Modern wearables from Xiaomi are famous for their autonomy and functionality, but over time, even the most reliable battery loses capacity. Many users wonder whether you can replace the battery yourself or clean the case of the device. Disassembly of smart watches is a process that requires not only accuracy, but also a specific set of tools, as manufacturers often use hidden screws and water-resistant adhesives.
Before you take action, you need to be clear about the risks. Opening the case automatically voids the warranty, and mishandling thin plumes can lead to complete failure of the device. However, if you have experience with small electronics and are ready for painstaking work, this article will be your guide to the world of microscopic screws and fragile screens.
It is worth noting that the design of the Mi Band trackers and the full Mi Watch is significantly different. While the former are a module inserted into a strap, the latter require a more complex approach to dismantling the rear cover or display. In the Mi Band 7 and newer models, the module is often filled with compound or sealed, making them almost impossible to disassemble without damaging the body.
Tools and workplace preparation required
You can't disassemble electronics properly without the right tools. Attempting to open the case with a knife or rough objects is almost guaranteed to cause chipping, scratching and damage to moisture membranes. You'll need a specialty kit that minimizes the risks of mechanical damage.
Particular attention should be paid to the organization of lighting. Small parts, such as plume connectors and microscopic screws, are not visible in dim light. Using a magnifier or magnifying lamp will greatly simplify the process and help avoid errors.
☑️ Autopsy toolkit
It's important to prepare the work surface. You can put an antistatic mat on the table, or just a blank sheet of white paper, where you can see the screws that are falling out, and you can use a magnetic screw mat to avoid confusing the different lengths of the fasteners, which is critical when you build them.
Specifics of disassembly of trackers Mi Band (4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
The Mi Band fitness tracker lineup has a unique design where the main module (capsule) is either inserted into the strap or is a single whole with it. In early models (up to version 4 inclusive), the module could be extracted by simple extrusion.
Removing the silicone strap module in Mi Band 5 and 6 models often requires effort. Some users use the method of heating the silicone with a hairdryer to make it more elastic, but this must be done carefully so as not to overheat the tracker itself. In newer versions, the strap can be non-removable, which makes it difficult to access the back cover.
⚠️ Note: In the Mi Band 7 and 8, the design often does not involve disassembly by the user. The battery can be soldered into the board, and the body can be glued around the perimeter without the possibility of a neat opening.
If you're looking to replace a strap, it's usually easy to pull out the capsule, but if you want to replace the battery, you have to understand that in modern versions, these are non-repairable devices in the classic sense, and the adhesives are so strong that opening up is like buying a new gadget.
The Mi Watch and Amazfit autopsy algorithm
Full-fledged smartwatches like the Mi Watch or Amazfit devices (the Xiaomi ecosystem) typically have a back cover mounted on screws and glue. The first step is always to visually inspect the back for visible screws under sensor stickers or in the recesses.
If there are no screws, the lid is held on the glue. To soften the adhesive, you need to warm the perimeter of the watch uniformly. Use a dryer at low temperature, constantly moving the air flow so that the screen or internal components do not damage overheat. The temperature should not exceed 80-90 degrees.
After heating up, a thin metal or plastic tool comes into play. Carefully, without jerking, you need to walk around the perimeter, cutting the adhesive layer. A thin plume that connects the back cover (if there are sensors or antennas) to the main board, it is easy to break with careless movement.
- 🔥 Heat the body evenly during the 2-3 minutia.
- 🔪 Use a thin string or blade for the primary perimeter incision.
- 🧩 Click plastic latches with a plastic spatula, avoiding metal.
- 🔌 Disconnect the sensor plume before the lid is completely removed.
What to do if the lid does not open?
Replacement of the battery and work with adhesive joints
After successfully opening the case, you can access the battery, which is locked to double-sided tape in most Xiaomi devices, and you can use a thin plastic card or a special tool with rounded edges to extract the old battery.
It is strictly forbidden to use metal objects to tamper with the battery, a puncture of a lithium polymer battery will cause it to ignite or explode. If the battery sits very tightly, you can gently drip some isopropyl alcohol under it to dissolve the glue, but you need to do this extremely carefully, avoiding liquid on the board.
| Model of the device | Type of lid attachment | Type of battery | Difficulty replacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 4 | Silicone strap | Removable module | Low. |
| Mi Band 6 | Glue + latches | Sweatered/Glue | Tall. |
| Mi Watch Lite | Screws + Glue | On the connector. | Medium |
| Amazfit GTS | Perimeter glue | On the connector. | Medium |
When installing a new battery, it is important to connect the plume correctly. Connectors often have micro-latches that need to bend before installation and snap after. Make sure the connector sits to the end and is fixed.
💡
Use a B-7000 or a special adhesive sealant to re-seal the watch body. Double-sided tape will not provide the necessary moisture protection.
Common mistakes and risks in self-repair
The most common mistake is neglecting heat treatment, and trying to open a cold case causes the plastic guides to break down and the gaps to break, and then dust and moisture will enter the gaps, which will kill the electronics.
The second mistake is the damage to the plumes, which are incredibly thin and fragile, and if you don't handle tweezers or shoulder blades carefully, you can damage the current tracks, and it's almost impossible to repair the plume at home.
⚠️ Note: After opening the watch, you lose the manufacturer's declared water protection (IP67/IP68). Even with good gluing, you can't restore the factory-level tightness at home.
Also worth mentioning is the risk of damage to the display: When disassembling a watch where the screen is part of the case or glued to the frame, any improper movement can lead to the appearance of ink on the matrix or cracks. Pressure on the screen when disassembling the back cover is a common cause of failure of the display.
Assembly of the device and check of performance
The assembly is done in reverse order, but with important nuances. Before the final fixation of the lid, you need to do a primary test. Connect the battery and try to turn the device on. If the watch reacts to charging and vibrates, you are on the right track.
When applying the adhesive to seal, exercise restraint. Excess glue can squeeze out into the case and hit buttons or speakers by jamming them, apply a thin strip around the perimeter, avoiding contact areas and dynamic membranes.
💡
Successful assembly depends not only on accuracy, but also on the quality of consumables used (glue, scotch).
Once glued, the device needs time to polymerize the adhesive, and it is recommended to place the watch under a small load (through soft tissue) for 2-4 hours, which will ensure a uniform fit of the cover and reliable grip of the glue.