Disassembly of the action camera Xiaomi Yi Lite: the full guide

The Yi series of action cameras from Chinese giant Xiaomi have earned a reputation for being affordable but functional in-movement. However, like any electronics, the Yi Lite model may require intervention over time, whether it’s a swollen battery, a damaged display plume, or the need to clean the lens from internal dust. Owners often face the dilemma of whether to carry the device to a service center or try to repair themselves.

The process of disassembling this gadget is not as simple as it may seem at first glance, due to the dense layout and the lack of visible screws on the body. Accuracy is crucial here, since plastic latches are fragile and plumes require delicate handling. In this material, we will take a detailed look at each stage of dismantling to help you safely open the case and replace the necessary components.

Before you start to act, you need to prepare the workplace and tools. Lack of dust and good lighting are key factors in success in small electronics. Don't ignore the preparation, because a lost cog or damaged connector can turn a simple repair into a complete replacement device.

Tools and workplace preparation required

For successful disassembly of Xiaomi Yi Lite standard set of screwdrivers will not be enough. You will need a specialized tool that allows you to work with miniature screws and plastic elements without the risk of damage. First of all, get a set of precision screwdrivers, including cross-shaped (PH00, PH000) flat.

• 🛠️ A set of plastic mediators or shoulder blades for opening the body without scratches.
• 🔧 Tweezers with antistatic coating for working with small details.
• 🔥 A dryer or thermal soldering station for softening the glue (optional, but desirable).
• 💡 Powerful lamp or magnifier for visual control of small connectors.

Static electricity can disable the camera's sensitive electronics, so it is recommended to use an antistatic mat or at least periodically touch a grounded metal object. Also prepare the screw sorting containers, as their sizes may vary.

⚠️ Warning: Never use metal blades or knives to tweak parts of the case.This is guaranteed to cause plastic chipping and may damage internal components located close to the walls.

Primary dismantling of external elements and lens

We start the disassembly process by removing the external elements that do not require leakage of the main module. First, remove the battery and the memory card, which is a basic security requirement that will prevent short circuits from accidentally contacting the tools with the board.

Next, you need to carefully remove the front lens cover. On the Yi Lite, it is held on a thread, but can be grabbed by a drop of glue or simply twisted tightly by the factory. Use a rubber suction pump or gently tuck the edge with a plastic blade, trying not to press the lens itself.

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If the lens thread doesn't turn, try to warm up the front of the camera with a hairdryer for 10-15 seconds, which will soften the possible fixing composition.

Once the lens cover is removed, the main frame's mounting screws are accessed, and the number of mounts varies, and can be hidden under decorative stickers or rubber plugs. Carefully inspect the perimeter of the device. Hidden fasteners are a common practice of electronics manufacturers to preserve aesthetics.

Opening the case: work with latches and screws

The main challenge in disassembling the Yi Lite is the halves-locking system, and besides the screws you might have discovered in the previous step, the perimeter of the device is held by a lot of plastic latches, which are often located and require uniform force to open.

Put a plastic mediator between the front and back panels. Slowly guide the instrument along the seam, hearing the characteristic clicks of the clips opening. Don't try to open the case from one side to the end, it will break the latches. Move around, gradually increasing the gap.

• 🔓 Start the autopsy at the bottom, where there are usually the least electronics.
• 🔄 Move to the side faces, alternating left and right side.
• ⚠️ Avoid the area around the lens and display until the perimeter is fully freed.

When all the latches are snapped, don't rush to abruptly open the halves of the case. Inside, there may be plumes connecting the control buttons or indicators to the main board. A sharp jerking motion is guaranteed to lead to a break in the contacts.

⚠️ Warning: Plastic in old chambers becomes brittle. If the latch fails, check if there is a screw left somewhere before you use force.

Access to internal layout and battery

When you remove the back cover, you see the Xiaomi Yi Lite internal device, which is centered on the main module with the matrix and the processor, and a lithium polymer battery, which is often glued to the body or fixed with double-sided tape.

To replace the battery, carefully disconnect the power connector from the board. Be extremely careful: the connectors here are miniature and easily break when distorted. Use a plastic blade to fit the connector vertically upwards. Mechanical damage to the connector will require soldering of a new one, which will make repairs much more difficult.

If the battery is glued, don't try to pull it off by force. Tighten the edge of the battery, and using a thread or a plastic card, carefully cut the adhesive layer. You can preheat the back wall with a hairdryer to soften the glue. You can't break the integrity of the battery shell, it can lead to fire.

Dismantling of the lens and matrix module

The most delicate step is working with the optical path, the lens module in Yi Lite is attached to the main board and can be additionally fixed by screws on the metal frame, and to remove it, you need to unscrew all visible mounts.

Notice the plume that connects the matrix module to the board, which is very thin and sensitive to cracks. Before removing the module, make sure that the plume lock (usually a folding bar) is raised to the open position, and only then you can extract the contact.

When you reverse assemble, it's critical that you don't leave any dust on the matrix, and the microscopic dust on the sensor will show up in all the images as black dots, and you'd better work in a room with minimal air movement, or use a compressed air can for the final blowout.

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The main difficulty when working with the matrix is the lack of the ability to clean it qualitatively without specialized equipment, so it is better to immediately change the module in the assembly in the presence of image defects.

Assembly of the device and verification of functionality

The assembly is done in reverse disassembly. Install the lens and matrix module, making sure all the plumes are fixed before the click. When you lay the battery, check if the wires are clamped. Properly stacking the components ensures that the halves of the body come together effortlessly.

When you connect the halves of the body, first snap the corners, then walk around the perimeter, pressing the joints tightly. Make sure there are no gaps. After that, screw all the screws in the tightening sequence (usually diagonally) to avoid skewing the body.

After you've fully assembled, insert the battery and memory card, then turn on the camera. Check Wi-Fi, video recording, and button response. If the device is not behaving properly, you may need to re-disassemble to check the contacts.