The Xiaomi Mi 8, launched in 2018, has become a landmark device for the company to offer flagship specs at an affordable price. However, time takes its toll: batteries lose capacity, screens break when they fall, and charging connectors wear out. Many owners, faced with repairs, wonder how to open the device’s body without damaging fragile plumes and glass surfaces.
The process of disassembling this gadget requires a certain skill, since it has no screws on the outer surface. The entire structure is glue-based, which makes the initial opening the most risky step. Wrong actions at the start can lead to cracks in the back panel or damage to the display, so it is extremely important to follow the sequence and use a specialized tool.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the steps of dismantling the Mi 8, from heating the case to turning off the plumes. You will learn about the nuances of working with the adhesive layer, the location of the main components and precautions that will help maintain the integrity of the electronics.
Workplace preparation and necessary tools
Before you can physically affect the body of your smartphone, you need to organize a workspace, the surface of the table should be clean, flat and well lit so that the small screws are not lost and the details are clearly visible. The ideal solution is to use a special mat for electronics repair, which prevents slipping and static electricity.
To successfully disassemble, you need a set of tools, each of which performs a different function, and the absence of even one element can complicate the process or lead to failure.
- 🔥 Dryer or heat pad - to soften the glue under the back cover and display.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers - necessarily the presence of a cross (Phillips) and a small slit, preferably magnetic.
- 💳 Plastic mediators and suction cups – metal tools can damage glass or cause short circuits.
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol or special solvent B-7000 — glue-dissolving.
- 🔍 Tweezers with curved ends - convenient for extracting small screws and working with plumes.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a knife or blade to initially slid the lid.The metal slips easily and can cut through the battery or damage the display matrix, leading to irreversible consequences.
Pay special attention to battery safety. Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to punctures and high heat. If you notice the bloating of the battery or smell a specific odor during operation, immediately stop work and ensure that the room is aired. The heating temperature of the case should not exceed 80-90 degrees Celsius, so as not to damage the internal plastic frames and adhesives of the display.
Primary autopsy: Removal of the back cover
The most difficult step in the whole procedure is to separate the glass back from the metal frame, and the glue used by the manufacturer becomes polymerized over time and becomes very durable. SIM-cards so as not to damage its mechanism in the process of pressure on the body.
Keep the perimeter of the back cover warm with a hair dryer evenly. Keep the heat source 3-5 cm from the surface, constantly moving the jet of air. Don't heat one point too long to avoid local overheating. The process usually takes 2 to 4 minutes depending on the power of the hair dryer.
After warming up, apply a suction cup at the bottom of the back cover, closer to the Xiaomi logo. Pull the suction cup up, creating a small gap between the glass and the frame. Insert a thin plastic mediator into the resulting gap gently.
Move the mediator along the perimeter, gradually cutting through the adhesive layer. If you feel strong resistance, stop pulling and add a little more heat. Sharp jerks are unacceptable, because the glass of the back cover is very thin and easily bursts under uneven load. Exercise special care in the area of the camera module and fingerprint scanner.
Dismantling internal components and protection of boards
When you successfully remove the back cover, you'll see the inside of the smartphone, and most of the space is occupied by the battery, and at the top is a motherboard, which is covered with a black plastic cover, and this lid is fixed by several screws that need to be twisted counterclockwise.
It is recommended to use a magnetic mat or a sheet of paper with a markup, where you will lay the fastener in order to remove, this will help to avoid a situation where a long screw will be screwed into the hole for a short one, which can damage the board.
Once the plastic shield is removed, you can access the main plumes, the first thing you need to do is disconnect the power from the motherboard, find the battery connector and gently tuck it in with a plastic blade or nail, and only after the battery is turned off can the display, touchscreen and other modules be safely disconnected.
☑️ Procedure for disconnecting plumes
Then you have to take out the motherboard itself, which is held on a few screws around the perimeter, and often has an extra screw under the Mi logo on the metal screen, and be careful, there are antenna cables under the board that need to be gently snapped or sidelined.
⚠️ Warning: When working with plumes, avoid touching golden contacts with your fingers. Fat marks can oxidize over time and lead to poor contact or loss of signal.
Replacement of the battery and work with the glue layer
In the Xiaomi Mi 8, the battery takes up a significant portion of the internal volume and is glued to the frame with double-sided tape. It will also require heating to extract it. Turn the phone downwards (pre-protecting it) and warm up the back in the battery area.
Using a suction cup is also effective: create tension and try to move the battery. If it doesn't lend itself, you can use a thin plastic card dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Soak the edges of the battery with solvent, wait a few minutes and gently prick.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Model battery model | BM3E | Original capacity of 3400 mAh |
| Tension. | 3.85 V | Standard for Li-Pol. |
| Heat time | 3-5 minutes | Up to ~80°C |
| Type of glue | Double-sided scotch | Requires replacement during assembly |
Installation of the new battery is made only after careful cleaning of the frame from the residues of old glue. Use alcohol and a lilac-free wipe. To fix the new element, use special adhesive tapes or high-quality glue B-7000, applying it with a thin layer around the perimeter.
How to check the status of the battery without disassembly?
Removal and replacement of the display
If your goal was to replace the broken screen, then after removing the back cover and disconnecting the plumes (as described above), you need to remove the entire display module. The Mi 8 uses AMOLED technology, which is attached to the frame around the perimeter.
The process of removing the display is similar to removing the back cover: heating around the perimeter and neatly poking the mediator. But here the risks are even higher, because there is a layer of graphite under the screen for heat sink and touchscreen. Any strong pressure in the center can crush the matrix, creating ink spots.
When installing a new module, make sure that there are no shards of old glass left on the frame. Even a microscopic piece can create a pressure point that will cause cracks to appear on the new screen during operation.
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Use rubber harnesses or special clips to fix the display to the frame while the glue is drying (about 30-60 minutes), which will ensure uniform fit and no gaps.
Assembly of the device and verification of functionality
The assembly is done in reverse order, but requires increased care. Set the motherboard, plug all the plumes into the typical click. Make sure the connectors sit tight and flat. Roll the safety bars and the main board with screws.
Before the final sealing of the case, it is recommended to conduct an initial check. Connect the display and battery plume, then press the switch on. If the phone vibrates and the image appears, the assembly was successful. If the screen is black or there are artifacts, recheck the connection of the plumes.
The final step is to apply the adhesive to the body frame, apply a thin strip of B-7000 glue or use a pre-made perimeter adhesive tape, combine the back cover with the frame, press and lock the device with rubber bands for 15-20 minutes.
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The quality of repairs by 90% depends on the accuracy of work with the adhesive layer and the absence of dust inside the case at the time of gluing.