The need to access the internal components of Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO can arise for various reasons: replacing a broken battery, cleaning moisture after falling into the water or installing a new camera. Modern monoblock designs involve a dense assembly, where each element is fixed on a sticky base, which requires the master to be extremely accurate and understand the physics of the process.
Before starting the dismantling, it is necessary to completely turn off the device to eliminate the risk of short circuits when accidentally touching the plumes. Deep discharge of the battery before the procedure is also a good tone, since a punctured lithium-polymer battery can ignite, although the risk is minimal if precautions are taken.
In this article, we will look at the detailed algorithm of actions for the safe opening of the case, the necessary tools and specific nuances characteristic of the Chinese manufacturer's devices. Ignoring the heating steps or using inappropriate tools often leads to damage to the display glass, which is the most expensive component in repair.
Workplace preparation and tools
The success of the operation depends on 80% of the quality of preparation. You will need a specialized set of tools that includes thin metal blades, plastic mediators, a suction cup to lift glass and a set of screwdrivers with bits of various types, including rare Torx. Without a heating element such as a thermophen or a special heating pad, it is almost impossible to open a modern smartphone without damage.
Organize the space so that all the small screws and parts are at hand and can not get lost. Magnetic mat or organizer with cells will be the ideal solution for sorting fasteners, which in different Xiaomi models can have different lengths and threads.
☑️ Postmortem readiness
Provide good lighting to the work area. Shadows can hide microscopic plumes or glue points, which will lead to erroneous actions, and it is also recommended to have a high concentration of isopropyl alcohol on hand, which will help dissolve the residues of the adhesive and clear the contacts.
Technology of heating and removing the back cover
The main obstacle to opening is the glue that fixes the back panel. Heating is necessary to soften the adhesive layer, but it is important not to overdo it so as not to damage the display matrix or deform the frame. The optimal heating temperature is about 80-90 degrees Celsius, and exposure time is 2-3 minutes of uniform warming up around the perimeter.
⚠️ Warning: Do not direct the jet of hot air directly into the area of the main camera or scanner built into the button, as overheating can irreversibly damage the senses and sensors.
Once warmed up, use a suction cup to create a small gap between the lid and the frame, and gently insert a thin plastic mediator into it. Move the tool along the perimeter, trying to hold it parallel to the plane of the smartphone so as not to damage the internal plumes that may pass close to the edges.
- 🔥 Heat the body evenly, constantly moving the hair dryer to avoid local overheating.
- 🛠 Use only plastic tools to lick the lid to avoid scratches.
- 👀 Watch for the appearance of a gap and do not make excessive efforts if the cover does not lend itself.
In some models, especially with glass or ceramic back panels, the adhesive layer can be applied more abundantly, in such cases, the heating and tweaking procedure with the mediator will have to be repeated several times, showing patience and composure.
Disconnection of the battery and dismantling of protective screens
Once the back cover is removed, the first step is to find and disable the battery connector, a critical safety step that shuts down the device and prevents accidental circuits when working with other components, usually located in the bottom or center of the motherboard.
Then there's the step of removing the metal shielding plates that cover the display plumes and the main connectors, and these plates are attached to screws of different sizes, so it's important to remember or photograph the location of each screw before you unscrew. Metal screens can also act as heat sinks for the processor.
The nuances of screw fasteners
Use a magnetic screwdriver to unscrew, so as not to drop the screw inside the case. If the screw does not lend itself, do not use excessive force - perhaps the thread is "boiled" or torn, and requires the use of a special solvent or careful loosening.
Motherboard removal and plume disconnection
Once all the safety plates and screws are removed, the motherboard becomes available for retrieval, but there is no rush here: many thin plumes connect the board to the display, cameras, buttons and charging module. The plumes often have locking mechanisms, latches, which must be carefully bent before removing the connector.
Take a tweezer or a plastic blade and gently lift the connector upwards, strictly perpendicular to the plane of the board. Pulling the plume itself is absolutely impossible, it will lead to a break in the current tracks. Visually inspect all connections to make sure that no wire is left connected.
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Before fully removing the board, take a close-up picture of all the plumes and connectors, which will help avoid errors when reassembling, especially if you are doing repairs for the first time.
When you take out the board, pay attention to its orientation and possible hooks for antenna wires or other design elements. In some models, the antenna cable can pass through special slots in the frame, and it must be carefully released.
Specifics of disassembling models with AMOLED displays
If your goal is to replace the display, the procedure is complicated by the fact that in many modern Xiaomi models, the screen is glued to the frame of the case. To remove it, you also need to heat the perimeter and use a thin string or special blades to cut the adhesive layer.
AMOLED arrays are extremely sensitive to mechanical pressure and bending. Even microscopic damage to the internal structure can cause spots or stripes to appear in the image. When working with the display, avoid touching the inner surface with your fingers, as fat and dust can disrupt the touch screen.
Comparison of types of attachment of elements in different series of devices:
| Component | The Redmi Note series | Flagships Xiaomi Mi | Redmi's Budget Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back cover. | Glue + screws | Strong glue + glass | Plastic on latch/glue |
| Battery | Two pulls to extract | Perimeter glue | Glue or bilateral scotch |
| Display. | Glue to the frame | Glue + complex frame | Often a module in a frame |
It is important to consider that flagship models use a more complex sealing system, which makes reassembly and restoration of moisture protection more time-consuming process, requiring special adhesive frames (B-7000 or analogues).
Assembly of the device and verification of functionality
The assembly process is carried out in reverse order, but requires even more care. Before installing the back cover, be sure to check the operability of all modules: connect the plumes of the display, touch screen, cameras and try to turn on the device without sticking the lid permanently.
Make sure all screws are swirled with the same force and no element dangles inside the body.A foreign sound when shaken can indicate a forgotten screw that over time can damage the motherboard or screen.
For the final fixation of the back cover, use a special electronics glue or a ready-made adhesive frame. Apply the glue with a thin layer, avoiding getting inside the case, and press the edges tightly, fixing the device with rubber bands or loads for drying time (usually 1-2 hours).
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Quality assembly is not only twisted screws, but also checking all functions until the final sealing of the body.