Disassembly Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: how to remove the display without damage

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, released in 2017. Despite the strength of the design, the display of the device can eventually fail: cracks, broken sensors or backlights are typical problems faced by owners. Replacing the screen in the service center costs 3-5 thousand rubles, but with the tools and patience, you can perform the procedure yourself.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for removing the Redmi Note 4 display, including a list of necessary tools, disassembly nuances and recommendations for avoiding common errors. We will also tell you how to distinguish the original module from a fake and what to do if the screen does not work after replacing. Importantly, the procedure requires care - wrong actions can damage the plumes or motherboard.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and materials

Before you start removing the display, make sure you have everything you need, and using the wrong tools is the main cause of damage to the body or internal components, and here is the minimum set you'll need:

• 🔧 Plastic mediators (2-3 units) - to safely separate the display from the housing.
• 🔨 Cross screwdriver (size) PH00) — rear-cover.
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or container - so as not to lose small parts (screws, latches).
• 🔥 A hair dryer or a thermo-air station to soften the adhesive around the perimeter of the display. Heat temperature: 60-80°C.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — for cleaning glue residues from the frame and a new display.
• 📱 New display module - original (MDN6 for Redmi Note 4) or a qualitative analogue (for example, from OEM-producer).

If you buy a display separately, pay attention to its type. Redmi Note 4 uses a glued module (display + touch glass + frame), so replacing only glass without specialized equipment is almost impossible. The average cost of the original module is 2,500-3,500 rubles, analogues - from 1,200 rubles.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use a household dryer at maximum power - the hot air flow can deform the plastic elements of the case or damage the battery.The optimal distance to the display surface is 5-7 cm.

Step 1: Turning off and disassembling the body

Before starting work completely turn off the smartphone and remove SIM-cards and memory card (if installed:

1. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer for 1-2 minutes to soften the glue. Start at the edges where the latches are located.
2. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the lid and the body (starting at the bottom edge, next to the Micro-USB connector). Carefully guide the tool around the perimeter, separating the latches.
3. When you take the lid off, put it aside, and underneath it you'll see the battery, the motherboard, and the plumes.

Important: don't use excessive force when the lid is removed, there may be some inconspicuous latches inside, and if the lid doesn't respond, warm up the problem area again.

Power off and retrieve maps |

Heat the body with a hair dryer (60-80°C) |

Separate the back cover with a plastic mediator |

Check the integrity of the plumes under the cover-->

Step 2: Turn off the battery and plumes

Before you touch the internal components, be sure to turn off the battery, which will prevent short circuits from accidentally coming into contact with the motherboard.

1. Unscrew 4 screws that fix the metal plate over the battery (use the PH00 screwdriver).
2. Take care to slap the plate and put it aside, and underneath it you'll see the battery connector, which is located at the top (near the camera).
3. Use the mediator to disconnect the connector from the motherboard.

Once the battery is turned off, you can start to disconnect the display plumes, which are under metal protection at the bottom of the board. There are two key plumes in Redmi Note 4:

• 📺 Display plume - wide, white.
• 👆 Sensor plume – thinner, often black or gray.

Unscrew the screws that hold the metal plate above the plumes, then carefully disconnect them with a mediator. The plumes in Redmi Note 4 are extremely fragile - if you move carelessly, you can break the contacts, which will lead to a idle touch or backlight.

💡

Before disconnecting the plumes, take a picture of their location on the phone - this will help to connect them back correctly after replacing the display.

Step 3: Heating and removing the display

The Redmi Note 4 display is glued around the perimeter, so it will require uniform heating to remove it. Use a hair dryer or a thermo-air station to follow these guidelines:

• 🔥 Heat the screen in a circle, paying special attention to the corners - there the glue is held stronger.
• ⏱ Heat time: 3-5 minutes. Don't overheat - temperature above 90°C can damage the matrix.
• 🛠 After heating, insert the mediator into the gap between the display and the frame (starting at the bottom edge where the Micro-USB connector is located).

Once the mediator enters 2-3 mm, slowly move it along the edge, separating the display. If the glue does not respond, reheat the problem area. Do not use metal tools - they can scratch the glass or damage the plumes under the screen.

⚠️ Attention: At the top of the display are the plumes of the speaker and the front camera. When you separate the screen, do not pull it sharply upwards - first make sure that the plumes are disconnected from the motherboard.

Step 4: Install a new display

After removing the old screen, clean the frame of the glue residue with isopropyl alcohol and a napkin without pile. Make sure there is no dust or grease on the surface - this will worsen the grip of the new display.

To install the new module:

1. Remove the protective film from the inside of the display (if any).
2. Gently connect the plumes to the motherboard: first touch, then display.
3. Place the display on a frame, combining screw holes and connectors. Start at the top, where the plumes are.
4. Hold the screen evenly from the center to the edges. Use double-sided tape or special glue (for example, B-7000) for reliable fixation.

After installation, plug in the battery and turn on the smartphone to check the performance of the new display. If the screen does not turn on or the sensor does not respond, check:

• 🔌 Correct connection of plumes (they should sit tightly, without distortions).
• 🛠 Integrity of plumes (whether there are breaks or clumps).
• 🔋 Sufficient battery charge (if the smartphone is not turned on).

💡

When installing the display, avoid distortions - uneven pressure can lead to the appearance of "yellow spots" on the matrix or idle zones of the sensor.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with careful disassembly, there is a risk of making mistakes that will lead to additional costs, and here are the most common problems and ways to prevent them:

• 🔋 Battery damage - if you carelessly separate the display, you can puncture the battery, which will cause it to bloat. Always turn off the battery before working.
• 📶 The plume breaks, most often the sensor plume suffers. Use only plastic pickers and don't force.
• 🔥 Overheating components — prolonged dryer heating can melt plastic latches or damage chips.
• 🛠 Incorrect assembly - forgotten screws or unconnected plumes will lead to a broken display.

If the display has been replaced with artifacts (strips, flickering) or the sensor is late, the likely reason is a poor-quality module. Xiaomi's original displays are MDN6-marked and come with a protective film on the plumes. Counterfeits often feature dim backlighting or uneven color reproduction.

What if the screen doesn’t work after replacement?

If the new display doesn’t turn on or doesn’t work properly, follow the following steps:

1. Check the connection of the plumes - they should be tightly inserted into the connectors without distortion.
2. Make sure the battery is connected and has sufficient charge (plug the charger).
3. Test your smartphone in recovery mode (press Power + Volume Up). If the screen is running there, the problem may be the firmware.
4. Check the integrity of the new display – connect it to another Redmi Note 4 (if possible).

If the display is still not functioning, the following reasons are possible:

• 🔧 Damage to the motherboard - in case of careless disassembly, contacts could go away or elements could burn up.
• 📱 Display incompatibility – some analogues require drivers to be firmwareed (for example, for the sensor to work correctly).
• 🔌 Firmware problems – after replacing the display, you may need to reset your settings (Wipe Data in the TWRP).

⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone emits audible signals when turned on, but the screen remains black, this may indicate damage to the backlight plume, in which case a diagnosis is required at the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing the Redmi Note 4 display