How to open Xiaomi Mi A1 without damage: instructions with photos and videos

The Xiaomi Mi A1 is the iconic 2017 smartphone that is still in use by many users, and may need to be disassembled over time to replace the battery, clean the dust, repair the display, or recover from a fall, but the design of the device has its own characteristics, and opening the lid incorrectly often damages the plumes or latches.

In this article, you'll find a step-by-step photo guide on how to carefully disassemble the Mi A1 at home, what tools you'll need, and how to avoid common mistakes. We'll also tell you where the disassembly is best left to the professionals, and when you can do it yourself. If you've never taken a smartphone apart before, don't worry: with the right approach, even a beginner can handle this task.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you start opening the Xiaomi Mi A1, you need to prepare the workspace and tools, and without the right tools, you risk damaging plastic latches, plumes, or even the display.

• 🔧 Plastic blade (or mediator) - for gently putting the lid on. Metal tools can leave scratches!
• 🔨 Screwdriver cross (PH00) — screw-off.
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or container – to avoid losing small details.
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermal air station - for softening the glue (if the cover is glued).
• 📸 Smartphone for photography – capture each step so as not to confuse details during assembly.

Also, prepare a clean, well-lit workplace. Better cover the desk with a soft cloth so you don't scratch the screen or the case. If you're working with a battery, remember that Li-ion batteries are sensitive to mechanical damage. Don't puncture them or bend them!

⚠️ Attention: If your Mi is yours A1 If you've been in water or been hit hard, disassembly can be dangerous! If you've been in the water, you've got to corrosion on the board or damaged battery contacts, you might want to short circuit.

Step 1: Turn off your smartphone and remove SIM-map

The first and mandatory step is to completely shut down the power. Even if the battery is discharged, some components may remain energized. Turn off the Xiaomi Mi A1 with a long press on the power button and wait until it is fully finished.

Next, remove the tray for SIM-It's a paper clip or a key that prevents accidental damage to the tray when you disassemble it, and if you have a microSD card installed, remove it too. A1 located on the left side, next to the volume buttons.

Turn off the smartphone

Extract SIM-microSD card

Prepare tools

Take a picture of the initial state

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If your machine doesn't respond to the power button and doesn't turn off, try holding it for 15 to 20 seconds to force it to restart. If that doesn't work, it's probably already there (battery is dead, board is damaged), and disassembly should be done with extreme care.

Step 2: Heating and separation of the back cover

The Xiaomi Mi A1 is both latched and glued around the perimeter, and you need to warm it up to remove the lid carefully.

1. Turn the dryer on at average power (temperature ~60–70°C).
2. Direct the hot air flow to the edges of the back panel, holding the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 cm.
3. Warm up each edge for 1-2 minutes, evenly moving the hair dryer.

Don't overheat one place too long, it can damage the plastic or the display! After heating, take a plastic spatula and gently start putting the lid on the bottom edge (near the USB-C connector). If the lid doesn't lend itself, warm up again.

Step 3: Remove the back cover and turn off the battery

Once the lid has started to move, gently swipe the perimeter, separating the latches. Do not try to remove it sharply - there may be plumes inside that connect the lid to the motherboard (for example, a fingerprint scanning plume).

When the lid is removed, you'll see the battery locked in black film, and the first thing you do is turn off the battery to avoid short circuits.

1. Find a small battery connector on the motherboard (usually white).
2. Carefully tuck it with a plastic spatula and disconnect.
3. Secure the connector with tape so it doesn't touch the charge.

⚠️ Warning: If the battery is swelling (as seen by the deformation of the lid or the battery itself), do not try to pierce or bend it! Bloated Li-ion batteries are extremely dangerous - they can ignite or explode.

Once the battery is turned off, you can start removing the battery itself, and it's glued to the body, so you'll need to heat it up again with a hair dryer. ~50°C) and gently apply a plastic card. Do not use metal tools, they may puncture the battery!

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If the battery does not go away after heating, try to put a thin thread under it (for example, a dental one) and carefully "saw" it with glue, sipping the thread in different directions.

Step 4: Access to the motherboard and other components

After removing the battery, you get access to the main components of the Mi A1:

• 📱 Motherboard - attached to several screws.
• 📷 Camera (double module 12 MP) + 12 MPs).
• 🔊 The speaker and microphone are located at the bottom.
• 📡 Antenna modules - glued to the cover.

To remove the motherboard, unscrew all the screws (usually 8-10 pieces, of different lengths). Remember the location of each screw - when you build them, it is important to screw them into the same places! After unscrewing, carefully raise the board, starting from the top edge. Be careful: it may be connected to the plumes of the display and buttons.

If you need to replace the screen, after removing the board, you only have to turn off the display plume (it is under metal protection) and carefully separate the touch module, which requires heating the screen with a hairdryer and using a suction cup.

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Don't use force when you remove the plumes! They're fragile and easily torn. If the plume doesn't move, check if there's a latch that's locked (usually with a screwdriver).

Step 5: Reverse Assembly and Performance Check

The Xiaomi Mi A1 is assembled in reverse order, but with some nuances:

• 🔧 Before installing the battery, clean the contacts with alcohol - this will improve the connection.
• 🧹 Make sure there is no dust or debris inside the enclosure - they can cause overheating.
• 🔌 When connecting the plumes, check that they sit tightly in the connectors.
• 🔒 Twisting the screws cross-cross so that the fee sits evenly.

After assembly, don't turn the smartphone on right away. First, plug it into a 10- to 15-minute charge so the battery gets a little more charged.

1. Is the touch screen working?
2. Are the cameras (front and main) included?
3. Is there sound in the speaker and microphone?
4. Whether they're recognized SIM-microSD card.

If something doesn't work, disassemble the machine again and check the plumes are connected, most often due to poor battery contact or a skewed motherboard.

When is it better to trust the professionals?

Although you can disassemble the Xiaomi Mi A1 yourself, in some cases it is better to contact the service center:

• 💥 If the smartphone fell into the water – corrosion on the board can be invisible, but dangerous.
• 🔥 If the battery is swelled or deformed, the risk of fire is too high.
• 🛠️ If you need to replace chips (for example, a power controller) - a soldering station is required.
• 📉 If after disassembly there were artifacts on the screen or the sensor stopped working.

The cost of dismantling in the service is usually low (from 500 to 1500 rubles), but you will get a guarantee for work. If you are not confident in your abilities - do not risk, as repairs after an unsuccessful self-disassembly can cost more.

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Check the workshop reviews before you contact the service. Some "services" use substandard parts or damage the ration board. Xiaomi's official service centers can be found on mi.com.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the dismantling of the Xiaomi Mi A1