How to replace the display module on Xiaomi Redmi 4X

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 4X deservedly considered one of the most reliable budget of its time, but time and careless handling spares no one. Broken glass, black spots on the matrix or stripes are typical problems faced by owners of this model after several years of operation. Self-replacement of the display module will save a significant amount that would have to pay in the service center, and prolong the life of your gadget.

The repair process does not require specialized education, but it will require you to be careful, patient and minimally tooled. Unlike modern models with glued enclosures, the design of the Redmi 4X is simple and logical enough for home repairs, the main thing is to follow a clear algorithm of actions so as not to damage the plumes or other internal components of the device.

Before you start, make sure you buy a quality display module. In the market for spare parts for this model, there are both original components and cheap copies with poor color reproduction. The best solution is to buy a module assembled (screen + touchscreen + frame), which will greatly simplify the assembly and eliminate the need for glass gluing.

๐Ÿ’ก

Always check the health of the new screen by connecting its plume to the board and launching the phone before sticking the module permanently.

Tools and workplace preparation required

To do this successfully, you'll need to have a clean, well-lit workplace, and dust and dirt are the biggest enemies in electronics assembly, because they can get under glass or short circuit, and prepare all the tools in advance so you don't get distracted by them at the most critical time.

The basic repair kit includes screwdrivers, suction cups and mediators. It is important to use tools of the appropriate size to avoid ripping off the screw hats, which are often very small in Xiaomi, and a plastic card or a special thin tool to snap the latches of the case without damaging it.

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Phillips screwdriver (cross) size PH00 or PH000 hull-rotor.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Plastic mediator or unnecessary plastic card to open the case.
  • ๐Ÿ’จ Suction cup for neat pulling of screen or back cover.
  • ๐Ÿ”ฆ A flashlight or bright lamp for illuminating internal components.

Remember to drain your smartphone battery below 25% before starting work, if possible, or completely disconnect it from charging, which will reduce the risk of fire or short circuit in the event of accidental battery damage with sharp tools.

โ˜‘๏ธ Preparation for repairs

Done: 0 / 1

Rear cover removal and battery removal

The process of dismantling Xiaomi Redmi 4X begins with the removal of the back cover. Unlike many modern smartphones, here the lid is not glued, but is held on plastic latches around the perimeter. However, over time, the plastic can become brittle, so you need to act carefully, without sharp jerks and excessive pressure.

Put a mediator or a thin plastic card in the junction between the frame and the back cover in the lower corner, next to the charging connector. Slowly drive the tool along the side face, snapping the locks. You hear the characteristic clicks - this is the normal reaction of the structure. Walk around the perimeter until the lid begins to be removed freely.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Do not use metal objects (knives, blades) to open the case, as there is a high risk of damaging the plastic or, worse, breaking the battery.

When you take the lid off, you'll see the battery pack closed with a black logo sticker, and the first thing you need to do is to disconnect the battery plume from the motherboard, and then you need to carefully bend the safety film around the connector, and use a plastic blade to disconnect the connector, and only after the power is turned off can you continue disassembling.

The battery itself in this model is glued to the body on double-sided tape. To remove it, you can slightly tweak the edge of the battery with a mediator. If it sits tight, do not pull the force - it is better to warm the body with a hairdryer (not overheating!) or drip a little alcohol under the edge of the battery to dissolve the glue. Removing the battery opens access to the screws that hold the frame.

Removal of the framework and access to the motherboard

Under the battery and around the perimeter of the inside of the case are screws that fix the middle frame. In the Redmi 4X, their number can vary, but usually there are about 10-12 pieces. Some screws can be hidden under stickers or warranty seals that you have to break.

Use a magnetic mat or a cell container to fold the screws in the order they are removed. The screws can vary in length, and if you confuse their places when you build them, you can damage the internal threads or even penetrate the body through.

Type of screwLocation.Features
Long screwsBody anglesThey go through the depth of the frame.
Short screws.Around the connectorsRequires caution when twisting
AKB screwsCentral partFixing the fee to the frame

Once you've unscrewed all the visible screws, you need to remove the speaker at the bottom of the smartphone, it can also have its own plume or contact pads, gently tuck the speaker in and pull it aside, freeing access to the bottom screws of the frame, and now the frame can be carefully separated from the main body.

The nuances of screws
In some Redmi 4X revisions, the screws can be closed with black rubber plugs. Carefully inspect the insides before you start to unscrew so you don't miss the hidden locks.

Disconnecting the old display module

When the frame with the screen installed in it is separated from the body, the most important step is to turn off the plumes. On the Xiaomi Redmi 4X motherboard, the display and touchscreen connectors are usually located next to each other and closed with a metal protective plate, which must be unscrewed to access the connectors.

The plumes are connected by ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) connectors, not by force, but by latches. Depending on the type of connector, the lock can be leaned up or pulled out of the way. Do not pull the plume unless it is easily switched off, first make sure the lock is open.

Use a plastic blade or nail to turn off, slap the connector lock and carefully remove the plume, first the display plume is turned off, then the touchscreen (or vice versa, the order is not critical, the main thing is accuracy), then the module is completely free and ready to be replaced.

  • ๐Ÿ” Examine the motherboard for oxides or damage from moisture.
  • ๐Ÿงน Wipe the connectors contacts with alcohol if they have contamination.
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Take a photo of the location of the plumes before disconnecting for memory.

If you change only a glass or a matrix without a frame, you now need to transfer all the components (motherboard, battery, cameras, charging boards) from the old broken frame to the new one, which is time-consuming and requires gluing the dynamic speaker and the vibrator motor, it is easier to buy a module assembled with a frame, where you need to transfer only the board and the battery.

๐Ÿ“Š What you broke in the first place?
Glass (touchscreen): Matrix (black spots): Body frame: Charging board

Installation of a new display module

Installation of the new display module is done in reverse disassembly. If you use the module assembled with a frame, first make sure that the new frame has all the necessary small details: speaker mesh, rubber button seals and screw mounting sleeves.

Carefully place the motherboard in the new bezel seat. Make sure the camera hits its hole and the connectors match the response parts on the body. Connect the display and touchscreen plumes to the snap of the locks. Make sure the plumes are flat and not clamped.

โš ๏ธ Attention: Before the final assembly, be sure to check the touchscreen and images, temporarily connecting the battery and turning on the phone.

Once you've done this, you can start fixing the components, attach the metal plates to the connectors, put the speaker and the vibrator in their place, and make sure that all the plumes are in their channels and don't protrude outside the housing, otherwise they'll be clamped when the lid is closed.

Twirl all the screws that lock the frame to the body. Move from center to edges, evenly tightening the mounts. Don't pull the screws over, Redmi 4X plastic can crack with excessive force. Set the battery, plug its plume and close the protective sticker.

๐Ÿ’ก

High-quality stacking of plumes is the key to the long operation of the phone after repair, the compressed plume can lead to unstable operation of the touch screen.

Assembly of the body and final inspection

The final step is to put the back cover in place, combine the lid projections with the grooves at the top of the body (usually at the camera) and snap them. Then press the perimeter evenly until you hear the clicks of all the side locks. The lid should sit tight, without gaps or backlashes.

Turn on your smartphone and do a thorough check of all the features. Test the multi-touch (for example, in the Multi-touch Test app), check the proximity sensor, the speaker and vibration. Make sure that when you press the screen, there are no rainbow spots or broken pixels.

If everything works correctly, let the phone lie off for about 15-20 minutes so that the glue (if you used a new double-sided scotch for the lid) grabs.

  • โœ… Check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (antennas may have been affected).
  • โœ… Make sure the volume and power buttons have a clear stroke.
  • โœ… Check charging through the cable USB.

Replacing the screen on Xiaomi Redmi 4X is a real challenge for home craftsmen, and the main advantage of this approach is quality control of each stage and confidence in the materials used. With careful execution of all the instructions, your smartphone will get a second life and will please you with a good job for a long time.

Problems with brightness
If the screen is too dim or too bright after the replacement, there may be a problem with the light sensor or software failure. Try calibrating the screen through the engineering menu.
Do I need to reflash my phone after changing the screen?
In most cases, flashing is not required. However, if the touchscreen is not working correctly (the wrong pressing areas), you may need to calibrate through the engineering menu or install touchscreen drivers if you changed the sensor model to a non-original one.
Why did the proximity sensor stop working after the replacement?
Often the cause is a mispatched protective film on the inside of a new screen or a shift in the speaker's sealing gum, and check to see if the plume going to the top of the board is clamped.
Can I use glue instead of scotch for the cover?
It is strongly advised not to use liquid adhesive (B-7000 and analogues) to fix the Redmi 4X back cover, as it is removable. Use thin bilateral perimeter tape to keep the possibility of reopening.
Which module is better: original or copy?
The original module (or quality AAA+ class analogue) will ensure correct color reproduction and automatic brightness. Cheap copies often have distorted colors and a less sensitive touchscreen, which is critical for everyday use.