How to remove the back cover Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series is one of the most reliable and popular devices on the market. The Redmi Note 4X has been a hit thanks to its combination of performance, autonomy and affordable price. However, even the best-quality appliances require maintenance over time, whether it’s replacing a swollen battery, installing a new display module or cleaning a dynamic speaker head from dust.

The process of disassembling this device has its own unique features that distinguish it from modern monoblocks. Unlike flagships with glass rear panels, it uses a metal case with plastic inserts for antennas, which requires a special approach to heating and tools. Wrong actions when opening can lead to damage to the plumes or deformation of the frame, so it is important to strictly follow the proven methodology.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of preparation and the process of removing the lid. You will learn about the necessary tools, temperature regimes of warming up and the subtleties of working with adhesive base. A competent approach will allow you to perform the procedure yourself, maintaining the tightness and appearance of the gadget.

Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools

Before you start to physically affect the body of the smartphone, you need to organize a comfortable and safe space. The work surface should be flat, clean and, preferably, light, so that small screws and details do not get lost in the dark background. The ideal solution is an antistatic mat, but at home, a regular table with white cloth or paper will do.

To successfully disassemble the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X, you will need a specific set of tools that a standard home medicine cabinet does not always have. Using inappropriate items such as knives or thick screwdrivers significantly increases the risk of damage to internal components.

Here is a basic list of what to have on hand before starting work:

• 🔥 Hair dryer (construction or household) for softening glue.
• 🔧 Sets of screwdrivers (cross Pentalobe or Phillips #00).
• 🎴 Plastic spatula (mediator) and suction cup.
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer for screws.
• 🧤 Antistatic gloves (optional, but desirable).

Special attention should be paid to the source of heating. A building hair dryer is preferable, since it provides a more uniform and controlled flow of hot air. A household hair dryer can also cope with the task, but it will take much longer to warm up, which is not always effective for a metal case.

⚠️ Warning: Never use an open fire (lighters, candles) to heat the case, which will cause soot, deformation of plastic and possible combustion of internal components.

The procedure for heating and softening the glue base

The Redmi Note 4X back is attached to the metal frame around the perimeter with double-sided tape. Over time, the glue polymerizes and becomes very hard, so trying to remove the panel "cold" is almost guaranteed to break or bend the frame. Proper heating is 80% of the success of the entire operation.

Turn on the dryer and set the average temperature. Direct the hot air flow to the ends of the device, evenly driving the device along all four sides. Don't keep the hair dryer in one point for too long so as not to overheat. OLED-a display or battery in the immediate vicinity, the optimal heating time being 2-3 minute-by-minute.

You can check the glue's readiness by gently touching the edge of the lid with a plastic blade. If the tool comes in with a little effort and the metal is palpably warm (but not burning) to the touch, you can proceed to the opening. If the blade does not enter at all, the heating procedure should be repeated.

💡

For uniform warming up, you can put the smartphone screen down on a warm (not hot!) surface, for example, on a working laptop or a special heating pad while warming the edges with a hairdryer.

It is important to understand that metal conducts heat faster than plastic, so the corners of the device, where more glue often accumulates, require more careful attention.

Technique of separation of the cover from the body

Once the adhesive layer is softened, the most critical moment comes: Set the suction cup at the bottom of the back, closer to the center, but not on the logo. Pull the suction cup up slightly, creating a small gap between the lid and the frame. In this gap, carefully insert a thin plastic blade or mediator.

Don't try to separate the entire panel at once. Move the tool along the perimeter, gradually cutting the adhesives. Walk the long sides first, then the short ones. If you feel strong resistance, stop and add a little more heat. Sharp movements can damage the plumes that can be glued to the lid.

In the Redmi Note 4X, it is common to see that the fingerprint scanner plume (if any) or the lower board plume can be slightly fixed.

• 👆 Hold the shoulder blade at an angle. 15-20 degree.
• 🔄 Move smoothly, without jerks and sharp turns.
• 👀 Visually control the connector line so as not to damage the antenna inserts.

When you go all the way around the perimeter, the lid should be easy to separate, and if one side is still holding tight, don't use force, you better reheat that section.

⚠️ Note: It is strictly forbidden to use metal objects (knives, scalpels) to break off the lid. Metal can short contacts on the board or damage the insulation of the battery, which will lead to fire.

Disabling the plumes and removing the protective plate

Once the back cover is successfully detached, you'll see the inside of the smartphone, but you can't take the lid off right away, and at the top of the device, under the decorative bar of the camera, you'll have connectors on the main plumes, and you'll need to turn off the power first to avoid short circuits.

Using a cross screwdriver, unscrew the screws that lock the metal protective plate that covers the motherboard connectors. Usually there are about 8-10 pieces, and they can be of different lengths. Remember or write down the location of the screws, as longer ones can damage the board if you screw them into the wrong hole.

After removing the plate, carefully disconnect the main connector plume (usually wide and on top), only after that you can completely remove the back cover to the side, then turn off the display plume and, if necessary, the lower board plume.

To work safely with electronics, a dielectric blade is recommended. To touch connector contacts with your fingers is undesirable because of static electricity. The motherboard is the most expensive component, and static damage can be fatal.

Dismantling the battery and other components

If your goal was to replace the battery, then once the safety plates are removed and the plumes are turned off, the battery becomes available. In the Redmi Note 4X, it is also attached to double-sided tape. You can use a special hood with a suction cup to extract it or gently slap it with a plastic card.

Under no circumstances do not try to pick out the battery with sharp objects. A puncture of a lithium polymer battery causes an instant chemical reaction with the release of heat and smoke. If the battery sits very tightly, you can slightly warm the back of the smartphone (already without a lid) with a hairdryer to soften the glue under the battery.

When installing a new battery, make sure that the connector sits tightly in the connector. Often new batteries come with factory protective film on the contacts - it must be removed before installation.

Also, at this stage, you can clean the main speaker, the main camera module and the charging connector from accumulated dust. Use a soft brush and, if necessary, isopropyl alcohol to clean the contacts.

Comparison of Disassembly Methods and Possible Risks

There are several approaches to disassembling Xiaomi smartphones, and it is important to understand the difference between professional and amateur methods.Pros use special screen splitters and vacuum suction cups, whereas amateurs are often limited to hairdryer and shoulder blades.

Below is a table comparing the main risks and features of different approaches to removing the lid:

The main risk in home disassembly is damage to the backlight plume or main plume, which in the Redmi Note 4X model run quite close to the edges, and there is a risk of damage to antenna lines if you use too sharp tools.

⚠️ Warning: If you damage the battery insulation during the disassembly process and it starts to warm or smoke, immediately place the device in a non-combustible container (such as a metal bucket) and fill it with sand or salt!

Assembly and performance check

After you've done all the necessary manipulations (battery replacement, cleaning or repair), you've got the assembly phase, which is done in reverse order, you've got all the plumes connected to the motherboard first, and you've got to make sure that each connector is in place with a characteristic click, and bad contact can cause certain functions, like a microphone or a sensor, to fail.

Then you put a protective metal plate in and the screws are twisted. Don't pull the screws over, because the threads in the plastic parts of the structure can easily break off. After that, you can stick the back cover. The best way to do this is to use a special adhesive frame (B-7000 or analogue), applying a thin layer of glue around the perimeter.

💡

The quality of the adhesive back cover directly affects protection against dust and moisture, as well as the operation of antenna modules, so do not skimp on adhesive composition.

After the lid is glued, it is recommended to lock the smartphone with rubber bands for 15-20 minutes for initial polymerization of the glue. It takes about 2-3 hours to dry completely, only after that you can turn on the device and check its functionality.

• 🔌 Check the charging operation immediately after switching on.
• 📶 Make sure your smartphone sees SIM-maps and network.
• 🔊 Test the sound in the speaker and through headphones.
• 📸 Take a test shot on camera.

If all systems are working correctly, the disassembly can be considered a success, not only did you save money on the service, but also gained valuable experience in interacting with Xiaomi equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)