Forum Phones & Tablets Repair
Discussion Starter - #1 - 1 week ago

Hi,

I'm hoping you can help me out with my Zte nubia RedMagic 9. It's started acting up, and I'm looking for a detailed service manual with boardviews and schematics to properly diagnose and repair it. I need to take precise voltage measurements around the board, so having the right documentation would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance for your help.


forum selected answer
Selected Answer


I actually found that service manual on a tech Discord server a while back. A really helpful member there shared a direct link to their blog and I've saved it. I'm happy to pass it along here. Hopefully, these boardviews and schematics help you fix your phone, just like they got me through my repair. Looks like we have the same model.



>>>> Zte nubia RedMagic 9 maintenance guide & schematics (pdf + fz)

Good luck

Discussion Starter - #3 - 1 week ago

@Candice

Absolute legend! That's exactly the info I was searching for. This is going to save me so much time probing in the dark. Seriously, thanks a ton for sharing the link!

Hi there,

I also have the Zte nubia RedMagic 9 and just downloaded the manual you shared. I'm pretty new to board-level phone repair, and this is a bit intimidating with all the tiny test points and the schematics. Could you point me in the right direction on how to start troubleshooting this ? Any advice on the first few things I should check would be a massive help.

Thanks so much for your time

General advices: start by checking the voltage at the battery connector on the board. With a known-good battery connected, you should see a steady voltage between 3.7V and 4.2V. After that, a great next step is to check the main power management IC (PMIC) for shorts. Using your multimeter in diode mode, check for shorts on the large input capacitors surrounding the PMIC.

Here are a few useful references for troubleshooting your device:
https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/761894/Trying+to+install+El+Capitan+to+an+old+2008+Mac+Pro
Take a look at comment #1118
Also, this : https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Microsoft+Surface+Pro+X+Sensor+Bar+Replacement/148689.
You can also check this video starting from minute 9:


The Zte nubia RedMagic 9 service manual and boardviews from the link above were exactly what I've been searching for. I couldn't find a complete, free copy anywhere else. Seriously, thank you for sharing this you're a lifesaver!

Hi everyone, I'm working on a Zte nubia RedMagic 9 with a no power issue and need some guidance with my measurements.
I'm detecting 3.3V on the VREG_MAIN line (pin 1 of the PMIC), which looks good, but I'm getting 0V on the VDD_CPU line (pin 8) where the schematics indicate I should see about 0.9V.
Since this is a core voltage for the application processor, could this missing rail be why the device shows no signs of life?
What's the best procedure to diagnose this further? Should I check for shorts on the CPU rail first, or look at the PMIC's enable signals?
I've already verified the main 3.3V and 1.8V power rails are present and stable.



emoji scratching head

My Zte nubia RedMagic 9 was working perfectly until yesterday when it suddenly went completely dead. Now it won't respond to the power button, doesn't vibrate, and shows no signs of life even when connected to a charger. I'm worried there might be a serious issue.

I have a decent multimeter, a basic soldering iron, and a healthy dose of patience. While I've successfully replaced iPhone batteries and charging ports, this will be my first attempt at actual diagnosis. The sheer density of BGA chips and microscopic components is honestly a bit overwhelming.

I'm particularly curious about the alcohol trick I've seen online where you apply isopropyl to the board and look for evaporation hotspots to locate shorts. Is this actually a reliable method for beginners, or are there better approaches I should try first with just a multimeter?

I learned this lesson the hard way last month with mine, it was declared "dead" by two different shops. The phone showed absolutely no signs of life - no charging indicator, no vibration, nothing. Before diving into complex board work, I decided to try one more basic test: wireless charging.

To my complete surprise, it actually heated up on the charging pad! This single discovery completely changed my diagnostic path. It turned out the issue wasn't with the main board or processor, but with the notoriously fragile USB-C port that had failed completely. A $15 replacement part and some careful soldering brought it back to life.

The moral? Always exhaust every external testing method before opening the device. Test wireless charging if available, try different charging methods, and don't assume the worst case scenario. Sometimes the most "dead" devices have the simplest solutions hiding in plain sight.

I suspect my issue might be related to that cheap, third-party fast charger I used at the airport last week... Now the device gets extremely hot during charging, the screen flickers at low brightness, and sometimes it randomly shuts down at 30% battery. Could this have damaged the power management IC or battery calibration?

If your Zte nubia RedMagic 9 starts acting up, random reboots, fast battery drain, or connectivity issues, there are several diagnostic steps you can take before assuming the worst:

  • Check your charging habits: Using poor-quality chargers or wireless pads can gradually damage your battery and charging circuit, leading to unpredictable behavior.
  • Inspect the physical components: A slightly damaged charging port, worn battery, or even accumulated pocket lint can cause issues that seem like major hardware failures.
  • Monitor temperature patterns: If your phone gets unusually hot during specific tasks (like camera use or gaming), it could point to a failing component rather than a software issue.
  • Use diagnostic tools wisely: Ampere for battery health, phone diagnostic codes (*#0*# on many models), and a thermal camera can reveal problems without opening the device.
  • Know when to stop: If you see liquid damage indicators tripped or smell burnt electronics, it's time to consult a professional before causing irreversible damage.

Also visit this link it may help : https://xdaforums.com/t/qudstion-about-the-s-pen.2111050/

Here's what I discovered on forums and technical databases:

Does the phone recognize it? This tests the port's power delivery and data capabilities. Locate Display Power Rails: Use schematics to find the various power rails that feed the display connector (e.g., VCC_LCD, V_MIPIDATA, V_DDIO). Compressed Air: Use a can of compressed air to gently blow out any loose debris. Set DC Power Supply: Set the voltage to the phone's battery voltage (e.g., 3.8V or 4.2V). To navigate this ethical landscape responsibly, repair shops must establish clear policies and train their staff rigorously. Manufacturer Diagnostic Modes: Some phone manufacturers include hidden diagnostic menus (e.g., dialer codes like `#0#` for Samsung) that allow for direct sensor testing. Manufacturer-specific heat plates, jigs, and adhesive-dissolving liquids are designed to soften and release these bonds safely and cleanly, minimizing the risk of damage. The ambient light sensor is almost always integrated into the front flex cable assembly, typically located at the top of the display. After carefully disassembling the phone and removing the logic board, the damaged corner must be thoroughly inspected under the microscope. Advanced hardware diagnosis requires opening the smartphone and delving into the motherboard. The "Wi-Fi greyed out" issue on an iPhone is a particularly vexing problem for users and repair technicians alike. Remember that indoor coverage can be spotty even in strong outdoor zones. This will show you exact screw locations, flex cable placements, and potential pitfalls. Repairing a damaged Network IC is an advanced procedure that demands patience, precision, and the right equipment. Diagnosing and fixing this requires a systematic approach, starting with the easiest checks before delving into more complex hardware issues. Polyfuses (Resettable Fuses): Also SMD, these act like circuit breakers. Dust, hair, and debris can cause shorts, interfere with connections, or get trapped under screens or camera lenses. Partially reassemble the phone (connect display, battery, charging port flex). This prevents wasted effort if the replacement part is faulty or if there was an underlying motherboard issue. "Shadow" or "Halo" Effect: A very subtle gap or shadow around the edges of the BGA chip, which might indicate that some solder balls have lifted or cracked, causing the chip to slightly detach from the PCB. Broken/Snapped Tabs: These are often plastic and can break off cleanly or leave jagged edges. Unusual Charging Behavior: The phone either refuses to charge, charges very slowly, or becomes excessively hot during charging. Current Sense Resistors: Provide feedback to the driver IC to regulate the current flowing through the LEDs. ESD: Always use an ESD mat and wrist strap to protect sensitive components. The external plastic button is typically held in place by a small metal spring, a rubber gasket, or a plastic bracket. Heat is an indispensable tool in smartphone repair, primarily used to soften these adhesives, making component removal, especially screens and back glass panels, feasible. "Tapping to Focus" is Ineffective: Tapping on the screen to set a focus point does nothing or makes it worse. Use Original or Certified Chargers and Cables: Generic, low-quality chargers and cables can deliver inconsistent voltage and current, potentially damaging the battery or phone's charging circuitry. Modern smartphones are equipped with an astonishing array of sensors that enable a rich, context-aware user experience. If you disconnected any flex cables during disassembly, reattach them now.

1 - 13 of 13 Posts

Page top