Introduction: when to replace the screen and whether to do it yourself
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 screen is one of the most vulnerable spots on the smartphone. Cracks, broken pixels, a broken touchscreen or a flickering backlight are most common after falls, but sometimes result from factory defects or wear. If your display has stopped responding to touch, shows artifacts or does not turn on at all, it's time to think about replacing.
The cost of service in the service center ranges from 3,000 to 6,000 rubles (depending on the region and type of module), while the original display module for Redmi 9 can be bought for 2,500-4,000 rubles. The difference does not always justify the risks, but if you have experience with small electronics, patience and suitable tools - self-repair is quite real. The main thing is to understand that replacing the display with Redmi 9 requires accuracy: one wrong movement can damage the plumes, battery or even the motherboard.
In this article, we'll take you through the whole process from A to Z, from the selection of parts to the final testing, what tools you'll need, how to avoid common errors, what to do if the screen doesn't work after you've been replaced, and if you're in doubt, at the end, there's a checklist to check if you're ready to repair.
Which display to choose for Xiaomi Redmi 9: original vs copy
The first and most important step is to buy a new display module, which is 90% of the success of the repair. M2003J15SC) Three types of screens are suitable:
- ๐น Original (OEM) โ It is made from other smartphones of the same model, guarantees 100% compatibility, but costs more (from 3,500 rubles), often sold with a frame and already glued glass.
- ๐น Aftermarket (high-copy) - Chinese copies of high quality, priced at 2,000-3,000 rubles, but there may be problems with color reproduction or touch screen sensitivity.
- ๐น Low-copy โ cheap analogues (1,000-1,800 rubles), the risk of getting flicker, broken pixels or a broken light sensor is extremely high.
How to distinguish the original from the fake when buying?
- ๐ฆ Packaging: Original modules often come in Xiaomi hologram boxes.
- ๐ Marking: The original must have an inscription on the plume MI LCD Tianma (Display Manufacturer for Redmi 9).
- ๐ ๏ธ Set: the set must be a protective film, frame and bilateral tape.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If you buy a module with already glued glass, make sure that the oleophobic coating (smooth layer that repels prints) is applied evenly. Low-quality copies often don't have it at all.
Where to buy? There are reliable options.
- ๐ AliExpress (sellers with a rating above 98% and reviews of compatibility with Redmi 9).
- ๐ฌ Local service centers โ sometimes sell used originals after replacement.
- ๐ Specialty stores (e.g. MobiParts or GSMMaster).
Tools for replacing the display: what you need
Without the right tools, it's almost impossible to disassemble the Redmi 9 without damaging the body or plumes. Here's the full list of what you'll need:
| Tool. | Appointment | Where to buy / price |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic mediator (0.2โ0.4 mm) | Separation of the body and screen without scratches | AliExpress / 50-100 rubles. |
| Torx T3 screwdriver | Rear-cover attachment screws | Any tool store / 100-150 rubles. |
| Suction cup (โ 5-7 cm) | Lifting the screen after heating | Set for repair of smartphones / 150-200 rubles. |
| Fryer-dryer | Softening of glue (temperature 60โ80 ยฐC) | Household shops / from 1000 rubles. |
| Tweezers with curved ends | Disconnection of plumes and small parts | AliExpress / 100-200 rubles. |
Additional useful:
- ๐งด Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) โ Cleaning contacts and removing glue residues.
- ๐งฒ Magnetic mat - so as not to lose the screws (there are 12 of them in Redmi 9 pieces!).
- ๐ External battery (power bank) โ to test the screen before final assembly.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not use metal mediators or knives - they will scratch the body and can damage the plumes. Also avoid overheating the screen with a hairdryer: if the temperature exceeds 90ยฐC, the glue will become too liquid and flow inside the smartphone.
If you do not want to spend money on tools, you can rent them in some service centers (cost) ~300-500 rubles a day).
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Before starting work, take a picture of the location of all screws and plumes - this will help to avoid errors during the reverse assembly.
Step-by-step: how to disassemble Xiaomi Redmi 9 and replace the display
Now, to the most critical stage, follow the instructions in strict order and do not miss the steps, the average replacement time is 1.5-2 hours.
Step 1: Turn off and prepare the smartphone
Before the disassembly:
- ๐ Turn off your smartphone and wait for a full shutdown (at least 30 seconds).
- ๐ If the battery is removable, remove it. Redmi 9 has a sticker on it, so we skip this point.
- ๐ฅ Heat the edges of the screen with a hair dryer for 2-3 minutes, keeping it at a distance of 5-7 cm.
Step 2: Removal of the back cover
With a Torx screwdriver. T3 Unscrew all 12 screws around the perimeter of the back cover. Rotors of different lengths โ remember where they were (4 short corners, 8 long sides) Then gently apply the lid with a plastic mediator, starting at the bottom edge (where the charging connector is).
What to do if the lid does not lend itself?
Step 3: Disconnecting the plumes and batteries
After removing the cover, you will see:
- Battery with black insulating film.
- Camera module and fingerprint scanner.
- Display plume (right, under the metal plate).
First, unplug the battery connector (it's under the black film) and then tweez the locker and gently pull the plume up. Don't pull the wires! Then unscrew the 4 screws that attach the metal plate to the display plume and unplug it.
Step 4: Remove the Old Display
Now we need to separate the screen from the body.
- Place the suction cup on the bottom of the screen (above the Home button).
- Carefully pull up - a gap of 1-2 mm should appear.
- Insert a plastic mediator into the gap and slowly lead them around the perimeter, separating the glue.
If the screen cracks, use scotch instead of suction cup: paste it on the display and pull.
Step 5: Installation of a new display
Before installing the new module:
- ๐งน Clean the case of glue residues with isopropyl alcohol.
- ๐ Check the integrity of the plume on the new screen.
- ๐ Combine the connectors and gently press the display to the body.
Do not glue the screen immediately! First plug in the plume and battery, then check the health (see next section).
โ๏ธ Checklist before final assembly
Post-Replacement Testing: What to Check First
Take your time to reassemble the smartphone! First, make sure the new display is working correctly. Connect the Redmi 9 to the power bank (don't put the battery in!) and check:
- ๐ฑ Touchscreen: You can swipe around the screen to check for sensitivity, and you can focus on the edges, because there are often dead zones".
- ๐จ Color rendering: Open the gallery and look at the photos. If the colors are too cold or warm, it's a sign of a low-quality copy.
- ๐ฆ Backlight: turn on the flashlight and illuminate the screen at an angle. The original module should not have spots or uneven glow.
- ๐ Turn: Tilt your smartphone โ the image should be rotated without delay.
- ๐ Approximation Sensor: During a call, the screen should go out when you hold the phone to your ear.
If one of the items does not work:
- Check the density of the plume fit (sometimes it is not fully inserted into the connector).
- Clean the contacts with alcohol and connect again.
- If the problem persists, the display module may be defective.
โ ๏ธ Note: If the screen flickers or pushes buttons spontaneously after replacement, it may indicate that the module is incompatible with the motherboard. 90% of the time, only replacing the original helps.
If everything is working properly, you can start the final assembly.Put a new two-way tape on the screen frame (or use liquid glue). B-7000), gently press the display and twist the screws in reverse order.
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Never turn on a smartphone with a faulty proximity sensor โ this can lead to accidental taps during calls and even locking SIM-map.
Typical Display Replacement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to additional costs, and here are the most common problems and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Overheating of the screen with a phenome | Damage to the plume or detachment of the polar layer (rainbow effect) | Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 cm, the temperature is not higher than 80 ยฐ C. |
| Use of metal tools | Scratches on the body, damage to plumes | Only plastic mediators and silicone-tipped tweezers |
| Incorrect screw installation | Short circuit on the motherboard | Take a picture of the location of the screws before disassembling |
| Sticking the screen without testing | You have to rip the module off again, risking damage to it. | Always check your workability before the final assembly. |
Another common problem is that the fingerprint scanner is broken after the screen is changed, and that's because the sensor in Redmi 9 is built into the display module, and it may not calibrate when it's replaced with the original.
- Reflash the smartphone via Fastboot (instructions for 4PDA).
- Calibrate the sensor in the engineering menu (code ##6484##).
- If nothing helps, return the old screen and contact the service.
Users also often complain of self-pressing after replacement, due to poor touch screen or poor fit of the plume.
- ๐ง Reconnect the plume.
- ๐ฑ Update the firmware to the latest version.
- ๐ Reset the settings to factory (Settings) โ Additionally. โ Recovery and discharge).
How much does it cost to replace the display in the service and when it is worth contacting professionals
If after reading the instructions you realized that self-repair is not your option, it is better to trust the specialists.
| Type of service | Cost (with spare parts) | Duration of repairs | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Xiaomi service | 5,000-7000 rubles. | 3-5 days | 6 months |
| Local workshops | 3,500-5000 rubles. | 1-2 days | 1-3 months |
| Mobile masters (departure) | 4000-6000 rubles. | 2-4 hours | 14-30 days |
When you must contact the service:
- ๐ง If after self-replacement, the smartphone does not turn on or overheats.
- ๐ If not only the matrix, but also the motherboard is damaged (for example, after falling into the water).
- ๐ฑ If you need to save data, and the screen is completely non-working (masters can connect via the device). EDL-regime).
Should you overpay for official service? Only if you have a warranty (although it burns automatically when you repair it yourself), otherwise a well-tested workshop with good reviews is enough.
Tip: Before you hand over your phone for repair, ask the wizard to show you the new display module in the package, which will protect you from being swapped for a low-quality copy.