Modern. TWS-headphones from Xiaomi and sub-brands like Redmi or QCY Often they fail when the warranty period has already expired, the battery loses capacity, earwax is stuffed into the speaker's grid, or the microphone stops transmitting voice. In service centers, battery replacement is often charged at a rate comparable to half the cost of a new device, making self-repair the only reasonable solution.
But most wireless headsets are designed to be non-shatterable, and engineers use ultrasonic welding or aggressive adhesives to keep the body moisture-proof and monolithic, and disassembling them requires not only precision, but also a specific set of tools, and an understanding of the physical workings of lithium polymer batteries, which can be dangerous if handled carelessly.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the process of opening different models, from the popular Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds to the budget Redmi AirDots. You will learn how to safely bend latches than dissolve the glue and how to properly remove the power element without damaging the control board. Remember that any intervention in the device automatically removes the warranty, so you should only start with complete confidence in your abilities.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Before you start dismantling, you need to organize a workplace, you need a table with good lighting, you want an antistatic mat, although it's not always critical for household repairs, and the main thing is that small parts, such as screws or plumes, do not roll under the furniture and are not lost.
The basic toolkit includes thin plastic blades (mediators), a metal scalpel or stationery knife, tweezers with thin curved ends and a suction cup. To work with glue, a dryer or thermophene is often needed, capable of heating the surface to 80-100 degrees Celsius without damaging the plastic.
- 🛠️ Phillips and Pentalobe screwdrivers (for screws inside the case).
- 🔥 Dryer or thermal pistol for softening the adhesive layer.
- 💧 Isopropyl alcohol or special liquid B-7000 adhesive-dissolving.
- 🔋 Tweezers with dielectric handles for safe operation with the battery.
⚠️ Note: Do not use metal tools to initially open the case, as there is a high risk of damage to the lithium polymer battery, which can lead to its fire or bloating.
Design features and types of mounting of housings
Understanding how the device is assembled is critical to successful repairs. TWS-Xiaomi has two basic types of build: screws and glue joints, and you can tell the type of attachment by the appearance of the seam: if you see small indentations under rubber linings or inside the charging port, most likely there are screws hidden there.
The adhesive is the standard for IPX4 and higher moisture protection, and in these models, the body consists of two halves glued around the perimeter with a special compound, and the heating is necessary to soften the polymer, after which the body can be neatly detached. Often there are plastic latches inside that require precise exposure to the mediator.
The complexity is a design where the board is fixed directly to one of the halves of the case, and the speaker is soldered to it. In such cases, the plumes and wires are very short, and abrupt opening can lead to their break. Always act slowly, checking for connections before fully opening the shell.
The secret of factory assembly
Step-by-step instructions for disassembling headphones
The disassembly process begins with a visual inspection. Find the place where the halves of the body connect most tightly. If the model assumes the presence of screws, unscrew them and put them in a magnetic box. If there are no screws, move to heating. Heat the body evenly from all sides for 2-3 minutes, avoiding overheating at one point so as not to melt the plastic.
After warming up, insert a thin plastic map or spatula into the seam. Move the tool along the perimeter, listening to the characteristic clicks of the opening latches. Don't try to unpack the case at one point, it will cause chips. Move around, gradually increasing the gap between the halves.
☑️ Safe Disassembly Algorithm
When the case is open, you'll see the internal layout. Usually the battery is central, and the board with the Bluetooth module is located on the top or side. If you want to change the battery, pay attention to the way it is connected: it can be soldered or connected through a connector. In Xiaomi models, soldering is more common, which requires skills with a soldering iron.
| Model headphones | Type of attachment | Positioning of the battery | Difficulty disassembling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots | Glue + latches | Inside the leg. | Tall. |
| Mi True Wireless 2 | Screws under the sticker | In the main part | Medium |
| Xiaomi Buds 3 | Ultrasonic welding | Central | Very high. |
| QCY T13 | Adhesive compound | Inside the hull | Medium |
Replacement of the battery and work with electronics
The most common reason for disassembly is to replace the lithium-polymer battery. The old battery may swell or stop holding charge. To extract the battery, you often have to gently smear it with a plastic blade, since it can be glued to the body with double-sided tape.
When you install a new battery, it's critical to be polar, and if you mix up plus and minus, you're guaranteed to disable the charge controller on the board, and if the new battery has a different connector, you'll have to re-sweeten the contacts using the old wire with the connector as a donor.
- 🔋 Use a battery with similar dimensions and voltage (usually 3.7V).
- 🔌 When soldering, use low-temperature solder so as not to damage the heat-sensitive elements of the board.
- 🧪 Degrease the landing site of the new battery with alcohol before fixing.
⚠️ Warning: Never puncture the battery body or bend it at a sharp angle. Damage to the internal structure of the Li-Pol cell causes short circuit and instantaneous ignition.
Cleaning speakers and restoring sound
Often, users disassemble headphones not to replace parts, but to clean the ears, and the speaker mesh is eventually clogged with earwax and dust, which silences high frequencies and lowers the overall volume. Carefully removing the external grille (it is often held on glue), you can get to the speaker.
To clean, use a soft toothbrush, slightly moistened in isopropyl alcohol. The alcohol evaporates quickly and leaves no moisture, which is safe for electronics. Do not pour the liquid directly onto the speaker - apply it only to a brush or cotton swab.
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If the sound is quiet but the speaker is intact, try blowing the mesh with compressed air or gently cleaning it with a thin needle, removing the compressed dirt.
After cleaning, allow the parts to dry completely for 10-15 minutes before assembly. Make sure that the speaker has no villi of cotton or bristles left on the membrane. Assembly is done in the reverse order: first the connection of the plumes, then the battery packing and the final gluing of the case.
Assembly and testing of the device
The final step is assembly. If you've used glue, apply a thin layer of a new adhesive (like the B-7000) around the perimeter of the case. Remove the glue immediately before it freezes. Combine the halves of the case and press them tightly, locking them with money bands for 2-3 hours until completely dry.
If the model was going to screw, make sure that all the wires are laid in their channels and will not be clamped when closed.Swipe the screws, but do not drag them, so as not to break the thread in the plastic racks. After assembly, you need to check the operation of the touch control, microphone and sound quality.
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High-quality sealing during assembly is the guarantee that the headphones will survive the accidental hit of sweat or rain, as intended by the manufacturer.
Turn on the device and connect it to your smartphone. Check the balance of sound in the left and right channels. If everything works correctly, congratulations, you have successfully extended the life of your gadget. Otherwise, you will have to repeat the procedure and check the reliability of contacts.