Xiaomi's remotes are not just accessories, they're full-fledged smart devices with touch panels, voice controls, and even built-in gyroscopes. But what if the remote stops working, the button is stuck or the battery is dead, and the lid doesn't open? Disassembling it without damage is a whole science. In this article, we will tell you how to properly open the Xiaomi remote of any model, from the classic Mi Remote to the remotes for Mi. TV, Mi Box and even Mi TV Stick.
You'll learn what tools you'll need, where the hidden latches are, and how to avoid the typical errors that lead to the body breaking, and we'll also go into detail on what to do if the remote doesn't respond to disassembly due to factory adhesive or custom mounts -- that's true for models after 2022. Ready?
1. What Xiaomi remotes are and how they differ
Before you start disassembling, it is important to understand what model you are dealing with. Xiaomi remotes are divided into several types, and each has its own nuances of design:
- ๐บ Television remotes (Mi) TV Remote, Mi TV Stick Remote - usually with a touchpad and a microphone for voice control, often with hidden latches under rubber inserts.
- ๐ฎ The console consoles (Mi Box S, Mi Box 4) are simpler, with physical buttons and a battery compartment under the back cover.
- ๐ Universal remotes (Mi Remote, Mi Universal Remote) โ support management of multiple devices, often have a removable IR-block.
- ๐ก Smart home remotes (Mi Home Remote, Aqara Remote) โ compact, with a magnetic mount or reset button.
The most difficult in disassembly - remotes for Mi TV The last generation (e.g., Mi) TV Remote Pro 2023. They often assemble on latches without screws, and the body is glued together to protect against moisture, while the remotes for the Mi Box are usually disassembled in a few minutes: just plug the lid with a mediator.
If you are not sure about the model, look at the back of the remote โ it usually shows the marking (for example, the markings are indicated, MDZ-22-AB for Mi TV This information is useful if you need to look for parts or disassembly schemes.
2.Preparation: Tools and precautions
To disassemble the Xiaomi remote without damage, you will need:
- ๐ง Plastic mediator (or guitar mediator) - for careful liding.
- ๐จ Torx screwdriver T5 or T6 โ For screws in some models (for example, Mi Box 4).
- ๐งฒ Magnetic screwdriver - so as not to lose small screws.
- ๐ธ Smartphone โ to photograph the process (useful when assembling).
- ๐งด Isopropyl alcohol - to clean contacts if the remote does not work.
โ๏ธ What to do before the disassembly
โ ๏ธ Note: If your Xiaomi remote has a built-in battery (like in Mi) TV Remote Pro, in any case do not use metal tools to tamper with the body - this can cause a short circuit.
Also note the warranty stickers. In some models (e.g. Mi). TV Stick Remote) they're located under the battery compartment cover. If the sticker is damaged, the remote warranty is void -- even if the breakage isn't related to your actions.
3. Step-by-step instruction: how to open the Xiaomi remote
Let's take a generic disassembly algorithm and look at the most popular models, and if your remote is different, adapt the instructions to the design.
Remotes with batteries (Mi Box, Mi Universal Remote)
This is the easiest way. Follow the steps.
- Turn the remote and find a battery compartment (usually it is closed with a groove cover).
- Carefully put the cover with the mediator on the side where there is an arrow or an inscription "PUSH".
- If the lid does not lend itself, try to press it in the direction of the arrow - often it moves, and then opens.
- After removing the lid, you will see batteries (usually.) AAA) and maybe the screws underneath.
In the remotes of the Mi Box S under the batteries are often hidden two screws Torx T5. Unscrew them, then gently disconnect the body, starting at the bottom (there are usually no latches).
Remotes without screws (Mi) TV Remote, Mi TV Stick Remote)
These models are harder to understand. Here's what we need to do:
- Make sure there are no batteries in the remote (if they are removable).
- Take a plastic mediator and start gently poke the case on the end side (where there are no buttons).
- Move around the perimeter, gradually snapping the mounts. Don't put too much effort into it, because if the body doesn't respond, there are hidden latches.
- In the Mi models TV Remote Pro often has additional latches under rubber inserts (for example, under the Mi button). Carefully tuck the rubber and check if there are screws there.
โ ๏ธ Attention: In the Mi remotes TV Stick Remote (model) MDZ-22-AB) The body is glued around the perimeter, and to open it, you have to warm the seam with a hair dryer (temperature is not higher than 60).ยฐC) or use a solvent for adhesive, but remember that after such an intervention, the leakage of the housing will be disturbed!
What if the remote is glued together?
Once the case is successfully opened, you will see a circuit board with buttons and possibly a flexible plume (in models with a touchpad).
Battery remotes (Mi) TV Remote Pro)
These remotes are different:
- Find a miniature hole on the end of the remote (usually next to the charging connector).
- Put a paper clip or a pin in it and press it - this will unlock the latch.
- Carefully pull the top of the body up, and if you can't, warm the seam with a hair dryer.
Inside, you'll find a lithium polymer battery soldered to a board. If you need to replace it, use a soldering iron with a thin sting and a temperature of no more than 300.ยฐC.
4.Typical Disassembly Problems and How to Avoid Them
Even if you follow the instructions, there can be difficulties, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The building is not open despite the efforts | Hidden screws under stickers or rubber inserts | Check all surfaces for screws. Use a flashlight. |
| After disassembly, the buttons do not work. | Flexible plume damaged or contacts contaminated | Clean the contacts with alcohol, check the integrity of the plume. |
| The remote does not turn on after assembly | Incorrectly connected battery or batteries | Check polarity, contacts, wire integrity. |
| Scream or backlash after assembly | The mounts are not snapped or the screws are not twisted. | Take the remote back apart and assemble it more carefully. |
โ ๏ธ Note: If after disassembly, touch buttons stop working (for example, in Mi). TV Remote Pro, most likely, has lost the plume or damaged the touch film, in which case you need a soldering iron and experience with microelectronics โ better contact the service.
Another common mistake is the loss of spring contacts for batteries, which are small and easily fall out when you disassemble them, and if you lose contact, you can replace it with a piece of foil or order a spare part (for example, on AliExpress using the code of the remote model).
5 Cleaning and repair after disassembly
Now that the remote is open, you can start cleaning or repairing it.
- ๐งผ Contact cleaning: use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Pay special attention to battery contacts and buttons.
- ๐ง Replace buttons: If the button is stuck or not pressed, it can be carefully removed and cleaned or replaced (search for parts using the remote model).
- ๐ Battery replacement: in remotes with Li-ion battery (e.g. Mi) TV Remote Pro: The battery loses capacity over time, and you can replace it with a similar one (e.g., a battery that is recharged, 3.7V 300mAh).
- ๐ก Verification IR-transmitter: if the remote does not send a signal, check the integrity IR-Diode (it looks like a small transparent or black eyeยป).
If the remote doesn't respond to the pressing, but the batteries are charged, the chip may be the problem, and then the only thing that will help is to flash the firmware or change the board. USB-UART adapter and programmer (e.g, CH340).
๐ก
If the Xiaomi remote stopped working after a fall, check the integrity of the quartz resonator on the board - it looks like a small metal box with three legs.
After cleaning or repairing, put the remote in reverse order, make sure all latches are in place and the screws are twisted. If the case has been glued, use double-sided tape or glue. B-7000 fixative.
6.How to check the remote after assembly
Before closing the case, make sure the remote works correctly:
- Insert batteries or connect charging (for models with a battery).
- Press any button and check if the indicator lights up (if any).
- Point the remote to the smartphone camera and press the button โ if IR-The transmitter is working, you'll see a flicker in the viewfinder.
- Test all buttons, including touch buttons (if any).
If the remote doesn't respond:
- Check the polarity of the batteries.
- Make sure your contacts are not contaminated.
- Try resetting your settings (if you have a Reset button).
In the remotes for Mi TV Sometimes reconnecting through the TV menu helps: go to Settings โ DU remote โ Reconnect.
๐ก
If the remote works after assembly, but the body creaks or luftites, take it apart again and check if all the latches are in place, often the problem is unevenly twisted screws or debris that has got inside.
7.Where to buy spare parts for the Xiaomi remote
If you're going through a major breakdown (a board burnt, a touchscreen cracked), you'll have to look for parts.
- ๐ AliExpress is the biggest choice. Search by code for the remote model (e.g., for example, MDZ-22-AB).
- ๐ฌ Local service centers โ sometimes sell used parts after repair.
- ๐ eBay โ suitable for rare models (for example, remotes for Mi) TV 2018).
- ๐ง Radio parts stores - there you can buy buttons, contacts, resistors.
Average prices for spare parts (for 2026):
- Management fee - from 500 to 1500 โฝ.
- Battery: 200-400 โฝ.
- Buttons - 50-100 โฝ piecewise.
- IR-transmitter - 100-200 โฝ.
If the remote is too old (e.g. Mi Box 1 or Mi) TV 2016, cheaper to buy a new.Modern models (e.g. Mi) TV Remote Pro 2023 is priced around 1500โ2000 โฝ And support voice control.