Xiaomi Redmi 7A remains one of the most popular budget smartphones even years after release, thanks to reliable “filling” and maintainability. However, a cracked or broken display can knock the device out. The service center will charge from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles to replace the screen, but with the tools and patience you can cope on your own. In this article, step-by-step instructions with a photo, the choice of the original or analog module, and critical nuances that miss 90% of the manuals on the network (for example, why the new screen may not work even with the right connection).
The process of replacing the display on the Redmi 7A is more complicated than on flagships with a modular design, but easier than on monolithic smartphones like the iPhone. There is no glue layer throughout the area - the screen is mounted on latches and double-sided tape, which makes it easier to dismantle. However, the risk of damage to the plumes or motherboard remains high if safety is not followed, we will analyze each step from fault diagnosis to final sensor check, and will provide recommendations for the selection of spare parts (including the compatibility table of modules from different manufacturers).
1. Diagnostics: Is the display exactly the problem?
Before ordering a new screen, make sure the breakdown is not related to other components.Symptoms of a display malfunction on the Redmi 7A:
- 🔹 Cracks or broken pixels – mechanical damage to the matrix.
- 🔹 Black screen with working backlight (in bright light you can see the image) - a problem with the matrix or plume.
- 🔹 Flickering, stripes, artifacts – damage to a flexible plume or contacts.
- 🔹 The touchscreen does not work, but the image is there - the sensor layer is defective.
If the smartphone doesn't turn on at all (no vibrations, no sounds, no charging indication), the problem may be the battery, the power connector or the motherboard.
- Connect the charger – if a battery indication appears, the display is partially operational.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB – if the computer detects the device (connection sound), the problem is in the screen or plume.
- Call the phone from another device – if you hear the call sound, but the screen does not respond, you need a replacement.
⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone fell into water or was subjected to severe vibration (for example, in a pocket while running), oxidation of contacts is possible. In this case, before replacing the display, you need to clean the board with alcohol and check the integrity of the tracks.
2. Display selection: original vs analogues
The Redmi 7A has two types of displays:
- 📱 Original (OEM) — They are manufactured by Xiaomi or official partners (for example, Tianma), guarantee 100% compatibility, but are more expensive (from 2,500 rubles).
- 📱 Aftermarket – Copies from third-party vendors (e.g, JDI, BOE). Cheaper (from 1,200 rubles), but may differ in color reproduction or touchscreen sensitivity.
Key parameters in the selection:
| Characteristics | Original | Quality analogue | Budgetary analogue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permission | 720×1440 (HD+) | 720×1440 (HD+) | 720×1440 (Artifacts possible) |
| Type of matrix | IPS (Tianma NLT) | IPS (JDI/BOE) | IPS (Unknown Manufacturer) |
| Brightness (thread) | 400–450 | 350–400 | 250–300 |
| Compatibility with firmware | 100% | 95% (calibration may be required) | 70% (risk of non-working touchscreen) |
Where to buy:
- 🛒 Official service centers – original parts, but high price.
- 🛒 AliExpress is cheap, but it's a long wait (2-4 weeks) and look for sellers with a rating above 98% and reviews in the photo.
- 🛒 Local stores (e.g. Citilink, MVideo) – fast delivery, but limited range.
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Before buying, make sure that the display is complete with a double-sided tape for mounting and a T3 screwdriver (it is often forgotten to put).
3. Tools and training required
To replace the display on the Redmi 7A will need:
Screwdriver cross T3 (for screws of the back cover)
Plastic mediator or guitar mediator (to separate latches)
Screen suction cup (diameter 5-7 cm)
Tweezers with curved ends (for working with plumes)
Dryer or thermo-air station (for softening the glue)
Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) and cotton swabs (for cleaning contacts)
Double-sided Scotch (if not included with the display)
Antistatic bracelet (optional but recommended)
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Preparation of the workplace:
- Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-memory-card.
- Discharge the battery to 20-30% – this will reduce the risk of fire in case of accidental circuit.
- Cover the table with a soft cloth (such as a microfiber) to avoid scratching the body.
- Take a picture of each stage of the disassembly – this will help to collect the phone back without errors.
⚠️ Warning: Do not work on a carpet or sofa - static electricity can damage the motherboard.If there is no antistatic bracelet, regularly touch a metal object (such as a heating battery) to remove the charge.
4. Step-by-step instructions for replacing the display
The Redmi 7A takes 30-60 minutes to disassemble, and follow the instructions in strict order.
Step 1: Removing the back cover
1. Heat the hair dryer back cover around the perimeter (temperature 60-80 ° C) for 2-3 minutes - this will soften the glue.
2. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the lid and the housing (start at the lower corner where the charging connector is).
3. Carefully drive the mediator around the perimeter, snapping the clamps. Don't force it -- if the lid doesn't respond, warm it up again.
Step 2: Shutting off the battery
1 Unscrew 8 T3 screws fixing the metal plate over the battery.
2. disconnect the battery plume with a plastic mediator (do not use metal tools!).
⚠️ Attention: If you accidentally close the contacts of the battery, the power controller may burn. Always check that the screwdriver does not touch both plus and minus at the same time.
Step 3: Dismantling the Old Display
1. heat the hair dryer on the front of the smartphone (from the screen side) - this will soften the glue around the perimeter.
2. Stick the suction cup to the bottom of the display and pull up. Insert a mediator into the resulting slit.
3. Carefully drive the mediator along the side faces, separating the screen from the body. Be careful - at the top there is a plume of the display!
4. disconnect the plumes of the display and touch screen (they are fastened with latches - put them with a screwdriver).
What to do if the plume is broken?
Step 4: Install a new display
1. Remove the protective film from the new screen and make sure that the plumes are free of contamination.
2. Connect the plumes to the motherboard (touchscreen first, then display) Make sure the latches are fixed.
3. Check the health by plugging in the battery and turning on the phone (don’t glue the screen right away!).
4 If everything works, apply double-sided tape around the perimeter of the case and gently press the display.
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Always test a new screen before final assembly – if it doesn’t work, it’ll be easier to change the plume or module without disassembling the phone again.
Possible problems and solutions
Even with the right replacement, there can be problems.
- 🔴 Screen not turning on - check the connection of the plumes (they must be tightly fixed by the latches). If it does not help, clean the contacts with alcohol.
- 🔴 The touchscreen is not responding, maybe the sensor plume is damaged or the connector is not connected correctly.
- 🔴 Colors are distorted or the backlight flickering - a problem in the non-original display. Try updating the firmware or calibrating the screen in the settings (Settings) → Display. → Colors).
- 🔴 If the pixels are broken, a matrix defect, return the display to the seller as warranty.
If the phone overheats or discharges quickly after replacement, check:
- Are the battery contacts closed?
- Is the thermopaste on the processor damaged (when disassembling it can be accidentally moved).
- Does not work background software (sometimes after disassembly, the energy saving settings are lost).
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If the new screen is working, but the image floats when pressed, it's likely that the two-way tape is poorly glued, so take the phone apart and glue the display evenly, pressing it all over the area.
Calibration of the new display
After the screen is replaced, you may need to calibrate the touchscreen, especially if you have an analog module installed.
- Install the Touchscreen Calibration app from Google Play.
- Follow the instructions on the screen – usually click on the dots that appear.
- If calibration doesn’t help, reset your phone to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset).
To check the sensitivity, use the test:
- Open Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 5 times on the Core – the sensor testing mode will turn on.
- Swipe your finger across the screen – all touches should be displayed with white dots without delay.
7. Tips for extending the life of a new display
To make the new screen last longer:
- 🛡️ Use a protective glass (preferably) 9H) and bumper case with reinforced corners.
- 🔋 Don’t discharge your phone to 0% – this increases the load on the display controller when charging.
- ☀️ Avoid direct sunlight – overheating accelerates the degradation of the matrix.
- 💧 Do not use your phone in wet conditions (such as in the bathroom) – getting steam under glass leads to oxidation of plumes.
If you drop your phone frequently, consider a high impact display (like a Gorilla Glass model, but for the Redmi 7A, it’s a non-original solution and will require a body redesign).