Self-replacement of protective glass on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: from dismantling to calibration

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, but even its durable body does not save from cracks on the screen. Replacing the protective glass (it is a touchscreen or display module) seems a difficult task, but with the right approach it can be done at home without contacting the service center. In this article, detailed instructions with nuances for the Redmi 4X, including the choice of parts, disassembly of the case and adjustment of the sensor after installation.

The main problem with changing glass on this model is the risk of damaging the plumes or matrix if you don't know the design, we'll discuss how to avoid common errors (such as overheating when removing glue or setting the frame incorrectly), and we'll give tips on how to calibrate the touchscreen if the screen becomes unsensitive to touch after replacing. At the end of this article, we'll discuss the FAQ with answers to frequent questions and a spare parts compatibility table.

1.What kind of protective glass to choose for Xiaomi Redmi 4X

There are three types of spare parts available on the market for the Redmi 4X, and their quality greatly affects the result:

  • πŸ”Ή Original modules – manufactured in the same factories as for Xiaomi, but cost more (from 2500) β‚½). 100% compatible with touchscreen and camera, but rarely seen.
  • πŸ”Ή OEM-Original Equipment Manufacturer - unoriginal but licensed. Price 1200-1800 β‚½. Quality varies: some copies have worse touchscreen sensitivity or distort matrix colors.
  • πŸ”Ή Aftermarket (unlicensed) – the cheapest (600–1000) β‚½), But they often require additional sensor adjustments, which may not be the size or have backlight defects.

For the Redmi 4X, it is critical to pay attention to the module version.

  • πŸ“± Mark by JDI (Japan Display Inc. – better color matrix.
  • πŸ“± Mark by AUO (AU Optronics – cheaper, but may have a yellowish tint.

You can find out your version in the phone settings: go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Kernel Version. If the Kernel version contains a mention of jdi – your screen from JDI, if auo – from AUO. Installing an incompatible module will lead to a flickering screen or a broken touchscreen!

⚠️ Warning: When buying a spare part, check for adhesive tape in the kit. Without it, the glass won't fit tightly, and dust and moisture will penetrate under the screen. 4X has a thickness of 0.1 mm - thicker will worsen the sensitivity of the touchscreen.

2. Replacement tools: what will be needed

You'll need a specialized set of tools to work with, and don't try to do it with the tools you need (knives or credit cards) -- it's almost guaranteed to damage the plumes or the matrix.

Tool.AppointmentWhere to buy / price
Plastic mediators (2-3 units)Separation of the body and screen without scratchesAliExpress, 100–150 β‚½ set
Construction hair dryer (power 1500-2000 W)Softening of glue (temperature 60–80 Β°C)Leroy Merlin, 1500–2500 β‚½
Suction cups (2 pcs., diameter 4-5 cm)Locking glass when removedElectronics stores, 200-300 β‚½
Screwdriver T3 and T5Rear cover and plume attachment screws300-500 set β‚½
Isopropyl alcohol (99%) + napkinsCleaning glue and fat residuesPharmacy or radio shop, 200 β‚½/100 millimeter

We further recommend:

  • πŸ”§ Antistatic bracelet – protects the board from static electricity (cost) ~300 β‚½).
  • πŸ”§ Ultraviolet lamp - if you use it UV-glue for fixing glass (optional, but accelerates the process).
  • πŸ”§ Loop or microscope – to check the contacts of plumes (useful if the screen after replacement does not work).

⚠️ Warning: Don't use metal tools to separate glass from the body! even a fine scratch on Redmi's aluminum frame 4X Plastic mediators should be rounded edges.

πŸ“Š What tools do you usually use when repairing equipment?
Plastic mediators
Metal blades
Hands-on (knife, card)
Special repair kit

3. Preparation of the phone for disassembly

Before you start, you need to turn off the device and create a safe environment.

Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-memory-card

Charge the battery by 30-50% (full discharge or 100% charge is dangerous!)

Backup the data (settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup)

Remove the cover and protective film (if any)

Prepare a clean workplace with good lighting-->

Pay special attention to the battery. In the Redmi 4X, it's glued to the body, and if you take it off carelessly, you can damage your contacts or the battery itself. If the phone hasn't turned on for several days, charge it at least 20% - a discharged battery can swell when you heat it up with a hairdryer.

We also recommend taking a picture of the plumes before disconnecting. Redmi 4X has three:

  1. The plume of the touch screen (thin, goes to the top of the board).
  2. Display plume (wide, under the battery).
  3. The front camera and sensor plume (small, to the right of the battery).

πŸ’‘

If you don’t have experience with small parts, work out on an unnecessary smartphone or watch a Redmi 4X disassembly on YouTube (for example, the β€œRepair World” channel).

4. Step-by-step instructions for removing old glass

This is the most important step. The main task is to heat the glue evenly around the perimeter of the screen so that the glass goes away without resistance.

  1. Heat the case. Turn the dryer on at medium power (temperature 60-70)Β°C) and warm up the edges of the screen evenly for 2-3 minutes. Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 cm so as not to overheat the matrix.Β°C can damage OLED-lighting!
  2. Separate the glass. While the glue is softened, apply the suction cups to the bottom of the screen (where the charging connector is located) and pull up. If the glass does not respond, warm up the problem area again. Don't force it, it can crack the matrix!
  3. Removing the glue residues. Once the glass is removed, the old glue will remain on the frame. Remove it with a plastic mediator dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Don't use acetone, it corrodes plastic parts!

Common mistakes at this stage:

  • πŸ”₯ Overheating of the matrix - leads to the appearance of broken pixels or stripes on the screen.
  • πŸ’₯ Sharp separation of glass - can tear off the plume of the touchscreen (it is glued to the glass).
  • 🧴 Using inappropriate solvents, such as gasoline or white spirit, which spoil the adhesive base of the new glass.

If the glass is cracked but the matrix is intact, you can try the thread method: paste the cracks with tape, then stick a thin capron thread under the glass and saw it with glue like a saw, which requires patience, but reduces the risk of damage to the matrix.

What if the glass doesn’t go away even after heating?
If after 5-7 minutes of heating the glass does not separate, it may have been used heavy-duty glue (for example, B-7000).In this case: 1. Apply a few drops of isopropyl alcohol around the perimeter of the glass (under it). 2. Wait 1-2 minutes for the alcohol to dissolve the glue. 3. Repeat the heater and try to separate the glass again with suction cups. Do not use sharp objects - even if the glass is cracked, the matrix under it remains vulnerable!

Installation of a new protective glass

Before installing a new glass, check:

  • πŸ” Integrity of plumes - they must be clean, without rupture and oxidation.
  • πŸ” The condition of the glue tape - if it is torn, replace it with a new one (you can buy separately).
  • πŸ” No dust – even a small mote under the glass will be visible when the screen is turned on.

Installation process:

  1. Apply a new adhesive tape to the frame of the body (if it is not self-adhesive, gently press it with a roller).
  2. Connect the plumes to the board in reverse order: first the touchscreen, then the display, then the camera.
  3. Lay the new glass starting at the top (where the front camera is located) and gradually press it from the center to the edges.
  4. Secure the body with screws. Don't pull! In the Redmi 4X, the aluminum frame thread is soft and easily breaks off.

After assembly, turn on the phone and check:

  • πŸ“± Does the touchscreen work (take the test in Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Diagnostics β†’ Sensor test).
  • πŸ“± Are there any broken pixels or bars on the screen (open the white image to the full screen).
  • πŸ“± Whether the front camera and proximity sensor work correctly (call and check for automatic screen shutdown when you raise your hand).

⚠️ Warning: If the screen starts to float after the replacement (swipe or click icons on your own), this is a sign of an incorrect calibration of the touchscreen).

6. Calibration of the touchscreen after replacement

In 30% of cases, after changing the glass to the Redmi 4X, additional sensor adjustment is required, which is due to the fact that the new module may have different sensitivity parameters.

Method 1: Engineering menu (for experienced users)

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##36446337##
  2. Select the Touch Screen Test.
  3. Press Calibration and follow the instructions on the screen (usually touch the crosses in turn).
  4. Save the settings and restart the phone.

Method 2: Reset settings (if calibration didn't help)

If the sensor is behaving unpredictably (e.g., registering "ghost" touches), reset via Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Reset. Don't confuse it with a full reset! You only need to select Sensor Reset.

Method 3: Software calibration (via ADB)

If the first two methods did not work, try calibrating the touchscreen via a computer:

  1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
  2. Connect your phone to your computer and type in the command line: adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.TouchScreenCalibration
  3. Follow the instructions on the phone screen.

If none of these methods worked, the problem could be incompatibility of the module (for example, you installed glass from Redmi 4A instead of Redmi 4X) or damage to the plume during disassembly, in which case you will need to redisassemble and check the contacts.

πŸ’‘

If the screen becomes less touch sensitive after changing the glass, try turning off the β€œEnhanced Sensitivity” feature in the settings (Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Special Features β†’ Improved Screen Sensitivity).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with a neat replacement, you can run into problems.

Problem.Reason.Decision
The screen does not turn on after assembly.Unconnected display plume or damage to contactsTake the phone apart and check the density of the plumes, and if necessary, clean the contacts with alcohol.
The touchscreen is working, but with delaysPoor-quality glue or dust under glassGlue the glass with the new adhesive tape. Use it. UV-glue.
There are colored stripes on the screenOverheating of the matrix when removing glassIf the bands do not disappear after the reboot, the matrix is damaged - a replacement of the display module is required.
Front camera's not working.Camera or sensor plume damagedCheck the integrity of the plume. If it's broken, it'll need a replacement.

If after changing the glass, the phone began to discharge faster, check:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery adhesion density – if it is not tightly lying, contacts can warm up.
  • πŸ”‹ The operation of the light sensor – if it is closed with glue, the screen will glow at maximum, consuming charge.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you replace only glass without touching the matrix?
Technically, yes, but on the Redmi 4X, the glass and the matrix are glued together. It's almost impossible to separate them at home without damaging the display. So you usually change the entire module (glass + matrix + touchscreen), except if the glass is cracked, but the matrix is intact and the touchscreen works. In this case, you can only carefully remove the glass and put a new one on, but this requires professional skills.
How much does it cost to replace glass in a service center?
Prices vary by region and type of spare part: Original module: 3000-4500 β‚½ (work). OEM-Copy: 1800–2500 β‚½. Aftermarket: 1200–1800 β‚½. Self-replacement will cost 2-3 times cheaper, but the risk of damage to the phone is higher.
What if the screen turns yellow after the replacement?
The yellowness of the screen after the glass is usually related to: Incompatible matrix β€” you installed the module from AUO instead of JDI (or vice versa). The solution is to replace the correct module; Bad contact of the plume β€” check if the plume is tightly connected to the motherboard; New glass defect β€” some cheap modules have a yellowish coating. In this case, only a replacement will help. Try also to turn off the night mode in the settings (Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Night Mode).
How do I check if I am buying an original module?
Indications of the original module for Redmi 4X: On the package is a hologram with the Xiaomi logo. The plumes are labeled JDI or AUO (depending on the version). The package comes with a glue tape with the manufacturer's logo. On the glass itself there is a laser engraving with a serial number. If the seller refuses to show the module before buying or the package is damaged, this is a reason to doubt the originality.
Can I use glass from other Xiaomi models?
No, the glass from other models will not work, even if it looks identical. For example, the Redmi 4A and Redmi 4X have different plume connectors and camera/sensor hole sizes. Installing incompatible glass will result in: A broken touchscreen. Poor sensitivity (or lack of it) Incorrect front camera performance. Except for the Redmi Note 4X modules (Chinese version), but they require rework (strimming of glue tape).