The Xiaomi Mi A1, which was released as part of the Android One program, is still a popular device due to its reliability and clean software. However, like any modern mobile device, it is not immune to mechanical damage. Falling on hard surfaces often leads to glass breakage or damage to the matrix, making it impossible to use the gadget. Owners face the need to replace the display module, and doing this alone can be a great alternative to contacting the service center.
The screen replacement process on this model has its own technical features that must be considered before work begins. The device is disassembled from the display side, which requires accuracy and the availability of specialized tools. It is important to understand that the display module for the Mi A1 is often sold in a framed assembly, which greatly simplifies the task, eliminating the need to glue the glass or transfer components to a new frame, reducing the risk of errors in the assembly.
Before you start disassembling, it is worth assessing the extent of the damage. If the image on the screen is missing completely, there are black spots or the sensor does not respond to touch, then replacement is inevitable. In cases where only the glass is broken, and the image and sensor work perfectly, some wizards offer re-adjustment, but for self-repair it is better to choose a complete replacement of the module, this ensures that there are no problems with the touch layer in the future.
Tools and workplace preparation required
The quality of the repair depends on the preparation of the workplace and the availability of the right tools. Do not try to disassemble the smartphone with knives or other improvised means, as this can damage the case or internal components. To work, you will need a minimum set that can be purchased in specialized stores or ordered online.
First of all, you need to take care of the heating element. The glue holding the display melts at a temperature of about 80-90 degrees. This is ideal for a thermophen or a professional separator, but at home you can use a conventional heating pad or a heating panel. The main thing is to control the temperature so that the battery or plastic elements of the case do not overheat.
☑️ Repair toolkit
In addition to heating equipment, you'll need mechanical tools. A set of precision screwdrivers is a must, because the screws in modern smartphones are very small. Plastic mediators or blades are necessary to snap the latches and separate the module from the body without scratches. Metal tools are highly discouraged in the early stages of disassembly.
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Use a magnetic mat or a sheet of paper with markup to spread the screws in order of their extraction - this will help not to confuse fasteners of different lengths during assembly.
Types of display modules and their compatibility
When buying a replacement for Xiaomi Mi A1, it is important to understand the types of modules available on the market. Image quality, brightness and durability are directly dependent on the technology of the matrix production. In the market, you can find original parts, as well as copies of different quality, and the choice between them often arises for the master.
Original modules are usually labeled as OLED or AMOLED, and they provide deep black, high brightness, and excellent viewing angles, and they consume less power, which has a positive effect on device autonomy, but they cost much more, and the risk of buying a fake is high, so you only have to buy them from trusted suppliers.
Differences between IPS and OLED in Mi A1
The more affordable option is IPS-matrixes. They are cheaper to produce, but inferior in contrast and color saturation. When choosing such a module, you need to be prepared for the fact that the colors may look paler, and black will be more dark gray. However, for budget repairs, this is a working option that fully restores the functionality of the smartphone.
| Type of module | Quality of color reproduction | Energy consumption | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original OLED | Great. | Low. | Tall. |
| Copy of OLED | Good. | Average. | Medium |
| IPS (copy) | Medium | High. | Low. |
The process of dismantling the old display
The start is always about power cuts, but in the case of the Xiaomi Mi A1, the first step is to heat the front panel. Put the phone on the heating element with the screen up and warm the perimeter for 3-5 minutes. Don't heat the center of the screen too much to damage the matrix if it's still intact, or the glue layer inside.
After warming up, gently insert the suction cup at the bottom of the screen, closer to the speaker, and slightly pull, creating a gap. Insert a plastic mediator into the resulting gap and start slowly driving it along the perimeter. Movements should be smooth, without jerks, so that the glass does not crack or damage the body. Pay special attention to the corners where the glue holds the strongest.
⚠️ Note: Do not enter the instrument too deeply (more than that). 2-3 mm), as it is possible to damage the plumes of the display or touch screen, which run along the perimeter of the device.
When the perimeter is unstuck, you can lift the module, but don't pull it out, and underneath the screen are the plumes that are connected to the motherboard, and you can bend the module carefully and access the metal connector protection, unscrew the screws, remove the protective plate, and disconnect the display plume and the touchscreen with tweezers or a plastic blade.
Now, the old module can be completely removed. If you've got a frameless module, you'll have to move all the components from the old screen to the new one, and that includes the auditory speaker, the light and proximity sensors, and the home button plume, and you have to be very careful, because these elements are very fragile.
Installation of a new module and assembly
Before you install the new module, make sure you check its performance, connect the plumes to the motherboard without permanently fixing the screen, and turn on the device. Check the display, multi-touch and tilt response, which will avoid re-disassembly in the event of a marriage.
If the test is successful, you need to apply a new glue. For the Mi A1, you use a special glue B-7000 or E-8000, or ready-made adhesive tapes (frames), apply a thin layer of glue around the perimeter of the body or stick a frame. Excess glue immediately so that they do not get on the camera or into the connectors.
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The B-7000 glue dries for about 24 hours, so it is better not to use the phone actively and not to expose it to loads for the first few hours after assembly.
Carefully put the module in place, combining all the holes and connectors. Press the edges around the perimeter for better grip. Then put the metal connector protection in place and twist all the screws. Make sure that no screw is left over and all the plumes are flat, not clamped.
The final step is to clean the inside of the new glass from dust and install the back cover, and if the back cover is glass, it may also have to be heated and re-sticked if the old glue has lost its properties. After assembly, let the phone lie down for a few hours to fully polymerize the glue.
Common Errors and How to Resolve Them
In the repair process, beginners often make mistakes that can cause the device to fail. One of the most common problems is poor plume contact. If the screen is not lit or works with artifacts after assembly, you need to disassemble the phone and reconnect the connector, making sure that the contacts are clean.
Another common mistake is to damage the plume when disassembling, and a sharp edge of a metal frame or a sloppy tweezer can break thin tracks, and only replacing the plume or the entire module will help, and it is also important not to drag the screws, as this can lead to cracks in the board or break the thread.
⚠️ Warning: If the fingerprint scanner has stopped working after the screen has been replaced, check if the home button plume has been damaged and if it fits tightly to the screen.
Touchscreen problems, such as "phantom presses" or certain zone failure, can be caused by a substandard module or static electricity. Try to take the charge off the screen by rubbing it with a slightly wet (not wet) wipe, or check the grounding while working. In some cases, resetting to factory settings helps.
What to do if the screen is white?
Calibration and post-repair inspection
Once the phone is successfully assembled and turned on, it is recommended that the sensor be calibrated, and although modern smartphones calibrate automatically, manual intervention is sometimes required, and you can use an engineering menu or special apps from the Play Market to help adjust the sensitivity.
Check all sensors: proximity (hold your phone to your ear while you ring), light (change the brightness automatically) and accelerometer. Make sure the speaker sounds clean and the microphone transmits sound without distortion.
In conclusion, it should be noted that replacing the display with Xiaomi Mi A1 is a real task for a person with minimal technical skills. The main thing is to take your time, use quality components and be careful. Properly executed repairs will prolong the life of your device and return comfort to use.