Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2018, but even after years of operation, owners face the need to disassemble it. The reasons can be different: replacing the battery, cleaning from dust, repairing the charging connector or camera. However, removing the back cover on this model is not an easy task: the manufacturer used glue and latches, and improper actions can lead to cracks in the case or damage to the plumes.
In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions with visual cues, a list of necessary tools, and unique techniques to minimize risks (for example, how to warm up the glue without a hair dryer or how to replace a suction cup if it is not at hand). We will also analyze the typical mistakes that beginners make, and give recommendations for building after dismantling. If you have never taken out smartphones before, this guide will help to avoid costly breakdowns.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and conditions
Before you start removing the lid, make sure you have everything you need, and not even one tool can make it difficult or damage, and here's the minimum set you'll need:
- π§ Plastic mediator or spatula (thickness 0.2β0.4 mm) β for separation of the body without scratches.
- π§² Suction cup (diameter 3-5 cm) - helps to lift the cover after warming up the glue.
- π₯ Dryer or thermal air station - for softening the glue (alternative - hot water in the package).
- π¦ Container for screws - so as not to lose small parts (in Redmi Note 5 there are 12 pieces!).
- π Loop or magnifying glass - to inspect latches and plumes.
If you don't have professional instruments, you can use the tools you can use: instead of a mediator, you can use a guitar mediator or a plastic card, and instead of a sucker, you can use a wide scotch tape, a cross-painted cross-paint, but remember: improvisation increases the risk of damage!
It is also important to choose the right place to disassemble:
- πͺ Work at a table with good lighting (preferably daytime or LED-lamp).
- π§Ή The surface should be clean and flat β no crumbs or debris that can get inside the smartphone.
- β‘ Turn off the phone from charging and completely drain the battery (up to 0%) β this will reduce the risk of short circuit.
β οΈ Note: If you disassemble the Redmi Note 5 with a working display, do not press the screen after removing the lid - the plume of the touchscreen can come off the board!
Step 1: Shutting off power and removing the tray SIM-map
The first step is to completely shut down the device, and even if the phone is turned off, there may be a charge in the capacitors that will damage the components if you accidentally circuit.
- Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds to make sure the device is turned off.
- Remove the tray for SIM-cards with a paper clip or a special key (hole on the right).
- If the battery is swelling, don't continue disassembling.
Tray SIM-The Redmi Note 5's maps are fixed by a spring mechanism. If it doesn't come out the first time, don't put too much effort into it -- try wiggling the paperclip slightly left-right.
βοΈ Preparation for lid removal
After removing the tray, inspect it for corrosion or moisture. If there are traces of oxidation inside, this may indicate that liquid has entered, in which case it is better to trust the dismantling to professionals.
Step 2: Warming up the glue layer β how to do it safely
The back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is glued around the perimeter, and you just can't take it off. The glue becomes plastic at 60-80 temperatures.Β°C, but overheating over 100Β°C can damage plastic or display. Here are 3 proven ways to warm up:
| Method | Temperature. | Time. | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hair dryer (household) | 70β80Β°C | 2-3 minutes | Quickly and evenly | Risk of overheating |
| Hot water in the bag | 60β70Β°C | 5-7 minutes | Safe for electronics | It's cooling down a long time. |
| Thermo-air station | 75β85Β°C | 1-2 minutes | Precise temperature control | Expensive equipment |
If you use a dryer, keep it 5-7 cm away from the body and move it constantly so you don't overheat one area. Start warming up from the bottom of the phone (there are latches of the charging connector).
π‘
To check whether the glue warms up enough, slightly press the lid near the camera - if it is a little "playing", you can proceed to removal.
An alternative method for those without a hair dryer is to put the phone in a plastic bag and put it in hot water (not boiling water!) for 3-5 minutes, which is less effective but safe for internal components.
Step 3: Removing the lid β technique and typical errors
After warming up, proceed to the lid's gently separated, and the key here is to take your time and follow a clear algorithm:
- Place the suction cup closer to the bottom edge of the phone (above the Xiaomi logo).
- Lightly pull up - a gap of 1-2 mm should appear.
- Insert a plastic mediator into the gap and slowly lead it along the body, separating the latches.
- Pay special attention to the corners - there are most often broken fixtures!
The Redmi Note 5 has 12 latches, 3 on each side and 3 on the top (near the camera). If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't pull harder, you better reheat the problem area.
What to do if the lid is cracked?
Typical Beginner Mistakes:
- β Use of metal tools (knife, screwdrivers) - they scratch the body and can close the board.
- β Strong pressure on the mediator - this breaks the latches, and the lid is then not fixed.
- β Warming up only one side - the glue should soften evenly throughout the perimeter.
β οΈ Warning: If you see the battery plume is off after you remove the lid, don't turn on the phone! This may cause you to short-circuit. Gently connect the plume or contact the service.
Step 4: Disconnection of plumes and battery - safety rules
Once you remove the lid, you'll see the insides of the smartphone: the battery, the board, the camera and the plumes. The first rule is to not touch anything with metal objects! Static electricity or a circuit can disable the motherboard.
Procedure for disconnecting components:
- Disconnect the battery plume (it's under the black insulation tape) Use a plastic blade to plug the connector.
- Remove the metal protection board (it is attached to 4 screws Phillips #00).
- Turn off the display and touchscreen plumes (they are located at the top of the board).
The screws in the Redmi Note 5 are different lengths -- remember where they come from! For example, the camera mount screws are shorter than the circuit board screws. If you confuse them, you can damage the components.
π‘
Never pull the plumes out of the wires, just behind the plastic connector, and damage to the contacts will result in a broken display or touchscreen.
If you need to replace your battery, look for bloating. Even a small increase in thickness (by 0.5 mm) suggests that you need to replace. The new battery for the Redmi Note 5 should have a capacity of 4000 mAh and a voltage of 3.85 V.
Assembly of the phone after disassembly: tips and verification
Getting your phone back together is often harder than disassembling, and here are some key points to avoid problems:
- π Make sure all plumes are tightly connected β even a microscopic gap can cause failures.
- π§² Check that all screws are twisted - a missed screw will lead to a backlash of the board.
- π Stick the battery to a double-sided tape (the original glue often loses its properties after disassembly).
- π± Before final assembly, turn on the phone without a lid to check the operability.
If the phone does not turn on after assembly, check:
- Is the battery plume connected (frequent error!)
- Are the contact cards closed (look for foreign objects).
- Is it properly installed? SIM-card (sometimes it blocks the inclusion).
If everything is assembled correctly, but the phone is not charging, the problem may be oxidized contacts of the connector. Clean them with alcohol and gently warm them with a hair dryer (no higher than 60 Β° C).
Frequent problems after disassembly and their solution
Even with a careful disassembly, there can be problems.-5 problems and ways of eliminating them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen's not working. | The plume or connector is damaged. | Check the connection of the plume, if necessary, replace |
| Phone's off. | No contact of the battery or board | Check all connectors, try charging for 10-15 minutes |
| Camera makes a mistake | The camera plume is not connected or contaminated. | Clean the contacts with alcohol, reconnect the plume |
| The lid is not fixed. | Broken latches | Use B-7000 glue for additional fixation |
| Fast battery discharge | Power controller damaged. | Diagnostics at the service center |
If artifacts appear on the screen after the disassembly (strips, flickering), this may indicate damage to the plume of the display or graphics chip, in which case professional diagnostics will be required.
Another common problem is that the fingerprint sensor is not working well, most often because of contamination of the contacts or a loose plume, and try to clean the connector with alcohol and reconnect the plume.