Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, which is still in active use. However, over time, many users need to replace the battery, clean the connectors or do other repairs. The first obstacle to this is a non-removable back cover, attached to glue and latches. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to open the Redmi 4X cover without damage, what tools you will need and what to look for to avoid breaking the device.
It's important to understand that Xiaomi didn't provide easy access to the insides of this smartphone, because the lid is glued around the perimeter, and underneath it are fragile plumes and connectors, and autopsy errors can cause the display to be damaged, the fingerprint scanner's plume to be ripped off, or the flexible cables to be broken, so before you start, read our recommendations and prepare everything you need.
If you've never taken a smartphone apart before, you should go to a service center, but if you've decided to do it yourself, follow the instructions Step-by-step, and don't miss the important points, and we'll also tell you how to avoid common mistakes and what to do if the lid doesn't work.
Preparation for autopsy: safety tools and measures
Before you open the Redmi 4X, make sure you have everything you need, and using the wrong tools is the main cause of damage to the body or internal components.
- 🔧 Plastic mediators or shoulder blades (2-3 - for gently putting the lid on. Metal tools can leave scratches.
- 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station for softening the glue. Optimal temperature: 60-80°C.
- 🧲 Suction cups (1-2 pcs) - will help to lift the cover after heating. It is better to use small, with a diameter of 3-4 cm.
- 📦 The screw container - at Redmi 4X They are small and easily lost.
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — acetone or solvents should not be used!
- 🔋 New glue (optional) – if you plan to collect your smartphone back, you will need double-sided tape or liquid glue B-7000.
Also, prepare the workspace: the desk should be clean, without debris and small objects; it is advisable to cover it with a soft cloth so as not to scratch the smartphone; If you work with a hair dryer, make sure that there are no flammable materials nearby; Do not direct hot air for a long time in one place - this can damage the plastic or display.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use a knife, screwdriver or other sharp metal objects to pull the lid. Even a little pressure can lead to cracks in glass or plastic. Plastic mediators are inexpensive and sold at any electronics store.
Step-by-step: how to remove the cover Xiaomi Redmi 4X
Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions carefully, and keep your steps in check. If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't put too much effort into it, you better warm up the glue again.
Step 1. Turn off your smartphone and remove SIM-map.
Before disassembling completely turn off Redmi 4X and get the tray for SIM-This will prevent the contacts from accidentally closing, and we recommend removing the case if it is installed.
Step 2. Heat the edges of the lid with a hair dryer.
Turn on the dryer at medium power and evenly warm the edges of the smartphone for 2-3 minutes. Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 cm from the body, constantly moving it. Pay special attention to the corners - there the glue usually stays stronger. The temperature of the case should be warm, but not hot (no more than 60-70 ° C).
Step 3: Put the lid on a plastic mediator.
Start at the bottom edge (microUSB connector side). Carefully insert the mediator into the gap between the lid and the body and slowly guide it along the edge. If you feel resistance, warm up the place again. Don't try to tear the lid off sharply, so you risk damaging the fingerprint scanner plume that runs under the home button.
Step 4. Disconnect the plumes.
When the lid lifts up, you'll see a few flexible plumes connecting it to the motherboard, which you need to carefully detach by pulling the black locking tongues (not the plumes themselves!). 4X commonly:
- 📱 Fingerprint scanner plume (under the home button).
- 🔋 Battery plume (red and black wires).
- 📶 Antenna connectors (small golden connectors).
Is the smartphone off?|Whether extracted SIM-map?|Are all edges warmed up by a hairdryer?|Are there mediators and suction cups at hand?|Is there a place for screws and parts prepared?-->
Step 5. Remove the lid completely.
Once the plumes are detached, the lid should be easy to detach, put it on a soft surface so you don't scratch it, now you have access to the battery, the motherboard, and other components, and if your goal is to replace the battery, be careful: it's also glued to the body.
⚠️ Warning: If you hear a crack when you put the lid on, stop the process immediately. This may mean that you have damaged the plume or the lid itself.
What to do if the lid does not move?
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Use of metal tools | Scratches on the body, damage to plumes | Use only plastic mediators |
| Excessive heat by a hairdryer | Deformation of plastic, detachment of the display sensor | Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 cm, do not warm one place for more than 10 seconds |
| A sharp lid-break | Breakage of the fingerprint scanner plume or antenna cables | Grab the lid slowly, starting at the bottom edge |
| Liquor on the charge | Corrosion of contacts, failure of components | Apply alcohol only on the edges, use a minimum amount |
| Unconnected plumes when removing the cover | Damage to connectors, loss of button functionality | Always check for plumes before removing the lid completely. |
Critically, the fingerprint scanner plume in the Redmi 4X is extremely fragile, and it will cost almost half the cost of a smartphone to replace, so handle it as carefully as possible.
Another common problem is damage to the adhesive layer under the battery, and if you're planning to reassemble your smartphone, prepare a new double-sided tape or B-7000 glue in advance, and the old adhesive, when heated and removed, loses its properties and will not provide reliable fixation.
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If you're afraid of damaging the plumes, take a picture of their location before disconnecting, which will help you connect them back to the correct assembly.
What to do after the lid is removed?
When the lid is finally removed, the internal structure of the Redmi 4X will open before you.
- 🔋 Battery replacement is the most common cause of disassembly. - Redmi battery 4X glued, so it also needs to be warmed up and carefully removed.
- 🧹 Dust cleaning – over time, dust accumulates under the cover, which can interfere with the work of speakers or connectors.
- 🔧 Replacement of speaker or microphone – if the sound becomes quiet or there is interference, the problem may be in these components.
- 📶 Checking antenna connectors – if the network signal deteriorates, one of the antenna cables may have departed.
If your goal is to replace the battery, consider that the new one must be original or from a proven manufacturer (such as ZMI or Baseus). Cheap analogues can swell or fail quickly. Also, remember to transfer the fingerprint scanner plume to the new battery if it comes with a package.
Once completed, clean all contacts thoroughly of dust and glue residues. Use a soft pile brush and isopropyl alcohol. Don't blow on the board with your mouth - moisture from your breath can cause corrosion.
How to get Xiaomi Redmi 4X back?
Building a smartphone after repair is as important as disassembling, and here are the key points to consider:
- Check all the plumes. Make sure they're properly connected and fixed. The fingerprint scanner plume should be flat, without any inflections.
- Apply a new glue. If you use double-sided tape, cut it into strips and stick it around the perimeter of the lid, apply the liquid glue in a thin layer, avoiding hitting the connectors.
- Line the lid. Before you press it, make sure all the latches are in the grooves. Start pressing on the bottom edge, gradually moving up.
- Warm up the lid after assembly. To make the glue better grasp, you can slightly warm the edges with a hairdryer (no more than 50 ° C) and put the smartphone under the press (for example, under a stack of books) for 10-15 minutes.
After assembly, turn on the smartphone and check all the functions:
- 📞 Does the sensor and buttons work.
- 🔋 Is the battery charging.
- 📶 Is there a network and Wi-Fi.
- 🔊 Are the speakers and microphone working.
- 👆 Does the fingerprint scanner recognize fingerprints.
⚠️ Attention: If the smartphone doesn't turn on after assembly, don't panic. The battery or display plume may have gone away. Take it apart carefully and check all connections. Don't make any effort to turn on, it can make the problem worse.
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The most common mistake when you build it is forgetting to plug in the fingerprint scanner plume, and without it, the smartphone will work, but the home button will not recognize fingerprints.
Alternative ways to open the lid
If you don't have a hair dryer or plastic mediators, you can try alternative methods, but they're less safe and require more care.
Method 1: Use a string or guitar string.
This is a good technique if the glue is not too strong. Take a thin but strong thread (for example, from a guitar string or a fishing line), put it in the gap between the lid and the body and gently saw it back and forth, as if cutting oil. The thread gradually cuts the glue. The main thing is not to press too hard, so as not to scratch the body.
Method 2: Freeze the smartphone.
Some experts recommend putting your smartphone in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes, making the glue more fragile, and the lid can move away more easily, but this method is risky: condensate can damage the board, and plastic can become brittle. If you decide to use it, after removing it from the freezer, immediately start disassembling, preventing the smartphone from warming up.
Method 3: Using a credit card.
If you don't have mediators, you can use an old plastic card, cut it around the edges to make it thinner, and gently pull the lid off from the corner, which is less reliable, because the card can break or scratch the case, but in extreme cases it will work.
Remember that all alternative ways increase the risk of damage to your smartphone, and if you don't have experience, you'd better take the time to wait for the right tools.
When is the best time to contact the service?
While you can disassemble the Xiaomi Redmi 4X at home, in some cases it is better to trust the professionals.
- 💥 You have already damaged the plume or cover while trying to autopsy.
- 🔧 You need to replace not only the battery but also other components (such as the motherboard or display).
- ⚡ The smartphone does not turn on after disassembly, and you can not find the reason.
- 🛠️ You don’t have the necessary tools or experience with electronics.
- 📉 The cost of repair in the service is comparable to the price of a new smartphone (in this case, it makes sense to consider an upgrade).
The average cost of replacing the battery in Redmi 4X in service centers is 1,500-2,500 rubles (depending on the region and type of battery). If you need to replace the display or plumes, the price can rise to 4000-6000 rubles. In some cases, it is cheaper to buy a used smartphone in good condition.
Advantages of using the service:
- 🔧 Guarantee for work performed (usually 1-3 months).
- 🛡️ Use of original spare parts.
- ⏱️ Fast execution (most often within 1-2 hours).
- 📋 Diagnosing other possible problems.
If you still decide to disassemble the smartphone yourself, but something went wrong, do not try to repair it further without experience.