Xiaomi Redmi 4X: how to remove the back cover without the risk of damaging the phone

The Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, still in use by millions of users. However, over time, even such a reliable device can have problems: a bloated battery, a faulty speaker or needing to clean from dust. Most repairs require removing the back cover, but doing it is not as easy as it seems.

The Redmi 4X design includes adhesives and plastic latches that are easy to break when unsavoryly opened. Many owners find that the lid does not respond even after heating, and some do not know at all which side to start disassembling. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to remove the lid, from the classic with a mediator to alternative methods with a hairdryer or suction cups, and also tell you how to avoid typical mistakes.

It's important to understand that disassembling your smartphone will void the warranty (if it's still valid) and could damage the plumes or chips. If you're not sure about your abilities, you'd better go to the service center. But if you decide to act on your own, follow our recommendations.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you start removing the back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi 4X, you need to prepare the workspace and tools, and the absence of at least one of them can damage the body or internal components.

Here is the minimum set you will need:

• 🔧 Plastic mediator (or guitar mediator) - for careful liding.
• 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature 60-80)°C).
• 🧲 Suction (optional) - helps to lift the cover after heating.
• 📸 Screwdriver. T3 or T4 — screw-off.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol - to remove glue residues.
• 📦 Container for screws - so as not to lose small details.

Also prepare soft fabric (such as microfiber) to avoid scratching the screen or body, and lighting is better to work with a bright lamp or flashlight. If you do not have experience disassembling smartphones, practice on an old phone or watch video instructions (see section below).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal tools (knives, screwdrivers) to lid the lid! They can leave scratches on the plastic or damage the plumes inside.

Removal of the back cover: which one to choose?

There are several ways to disassemble the Redmi 4X, and the choice depends on your experience and the availability of tools. Let's consider three main ways, from the safest to the riskier.

We recommend using the first method (with a mediator and heating), as it is the safest, the second method is suitable if you have a suction cup, and the third one should only be considered as a last resort - for example, if the hair dryer is not available and you need to take the phone apart urgently.

Also note that some Redmi 4X versions (such as NFC) may have a slightly different lid attached to the lid. If your phone is contactless, be especially careful - the NFC antenna is located just below the back panel.

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If you don't have a hair dryer, you can use hot water in a plastic bag. Put your phone in a bag of warm (not boiling!) water for 2-3 minutes, this will soften the glue.

Step-by-step: remove the cover with the mediator

This method is considered the most reliable, but it requires patience. Follow the instructions strictly by steps, so as not to damage the phone.

Step 1 Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map.

Before disassembling, be sure to turn off the power and take out the tray for SIM-This will prevent short circuits and make it easier to access the latches.

Step 2. Heat the edges of the phone.

Turn the dryer on at a minimum temperature (60-80°C) and warm the edges of the back cover evenly for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3. Put the mediator in the gap.

Start at the bottom left corner (near the charging socket). Carefully insert the mediator into the gap between the lid and the body and slowly lead along the edge, separating the latches. If you feel resistance, warm up the place again.

Step 4. Remove the lid completely.

After all the latches around the perimeter have snapped, lift the lid. Be careful - it can be connected by a battery plume or antenna (depending on the modification).

Is the phone off?|Whether extracted SIM-map?|Whether the edges of the shell are heated?|Ready is the mediator and screwdriver?|Is there a screw container?-->

If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't use too much force -- you better warm up the problem area again, and 90 percent of the time, the problem is with the glue that's not softened enough, not the latches.

⚠️ Attention: Some Redmis 4X There might be an extra screw under the lid near the camera, and if you don't unscrew it, the lid won't be fully removed!

What if the lids are broken or the lid is not removed?

Even if you disassemble the plastic latches carefully, there's a risk that if you hear a characteristic crack or the lid doesn't respond, don't panic -- there are a number of ways to fix the problem.

Problem 1: The latches are broken.

If one or two latches crack, it is not critical - the lid will be held on the glue and the remaining retainers, however, if there is a lot of damage, after repair, you will have to glue the lid back (for example, 3M double-sided tape or B-7000 glue).

Problem 2: The lid is too tightly glued.

In some cases, the glue will eventually blow and not soften from the heat, so you can try:

• 🔧 Carefully cut the glue with a thin guitar string or line (only along the edge!).
• 🧴 Apply isopropyl alcohol to the gap - it dissolves glue.
• 🔨 In extreme cases - to break the lid with a screwdriver, but this is fraught with scratches.

Problem 3: There is a plume under the cover.

If the lid is raised but not removed completely, it is most likely connected by a flexible plume (for example, from a fingerprint scanner).

1. Carefully lift the cover to the maximum possible angle.
2. Light a flashlight to see where the plume is attached.
3. Disconnect it with a plastic spatula (not your nails!).

How to put the lid back: tips and mistakes

After repairing or cleaning the insides of the Redmi 4X, you need to properly secure the back cover, and if you just press it and press it down, it will eventually start to move away or creak.

Here's a step-by-step algorithm:

1. Clean the edges of the old glue with alcohol or acetone.
2. Apply new glue: For temporary fastening, double-sided tape (for example, 3M VHB) is suitable. For long-term adhesive - B-7000 or LOCTITE 406 (apply point!).

Line the lid.

Check the gaps.

A common mistake is to overdo it with glue, and if you put too much on it, it can leak in and damage the plumes or the speaker, and it's enough to have a thin layer around the perimeter.

Also note that after gluing the phone, you need to not turn on 1-2 hours to completely dry the glue. If you use tape, this time does not need.

1. Is the battery plume connected?
2. Are the contacts closed with glue or metal particles?
3. Have you damaged the flexible power button plume?

In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by re-disassembly and checking connections.-->

Video Instructions and Alternative Disassembly Methods

If the text instructions seem complicated, we recommend watching video disassembly from experienced craftsmen, which will help you visually understand how the latches are located and where to insert the mediator.

Popular YouTube videos (search queries):

• 🎥 «Xiaomi Redmi 4X Disassembly – detailed analysis with comments.
• 🎥 «How to take Redmy apart 4X No damages" (Russian) - emphasis on nuances for beginners.
• 🎥 «Redmi 4X Battery Replacement – If you need to change your battery.

There are also alternative methods of disassembly that can be used in extreme cases:

• 🧲 With a suction cup and thread: Stick the suction cup to the lid. Stretching the string between the suction and the lid. Pull the string while simultaneously putting the mediator on.
• 🔥 With hot water (risky!): Place your phone in a warm water bag (no higher than 60)°C!) for 3-5 minutes. Take it out and try to remove the lid right away.

⚠️ Warning: This method can damage speaker seals or plumes if water gets in. Use only if other methods have not helped!

Frequent questions after the dismantling of Xiaomi Redmi 4X

Even if you've successfully removed the lid, there may be new questions after assembly, and we've collected some of the most common problems and solutions.

Is it worth it to disassemble the Redmi 4X yourself?

Disassembling Xiaomi Redmi 4X is a medium-sized task that requires patience and accuracy. If you have experience in repairing equipment, you can do it without problems.

The advantages of self-disassembly:

• ✅ Saving money (in the service for the replacement of the battery will take 1000-1500) ₽).
• ✅ The ability to clean the phone of dust (especially relevant for speakers).
• ✅ Experience that will be useful for repairing other gadgets.

Cons and risks:

• ❌ Probability of damaging latches or plumes (especially without heating).
• ❌ The risk of loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• ❌ Possible hidden defects (such as outgoing contacts) that will appear later.

If you want to replace your battery, clean your dust, or change your speaker, you can do it yourself, but if you want to repair your motherboard or replace your plumes, you better go to the professionals.

And the last thing to remember is that 90 percent of the time, after a disassembly, problems are caused by a mishandling of plumes or a misassembly, and if you're not sure, practice on an unnecessary phone or watch the video manual again.