Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still in active use due to its reliable filling and upgrade capabilities. However, over time, owners may need access to internal components: to replace the battery, clean the dust, repair plumes or install a new camera module. The main problem is the rear cover, which is attached to the latches and glue, which makes it a non-trivial task to dismantle.
In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions with photo, video recommendations and a list of necessary tools. We will tell you how to avoid mistakes: damage to latches, tearing the plume of the fingerprint scanner or scratches on the body. And also give advice on choosing alternative methods if the lid is glued too tight. Information is relevant for all versions of the Redmi Note 4X (including versions with 3/32 GB, 4/64 GB and Snapdragon 625).
Preparation for dismantling: tools and security measures
Before you start removing the lid, prepare the workspace and tools. The wrong approach can cause plastic latches to break or the flexible plumes to break.
- 🔧 Plastic mediator (or guitar) - for gently putting the lid on. Metal tools leave scratches!
- 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature 60-80)°C).
- 🧲 Suction cups (optional) – help lift the cover after heating.
- 📦 Container for screws - in Redmi Note 4X They are few, but it is better not to lose them.
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — glue-cleaner.
- 📱 Spare SIM card or spatula - for fixing the lid in an elevated state.
Important: If you've never taken a smartphone apart, practice on an old device or watch video disassembly. The Redmi Note 4X lid is held on 12 plastic latches and double-sided tape around the perimeter, so it takes care. Don't try to take it off cold, the glue can tear the fingerprint scanner plume!
⚠️ Warning: Do not use a knife or screwdriver to lid the metal will slip and damage the internal components. The plastic mediator must be no more than 0.5 mm thick.
Step-by-step: how to remove the cover without damage
Follow this algorithm to minimize the risks, and if the lid doesn't lend itself, don't force it, but repeat the heat.
- Turn off your smartphone and remove the tray for SIM-This will prevent short circuits.
- Heat the back cover with a hairdryer for 2-3 minutes, keeping it at a distance of 5-7 cm.
- Place the suction cups (if any) closer to the lower edge and pull up slightly. the lid should rise 1-2 mm.
- Insert the mediator into the gap and carefully guide it along the body, snapping the clamps. Start with the lower left corner - there are fewer plumes.
- Disconnect the fingerprint scanner plume (if the cover is still holding) and it's located at the top and is attached to the connector.
If the lid fails, repeat heating 1-2 times. Don't try to tear it off abruptly, it will lead to a plume break or cracks in the body. In the Redmi Note 4X, the most vulnerable element is the flexible fingerprint scanner cable, which often breaks when sloppy dismantling.
Is the smartphone off?|Tray removed SIM-map?|Is the lid heated by a hair dryer?|Is the mediator and suckers ready?|Is there a screw container?-->
| Phase | Action. | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Heating. | Hair dryer at 60-80°C, 2-3 minutes | Battery overheating (do not heat for more than 5 minutes!) |
| Fakening | The mediator in the lower left corner | Scratches on the body, damage to latches |
| Disconnection of the plume | Carefully click the scanner connector | A plume break (leads to a broken sensor) |
| Glue removal | Isopropyl alcohol and napkin | Liquid hitting the board |
What to do if the lid is not removed?
Sometimes the glue on the Redmi Note 4X is too resistant, especially if the smartphone was used in hot climates.
- 🔥 Increase the heating temperature to 90.°C (maximum!), but reduce the time to 1-1.5 minutes.
- 🧊 Use cold: after heating, put your smartphone in the freezer for 10 minutes.A sharp temperature drop will weaken the glue.
- 🧴 Put the alcohol around the perimeter, it will dissolve the glue, but don't overdo it so that the liquid doesn't get inside.
- 🔧 Use a special glue solvent (for example, 3M Adhesive Remover, but only in a well-ventilated room.
If none of these methods worked, it's possible that the lid was previously pasted with a non-original glue (for example, after repair), in which case you should contact a service center. Remember, power is not an assistant here, not only the latches but also the antenna module mounts break.
⚠️ Warning: Don't use acetone or acetone-based solvents! they will damage Redmi Note plastic and rubber seals 4X.
What happens if you break the fingerprint scanner plume?
How to properly install the lid back?
Assembling the Redmi Note 4X after repair is as important as disassembling. If you fix the lid wrong, it will creak or move away over time.
- Clean the surfaces of the old glue with isopropyl alcohol, and the glue residue will reduce adhesion.
- Apply a new two-sided tape around the perimeter of the case. Scotch for smartphones with a thickness of 0.2-0.3 mm will do.
- Connect the fingerprint scanner plume to the lid lock, make sure the connector is snapped.
- Line the cover over the gaps and press gently, starting at the top (where the cameras are located).
- Warm up the edges with a hair dryer (50–60°C) for better gluing.
After assembly, check:
- 📶 Does the fingerprint scanner work (set up a new print in Settings) → Security → Fingerprints).
- 🔋 Is there a backlash when you press the lid.
- 📞 Network signal quality (antenna modules could have shifted).
💡
If the fingerprint scanner doesn't work after assembly, try reconnecting its plume. Often the problem is poor contact, not a cliff.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi Note 4X.
- 🔨 Use of metal tools → scratches on the body or damage to the board.
- 🔥 Battery overheating → Risk of bloating or fire: maximum temperature - 80°C!
- 🤳 A sharp lid-break → plume-breaking of the scanner or antenna cables.
- 💧 Liquor on the charge → contact-corrosion.
- 🔄 Wrong assembly. → lid creaking or bad button work.
To avoid problems, keep an eye on the heating temperature and use only plastic tools. If you are not sure of your skills, it is better to entrust the dismantling to professionals - repairing will cost less than replacing damaged components.
💡
The fingerprint scanner plume is the most vulnerable spot in the Redmi Note 4X, which costs 30-50% of the cost of a smartphone.
Alternative methods: when disassembly is not necessary
Sometimes the purpose of dismantling the Redmi Note 4X is to replace the battery or clean up the dust, but you don't always have to remove the lid completely.
- 🔋 Replacement of the battery through the top: in some services offer to remove only the top of the lid (above the battery), without touching the plumes.
- 🧹 Compressed air dust cleaning: if the problem is only in the contamination of connectors, blow them with a spray through the cracks.
- 🔌 External battery (powerbank): If the battery is quickly going down but disassembly is risky, use an external power source.
If you want to replace the display or repair the buttons, you have to remove the lid, but for prevention or minor repairs, you can do without completely disassembling.
Video Instructions and Additional Resources
For clarity, we recommend watching the video demolition Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X on YouTube.
- 📺 Fixez - detailed instructions with comments in Russian.
- 📺 Repair World – Disassembly with an emphasis on typical mistakes.
- 📺 Xiaomi Advices – official repair recommendations.
Before watching, check that the video is up to date with your Redmi Note 4X modification (such as the Snapdragon 625 or Helio X20 version).
Also useful materials:
- 🔧 Forum 4PDA — Remodeling theme for Redmi Note 4X user-advice.
- 🛠️ iFixit - disassembly schemes and spare parts catalog.