The control panel on Xiaomi devices is not only touch buttons or physical keys, but also a complex module responsible for interacting with the system. Over time, it can fail due to mechanical damage, moisture or wear of contacts. If your smartphone has stopped responding to presses, the buttons will stop or work again - most likely, you need to replace.
In this article, we will learn how to change the control panel on Xiaomi devices (including Redmi models, POCO You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to avoid common errors, and what to do if the device doesn't turn on after you've replaced it, and where to buy the original part and how to test it before you install it.
⚠️ Important: Replacing the control panel is an interference with the hardware of the device. If you are not sure of your skills, you should contact the service center. Wrong actions can lead to a complete loss of functionality of the gadget or cancellation of the warranty (if it is still valid).
Which Xiaomi models most often require a control panel replacement?
Problems with the control panel (or flex button cable) most often occur in the following models:
- 📱 Xiaomi Redmi Note 4/4X — The classic problem with detaching the contacts of the button Home.
- 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 5/5 Plus – wear of touch buttons after 2-3 service.
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 — failure of the flexible plume due to frequent falls.
- 📱 POCO F1 — Problems with the power button after getting moisture.
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 8/9 — faulty touch panel due to factory defect (in early batches).
In newer models (such as the Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13), physical buttons are replaced with touch zones on the screen, so problems with the control panel are less common. 10A) Traditional solutions are used.
If your model is not on the list, it does not mean that it is insured against breakdowns. Any mechanical impact (hitting, falling, getting dust) can lead to malfunction.
Signs of a malfunction of the control panel
Before you start replacing, make sure that the problem is in the control panel, not a software failure or damage to the screen.
- 🔘 Buttons Volume, Food or Home do not respond to presses.
- 🔄 The buttons work once or they work on their own.
- 💧 After moisture hits, the device does not turn on, but charging is underway (the indicator burns).
- 🔧 When disassembling, it is seen that the flex cable has moved away or broken.
- 📱 The screen responds to touch, but physical buttons don’t.
If the buttons stopped working after the firmware update, try resetting the settings via Recovery Mode first:
- Turn off the device.
- Press Volume Up + Power for 10 seconds.
- In the recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset.
If that doesn’t work, the problem is with the hardware.
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Before disassembling, check the buttons in the engineering menu. To do this, type ##4636## in the phone keyboard and select Testing, where you can test all hardware components, including buttons.
Preparation for replacement: tools and spare parts
To replace the control panel on Xiaomi, you will need:
| Tool/part | Appointment | Where to buy | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic shoulder blades (mediator) | For a careful opening of the body | AliExpress, Radio Goods Stores | 50–200 ₽ |
| Phillips screwdriver #00 | For screw unscrewing | Any tool store | 100–300 ₽ |
| Fryer-dryer | To soften the glue (if the screen is glued) | AliExpress, OZON | 500–3000 ₽ |
| Screen suction cups | For safe removal of the display | Spare parts shops for phones | 100–500 ₽ |
| New control panel (flex cable) | Part for replacement | AliExpress, Mi Store, service centers | 300–1500 ₽ |
⚠️ Warning: Buy parts only from trusted vendors. Counterfeit products often have poor-quality contacts that quickly fail. Original parts are usually labeled with the Xiaomi logo and have protective film.
Also prepare the workplace:
- 🧹 Clean, well-lit surface (it is better to use an antistatic mat).
- 📦 Containers for screws (so as not to lose small parts).
- 🧴 Alcohol or contact cleaner (such as Contact Cleaner).
- 🔋 Charger (to make sure the phone turns on after assembly).
I turned off my phone and pulled it out. SIM-map|Prepared all the tools.|I took pictures of the location of the screws and plumes|Check the new panel for performance (if possible)|I work with gloves or grounding.-->
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the control panel
The replacement process may vary slightly depending on the model, but the overall scheme is the same, as seen in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (one of the most common models with this problem).
Step 1: Removing the back cover
1. Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
2. heat the tail dryer edge of the back cover (temperature) ~60°C) for 1-2 minutes to soften the glue.
3. Gently tuck the lid with a plastic blade, starting at the bottom edge (where the charging connector is).
4. disconnect the battery plume (usually it is glued to the motherboard).
Step 2: Removing the motherboard
1. Unscrew all screws that fix the board (there may be 10-15 pieces).
2. gently disconnect all the plumes: cameras, display, buttons, etc. Remember their location or take a picture.
3. Remove the fee and put it aside (preferably on an antistatic surface).
Step 3: Replace the flex cable buttons
1. Find the old control panel - it's a thin plume going from the buttons to the motherboard.
2. gently disconnect it from the connector (usually it is fixed by a latch).
3. Install a new flex cable, making sure the contacts match.
4. Lock it with a latch.
Step 4: Assembly of the device
1. Connect all the plumes back to the motherboard.
2. Set the charge in place and twist the screws.
3. Connect the battery and check the operation of the buttons before final assembly.
4. If everything works, seal the back cover (you can use a new glue). B-7000).
⚠️ Note: If the phone does not turn on after assembly, check:
- 🔌 Correct connection of the battery plume.
- 🔧 Reliability of fastening of all screws (uncrowned can close contacts).
- 📱 Integrity of a new flex cable (sometimes marriage happens in new parts).
What if the buttons don’t work after being replaced?
Where to buy the original control panel for Xiaomi?
The quality of the spare part directly affects the durability of the repair.
- 🛒 Xiaomi’s official service centers are a guarantee of the original part, but the price is higher than the market.
- 🌍 AliExpress is cheaper, but it's a risk of getting faked.
Average prices for the control panel (flex-cable buttons) for popular models:
- Redmi Note 4/4X — 400–800 ₽;
- Redmi 5/5 Plus — 500–1200 ₽;
- Mi A1/A2 — 600–1500 ₽;
- POCO F1 — 700–1400 ₽.
Important: When buying, check the revision of your model (for example, Redmi Note 4). MTK Redmi Note 4 Snapdragon, as the flex cables can differ even within the same line.
Frequent Replacement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to additional breakdowns.
- Damage to the display plume - with careless screen removal, you can break the flexible cable, which will require replacing the entire module (and this is 3-5 times more expensive).
- Loss of screws – Xiaomi often uses screws of different sizes, if you confuse them with places, you can damage the board.
- Ignoring antistatics - static electricity can disable the chips. Always wear gloves or an antistatic bracelet.
- Incorrect installation of latches – if the flex cable is not fixed before clicking, the contacts will leave when vibrating.
- Use of inappropriate glue – some adhesives (such as superglue) can damage plastic or penetrate the device.
To minimize the risks:
- 📸 Take photos of each stage of dismantling – this will help not to confuse the details during the assembly.
- 🔍 Use a magnifying glass – many contacts and screws are very small.
- 🧪 Test after each step – for example, after the battery is connected, check if the phone is switched on.
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If you've never taken a smartphone apart, practice on a non-working device or watch a video disassembly of your model. For example, on YouTube there are detailed Xiaomi repair guides marked with a note "[Disassembly]".
Alternative solutions: what to do if the replacement does not help?
If the control panel has been replaced, it may not be the problem.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The buttons don’t work, but the screen responds to touch. | Damage to the motherboard (button controller) | Diagnosis in the service center, ration or replacement of fees is possible |
| The phone will not turn on after replacement | Short circuit or disconnected battery plume | Check all connections, try connecting to charging |
| The buttons are working, but with a delay. | Contamination of contacts or poor quality spare part | Clean contacts with alcohol or replace the flex cable with the original |
| The power button doesn't work, but the rest of us do. | The problem with the power chip | Professional repair (chip replacement) is required |
If you are not sure about the diagnosis, you can use the test mode:
- Install the Phone Tester app from Google Play.
- Start the Button Test (button test).
- If the application does not see the clicks, the problem is precisely hardware.
In some cases, software button emulation helps, for example, you can enable AssistiveTouch in the settings (Special features) → Control convenience. It's a virtual button on the screen that replaces the physical keys.