Replacement of the battery on Xiaomi: full instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi's smartphone is getting slower to charge, and the battery goes down in half a day, even without active use? It's probably time to replace the battery. The average life of lithium-ion batteries is 2-3 years, after which their capacity decreases by 30-50%. In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for replacing the battery on any Xiaomi device, from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi and POCO.

We'll learn how to pick the right battery, what tools you'll need, how to safely disassemble your phone and avoid common mistakes, and what to do after you replace it so that the new battery lasts longer. Spoiler: it's easier than it looks, but it takes care and patience.

If you've never taken a smartphone apart, don't worry. Xiaomi is structurally simpler than many competitors: most models are modularly built, and batteries are attached to double-sided tape, not glue. However, there are nuances: for example, in the Redmi Note 10 Pro and POCO F3, the battery is soldered to the board with a plume, and in the Mi 11 Ultra, additionally fixed with a metal frame. These details will be taken into account in the instructions.

Important: Replacing the battery doesn’t take away the warranty unless you damage other components, but if the phone is warranty, check with Xiaomi’s service center first if they offer a free replacement (sometimes the battery is changed under the loyalty program even after the main term expires).

How to know if the battery is time to change: 5 key signs

Take your phone apart at the first sign of a quick discharge, possibly a problem with a running app or a faulty charger, and here are the exact symptoms that indicate battery wear:

  • πŸ”‹ The phone is discharged at 20-30% per hour in standby mode (screen off, mobile data off).
  • ⚑ Charging is interrupted by 80-85% (modern Xiaomi limits charging when the battery is degraded).
  • πŸ”₯ The body is noticeably heated in the battery area even under light load.
  • πŸ“‰ In the Settings menu β†’ Battery status is less than 80% of the original capacity (e.g., 3200 mAh instead of 4000 mAh).
  • πŸ”Œ The phone turns off at 10-15% charge or suddenly shuts off in the cold.

If you see at least 2-3 items from the list, the battery needs to be replaced. For accurate diagnosis, use applications like AccuBattery (reveals real capacity) or the built-in test in Mi Diagnostics (available via code ##4636# β†’ Battery information).

Critical point: if the battery is swelling (the phone body is deformed or the screen is "stepping away" from the frame) - IMMEDIATELY turn off the device and do not use it until you replace it!

πŸ“Š How often do you change the battery in your smartphone?
Every 1-2 years
Every 3-4 years
Only when the phone is not holding the charge.
Never changed a.
I don't know how to do that.

2. Which battery to choose: original vs analogues

The quality of the battery is not only a factor of battery life, but also of safety, and cheap counterfeits can swell in a month or damage the power controller.

  • 🏷️ Original battery: better option, but more expensive (from 1500 to 4000 β‚½ depending on the model). Buy only from official Xiaomi partners (list on the website mi.com/ru/service).The original has a hologram, serial number and Made in China label with the brand logo.
  • πŸ”„ Certified analogues: Baseus, Remax, Patriot brands offer batteries with a 6-12 month warranty priced at 20-30% lower than the original, but check for reviews for a specific model.
  • ⚠️ No-name batteries: a risky choice, and even if they are "fit" in terms, they may not match the original discharge currents, which will cause overheating.

Where to buy? Official stores (Mi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video), proven marketplaces (Wildberries, Ozon with a seller rating of 4.8+) or service centers. Never take batteries on AliExpress or Avito without checking - there are many fakes to the original.

How do you check for originality? Compare the serial number on the battery with the number on the box (should match) and check the hologram from different angles β€” for fakes, it often doesn't change color.

ParameterOriginal batteryQuality analogueNo-name battery
Price (β‚½)1500–40001000–2500500–1200
Guarantee6–12 months3–6 monthsAbsent.
Term of service2–3 years1-2 years3–6 months
Current correspondence100%90–95%50–70%

⚠️ Warning: If you buy a battery for a Xiaomi model older than 2020 years (e.g., Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi 9T), check with the seller whether it supports fast charging. Some analogues lack a Quick Charge controller 3.0/4.0, which will cause the phone to charge 2–3 times slower.

Preparation for replacement: tools and safety

To replace the battery, you will need:

Buy a new battery (original or certified analogue)| Download the disassembly manual for your model (e.g. on iFixit or YouTube)| Prepare the workplace: clean desk, good lighting, antistatic mat (optional)| Buy or borrow tools (see list below)| Backup data (in case of an error)

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  • πŸ”§ The screwdriver set is cross (PH00, PH0) and flat (1.5-2 mm) for the screws of the body, and five-pointed (Pentalobe) for some models (Mi 11, POCO F4).
  • 🧲 Suction: to take off the screen (if the battery is located under the display, as in the Redmi Note 11).
  • πŸ”ͺ Plastic blades/mediators: for tidying the housing and disconnecting the plumes.
  • πŸ”₯ Dryer or thermoair station: for softening the adhesive (if the body is glued as in Mi 10T).
  • 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+): for cleaning contacts and removing glue residues.
  • πŸ”‹ Tester or multimeter: to check the voltage of the new battery (must be 3.7-4.2 V).

Important on safety:

  1. Work in gloves (preferably nitrile) – this will protect against static electricity and chemical reactions when in contact with the electrolyte.
  2. Do not use metal tools to tamper with the battery – only plastic or wooden sticks.
  3. If the battery is swelling, don't puncture it! It can cause fire.

Take a camera to capture the disassembly process, so you don't forget how the plumes and screws are located. Xiaomi often uses screws of different lengths, and if you confuse them with places, you can damage the board.

πŸ’‘

Before disassembly, completely discharge the phone (before automatic shutdown) - this minimizes the risk of short circuit when the battery is disconnected.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the battery

The replacement process varies depending on the model, but the overall scheme is the same. Consider the example of the Redmi Note 10 Pro (similar to most Xiaomi 2019-2023):

  1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map.
  2. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (60–70Β°C) for 2-3 minutes to soften the glue.
  3. Put a plastic blade on the lid, starting at the corner near the charging socket. Be careful, the fingerprint scanner plume is often glued to the lid!
  4. Unscrew the screws that fix the metal plate above the battery (usually 8-10 screws).
  5. Disconnect the battery plume with a plastic spatula.
  6. Carefully tuck the battery with a plastic card or a special tool, if the battery is glued, put a thin thread under it and slowly "cut" the glue, pouring isopropyl alcohol.
  7. Install a new battery, plug in the plume and assemble the phone in reverse order.

For models with a glued screen (for example, the POCO X3 Pro or Mi 11 Lite), the process is more complicated:

  1. First, warm up the screen around the perimeter with a hairdryer.
  2. Then, put the suction on the suction, and then put it in the suction.
  3. Turn off the screen and battery plumes.
  4. Replace the battery and collect in reverse order, having previously cleaned the frame of the old glue.

Video instructions for popular models:

  • Redmi Note 9/10/11: YouTube link
  • POCO F3/GT: YouTube link
  • Mi 11/12: YouTube link

⚠️ Warning: In Xiaomi models with wireless charging (such as the Mi 11 Ultra or Mix 4), there is a coil under the battery. Don't damage it when you change the battery, otherwise wireless charging will stop working!

What do I do if the screws are "licked"?
If the screw head is damaged, try: 1. Use a screwdriver with a rubber tip (for example, the iFixit Mako set). 2. Drip superglue on the screwdriver, press it to the screw for 10 seconds and gently twist it. 3. In extreme cases, drill the screw with a dozing (only if you are an experienced master!).

5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even if you change it carefully, you can make mistakes that will cause your phone to fail.

  • πŸ”Œ Battery plume damage: never pull the wires, just the connector! If the contacts are bent, straighten them gently with tweezers.
  • πŸ”‹ Incompletely shutting down the old battery: make sure the phone is off and the plume is disconnected before removing it, or you risk burning the power controller.
  • πŸ”§ Helical loss: Xiaomi often uses screws of varying lengths, store them in separate containers or stick them on paper in order of extraction.
  • πŸ“± Screen damage during assembly: If the display doesn't stick flat, don't press it - better warm up with a dryer and align.
  • πŸ”₯ Use incompatible battery: Even if the connector fits, check the voltage and capacity. For example, POCO X3 NFC needs a 5,160 mAh battery, not a 4,000 mAh battery.

If the phone is not switched on after replacement:

  1. Check if the battery plume is connected.
  2. Make sure your contacts are not contaminated (wipe with alcohol).
  3. Connect charging - sometimes a new battery needs to "wake up" external power.
  4. If nothing works, you may have a fee damaged, in which case, contact the service.

1. Is the plume properly connected (sometimes it departs during assembly).

2. whether the capacity of the new battery is consistent with the original.

3. Are there any background processes that discharge the phone (check in Settings β†’ Battery).

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6. Calibration of the new battery: why it matters

The new battery needs to be "trained" to help the power controller determine the charge level correctly.

  1. Completely discharge the phone before automatically shutting down.
  2. Charge to 100% without interruption (use the original RAM).
  3. Turn off the charger and let the phone work for 1-2 hours.
  4. Repeat the discharge / charge cycle 2 more times.

After calibration, check the battery status in Settings β†’ Battery status. If the capacity is less than 95% of the declared, it may be defective or improperly connected.

Tips for extending the life of the battery:

  • πŸ”Œ Avoid total discharge (it is optimal to keep the charge between 20% and 80%).
  • ⚑ Don't use cheap chargers - they can damage the controller.
  • πŸ”₯ Do not leave your phone charging in the sun or in a hot room.
  • πŸ“΅ Turn off mobile data and Wi-Fi overnight if you’re not using it.

Myths about batteries that you should not believe:

  • ❌ β€œYou have to discharge the phone to 0% every month” was the case for nickel batteries, but not lithium-ion batteries.
  • ❌ β€œFast charging spoils the battery” – modern Xiaomi automatically limit current when heated.
  • ❌ Charging at night kills battery – if the phone supports optimized charging (like in the Mi 12), it will shut down power 100%.

7.The cost of replacement: do it yourself or give it to the service?

The price of replacement of the battery depends on the model and method of repair:

Model phoneCost of battery cost (β‚½)Cost of service work (β‚½)Total (self/service)
Redmi Note 10/111200–1800800–15001200–1800 / 2000–3300
POCO X3/X41500–22001000–18001500–2200 / 2500–4000
Mi 11/122500–35001500–25002500–3500 / 4000–6000
Black Shark 4/53000–45002000–30003000–4500 / 5000–7500

When to contact the service:

  • πŸ› οΈ If you have a model with a glued screen (like the Mi 11 Lite) and you are not sure about your skills.
  • ⚠️ If the battery is swelling, it requires caution to remove it.
  • πŸ”§ If the phone does not turn on or is not working after self-replacement.

The advantages of self-replacement:

  • βœ… Savings of 30-50% of the cost.
  • βœ… Quality control – you choose the battery.
  • βœ… Experience that will be useful for future repairs.

Cons:

  • ❌ Risk of damaging plumes or boards.
  • ❌ Loss of warranty if the phone is still in service.
  • ❌ No job security (unlike service)

If you decide to give the phone to the service, choose official Xiaomi centers or proven workshops with reviews. Avoid "handicraft" repairs - they often put cheap analogues and do not observe safety.

8.Frequent questions about replacing the battery with Xiaomi

❓ Can I replace the battery with a more powerful one?
Theoretically, yes, but in practice, it's fraught with problems. The power controller in Xiaomi is set to the original capacity, and if you put a battery on, say, 6,000 mAh instead of 4,000 mAh, the phone can: Wrong display percentage of charge. Faster wear out of the new battery due to suboptimal charging currents. Overheat (especially when charging fast). If you really want to increase the time, you better buy a powerbank or a phone with removable battery support (for example, Redmi 10C).
❓ How long does it take to replace?
For an experienced craftsman, 30-60 minutes. If you're doing this for the first time, stock up on 1.5-2 hours (including disassembly, cleaning and assembly). The longest step is to carefully remove the old battery, especially if it's glued. Advice: if the screws are "stuck," don't try to twist them by force, moisten them with alcohol or WD-40 and wait 5-10 minutes.
❓ What to do if the phone is quickly discharged after replacement?
There are several reasons: Battery defects β€” check the voltage with a multimeter (it should be 3.7-4.2 V); Calibration incorrectly β€” perform 2-3 full discharge/charging cycles; Background processes β€” check battery consumption in Settings β†’ Battery. Sometimes applications like Facebook or TikTok are to blame. The plume is damaged β€” if you pulled the wires, the contacts could go away when you replaced. If the problem does not disappear, contact the service for a diagnostic board.
❓ Can you replace the battery with Xiaomi without a soldering iron?
Yes, 99% of the time, you don't need a soldering iron! In Xiaomi, the batteries are connected through connectors rather than soldered directly to the board. Except for very old models (before 2016) or some gaming smartphones (Black Shark), where the battery can be soldered. If you happen to have a soldered model, you better take it to the service, because soldering requires skills and special equipment.
❓ How to Recycle an Old Battery?
Lithium-ion batteries can't be thrown into the trash! They contain toxic substances and can ignite. Disposal options: πŸ”„ Take them to the electronic waste reception points (for example, M. Video or Eldorado often have special urns). πŸ“¦ Take them to the Xiaomi service center - they are required to take old batteries. ♻️ Use the Ecotechnology program (some cities have free collection points). If the battery is swelled up, don't throw it in a public container! Put it in a sealed container (for example, a can of sandbox) and a tin service.