How to open Xiaomi Redmi 4X: Full instructions

Xiaomi’s Redmi series of mobile devices have earned a reputation for being reliable workhorses, but even the most durable technology requires intervention over time. Owners of the Redmi 4X (codename santoni) often face the need for physical access to the insides of the device, which can be caused by a broken display, a failed battery or simply a desire to clean the speaker of dust.

The opening process of this smartphone has its own technical features that distinguish it from modern monoblocks with adhesive connection. The metal body of the device provides excellent protection, but requires accuracy when dismantling. Wrong actions can lead to damage to the plumes or deformation of the frame, so it is important to strictly follow proven algorithms.

In this guide, we will take a detailed look at how to open a Xiaomi Redmi 4X without using specialized, expensive hardware.You will learn about the location of the hidden screws, the types of connectors used, and the precautions that will keep the integrity of the motherboard.

Workplace preparation and tools

Before you start to physically affect the body of the smartphone, you need to organize a safe space. Working with small electronics requires good lighting and the absence of static electricity, which is harmful to chips. It is recommended to use an antistatic mat or just work on a clean wooden surface, avoiding synthetic fabrics.

To perform the procedure successfully, you will need a minimal but high-quality toolkit, and the use of inappropriate objects such as scissors or thick needles often leads to chipped faces and damage to internal components.

• 🔧 Screwdrivers: cross PH000 or PH00 for screws of the housing and small flat for snapping connectors.
• 🛠 Plastic spatula (mediator): necessary to separate the cover without scratches.
• 🔥 Hair dryer: building or household for softening the glue (if the screen is glued) or simply for working in a warm room.
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer: to avoid losing tiny screws of different lengths.

⚠️ Warning: Before any work begins, be sure to completely turn off the device. Attempting to disconnect the plumes under voltage can cause the motherboard to short circuit and fail.

The Redmi 4X design uses different lengths of mounts for different assemblies, and if you confuse them with places when you build them, a long screw can break through the board's textolyte or rest on the screen, creating a pressure point.

Dismantling of the rear metal cover

Unlike many modern smartphones, the Xiaomi Redmi 4X has a classic design with a non-removable rear cover that is held on screws and plastic latches. the adhesive layer is used minimally, mainly along the perimeter, which greatly simplifies the opening process compared to the Mi series models.

Start at the bottom of the device. That's where the two main screws that hold the lid are, they're on either side of the Micro-USB charging port. Once they're unscrewed, the lid won't be removed by itself, but it's held together by a tight row of latches around the perimeter.

Using a plastic blade or mediator, walk gently along the junction between the frame and the back cover. Move from the lower corners upwards, gradually snapping the locks. Don't be afraid to exert moderate force, the metal will withstand the load, but avoid sharp jerks so as not to break the plastic "ears" of the latches.

When the lid is freed from the latches, don't push it up sharply. Inside, at the top, there may be a plume going to the buttons or antenna, although in this model, the main plumes usually turn off after removing the protective slats. Remove the lid with a slight movement away from the camera.

Removal of protective bars and access to the battery

When you remove the back cover, you'll see the inside of the device, and most of the space is occupied by the battery, and at the top are the motherboard and the main camera module, and all the important connections are covered by metal shielding slats that are screwed.

You need to twist all the visible screws on the metallic plates, usually about 10-12 pieces. Note that the screws holding the bar above the battery connector may be shorter than the others. After unscrewing, gently tuck the bars with a flat screwdriver and remove them.

Now you have access to the connectors. First thing you need to do is turn off the battery. This is a critical step for safety, find a wide plume that goes from battery to board, and gently bend it upwards using a plastic blade or nail. Don't use metal tools near the connector to avoid damaging the contacts.

⚠️ Warning: Never try to expose the battery connector itself with a metal screwdriver, which can cause battery cells to break down and fire.

Once power is turned off, you can safely disconnect the plumes of the display, touchscreen and cameras, either fixed in the press connectors (ZIF) or simply inserted into the connectors. To turn off the screen plume, you often need to first unscrew an additional metal bracket that presses it against the board.

Extraction of motherboard and modules

Full access to the bottom components or replacement of the charging connector often requires the removal of the motherboard. After turning off all the plumes (camera, display, buttons, antenna contacts) and unscrewing all the screws holding the board, you can begin to dismantle it.

The board in Redmi 4X sits tightly enough. Carefully tuck the edge with a plastic spatula. Move around the perimeter, gradually raising the board. The main thing is not to damage the antenna contact, which often looks like a springy golden patch contacting the lid or frame.

When removing the board, look for the front camera and sensors, which can be glued to the inside of the frame or held in place due to the density of the landing. If you plan to change the screen, at this stage the board is usually put aside, and attention is shifted to the display module.

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Use tweezers with curved ends to capture small screws from deep seats, so as not to drop them inside the case, from where they are difficult to get later.

Replacement of the display module and touch screen

The screen in Xiaomi Redmi 4X is modular, meaning the matrix (LCD) and touchscreen (Touchscreen) are glued together in the factory. Changing them separately at home is extremely difficult and requires a separator and LOCA glue, so it is recommended to buy the assembly in a frame or without.

If you bought a frameless module, you'd have to reglue the old screen, heat the front panel with a hair dryer to about 80-90 degrees to soften the glue, then gently cut the old module with a thin string or blade, trying not to damage the metal frame of the case.

When installing a new module, make sure that all residues of the old adhesive are removed and the surface is defatted. Apply a thin layer of special B-7000 adhesive or use bilateral perimeter tape. Press the module and lock it with gums for 15-20 minutes before primary polymerization.

⚠️ Warning: When heated, do not keep the hair dryer too close to the body more 2-3 minutes to avoid overheating the battery if it is still installed inside, or deforming the plastic cells.

After installing the new screen, but before final assembly and twisting of the screws, be sure to perform a test turn on. Connect the battery and display plumes, press the on button and check the operation of the touch, the color on the screen and the front camera.

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Always test the device until it is fully assembled, which will save you hours of redisassembly work in the event of a new spare part failure.

Frequent problems in disassembly and their solution

Users often face typical difficulties in repairing, and understanding these nuances will help avoid fatal errors, such as screws that can "fiss" or have slashes broken, and plastic latches that break with old age.

• 🔩 Torn screw: If the screw cap has licked, try using a thin rubber band between the screwdriver and the screw for better grip, or gently drill the center of the hat with a thin drill.
• 🧩 Broken latch: If the plastic cap lock breaks, don't worry. The lid will hold on screws and friction. You can drop a drop of glue at the break point, but don't overdo it.
• 🔌 Not switched on after assembly: Most often the problem is a poorly inserted plume. Disassemble again and check the density of the connectors before the characteristic click.

Another common problem is the loss of small parts: cogs can bounce and roll under furniture, work on a light table and use a magnetic tray, and also watch for rubber screw plugs if they are provided by the design in your board revision.

If the touchscreen doesn't work properly after the screen is replaced (pause skips), it's possible that the new module is poor quality or the plume is damaged when installed. In rare cases, you need to reset your settings through Recovery mode for calibration, but most often it's a hardware problem.

Device assembly and final inspection

The Redmi 4X is assembled in reverse order, so you can set the motherboard, make sure it's flat and all the screw holes match. Connect all the plumes: first the main display plume, then the touchscreen, the cameras, and last but not least, the battery.

Twisting all the screws, bringing back the metal bars. Don't pull the screws over -- the plastic can crack, and the metal thread can break. Enough effort until the time of contact. Set the back cover starting at the top, and press the perimeter until the latches click.

Once assembled, turn on the device and check all the functions: audio in the speaker and headphones, microphone operation, vibration, Wi-Fi and mobile communications. Pay special attention to the areas around the camera and screen - there should be no gaps or squeezed parts of the case.