Broken display is one of the most common and unpleasant problems faced by smartphone owners. When cracks or a black ink blot appear on the surface of Xiaomi, it not only spoils the appearance, but also makes it difficult to control the device, in which case the user faces the question: whether to carry the gadget into the service or try to replace the screen yourself.
Replacing the display on Xiaomi is a real thing if you have accuracy, basic tool skills and an understanding of risks. Xiaomi’s modern smartphones, whether it’s a budget Redmi or a flagship Mi, have a complex design, but are accessible for disassembly with the right knowledge. This article will help you make an informed decision and conduct the procedure as safely as possible.
Before we start, it's important to assess the scale of the disaster, because if only the glass is broken and the image and touchscreen work, that's one scenario, and if the screen doesn't show or respond to touch, you'll need a complete replacement of the module, and in any case, the restoring of the functionality of the device will give it a second life.
Preparation for repair and selection of components
The first and most important step is to buy a quality display. The Xiaomi parts market is chaotic, and it’s easy to run into a cheap, low-quality copy. The original always costs more, but it guarantees brightness, color reproduction and, critically, the underscreen fingerprint scanner (if you have one in your model).
When ordering parts, be sure to specify the type of module. For many Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 8, 9, 10), the screens are often assembled with a frame. This greatly simplifies the process, since you do not need to reglaze the display from the broken glass to a new frame, which is almost impossible to do at home without special equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Cheap copies of screens (TFT instead AMOLED) They may have poor color reproduction, low brightness and do not support the Always On Display function. AMOLED-Matrices buying a non-original spare part is guaranteed a bad experience of use.
You'll also need a toolbox, and the minimum gentlemen's kit includes:
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (cross-haired) PH00, PH000 Torx T5).
- 🔥 Dryer or heat pack (for softening glue).
- 💳 Plastic blades and mediators.
- 🧲 Magnetic screw mat.
- 🧴 Clay. B-7000 or special adhesive tapes (if the screen is without frames).
Remember to prepare the workspace. It should be well lit and the surface clean and free of foreign objects. Small screws have the ability to fly away in an unknown direction, so order on the table is the key to success.
Dismantling of the back cover and internal components
The disassembly process depends on the design of your Xiaomi body. In most modern models, the back cover is glued to the back cover. To remove it, you need to warm up the perimeter of the device. Use a hair dryer, evenly heating the edges for 2-3 minutes to a temperature of about 80 degrees. Don't hold the hair dryer too close so as not to damage the internal components by overheating.
After warming up, gently insert the suction cup at the bottom of the back cover and pull slightly to create a gap. Insert a plastic blade or mediator into this gap. Driving the tool along the perimeter, gradually cutting the adhesive layer. Act slowly so as not to break the lid and damage the plume of the fingerprint scanner if it is attached to it.
Once you remove the lid, you'll see the internal layout. First of all, you need to turn off the battery! Find the battery plume and gently disconnect the connector from the motherboard. This is a mandatory electrical safety measure to prevent short circuits when working with other plumes.
☑️ Check before removing the lid
Then there's the removal of the shield covering the motherboard, which is usually attached to a lot of small screws, twist them and fold them in a strict order, because the screws can be of different lengths. A short screw in a long hole is not terrible, but a long one in a short hole can penetrate the motherboard through.
Disabling plumes and removing the old display
When access to the display plumes is obtained, they need to be turned off. The plumes can be pressed with metal locks or simply inserted into connectors. If there are locks, they need to be carefully bent. Then grab the connector (not the plume itself!) and pull up or sideways, depending on the design.
On some Xiaomi models, the display plume can run under the battery or other components, in which cases it may be necessary to partially remove the battery or remove additional boards. Be extremely careful with the plumes - they are very thin and easily break when handled carelessly.
⚠️ Warning: Never pull the plume tape itself, which will cause the conductive tracks to rupture, and the new screen may not work or may not work properly.
If you change a framed module, it's a lot easier, you just have to move the motherboard, the battery and the rest of the components from the old broken module to the new one, and if the frame doesn't come with the box, it gets complicated, you have to carefully unstick the broken screen from the old frame, clean it of the glue residue, and install a new display.
Use dielectric tweezers to carry components. Avoid touching the contacts on the boards with your fingers, as static electricity can be harmful to electronics. Before installing a new module, it is recommended to test it by simply plugging the plumes and turning on the phone without sticking the lid.
Comparison of display types and compatibility
When choosing a part, it is important to understand the difference between technologies.Most budget Xiaomi models are equipped with a new model. IPS-It's easier to replace and cheaper, and the flagship and mid-range models are often used. AMOLED Matrices that provide deep black and high contrast.
However, AMOLED screens often have a built-in fingerprint scanner. If you replace it with a cheap analog or a screen from another version of the phone, the scanner may stop working. In addition, some models have different versions of displays even within the same line (for example, the global and Chinese versions).
| Type of matrix | Image quality | Part price | Difficulty replacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPS | Good, standard. | Low. | Low. |
| AMOLED | Great, rich colors. | Tall. | Medium (fragile) |
| OLED (copy) | Average, possible color shift | Medium | Medium |
| TFT (replacement of IPS) | Low, thick frames. | Very low. | Low. |
Why are there stripes on the new screen?
The table shows the main differences that will help you navigate when buying. Remember that the original AMOLED screens for Xiaomi are often marked with the manufacturer’s code (for example, Samsung or Tianma) on the plume, which can serve as an indirect sign of quality.
Assembly of the device and check of performance
After you install the new display and plug all the plumes in, don't rush to twist the screws and glue the lid. First, plug the battery and turn on the phone. Check the touchscreen: swipe your finger over the surface, open a few apps, make sure there are no dead zones.
Pay special attention to the proximity sensor. Many Xiaomis have it at the top of the screen. If the screen doesn't go out after assembly, you may have had a bad glue cleanup or a bad plume, and check the front camera and speakers.
If all tests are successful, you can proceed to the final assembly: apply a new glue B-7000 thin layer around the perimeter of the frame or use new adhesive tapes. Set the back cover and press it tightly at the edges. For a reliable fixation, it is recommended to put the phone under the press (or press a stack of books) for 1-2 hours.
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The residues of the B-7000 glue are easily removed by the finger, rolling into the coils until it is completely frozen.Do not use solvents, they can damage the plastic of the case or the oleophobic coating of the new screen.
The time to fully polymerize the glue is about 24 hours, during which time, try not to put the phone under stress, do not put it in your pocket and avoid moisture, only after drying completely, the device is ready for active use.
Typical errors and troubleshooting
Even if you look carefully at the instructions, beginners often make mistakes, and one of the most common is that the plume is damaged when you try to bend it back for better access, and remember that the plumes are designed to bend the number of times they need, and the manipulations can cause them to break.
Another problem is a dead touchscreen after assembly, often because the connector was not fully inserted or skewed, disassemble the device, inspect the connectors for dust, and reconnect the plumes with a characteristic click, sometimes helping to reset or flash if the problem is software.
⚠️ Warning: If the screen is working after the replacement, but the brightness is not adjustable or the colors are unnatural, you may have installed a module that is not compatible with your version of the board.
Also worth mentioning is the waterproof problem: once you disassemble yourself, the body leaks, even if you use good glue, you can't count on full water protection (IP68) anymore. Keep your refurbished phone clean from moisture and dust.
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The main key to success is not to rush. 90% of repair failures occur due to haste and the use of excessive force where accuracy is needed.
In conclusion, replacing the screen with Xiaomi is a task that is quite feasible for a home craftsman, the main thing is to choose a quality part, prepare tools and act consistently. If you feel insecure or the phone model is too complex (for example, foldable smartphones), you should contact the professionals.