How to remove the back cover of Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 without damage: instructions with photos and videos

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is one of the most popular smartphones of 2017, but even after years, its owners are faced with the need to replace the battery, speaker or camera. The main problem: the back cover of the model is glued to the body, and remove it without preparation is a sure way to break latches or damage the plumes.

In this article, you will find a step-by-step photo instruction, a list of tools you need, and a list of common mistakes that cause your phone to break down. We will learn how to open a Redmi Note 4 with minimal risk, even if you don’t have experience repairing gadgets, and at the end, answers to frequent questions and tips on choosing a replacement for a lid or battery.

Preparation: What to Know Before Disassembly

Before you start screwdriver, consider: Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido) has a non-removable back panel that is attached to double-sided tape and plastic latches.

  • πŸ”§ Without special tools, the lid cannot be removed - when you try to prick a knife or credit card, you risk scratching the body or breaking the mounts.
  • πŸ”‹ The battery is glued to the lid, and it will have to be disconnected first, so as not to damage the plume.
  • πŸ“± Xiaomi warranty is canceled upon self-opening (if it is still valid).

If your goal is to replace your battery, check the status of the battery through the engineering menu: enter the phone code ##4636##, then select Battery Information. If the capacity has fallen below 70% of its nominal value (3080 mAh for Redmi Note 4), it is time to think about replacing.

⚠️ Warning: Do not disassemble the phone at a charge level below 30%. Too-discharged battery can deform when disconnected, and fully charged - pose a danger if the contacts accidentally close.

Tools needed: what to buy and where

To disassemble the Redmi Note 4, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be ordered on AliExpress or bought from the electronics store:

Tool.AppointmentWhere to buyCost, β‚½
Plastic spatula (suction cup + mediator)Separation of the cover from the body without scratchesAliExpress, Fix Price.50–150
Cross screwdriver PH00Turning the screws of the motherboard fasteningAny tool store80–200
Tweezers with curved endsDisconnection of plumes and batteryAliExpress, Chip and Deep.100–300
Thermoclei or double-sided 3M ScotchReverse lid installationRadio parts stores200–500
Fen (optional)Softening of glue for easy separation of the coverHome or constructionβ€”

Critically important: Don't use metal blades or knives - they leave scratches on an aluminum frame and can damage plumes under the lid.Plastic mediators are sold in phone repair kits (look for "smartphone disassembly kit").

πŸ“Š You have already tried to disassemble the smartphone yourself?
Yes, successfully.
Yeah, but it broke.
No, I'm afraid.
I'm planning on trying.

Step-by-step: how to remove the cover without damage

Follow this algorithm to minimize the risks:

  1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-Wait until the case cools down (if the phone was in use).
  2. Heat the edges of the cover with a hair dryer (50–60Β°C) for 1-2 minutes. This will soften the glue. Don't overheat - the plastic can deform!
  3. Place the lid with a plastic blade starting at the lower left corner (near the charging socket). Insert the mediator to a depth of no more than 2 mm.
  4. Carefully drive the blade along the edge, separating the latches. If the lid does not lend itself, warm up the area again with a hairdryer.
  5. Remove the lid when all the latches are snapped. Don't pull it out, because there are plumes of the fingerprint scanner and antenna under the lid.

After removing the cover, you will see:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery (stick to the lid).
  • πŸ“Ά antenna plumes and fingerprint scanner (attached to the cover).
  • πŸ› οΈ The screws of the motherboard fastening (they need to be twisted out for a complete parsing).

Is the phone off the grid?|Is it cut? SIM-map?|Is there a tweezer on hand for plumes?|Are you prepared for possible damage to the lid?-->

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after the lid is removed, check the integrity of the battery plume. It's a common mistake to hit it with a spatula when the lid is separated.

What to do after removing the cover: further actions

When the lid is removed, you will have access to:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery - it can be replaced with a new (original articular: MB-BL3080MA).
  • πŸ“· Main camera (13 MP, Sony module) IMX258 Samsung S5K3L8).
  • πŸ”Š Dynamics (frequent problem - wheezing or lack of sound).
  • πŸ“‘ Wi-Fi antennas and LTE (if there is a problem with the signal).

If your goal is to replace your battery, follow this order:

  1. Disconnect the battery plume with tweezers (gently slap the connector up).
  2. Heat the battery with a hair dryer (it is glued to the lid) and tuck it with a plastic spatula.
  3. Install a new battery, plug in the plume and check the phone before assembly (turn it on without a lid).

πŸ’‘

If the new battery is not holding charge, check the power controller on the motherboard. Often the problem is not the battery, but the BQ24193 chip (resortment required).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi Note 4.

Mistake.Effects of consequencesHow to avoid
Use of metal toolsScratches on the frame, damage to plumesUse only plastic blades
Sharp compartment of the lidFracture of the fingerprint scanner plumeSeparate the cover slowly, starting at the corner
Dryer overheatingDeformation of plastic, detachment of glueKeep the hair dryer at a distance of 10 cm, the temperature is not higher than 60 Β° C
Forgot to turn off the battery before workShort circuit when touched with a screwdriverAlways disconnect the battery first.

If you break the latches of the lid, do not despair: it can be glued back to the double-sided 3M 9448A tape (0.25 mm thick), the main thing is to clean the surfaces of the old glue with alcohol or acetone.

What if the phone doesn’t turn on after assembly?
If after the assembly of the Redmi Note 4 does not respond to the power button: 1. Check the connection of the battery plume. 2. Make sure that all connectors (display, cameras, buttons) are tightly connected. 3. Try charging the phone for 10-15 minutes - sometimes a discharged battery does not allow you to turn on immediately. 4. If nothing helps, the problem may be in the short circuit on the motherboard (multimeter diagnostics are required).

How to glue the lid back: assembly tips

Building a phone is as responsible as disassembling it.

  • 🧹 Clean the surfaces of dust and old glue with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
  • πŸ“ Check the location of the plumes – they should not bend or clamped with the lid.
  • πŸ”₯ Use a new glue: apply a thin layer of heat-glue or bilateral tape around the perimeter of the lid.
  • πŸ”§ Twisting the screws cross-cross to avoid skewing the motherboard.

After assembly, check:

  • Does the fingerprint scanner work (if the plume has been disconnected).
  • Is there a lid on the back (if any, add glue).
  • Does the phone charge (sometimes the battery plume is connected loosely).

⚠️ Warning: If you've got dead zones on the screen after you've assembled it, you've probably squeezed the plume of the display, and then you'll have to take the phone apart and check the plume's attachment.

πŸ’‘

The rule of assembly is to take your time, and it's better to spend an extra 10 minutes checking each connector than looking for the cause of a speaker or camera that's not working.

Where to buy spare parts for Redmi Note 4: verified sellers

If you need original or quality parts, look for these options:

Parts.Article (original)Where to buyPrice, β‚½
BatteryMB-BL3080MAAliExpress (Xiaomi Original Store), "Svyaznoy"800–1500
Back cover.MZB6367IN (black)AliExpress, MVideo.500–1200
Main camera (13 MP)XM-13MP-MIDOAliExpress (seller "HONGKONG GOLDWAY"), "citrus"1200–2000
DynamicianDS-1608-MIDOAliExpress, Eldorado.300–600

When buying a battery, pay attention to the capacity: the original is 4100 mAh (marking 3080 mAh is indicated nominal, the real one is above). Cheap analogues often have a capacity of 2500-3,000 mAh and quickly fail.

Tip: Before buying a lid, check its color code. For Redmi Note 4, options are available:

  • MZB6367IN is black.
  • MZB6368IN is gold.
  • MZB6369IN is a gray (India version).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I take off the lid without a hair dryer?
Yes, but it's harder. Without heating, the glue stays stiff, and the risk of breaking the latches increases. The alternative is to use isopropyl alcohol: apply it around the perimeter of the lid and wait 5 minutes for the glue to dissolve. However, the alcohol can damage the rubber seals, so the hair dryer is safer.
What if the fingerprint scanner does not work after the disassembly?
You probably damaged the plume or didn't reconnect it. Check: the integrity of the plume (whether there are breaks or cracks); the density of the connector to the motherboard; the purity of the contacts (wipe with alcohol); if the plume is torn, it can be replaced (article: FPC-MIDO-001).
Which glue is best used for reverse assembly?
Optimal options: Thermoclea (e.g. B7000) - securely fixes, but requires heating in future disassembly. Double-sided 3M 9448A tape is easy to remove, but can unstick over time. Liquid adhesive LOCTITE 406 - durable, but difficult to remove. For the battery, it is better to use the original Xiaomi adhesive (Article: ADH-MIDO-01).
How long does it take to replace the battery?
With tools and experience, 20 to 30 minutes, beginners can take 1 to 1.5 hours, especially if the glue is not amenable, and take your time, because accuracy is the key, not speed.
Can I disassemble the Redmi Note 4 without losing its tightness?
No. Redmi Note 4 doesn't have official moisture protection (IP-The lid is tightly attached to the body, the leakage breaks after disassembly, and the phone becomes more vulnerable to dust and moisture. If you want protection, then apply a thin layer of silicone sealant around the perimeter of the lid.