The Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, and is still in use today. Over time, owners face the need to replace the battery, clean the connectors or repair the speaker. But the first obstacle is how to open the lid without damaging the latches or plumes. Unlike today's monolithic cases, the Redmi 4X is relatively easy to disassemble, but requires accuracy and the right tools.
This article will explain in detail how to dismantle the Xiaomi Redmi 4X back panel at home, what tools you will need, and what to look for to avoid breaking the phone. We will also analyze the typical errors that cause the fingerprint scanner plume to damage or the antenna contacts to tear off, and give recommendations for safe disassembly.
Preparation for disassembly: what you need to know before the beginning
Before you start opening the Redmi 4X cover, it’s important to understand the design of the phone.
- 📱 Front panel (display) + sensor + frame)
- 🔋 Middle part (plastic substrate with battery and electronics)
- 🛠️ Rear cover (metal panel with antennas and fingerprint scanner)
The lid is mounted on 12 plastic latches around the perimeter and is taped around the circuit with double-sided tape, and the main danger is to damage the fingerprint scanner plume that runs from the lid to the motherboard, and if you tear it off, the sensor's functionality will be lost.
It is also worth considering that after disassembly, the tightness of the case will be violated, and the phone will lose some of the dust protection (if it was). 4X only when necessary, for example, to replace the battery or repair the speaker.
Tools required: what will be needed to open the lid
For a careful disassembly of the Xiaomi Redmi 4X, you will need a minimum set of tools. Do not try to open the lid with a knife or a screwdriver - this is almost guaranteed to lead to scratches or chips.
- 🔧 Plastic spatula (mediator) - for cracking the lid
- 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue
- 🧲 Suction (optional) - helps to suction the lid
- 📏 Thin screwdriver (T3 or T4) — screw-off
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol - to remove glue residues
If you don't have a hair dryer, you can do without it, but it's going to be more complicated, because you have to crack the glue mechanically, which increases the risk of damage to the latches. Optimal heating temperature is 60 to 70.°C (not higher to prevent damage to plastics!).
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Before disassembling completely turn off the phone and remove SIM-This will prevent short circuits from accidentally touching the board.
Step-by-step: how to open the cover Xiaomi Redmi 4X
Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions strictly in steps to avoid mistakes.
- Heat the case. Dryer the back cover around the perimeter for 2-3 minutes. Keep the hair dryer 5-7 cm away so you don't overheat the plastic. Pay special attention to the corners, where the glue is stronger.
- Click the lid. Insert the plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the body (better start at the lower right corner, where the speaker is located). Carefully drive the blade along the edge, alternately snapping the latches.
- When the lid is lifted, don't take it off completely! First, unplug the fingerprint scanner plume (which is attached to the motherboard with a small connector). Use a spatula or tweezers.
- Remove the lid. After the plume is unplugged, carefully remove the lid and put it aside. Don't pull the plume, it's fragile!
If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't force it. Better warm up the problem areas with a hair dryer again. The plastic latches on the Redmi 4X are quite fragile and easy to break.
☑️ Preparation for the Redmi disassembly 4X
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Xiaomi Redmi 4X. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Heating of the cover above 80°C | Deformation of plastic, detachment of antennas | Use the dryer at minimum power, keep at a distance |
| The fingerprint scanner plume is broken. | Failing sensor, need to replace the plume | Disconnect the plume only after the complete lid is snapped. |
| Use of metal tools | Scratches on the lid, latch damage. | Work only with a plastic spatula or mediator |
| Strong pressure on the cover. | Cracks in the camera glass or scanner | Apply force only to the edges, do not press on the center |
Critical error: trying to remove the lid without detaching the fingerprint scanner plume, which causes contacts to break 90 percent of the time, and the sensor to fail, and if you're not sure about your abilities, you better go to the service center.
What to do if the fingerprint scanner plume is broken off?
What to do after opening the lid: further actions
When the lid is successfully removed, the inside of the Redmi 4X will open up to you.
- 🔋 Replace the battery - disconnect the battery connector and gently dent it (stick on a double-sided tape).
- 🔊 Repair speaker / microphone – they are located at the bottom of the phone, mounted on screws.
- 📶 Cleaning antenna contacts – wipe them with alcohol to improve signal.
- 🔄 Replace the fingerprint scanner plume – if the old one is damaged, install a new one (worth it) ~300-500 rubles.).
If you've taken your phone apart for dust cleaning, use a soft brush or a spray of compressed air. Don't blow with your mouth - moisture from your breath can settle on the board and cause corrosion.
Once you've finished, put the phone back together in reverse order. Before you put the lid, make sure all the plumes are connected and the latches are not broken. If the lid isn't tightly fixed, maybe one of the latches is damaged, in which case you can seal it with a thin layer of double-sided tape.
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After the battery is replaced, be sure to complete 2-3 full charge/discharge cycles to calibrate the battery controller.
How to seal the lid back: assembly tips
Building Xiaomi Redmi 4X after disassembly is as important as opening it properly. Here are some tips:
- Check the latches. Make sure all 12 plastic latches are intact. If one breaks, the lid will dangle.
- Clean the contacts. Wipe the antenna contacts on the lid and body with alcohol for better connection.
- If the old glue has lost its stickiness, replace it with a thin bilateral tape (for example, 3M).
- Warm up before fixing. Before final assembly, warm up the lid with a hair dryer slightly, which will help the glue to grip better.
After assembly, check:
- 📶 Is the network working (have antenna contacts fallen off).
- 🔋 Is the phone charging (check the battery connector).
- 👆 Does the fingerprint scanner work (if the sensor does not respond, the plume is connected incorrectly).
If the phone doesn't turn on after assembly, chances are you forgot to plug in the battery or damaged the power plume. Take it apart again and check all connections.
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If the lid is creaking after assembly, apply a little silicone lubricant to the plastic latches, which will eliminate friction and prolong the life of the mechanism.
Alternative ways to open the lid (if nothing helps)
If the Redmi 4X lid does not respond to standard methods, alternative approaches may be tried, but they are more risky and require caution.
- 🧊 Freeze. Put your phone in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes. The cold will make the plastic more fragile, and the latches will snap off easier.
- 🧴 A glue solvent. Put some acetone or white spirit around the perimeter of the lid. The glue will soften, but there's a risk of damaging the plastic or rubber seals.
- 🔪 Needle or toothpick. Carefully lid the speaker area with a thin needle, then insert the shoulder blade.
If the phone is warranty, it is better to contact the service center - self-disassembly cancels warranty obligations.
⚠️ Attention: Solvents (acetone, white spirit) can damage the oleophobic screen covering and antenna tracks. Use them point-by-point and in minimal amounts.