembly, check all the functions of the smartphone: camera, speakers, sensors and charging. If something does not work, the plume or contact was most likely damaged.

Smartphone Builder: How to Avoid Mistakes

Putting the Xiaomi Redmi 4A back together is often harder than disassembling.

1. Check all the plumes: they should lie flat, without inflections, especially the battery plume and the display.
2. Turn all the screws: Redmi 4A has screws of different lengths, you can get them mixed up, you can damage the board, use the circuitry you took before you disassemble.
3. Click the lid evenly: start at the top (at the headphone jack) and gradually press around the perimeter until you hear the clicks of all the clips.
4. Check the buttons: after assembly, press the volume and power buttons - they should work smoothly, without jamming.

If the smartphone doesn't turn on after assembly, don't panic.

• The battery plume has disconnected (check if the indicators are burning when connecting the charging).
• Short circuit due to the entry of metal dust on the board (you need to blow through compressed air).
• Incorrectly connected display module (the screen will be black, but the smartphone can vibrate when turned on).

In 90 percent of cases, the problem is solved by re-disassembling and checking connections, and if the smartphone still does not respond, the motherboard may have been damaged, you will need to diagnose it at the service center.

When is the best time to contact the service?

Despite the relative simplicity of the Redmi 4A, there are situations where self-repair is impractical or even dangerous.

• 🔥 Bloated battery – the risk of fire if damaged.
• 💧 Liquid intake – ultrasonic cleaning of the board is required.
• 🔧 Damage to the charging connector - you need soldering of microelements.
• 📉 Problems with the motherboard (not turned on, overheats, switches off arbitrarily).

Average cost of battery replacement in the service for Redmi 4A — 800–1500 ₽ (If you're not sure about your skills, it's sometimes cheaper and safer to entrust repairs to professionals, especially when it comes to soldering or handling fluids.

But for simple tasks like cleaning the charging connector or changing the speaker, doing it yourself is a good idea, and the key is to follow the instructions and not rush.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Redmi 4A disassembly