Disassembling wearables is always a balance between saving on repairs and risking permanent damage to the device. When it comes to disassembling Xiaomi watches, it’s important to understand that modern activity trackers and smart watches are designed with minimal user service. The sealed case, the absence of visible screws and the use of aggressive adhesive compounds make this process difficult even for experienced craftsmen. However, if you are firmly determined to replace the battery, screen or just study the internal device of the Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch, you will need not only accuracy, but also a specific set of tools.
In this article, we will look at the design features of various models, from simple fitness bracelets to advanced Watch watches. You will learn what tools are necessary to safely open the case, and why standard screwdrivers will not help here. We will discuss the technical nuances of dismantling plumes and batteries, and also analyze the typical errors that lead to irreversible damage to electronics. Remember, any interference with the design of the device automatically voids the warranty, so weigh the pros and cons before starting work.
The main difficulty is that manufacturers strive for maximum protection from water and dust using IP68 or 5 ATM standards. This means that once opened and then assembled, it is almost impossible to return factory sealability without special equipment and glue. However, for devices that are already out of order or are not subject to warranty repair, self-disassembly remains the only way to extend the life of the gadget or dispose of its components.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Before you start dismantling, you need to organize a workspace, you need a desk with good lighting and, preferably, antistatic coating, any spark of static electricity can instantly disable the sensitive electronics of the watch, the main tool will be thin metal blades or special plastic mediators for opening. The use of knives or sharp objects is not recommended, because there is a high risk of damaging the display or scratching the body.
Small screws that can be hidden under plugs will require a set of precision screwdrivers. Most often, Xiaomi devices use screws with T2, T3 or PH000 slits. A hairdryer or thermotable for softening the glue will also be an indispensable assistant. Heat must be carefully controlled: the temperature should not exceed 80-90 degrees Celsius, so as not to melt the plastic cells or damage the battery.
☑️ Disassembly tools
Don't forget to prepare the screw sorting containers. They can vary in length and diameter, even within the same device. If you mix them up, you can break the case or damage the board. You also have isopropyl alcohol on hand to clean the surfaces of glue residues and greasy spots. You should work in a well-ventilated room, because when you heat the adhesive compounds can emit unpleasant odors.
Features of disassembling fitness bracelets Mi Band
The Mi Band fitness trackers (especially the 1-to-4 versions) are modular, making it a bit easier. The main unit (capsule) is removed from the strap and then opened. However, in newer models, starting with the Mi Band 5 and up, the design has become more monolithic. Removing the capsule from the strap often requires a significant force, pushing the module to the side opposite to the pulse sensor.
The opening process of the bracelet body usually starts with heating the back cover or screen (depending on the model). The glue holding the halves of the body softens, and with a suction cup or blade you can gently open the gap. Inside you find a lithium polymer battery, control board and vibrator. Be extremely careful with the display plume: it is very thin and easily breaks when sloppy movement.
The secret of extracting the capsule Mi Band
And it's important to note that bracelets often don't have the ability to replace the battery without damaging the body, that the glue is used so aggressively that when you open it, the plastic can deform. If you want to just replace the strap, new models do it without disassembling the electronics, but if you want to replace the battery, be prepared to have the case re-glued and the leakage will be broken.
Disassembly of smart watches Xiaomi Watch and Amazfit
Smartwatches like the Xiaomi Watch, Watch S1 or Amazfit (GTR, GTS) have a more complex architecture, where the screen often occupies the entire front panel and is glued around the perimeter. Disassembly of these models should begin with the dismantling of the display module. Perimeter heating is mandatory. After warming up, use a thin line or a special string tool to cut through the glue layer as you pass along the entire perimeter of the screen.
When you take off the screen, you get access to the main board, which is usually closed by a metal or plastic screen that's mounted with screws, and you unscrew them, you get access to the plume connectors. It's important to remember the order of shutdown: the battery goes off first, and then all the other plumes (display, sensors, buttons) that prevent short circuits and the power controller from failing.
| Model of the device | Type of hull attachment | Difficulty autopsy | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 4-6 | Glue + Latches | Medium | Tall (screen) |
| Mi Band 7-8 | Strong glue | Tall. | Very tall. |
| Xiaomi Watch S1 | Perimeter glue | Tall. | Tall (trains) |
| Amazfit GTR | Stub screws | Medium | Medium. |
Inside the watch, you can often find additional protection in the form of silicone pads or metal screens that cover the NFC and GPS modules. You need to remove them carefully, remember the location. When you assemble them back, make sure that all contacts are tightly pressed. Some Amazfit models use double-sided tape to lock the battery, which requires careful peeling to avoid deformation of the battery.
💡
Use a suction cup to lift the screen. Create a little tension so that the peeling edge is visible, and immediately insert a thin plastic blade into this gap, which will prevent the glue from sticking again during the cutting process.
Battery work and replacement of power cells
Battery replacement is the most common reason for disassembling wearables. Xiaomi watch batteries tend to degrade after 2-3 years of active use. When removing an old battery, do not use metal objects that can penetrate the shell. Lithium polymer batteries can ignite if damaged. If the battery is glued, use a minimum amount of isopropyl alcohol under the edge of the battery and wait a few minutes until the glue loses its properties.
When installing a new battery, it is important to check the voltage. It should not be zero. Connect a new cell and check the reaction of the device before final assembly. Often new batteries come with a charge of about 40-60%, which is optimal for storage. If the device does not respond, it may require the activation of the power circuit or a problem in the charge controller on the board.
⚠️ Warning: Never puncture or bend the battery at a sharp angle.Even microscopic damage to the internal structure can cause bloating and fire within hours of installation.
To fix the new battery, use special adhesive tapes designed for electronics. Conventional double-sided tape may not withstand heating inside the case or eventually unstuck, which will lead to battery chatter and disconnection of contacts. Make sure that the battery connector sits tightly in the socket and is fixed by a pressing plate, if it is provided by the design.
Common mistakes and risks in self-repair
The most common mistake is to make too much effort in opening, because smartwatch cases are made of plastic or composite materials that crack easily, and if the device doesn't respond, you either haven't warmed up enough or you haven't found a hidden screw, and you can't use force here, and you often forget to turn off the battery before you use other plumes, which causes the lighting controller or touchscreen to short circuit and burn.
Another risk is leakage. Even if you close the watch carefully, there is no factory level of water protection. Once disassembled, the device can only withstand splashes, not immersion. Do not check the leakage under the tap immediately after assembly. In addition, the use of improper glue (such as superglue with cyanoacrylate vapor) can lead to clouding of the optics of the pulse sensors from the inside.
Don’t forget the small details, such as the side buttons and their mechanisms. With a sloppy assembly, the rubber button pad can shift and the button will stop pressing or stick. In some Xiaomi models, the buttons are integrated into the body and repairing them requires a complete replacement of the body, which is not economically feasible.
Assembly of the device and check of performance
The assembly is done in reverse order, but with the new conditions in mind. The glue strips must be fresh. The initial test is recommended before the final snapping of the case. Connect the battery, press the switch on and make sure the device reacts, vibrates and shows the image. If everything works, you can carefully stack the plumes and close the case.
When gluing the case, use a special adhesive B-7000 or E-8000 that remains elastic after drying. Apply it with a thin layer, avoiding getting inside on the board. Once the parts of the case are connected, lock them with rubber rings or stationery gums for 1-2 hours before the glue is completely dry. Don't turn the device on immediately, let the glue grip.
⚠️ Warning: Excess glue when assembled can be squeezed inside and hit the lenses of sensors or speakers, which will lead to a deterioration in the quality of their work.
Once assembled, check all the sensors: pedometer, pulse meter, accelerometer. Run the Mi Fitness or Zepp app and check the readings. If the data is correct and the device holds the charge, the repair can be considered successful. However, remember that water resistance is now only a formality, and wetting the watch is no longer recommended.
💡
Quality assembly is more important than speed: let the glue dry under pressure (clamp) for at least 2-3 hours to ensure maximum strength of the joint and protection from dust.