How to disassemble Xiaomi Redmi 4: a complete guide with photos and expert advice

Xiaomi Redmi 4 (codenamed prada) remains a popular device even years after its release — its reliability and maintainability have been appreciated by millions of users. However, over time, any gadget requires maintenance from replacing the battery to cleaning the connectors or repairing the screen. Disassembling Redmi 4 seems simple only at first glance — there are pitfalls, ranging from fragile plumes to the risk of damaging antenna modules.

In this article, you will find a step-by-step photo instruction, a list of necessary tools, and unique tips for disassembling without damage (for example, how to safely disconnect the battery without breaking the plume). We will also analyze the typical beginner errors that lead to a breakdown of the display or loss of network signal. If you plan to repair yourself, this guide will help avoid costly errors.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need.Redmi 4 is designed without specialized hardware, but some tools are critical:

• 🔧 Plastic blade (or mediator) - for careful putting of the lid and plumes.
• 🔨 The screwdriver. PH00 (Magnetic preferable – the screws in Redmi 4 are tiny and easily lost.
• 🔋 Screen suction cup – will help separate the display from the body without scratches.
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or tray - so as not to lose the screws (there are 12 pieces!).
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — purifier.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal blades or knives, they scratch the body and can close the board. Also avoid screwdrivers with neodymium magnets: they can demagnetize the speaker or camera.

Before disassembly it is necessary:

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-map + memory-card.
2. Discharge the battery to 20-30% – this will reduce the risk of fire in case of accidental circuit.
3. Make a backup of the data (disassembly can lead to resetting of settings!).

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If the screws are boiling, do not apply force - moisten them with isopropyl alcohol and wait 2-3 minutes. This will dissolve the oxides and make it easier to unscrew.

Step 1: Removing the back cover

The Redmi 4 back is mounted on the latches and glue to remove it.

1. Place the smartphone screen down on a soft surface (such as a napkin).
2. Heat the edges of the cover with a hairdryer (temperature not higher than 60 ° C!) for 1-2 minutes - this will soften the glue.
3. Insert a plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the body at the 3.5 mm connector (the weakest point).
4. Carefully drive the shoulder blade around the perimeter, snapping the clamps, starting from the side of the volume buttons.

⚠️ Warning: Don't pull the lid on the camera side, there's an antenna plume that's easy to tear, if the lid doesn't respond, warm it up again with a hair dryer.

After removing the cover, you will see:

• 🔋 A battery with two plumes (main and NTC-thermistor).
• 📶 Antenna modules (do not touch them unnecessarily!).
• 🔊 Dynamic and vibrator (mounted on propellers).

Step 2: Shutting off the battery and plumes

Before you touch the board, be sure to turn off the battery.

1. Unscrew 2 screws that fix the metal plate over the battery.
2. Put the plate in the shoulder blade and take it off.
3. Carefully pick up the battery connector (it is black) and disconnect it from the board.

⚠️ Attention: Don't pull the wires of the plume, they're soldered to the battery and they can come off.

Now turn off the other plumes (use a spatula or tweezers):

Step 3: Removing the motherboard

The Redmi 4 board is mounted on 8 screws (6 around the perimeter and 2 under the metal plate).

1. Carefully tuck the board with a spatula on the side of the USB-C connector.
2. Raise the board at an angle of 30° and check if it clings to the plumes.
3. If the board is not removed, check all the connectors (especially the camera and display).

⚠️ Note: Do not force the circuit board in the area of the processor (Snapdragon 435) – there are memory chips that can be torn off!

After the charge is collected:

• 📱 Place it on an antistatic mat (or wrap it with foil).
• 🔍 Look for burnt-out elements (especially near the charging connector).
• 🧹 Clean contacts with alcohol if there are oxides.

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If after disassembly the smartphone does not turn on, check: 1) the correct connection of the battery plume; 2) the integrity of the antenna cables; 3) the presence of all screws on the board (their absence can cause a circuit).

Step 4: Disassemble the screen and replace the display

Redmi 4's screen consists of three parts: a touchscreen, a display module, and a frame. If only the glass is cracked, you can replace it separately (Article: MB01ZYL), but that requires skill.

For a complete replacement of the display:

1. Heat the screen with a hair dryer (60°C) around the perimeter for 3-5 minutes.
2. Suctioneer latch onto the bottom of the screen and pull up.
3. Insert the shoulder blade into the resulting gap and carefully lead it around the edges, cutting the glue.
4. After separation of the screen, disconnect the display and sensor plume from the board.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 4 has a plume that runs under a metal frame, and if you pull the screen too hard, it will break, and you'll want to use the thread to disassemble the screens (sold in repair kits).

When installing a new screen:

• 🖼️ Put on a new glue (B-7000 or LOCA) thin-layer.
• 🔄 Line the display over the holes for the speaker and sensors.
• 📏 Check the gaps – if the screen protrudes, the glue is applied unevenly.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Redmi 4.

1. A broken battery plume -- what happens is if you pull the wires instead of the connector. Solution: always hold on to the plastic connector.
2. Broken lid latches -- if you pull the lid from the wrong end, so the solution is, start at the 3.5mm jack side.
3. The lost screws -- Redmi 4 has 12 of them, and they're of different lengths! Solution: put them in order on a magnetic mat.
4. The forgotten glue under the screen leads to poor sensor sensitivity. Solution: Use isopropyl alcohol to remove the residue.

Another common problem is that you don't have a network after you build it, and this happens if you:

• 📶 No antenna plumes are connected (check connectors) WIFI/BT and 4G).
• 🔧 Clutched cables when installing the board (see the area near) SIM-tray).
• 🔋 The battery is not in contact with the board (moving the connector).

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If the smartphone warms up or discharges quickly after assembly, check to see if you accidentally close contacts on the board, often because of lost screws or metal shavings from a screwdriver.

Assembly and performance check

Collect Redmi 4 in reverse order, but consider a few nuances:

1. Before installing the battery, check its voltage with a multimeter (should be 3.7-4.2 V).
2. Twisting the screws cross-cross to avoid skewing the board.
3. After assembly, do not turn on the smartphone immediately - wait 10 minutes (glue should "grab").

Check the efficiency of the checklist:

⚠️ Attention: If after assembly, the smartphone turns on, but the screen flashes or artifacts appear, most likely, you did not press the display plume hard enough.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi 4 disassembly