Disassembly Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: detailed instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, released in 2017. Despite the years, the device is still actively used, which means that the issues of its repair and upgrade are still relevant. Disassembly of the phone may be necessary to replace the battery, display, speaker or dust cleaning.

In this article, you will find a step-by-step manual for disassembling the Redmi Note 4 with a photo, a list of necessary tools and key warnings to help avoid typical errors. We will also look at the design features of the model (including the version with the Snapdragon 625 and Helio X20 processor), give tips on how to work with adhesive connections and tell you how to safely disconnect the battery.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you start disassembling, make sure you have everything you need. The Redmi Note 4 is built on latches and glue, so you can't do without specialized tools. Here's the minimum set:

• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — Cleaning contacts and removing glue residues.

Important: If you're taking your phone apart for the first time, practice on a non-working device or watch video instructions. In the Redmi Note 4, the fingerprint scanner plume is glued to the back cover, which is easy to tear when you're not taking it off carefully. Also note that some versions of the model (such as the Helio X20) may have slightly different screw locations.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal tools to lid the lid, this will cause scratches on the aluminum body. If the adhesive is too strong, warm the back panel with a hair dryer (temperature not higher than 60).°C), but do not direct hot air to the display or battery.

Step 1: Removing the back cover

The first and most important step is to separate the back, and in Redmi Note 4, it's mounted on latches and glue, so you have to be careful.

1. Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-cards (use a paper clip or special key).
2. Warm the back cover with a hair dryer around the perimeter for 1-2 minutes. This will soften the glue and make it easier to remove. Don't overheat - 50-60 is enough.°C.
3. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the lid and the body (start at the bottom edge, next to the USB-Type C connector). Carefully guide the tool along the edge, alternately snapping the clamps.
4. When the lid starts to move, don't pull it out, because there's a fingerprint scanner plume underneath, and disconnect the plume from the motherboard (it's mounted on a latched connector).

If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't use excessive force. You better warm up the problem areas again. In some cases, the glue may be too strong, and then the isopropyl alcohol applied to the mediator will help.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 4 with Helio processor X20 The fingerprint scanner plume is thinner and less secure. If you're not planning to replace it, try not to touch that area when you remove the lid.

Step 2: Removing the battery

The battery in the Redmi Note 4 is glued to the body, so removing it requires caution, and damaging the battery can cause it to bloat or even catch fire.

1. Unscrew two screws that fix the metal plate above the battery (they are located next to the charging connector).
2. So you gently put the plate down and you put it aside, and underneath it you'll see a battery connector -- unplug it with a plastic mediator.
3. If the battery is swelling, do not try to puncture or bend it, in which case it is better to contact the service center.
4. To remove the battery, use a plastic spatula or a special battery suction cup. Push the battery off the edge, gradually separating it from the glue. If the glue is too strong, drop some isopropyl alcohol under the battery and wait 1-2 minutes.

In some cases, there may be extra glue or double-sided tape under the battery. If the battery does not go away, do not apply force - it is better to warm the case with a hairdryer again (but do not direct air directly to the battery!).

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If you are planning to replace the battery, choose the original battery or a certified equivalent with a capacity of at least 4100 mAh (as in the original), cheap fakes can swell or quickly fail.

Step 3: Unconnecting the motherboard

The Redmi Note 4 motherboard is mounted on multiple screws and connected to the body by multiple plumes, and you need to:

1. Unscrew all the screws around the board perimeter (about 10-12, depending on the version). Use a PH00 screwdriver and fold the screws in order of extraction - they may differ in length!
2. Disconnect all plumes: 📞 Display plume (the widest, located at the top of the board). 🔊 Speaker and microphone plume (thin, next to USB-Type C connector). 📷 Main camera plume (short, in upper left corner). 🔋 The plume of the power and volume button (small, to the right of the battery).

Carefully raise the charge on one side and check if all the plumes are disconnected. If you feel resistance, don't pull the force -- you've probably missed some connector.

Pay special attention to the plume of the display, which is the most fragile, and if you're planning to replace the screen, you better do it before you remove the motherboard, so that you don't damage the plume when you manipulate it.

Step 4: Disassemble the front panel and display

If you need to replace the display, touchscreen or front camera, you have to disassemble the front panel. In Redmi Note 4, the screen is glued to the frame, so the process requires patience:

1. Warm up the display with a hair dryer around the perimeter (50-60°C). Start at the bottom edge, where the plume connector is located.
2. Put a plastic mediator in the gap between the display and the frame. Carefully drive it along the edge, separating the glue. Don't dip the mediator too deep, there are plumes under the display.
3. When the display starts to move away, lift it on one side and unplug the plume from the motherboard. Be careful, the plume is very fragile!
4. If the display cracks, seal it with tape so that the fragments do not fly apart and cut the plumes.

When replacing a speaker or microphone, check the integrity of the sealing rubber bands – they protect the components from dust and moisture. If the rubber gaskets are torn, replace them or use an electronic sealant.

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Before assembling the phone, be sure to clean all contacts and connectors of dust and glue residue with isopropyl alcohol, which will prevent connection problems and prolong the life of the components.

Build the phone: reverse order and check

The Redmi Note 4 is built in reverse order, but with some nuances:

1. Make sure all plumes are connected correctly. Pay special attention to the plume of the display - it should lie flat, without inflections.
2. When installing the battery, use a new double-sided tape or glue. Don't skimp on fixing - a poorly secured battery can shift and damage the plumes.
3. Write the screws in the same order that you unscrewed them. Don't pull them over, it could damage the thread or the board.
4. Before final assembly, turn on the phone (without installing the back cover) and check the operability of all components: display, touchscreen, cameras, speaker, microphone.

If the phone does not turn on after assembly, check:

• Connect the battery (the connector should sit tight).
• Power button plume integrity (a common cause of a dead phone)
• The presence of a short circuit on the motherboard (can be checked with a multimeter).

If everything works, install the back cover by snapping it around the perimeter, and if necessary, warm the edges with a hair dryer for better glue fixation.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi Note 4, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

If you make one of these mistakes, don't panic. Most of the time, you can replace the plumes or connectors that are damaged, and the key is to keep your phone off until the problem is fixed, so you don't short circuit.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions