Replacement of the screen Xiaomi Mi A1: step-by-step instructions

The Xiaomi Mi A1, one of the first Android One smartphones, is still popular today for its clean interface and balanced performance. However, like any device with a lot of glass, it is prone to mechanical damage when it falls. Broken glass or a leaky matrix is the most common reason to go to service centers, but the experienced user can cope with this task on their own.

The process of replacing the display module requires accuracy, specialized tools and an understanding of the internal structure of the gadget. Unlike many modern models, where the screen is glued directly to the frame, the Mi A1 design allows you to separate the broken panel from the body, which greatly simplifies the recovery procedure. Below we will discuss in detail each step of the work so that you can return the phone to a second life without overpaying the masters.

It's worth noting that before you start any manipulation, you have to turn the device off completely. Working with electronics under voltage can short circuit and fail the motherboard, which will turn a simple screen repair into a complex soldering of components. Prepare a workplace with good lighting and a flat surface so that small screws do not get lost.

Tools and workplace preparation required

The quality of the repair depends on the equipment used. To dismantle the screen Xiaomi Mi A1 you need a minimal but specific set of tools that can be purchased at any radio store or marketplaces. Using inappropriate items such as a knife or pin can damage internal plumes or scratches on the case.

First of all, get a set of screwdrivers. For the Mi A1, PH000 or PH00 size cross screwdrivers are critical, as these are the screws that attach most of the internal elements, and you may need a small flat screwdriver to carefully snap plastic latches, if they are present in the design of the protective screens.

• 🔧 Precision screwdrivers (cross-haired) PH000, flat).
• 🔥 A hair dryer or thermophene for heating the glue (temperature near 80-90°C).
• 💳 Plastic card or mediator for opening the case.
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer for sorting screws.
• 🧤 Suction cup for careful lifting of the display.

Pay special attention to the heating element. The glue holding the screen should soften evenly. Overheating can damage the heat. OLED-A matrix or battery located just below it, so don’t keep the hair dryer too close to the surface for longer. 2-3 If you don't have professional equipment, a normal household hair dryer will do, but you'll have to warm up longer.

⚠️ Warning: Never try to poke the screen with metal blades or needles immediately after heating.The metal can penetrate a thin layer of the matrix or damage the plume, which will make the new screen unworkable even before installation.

Rear cover removal and access to the insides

The Xiaomi Mi A1 is designed in the Unibody form factor, but the back cover is removable, which is a big plus for repairmen. However, it is planted on a rather aggressive adhesive compound, so you can't open the device without preheating, and the risk of damaging the rear window or the body when you jerk is very high.

After you warm up the perimeter of the back cover for 3-5 minutes, gently insert the suction cup at the bottom of the smartphone, closer to the MI logo. Slightly pull up, creating a gap, and immediately insert a thin plastic card or mediator into it. Lead the tool along the edges, gradually snapping clips and cutting a layer of glue.

When the back cover is removed, you'll see the inside of the device, and the first thing you need to do is turn off the battery to turn off the system, and then you can find the battery plume connector on the motherboard and gently disconnect it with a plastic blade, and then you can continue to work with the other components without worrying about the device turning on accidentally.

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Before removing the back cover, take a picture of the screws' location. Different length screws can be used in different parts of the body, and mounting a long screw into a short hole can break through the motherboard.

Then you take off the metal shield that covers the bottom of the motherboard and the connection of the plumes, and it's fixed by several screws around the perimeter, and you unscrew them, put the plate aside, and you have full access to the connectors of the display and touch screen.

Removal of the old display module

At this point, the most important part of the job begins: the screen in the Xiaomi Mi A1 is connected to the motherboard via two main loops: one is responsible for the image (LCD), the other is responsible for the touch control (Touch), which can be combined into one wide plume or go separately, depending on the revision of the display, but the principle of disconnection is the same.

Use a plastic blade or nail (if it is strong enough and does not damage the contacts) to disconnect the connectors. The movement should be directed strictly up or sideways, parallel to the board, without distortion. The plumes are very fragile, and breaking even one contact will cause the touchscreen to fail or appear stripes on the screen.

Once the plumes are turned off, the screen can still be held by adhesive frame or additional screws around the perimeter of the metal frame. Carefully inspect the ends of the device. If there are no screws, then the module is held on the glue. Again, warm up the front part slightly (carefully so as not to heat the matrix too much), and start putting the module on any convenient angle.

• 📱 Disable the main module of the display.
• 📱 Disconnect the touchscreen plume (if it is separate).
• 📱 Check for screws around the perimeter of the metal screen frame.
• 📱 Carefully lift the module, making sure all connections are broken.

⚠️ Warning: When lifting the module, do not pull it sharply upwards. Make sure you remember to turn off the home button plume or fingerprint scanner if they are structurally integrated into or glued to the screen assembly.

If you bought a framed screen, it's a simpler process: you just need to move the motherboard, the battery and other small elements from the old frame to the new one, and if the screen is without a frame, you have to put a time-consuming process of gluing all the small parts, such as the speaker, the vibrating motor and the button plumes.

Transfer of components and installing a new screen

The most difficult thing to do when changing a bezelless screen is to move the microphone mesh, speaker and bottom button plume, which are often glued to the old bezel, and use a dryer to warm up the adhesive and peel it off carefully, so you don't damage the thin conductors.

Clean the new frame of the protective film on the adhesive layers. The adhesive base should be clean and fat-free for maximum adhesion. Set the speaker and vibrator in the appropriate seats, making sure they sit tight and don't hang around. The button plume is put into a special groove.

Now you can install the matrix itself. Carefully frame the new display with the edges attached. Connect the plumes to the motherboard. At this point, it's critical to test the performance of the new part without sticking it permanently and twisting all the screws.

1. Absence of broken pixels and image artifacts.
2. Correct operation of the touch screen throughout the area.
3. Operation of the front camera and proximity sensors.
4. Functionality of the speaker and microphone.

If all the tests are successful, you can start the final assembly, degrease the ends of the body with alcohol or a special compound, so that the new glue is well grasped, press the screen tightly around the perimeter and lock the device with rubber harnesses for 15-20 minutes to polymerize the adhesive.

Comparison of original and copy matrices

The Xiaomi Mi A1 parts market is full of offers that can be difficult for a beginner to understand. Image quality and durability depend on the type of matrix installed. Understanding the difference between screen types will help you not overpay for poor quality or buy an expensive copy at the price of the original.

Original screens are typically labeled OEM or Original. They have the right color reproduction, a margin of brightness and, most importantly, an oleophobic coating that makes finger slip pleasant. Copies often sin with a yellow or blue shade of white, as well as low sensor sensitivity.

When choosing a part, pay attention to the packaging and appearance of the plume. On the original parts, there are often protective stickers with the manufacturer's logo or QR-The plume must be flexible but tight, without any ruptures or ruptures.

Frequent problems after replacement and their solution

Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have unforeseen situations after assembly, and you don't have to panic, because most of them are solved by re-disassembling and checking connections, and statistics show that 90% of problems are due to loose contact of plumes.

If you notice that the screen periodically goes out or blinks, most likely, the LCD connector is not fully up, disassemble the device again, snap the plume and reconnect it with a characteristic click. Make sure that the locking bar (if any) is tightly pressed by the screw.

• 🔌 Touchscreen not working: Check the integrity of the toe plume, it may have been clamped down during assembly.
• 🔌 Stripes on the screen: Damage to the plume of the matrix or the matrix itself during installation.
• 🔌 Phone doesn't see charging: Often when changing the screen, the plume of the bottom charging connector is touched.
• 🔌 Bad signal. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Antenna cable could move away from its contact on the board.

⚠️ Attention: If after changing the screen, the phone stopped turning on and does not respond to charging, you may have shorted the loops when connecting the loops to the hot one.

Also worth mentioning is the problem with the light sensor, so if the screen doesn't go out during a conversation, make sure you've covered the area of the upper speaker where the sensors are located with adhesive or dust, and clean the area with alcohol.

In conclusion, I would like to note that replacing the screen with Xiaomi Mi A1 is a very real task for a home craftsman. The main thing is to take your time, use a quality tool and carefully monitor the details. Successful repairs will not only save the budget, but also give confidence in your abilities.

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The quality of the adhesive base and the purity of the build are two major factors that determine how long a new screen will last and whether the phone will be protected from dust.