Smartphone Xiaomi Mi A1 — One of the most popular devices of the brand, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still actively used thanks to stable operation on a clean Android One and good technical characteristics. But even the most reliable gadget is not immune to falls, and a broken screen is the most common failure. If you encounter cracks, broken pixels or a broken touchscreen, don't rush to bring the phone to the service: replace the display with Mi. A1 You can save up to 70% of the cost of repairs.
In this article, you'll find a step-by-step guide with photos, video recommendations, and a spare parts compatibility table, how to pick up the screen, what tools you'll need, and what to look for when disassembling so you don't damage the board or battery, and also reveal the secrets of professionals who can help avoid the typical mistakes of beginners.
Replacement of the screen with Xiaomi Mi A1 On the one hand, there is no glue display (as in modern flagships), which makes it easier to dismantle, on the other hand, fragile plumes, thin cables and the risk of damaging the sensor require accuracy. If you’ve never taken a smartphone apart, work out on an old device or watch a few videos before you start working.
Important: Mi A1 It has two screen modifications, with OGS-One Glass Solution, when the sensor and matrix are glued together, and with a separate touchscreen, you can find out which display is installed in your device by serial number or visually: OGS-There's no air gap between the glass and the matrix, which affects the choice of part and the difficulty of replacing it.
Preparation: tools and spare parts
Before you start dismantling, make sure you have everything you need, and not even one tool can make a repair a pain.
Main instruments:
- 🔧 Plastic blades (2-3 (a) - for the careful smearing of the hull and the disconnection of the plumes.
- 🔨 The screwdriver. PH00 — for shell screws (normal) PH0 won't fit!).
- 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station - to soften the glue (if the screen is glued).
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or container - so as not to lose screws (there are more than 20 pieces!).
- 📱 Screen suction cup - will help to gently raise the display.
Parts:
Screen for Mi A1 You can buy it in three different ways:
1. Original (with Xiaomi logo) - the most expensive (3000-5000) ₽), but guaranteed to be compatible.
2. OEM-analogue (without logo) – a high-quality copy from Chinese manufacturers (1500-2500) ₽).
3. The last option is a used screen from a donor phone (500-1 500) ₽), But here's a high risk of getting broken pixels or a non-working touchscreen.
⚠️ Note: Before buying, check to be included in the package:
- The display module itself (matrix) + touchscreen).
Two protective films (on adhesive basis) - for sealing after installation.
- Lighting plume (if it is not soldered into the screen board).
Tip: buy the screen only from trusted sellers with a guarantee. On AliExpress, pay attention to the store rating (at least 97%) and reviews from the photo of the installed display.
2.Shooting Xiaomi Mi A1: step-by-step
Start by turning off the phone and retrieving it. SIM-And don't miss this step, because when you disassemble, you can accidentally close contacts, which will damage the board.
Step 1: Removing the back cover
Mi Corps A1 It's mounted on 15 screws and double-sided scotch:
1. twist all the screws around the perimeter (they are of different lengths - remember where they were!).
2. warm up the hair dryer of the edge of the body (temperature 60-70)°C) within 1-2 minutes.
3. Gently tuck the lid with a plastic blade, starting at the bottom edge (where the charging connector is).
⚠️ Warning: Don't pull the lid, there's antenna cables underneath, and if they break, the network signal will deteriorate!
Step 2: Shutting off the battery
When you remove the lid, the first thing you do is unplug the battery plume, which is on top of the board, and it's attached with a small connector, and use a plastic blade to gently lift the lock.
Step 3: Dismantling the screen
The Mi screen. A1 It's mounted on 4 screws and double-sided scotch:
1. Unscrew the screws at the corners of the display module.
2. warm up the hair dryer of the edge of the screen (especially at the bottom where the plumes).
3. Put a suction cup on the screen and gently lift it. Don't pull too much -- there are plumes of touchscreen and display down there!
The plumes that need to be disconnected:
- 📺 Display plume (wide, in the center).
- ☝️ Touchscreen plume (thin, right).
- 🔦 Lighting plume (if it is not soldered into the screen board).
Tip: take a picture of the location of the plumes before disconnecting - this will help not to confuse them during assembly.
☑️ Checklist before shutting down plumes
3. Installation of a new screen: nuances and life hacks
Now that the old screen is removed, you can start installing a new one, and the main thing is to take your time and keep the work area clean (dust under the screen will be visible when you turn on!).
Step 1: Preparing a new display
Remove the protective tapes from the inside of the screen (usually blue or green) if new adhesive tapes come in, glue them to the phone frame before the screen is installed.
Step 2: Connecting the plumes
Start with the widest plume, then plug in the touchscreen and backlight. Make sure the connectors are snapped to the end — sometimes they may seem connected, but they're actually sitting crooked.
⚠️ Attention: If after assembly the screen does not turn on or flickers, most likely the problem is in the backlight plume!
Step 3: Testing before final assembly
Connect the battery and turn the phone on until it's fully assembled.
Does the touchscreen work (swipe your finger around the corners).
- Are there any broken pixels (run the display test in Settings) → The phone. → Diagnostics).
Whether the colors are displayed correctly (sometimes cheap screens give a greenish or pink tint).
If everything works, turn off the phone and complete the assembly in reverse order.
💡
If the new screen is yellowish, try calibrating the colors in the display settings, which solves the problem 90% of the time without changing the module.
4.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced wizards sometimes make mistakes when replacing the Mi screen. A1. Here are the most common problems and ways to prevent them:
Problem 1: The screen does not respond to touch
Reason: The touchscreen plume is incorrectly connected or it is damaged.
Solution: Reconnect the plume, making sure it is not bent. If it does not work, check the plume with a multimeter (resistance should be within 0.5-1 Ohms).
Problem 2: The backlight is not working, the image is barely visible
Cause: There is no contact in the backlight plume or it is oxidized.
Solution: Clean the contacts with alcohol and tightly connect the plume. If it doesn't work, replace the plume (worth it). ~300 ₽).
Problem 3: Broken pixels appear after replacement
Reason: Mechanical damage to the matrix during installation.
Solution: If you have fewer pixels (1-2 pcs), you can use a "cure" program (e.g. JScreenFix).
Problem 4: The phone doesn’t turn on after assembly
Reason: Forgot to connect the battery or closed the board.
Solution: Take the phone apart and check all the plugs, and if the board is closed, you need diagnostics in the service.
⚠️ Warning: If the screen is working after the replacement, but the phone is warming or discharges quickly, you probably damaged the thermal paste on the processor. MX-4).
5. Cost of repair: comparison with a service center
Self-replacement is much cheaper than the service. Let's compare the prices (currently for 2026):
| Type of repair | Cost of the spare part | Cost of service work | Totally. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original screen + replacement | 4 500 ₽ | 2 000 ₽ | 6 500 ₽ |
| OEM-analogue + replacement | 2 000 ₽ | 2 000 ₽ | 4 000 ₽ |
| Self-sustaining replacement (OEM) | 2 000 ₽ | 0 ₽ | 2 000 ₽ |
| B/b screen + replacement | 1 000 ₽ | 1 500 ₽ | 2 500 ₽ |
As you can see from the table, self-repair saves up to 50-70% of the cost, but keep in mind that the service provides a warranty (usually 3-6 months), and if you replace yourself, all the risks are borne by you.
Tip: If you're not sure about your abilities, order a replacement screen, but buy the part yourself, so you save on the markup (services often take 100-200% markup on parts).
6. Alternative methods: when replacement is not necessary
A broken screen doesn't always require a full replacement, and in some cases, you can get by with cheaper repairs.
1. Glass replacement (if the matrix is intact)
If only the glass cracked and the image and touchscreen worked, you can only replace it: 800–1 500 ₽. However, this method is only suitable for Mi. A1 not-OGS-screens (where the glass is separated from the matrix).
2. Repair of plumes
If the screen is not working due to a damaged plume (for example, after a fall), it can be replaced separately. ~500 ₽, touchscreen — ~400 ₽.
3. Programmatic calibration of the touch screen
Sometimes the touchscreen works, but it doesn't respond well to touch, and then calibration will help.
1. Go to Settings. → System system → The phone.
2. Press 5 times on the Build Number to activate the Developer Mode.
3. Return to Settings → System system → For developers and find the item Calibration screen.
⚠️ Warning: If the touchscreen gets worse after calibration, reset to factory settings. Sometimes this helps to restore the original sensitivity.
What to do if the screen flashes after replacement?
7.Where to buy parts: Verified sellers
The choice of where to buy the screen is as important as the replacement itself.
1. AliExpress
Pros: low prices, a great choice.
Cons: long delivery (2-4 weeks), the risk of running into a marriage.
Recommended shops:
Xiaomi Mi Store Official (6-month warranty)
- DIGITAL WORLD STORE (good reviews OEM-screen).
2.Yandex Market/Ozon
Pros: fast delivery (1-3 days), the ability to return the goods.
Cons: prices are higher than on AliExpress (20-30%).
Tip: Look for sellers with a rating above 4.8 and reviews from the photo installed screen.
Local service centres
Many services sell parts with installation, plus: you can check the screen immediately before paying.
Cons: up to 100% markup compared to AliExpress.
4.Avito/Yula
You can find used screens from donor phones here, risky but cheap (from 500). ₽). Before buying, be sure to check:
No broken pixels (start the display test).
- Touchscreen performance (ask the seller to record a video with the test).
- Integrity of plumes (whether there are cracks or oxidation).
💡
Buy a screen with a warranty only - even if it is 10-15% more expensive. Marriage occurs in 5-10% of cases, and without a warranty you will be left with a broken part.