How to replace the display on Xiaomi Redmi 7A: step-by-step instructions

Smartphones series Redmi 7A deservedly gained a reputation of "unkillable" budget devices, but even the most durable case does not always save from falling on the pavement. Broken glass or the appearance of ink spots on the matrix is not a reason to carry the phone in the service, where the cost of repair can exceed half the cost of the gadget. Self-replacement of the display on Xiaomi Redmi 7A is a very real task for a person with minimal skills with electronics and the right set of tools.

In this article, we will discuss the process of dismantling a damaged module and installing a new one, paying special attention to the intricacies of working with adhesives and plumes. It is important to understand that modern smartphones are assembled using a large amount of glue, so accuracy and patience will become your main allies. Proper preparation of the workplace and the presence of a quality donor or module will bring the device back to life in 40-60 minutes.

Before you start disassembling, you need to make sure that you have all the necessary components, because the absence of even one small part can stop the process halfway. Replacing the display with the Xiaomi Redmi 7A requires care, especially when disconnecting connectors, which are easy to damage if you carelessly handle. We will look at all the stages from warming up the case to the final touch screen check.

Tools and workplace preparation required

The quality of the repair depends on how well you are prepared for the process. To work, you will need not only a new display module, but also a specialized tool that will ensure safety for both you and the components of the smartphone. The use of improvised tools such as knives or pins is strongly discouraged, as there is a high risk of damage to internal plumes or puncture the battery.

The main tool for heating the case will be a hair dryer. You can use a building hair dryer with a minimum temperature, or a regular household hair dryer that you have to keep at the screen longer. The temperature regime must be controlled: overheating can damage the matrix of the new display or deform the plastic frame of the case, you will also need a suction cup to neatly detach the glass and mediators to separate the layers.

• 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers (cross-haired) PH000 and flat) for screw twisting.
• 🔥 Dryer or heat pad for softening the adhesive around the perimeter of the body.
• 💳 Plastic card or mediators for opening the case without damage.
• 🧴 Clay. B-7000 or E-8000 fixing.
• 🧹 Alcohol or isopropyl alcohol to clean frames of old glue.

The workplace should be well lit and free of unnecessary objects. It is recommended to use an antistatic mat, although for budget models this is not a strict necessity, but it will not be superfluous. SIM-card and memory card to avoid short circuit or data loss.

⚠️ Warning: Never start a disassembly without making sure the battery is less than 25% charged.Puncture of a bloated battery with a sharp tool can lead to a fire or explosion.

Diagnostics and selection of display module

Before buying a new part, it is important to determine exactly the type of damage and compatibility of the part. The display for the Redmi 7A comes in the form of a single module, where the glass (touchscreen) and matrix are already glued together in the factory. It does not make sense to buy separately the glass or matrix, since it requires professional equipment and gluing skills to replace them.

When choosing a part on the market, you will encounter three main types of matrix: original, quality copy (High-end OLED/IPS) and cheap counterpart (Low-resolution TFT). Original modules have perfect color reproduction and brightness margin, while cheap copies often sin with low touchscreen sensitivity and color distortion, and visually distinguish them by the thickness of the frames and pixel density.

Be sure to check the integrity of the plume when you receive the goods. Even a microscopic tear or hall can cause the screen to not turn on or work with artifacts. Also worth paying attention to the presence of adhesive frames in the kit: sometimes modules are sold without it, which will require buying glue separately.

The process of dismantling the old display

The most time-consuming step is to separate the broken display from the plastic frame of the case. The glue that the module is glued to becomes polymerized over time and becomes very durable, so you can't do without preheating. Turn on the dryer and warm the screen perimeter evenly for 2-3 minutes, constantly moving the flow of hot air so as not to overheat one point.

After warming up, carefully place the suction cup at the bottom of the screen, closer to the dynamic speaker, and pull up to create a gap. Insert a thin mediator or a safety blade wrapped in tape into the resulting gap. Move the tool along the perimeter, gradually cutting the adhesive layer, but do not immerse the tool deeper than 2-3 mm to avoid damaging the internal components.

When the module is separated from the body, don't try to remove it immediately. Under the display are the plumes that connect the screen to the motherboard. First, you need to unscrew the protective metal plates that cover the connectors. Use a cross screwdriver of the appropriate size, taking care not to break the thread in the plastic racks.

Once the protective plates are removed, disconnect the display plume and touchscreen plume (if separated in your modification) from the motherboard, do this smoothly, putting the connector on with a nail or a plastic blade, but by no means with metal tools. Now the old display can be completely removed from the case.

Transfer of components and installation of a new module

The new display module often comes without a dynamic speaker, vibrator and front camera, which must be carefully transferred from the old broken display. The dynamic speaker in the Redmi 7A is glued to the frame, so it needs to be slightly warmed up with a hairdryer and tampered with a thin tool, trying not to damage the speaker grid.

The vibromotor is also attached to glue or double-sided tape. When removing it, be careful with a plume that can be soldered or connected to the board. The camera should be removed by taking its metal body, but not the lens itself, so as not to leave greasy traces that will later appear in the photos as a blur.

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Before installing the camera, wipe the lens with a microfiber dipped in alcohol. Even a discreet speck of dust on the inner lens will create a black spot in all future images.

Install all components on the new module, making sure they fit tightly and are fixed. If the new display does not contain adhesive bezel, apply a thin layer of B-7000 adhesive around the perimeter of the plastic frame of the case. Avoid getting glue into the center of the screen or on the plumes.

Connect the plumes of the new display to the motherboard. The characteristic click when installing the connector is a good sign, but double check the density of the fit. Close the connectors with metal plates and twist the screws. Don't drag the screws, because the plastic in Xiaomi's budget models is fragile enough and can crack.

Assembly of the body and final inspection

Before you finally assemble the case and twist all the screws, you need to conduct an initial check of the system's health. Turn on your smartphone and carefully examine the screen for broken pixels, uneven backlights or "dead zones" of the touchscreen. Check the sensor with your finger over the entire surface of the screen.

• 👆 Multi-touch check: try zooming in or spinning the wheel in the browser.
• 🎨 Color check: Include white image and look for yellow or blue spots.
• 🔊 Sound check: make sure the speaker is working and doesn't wheez.
• 📶 Sensor check: Hold your phone to your ear during a call, the screen should go out.

If all tests are successful, you can proceed to the final assembly. Press the module to the body around the perimeter, providing a uniform fit for the polymerization of the glue, install the back cover (if it was removed), or simply let the glue dry for 1-2 hours, locking the screen with rubber bands or load.

⚠️ Warning: Don't turn on charging or load the phone in the first hour after gluing.Mechanical stress can displace the module and the glue will not grasp correctly, which will lead to detachment of the edges in the future.

After drying the adhesive, wipe the screen from the residues of adhesive and fingerprints. Your Xiaomi Redmi 7A is ready for use again with a new, bright screen. Self-repair has saved a significant amount and extended the life of the device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Replacing the display on the Redmi 7A saves up to 60% of the cost of repair in the service, but requires care when working with glue and plumes.