Xiaomi Redmi 5 is one of the brandβs most popular budget smartphones, released in 2017. Despite its simplicity of design, replacing or removing the battery in this model requires caution: a non-removable body, battery glue and fragile plumes can turn the procedure into a headache for beginners. This article will help you understand how to safely remove the battery from the Redmi 5 without damaging the motherboard or screen, even if you have no experience in electronics repair.
It's important to understand that Redmi 5 (codenamed rosy) belongs to the generation of non-removable battery devices where the manufacturer didn't provide easy access to the battery, which means that extracting it will require heating the glue, gently tinting the case and working with microscopic connectors. If you've never disassembled a smartphone before, we recommend that you first familiarize yourself with the theoretical part - this will save you from typical errors, such as a break in the display plume or short circuit.
In this article, you'll find not only Step-by-step, but also a list of tools you need, tips for choosing a battery replacement, and answers to frequent questions. If your goal is simply to extend the life of the battery by temporarily retrieving it for calibration or cleaning contacts, we'll tell you how to do it without completely dismantling. For those who are planning a full replacement, we will give you recommendations for choosing a quality battery and checking its originality.
Preparation: What will be needed to remove the battery
Before you start disassembling the Redmi 5, make sure you have all the tools you need on hand, and if you don't have any of them, you can damage the body or internal components.
- π§ Plastic blades (2-3 - for gently tweaking the body and disconnecting the plumes. Metal tools are not recommended, as they can scratch the board or screen.
- π₯ A hair dryer or a thermo-air station to soften the battery-locking glue. Optimal temperature is 60-80.Β°C (not higher!).
- π§² Suction cup - will help to raise the screen after heating the glue. It is better to use a small, 3-4 cm diameter.
- β‘ Multimeter β to check the voltage at the contacts of the battery (optional, but recommended when replacing the battery).
- π¦ New glue (double-sided tape or special battery glue) β if you plan to install the battery back.
- π Lunch or magnifying glass β to inspect small details and contacts.
Also, prepare the workspace: it should be well lit, without dust or moisture. It is advisable to use an antistatic mat or at least an earthed surface to avoid static discharge, which can damage the motherboard. If you do not have experience with electronics, we recommend that you take a video of the process, which will help to assemble the smartphone back without unnecessary details.
Pay special attention to the choice of battery replacement. The original batteries for the Redmi 5 have a capacity of 3300 mAh and markings. BM43 or BM44. Buy batteries only from trusted sellers β fakes often have a smaller capacity and can swell in a few months:
- π·οΈ Hologram on the package (in the original batteries, it changes color when the angle of view changes).
- π’ Serial number β it can be checked on the Xiaomi website or through the Mi Check app.
- π Weight and size β the original battery weighs about 45-50 grams and has clear edges.
Step 1: Turning off and disassembling the Redmi 5 body
The first step is to completely shut down the power and remove the back cover, and even if the battery is discharged, there may be a voltage in the capacitors, so it's important to take precautions.
- Turn off the smartphone with a long press on the power button (at least 10 seconds).
- Remove the tray for SIM-cards by means of a paper clip or special key.
- Dryer the back cover around the perimeter for 1-2 minutes, which will soften the glue that holds it.
- Carefully tuck the lid with a plastic spatula, starting at the lower corner (near the charging socket).
When you remove the lid, be careful: there are antenna wires underneath that are attached to the motherboard, and if you pull them off, the network signal and Wi-Fi will deteriorate. Also, pay attention to the on button, which is attached to a separate module and can fall out when you move sloppyly.
Is the smartphone off?|Tray extracted SIM-map?|Heated back cover with a hair dryer?|Plastic blades prepared?|Checked absence of dust in the workplace?-->
When you take the lid off, you'll see the battery covered with black film, and don't try to pull it out right away, because it's glued to the body, and the force can damage the flexible plume of the display that's going through the side.
- Disconnect the battery connector from the motherboard (it is under the protective cover).
- Heat the battery with a hairdryer on the back (through the body) to soften the glue.
- Carefully tamper with the battery with a plastic spatula, starting from the top edge.
What happens if you pull the battery?
Step 2: Unconnecting the battery connector and heating the glue
The most critical thing is to disconnect the battery from the board. The power connector is under a small metal cover that is attached to two screws. Use the Phillips #00 screwdriver (not to be confused with #0!) to unscrew them. The lid can be glued -- gently shovel it.
When you take the lid off, you'll see a black connector with an orange or red tag, and you'll unplug it.
- Take a plastic spatula and gently slap the connector on the side (don't pull up!).
- If the connector is not amenable, slightly swing it left-right.
- Make sure the contacts are not bent - this can short-circuit when reverse-assembled.
Now you can start heating the glue. Use the dryer at minimum power, keeping it at a distance of 5-7 cm from the body. Heat the battery evenly, avoiding overheating one area. Optimal heating time is 2-3 minutes. Signs that the glue has softened:
- π‘οΈ The body became warm to the touch (but not hot!).
- π When you press the battery lightly, it plays a little bit".
- π¨ The battery emits a faint smell of heated glue (but not burns!).
β οΈ Warning: Do not use a building dryer at maximum power! temperatures above 80Β°C can damage a lithium polymer battery, causing it to swell or even ignite. If you don't have a thermo-air station, heat the battery in multiple sets of 30-40 seconds.
Step 3: Remove the battery without damage
Once the glue has softened, you can start removing the battery, and the key is to take your time and not put too much effort into it, take a plastic blade or a special battery transmitter (you can order it on AliExpress) and follow the algorithm:
- Start at the top of the battery (camera side), gently shovel it with a spatula 1-2mm.
- If the battery fails, heat the area for another 30 seconds.
- Put a thin plastic strip under the battery (for example, from packaging). SIM-cards) and slowly lead it along the body, separating the glue.
- Repeat the process until the battery is completely separated. Don't try to pull it out right away, it could break.
If the battery is swelling, be very careful, because these batteries can burst when you're mechanically exposed.
- π« Do not puncture the battery - this will lead to electrolyte leakage and possible fire.
- π§€ Wear gloves and safety glasses.
- π¦ Place the extracted battery in a non-combustible container (for example, a metal jar) and dispose of it at a special reception point.
| Situation | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The battery does not separate despite heating | The glue is too old or applied with a thick layer | Repeat the heating to increase the time to 4-5 minutes. Use isopropyl alcohol to dissolve the glue. |
| When you extract it, you hear a crack. | Display plume or antenna cable damaged | Stop extracting immediately, check the integrity of the plumes, and if they break, they'll need to be replaced. |
| Battery deformed (swelling) | Chemical decomposition of lithium | Don't make an effort, carefully remove and dispose of it. Replace it with a new one. |
| After extraction, blackened areas are visible on the board | Short circuit or overheating | Check the voltage on the contacts with a multimeter. If the board is damaged, contact the service. |
If you remove a battery for calibration (for example, after a deep discharge), clean its contacts from oxidation with an eraser or alcohol. For temporary extraction (for example, to check the board), it is enough to disconnect the connector - you do not need to completely remove the battery.
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If the battery is glued too tightly, use isopropyl alcohol (90%+). Apply a few drops under the edge of the battery - alcohol will dissolve the glue in 5-10 minutes without damaging the components.
Step 4: Checking and Preparing for Back-Building
After the battery is removed, inspect it for swelling, corrosion or damage.
- π Physical condition β if the battery is swelling (even slightly), it must be replaced.
- β‘ Voltage β The normal value for the Redmi 5 is 3.7β4.2 V. If less than 3.0 V, the battery is deeply discharged and may not hold a charge.
- π Contacts β they should be clean, without oxidation or soot.
If you are installing a new battery, check it before installing:
- Make sure the capacity matches the original (3300 mAh).
- Check the voltage with a multimeter (should be 3.7-3.9 V).
- Examine the battery case - it should be smooth, without dents.
Before assembly, clean the case of the smartphone from the residue of old glue. Use a plastic scraper or napkin soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Apply the new glue in a thin layer, avoiding getting on the plumes or connectors.
- π Double-sided scotch 3M (thickness 0.2β0.3 mm).
- π§΄ Special glue for batteries (e.g, B-7000).
- π₯ Thermoclee (heated by a hair dryer after installation).
β οΈ Warning: Do not use superglue or Moment glue - they can damage plastic parts of the case and make the next disassembly impossible. Also avoid getting glue on the battery contacts or boards.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when removing the battery from Redmi 5, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- π¨ Using metal tools can cause contacts to close on the board. Always use plastic or wooden blades.
- π₯ Battery overheating - temperature above 80Β°C destroys lithium-polymer cells. Control heating with a thermocouple or an infrared thermometer.
- π₯ Dramatic battery extraction - tears plumes and antenna cables. Always separate the glue gradually, on several sides.
- π Unconnected battery connector -- can cause circuit shorting when you're manipulating the board. Always turn off the power first thing.
- π§Ή Dust and debris on the board - when assembled, can cause a circuit. Blow the board with compressed air before installing the battery.
If after removing the battery, the smartphone does not turn on, check:
- Is the battery connector connected to the board (sometimes it is not fully inserted).
- Integrity of the display plume (if damaged, the screen will remain black).
- Voltage at the battery contacts (if 0V, the battery is discharged or faulty).
- The power button - it could shift during assembly.
If you encounter a bloated battery, do not attempt to "discharge" or "flatten" it. These batteries must be immediately disposed of at special reception points, and it is dangerous to store them at home, they can ignite even without external influence.
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The main rule when working with the Redmi 5 batteries is not to rush. 80% of damage occurs due to an attempt to speed up the process by force, heating, careful tweaking and patience are the key to successful disassembly.