How to change the keyboard on Xiaomi Mi 8: step-by-step repair

Owners of popular Xiaomi Mi 8 smartphones often face the need to replace screen modules after falls or mechanical damage. When glass is broken or the touchscreen stops working, the question arises how to safely change the keyboard, that is, the touch layer, without damaging the rest of the device. Self-repair requires accuracy, specialization and understanding of the internal architecture of the device, since the Xiaomi Mi 8 has a glass back cover and a complex mounting system.

The replacement process involves not only the physical installation of the new module, but also the correct preparation of the workplace, as well as the subsequent calibration of the sensor. The display module in this model is a single design where the matrix and glass are glued together in the factory, which makes it easier to replace, but requires careful handling of the plumes. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that you have a compatible spare part, since the use of non-original components can lead to improper operation of the multi-touch.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the steps of dismantling the old panel and installing a new one. You will learn about the nuances of working with adhesive bases, the correct order of turning off the plumes and methods of checking the system’s health before the final assembly of the case.

Diagnosis of faults and selection of components

Before starting to disassemble, you need to accurately determine the nature of the damage. If the image on the screen is, but the sensor does not respond to touch or is not working correctly, the problem lies in the digitizer. In cases where you see black spots, stripes or completely missing the picture, you need to replace the entire display module assembled. Xiaomi Mi 8 is characterized by the use of AMOLED-matrixes, which are extremely sensitive to impacts.

⚠️ Warning: If there are purple or black spots on the screen that gradually increase, this is a sign of destruction of the organic layer of the matrix.

When choosing a new part, you should pay attention to the type of connection and quality of the plumes. Original parts are marked and protective films on the connectors. Copies can differ in color reproduction or have a backlash when installed in a frame. Touchscreen must be calibrated in the factory, but software adjustment is often required after installation.

It's important to check the kit before you start, because the kit must contain not only the module itself, but also the necessary consumables. Often, spare parts manufacturers do not include the adhesive base, so it must be purchased separately. Without quality glue, the back cover will not fit tightly to the body.

Tools and workplace preparation required

To perform the quality of the keyboard and display replacement on Xiaomi Mi 8 will require a specialized set of tools. The use of improvised tools, such as knives or thick needles, is strongly discouraged, as this increases the risk of damaging fragile structural elements or shortening contacts on the board.

  • πŸ”§ Set of screwdrivers with cross nozzles (PH000, PH00) hull-rotor.
  • 🌑️ A hot water bottle, hair dryer or separator for softening the glue under the back cover.
  • πŸ’³ Plastic cards, mediators or suction cups for neat opening of the body.
  • 🧲 Magnetic mat for sorting screws of different sizes.

The workplace should be well lit and free of foreign objects. Small screws and plumes are easily lost, so having an organizer or magnetic surface is critical. It is also recommended to have isopropyl alcohol and lilaless wipes on hand to clean surfaces of old glue.

Before any manipulations, the device must be completely turned off. If the battery is charged more than 25%, it is advisable to discharge it to a minimum or work extremely carefully so as not to damage the battery shell. The lithium polymer battery can ignite when punctured, so avoid strong pressure on the battery area when opening.

πŸ“Š What is your problem with the screen Xiaomi Mi 8?
Only glass is broken.
Touchscreen's not working.
Fully black screen
There are stripes on the display
Changing for prevention.

The process of disassembling the body Xiaomi Mi 8

The disassembly begins with the removal of the tray for SIM-This is a mandatory step that allows access to the bottom screws and prevents damage to the tray when the housing is heated.

Use a hair dryer or heating pad by heating the edges of the device to a temperature near 80-90 degree 2-3 The glue under the glass should soften, but do not overheat the device, so as not to damage the battery or OLED-You can check the heating with your hand: the glass must be hot, but tolerant to touch.

The nuances of glass work
The back cover of the Xiaomi Mi 8 is made of glass, which, if heated or cooled sharply, can crack. It is recommended to warm up the device gradually, starting from the bottom, and not use open flames.

After warming up, insert the suction cup into the bottom of the back cover and pull up slightly, creating a gap. In the resulting gap, gently enter a plastic card or mediator and guide it along the perimeter, cutting the adhesive layer. Move slowly, trying not to touch the internal components, such as the plume of the fingerprint scanner or antenna modules.

Dismantling the old module and disconnecting the plumes

When you remove the back cover, you'll see the inside of the smartphone, and the first thing you need to do is turn off the battery to turn off the board and avoid short circuits when you're working with other plumes, and the battery connector is usually covered with a metal plate that you need to unscrew.

Next, remove the metal shields that cover the main plumes of the display and touchscreen. The screws can be of different lengths, so fix their position. Gently flick the display connectors using a plastic blade. Do not use excessive force so as not to break the connectors on the motherboard.

ComponentType of attachmentFeatures of withdrawal
BatteryGlue base + connectorRequires careful unhooking
Display (OLED)Train + frameFragile, easily broken around the edges
touchscreenIntegrated into the moduleIt changes with the matrix.
Fingerprint scannerThe plume inside the hullRequires a demolition of the bottom.

Removing the display module itself often requires removing the bottom plastic frame or charging board, as the screen plume can go under them. In the Xiaomi Mi 8 model, the design is quite dense, and sometimes you have to temporarily turn off other components to access the mounting screws of the display frame.

β˜‘οΈ Control before display removal

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Installation of a new display and assembly of the device

Before installing a new module, you need to transfer all the necessary elements from the old screen to the new one, which includes a dynamic speaker, light and proximity sensors, and a front camera if they are fixed to the frame. Be extremely careful with the sensor plume, as it is very thin.

Apply a new adhesive (B-7000 or special adhesive for screens) to the frame of the new module in a thin layer. Let the glue dry a little (1-2 minutes) to a state of stickiness, then carefully combine the module with the frame of the case. Press tightly around the perimeter, ensuring a uniform fit.

Connect the display and touchscreen plumes to the motherboard. Make sure the connectors snap with a characteristic silent click. Put the metal plates in place and twist all the screws. Check the device by turning it on before permanently sealing the back cover.

⚠️ Attention: Don't screw the plume protection screws "on force." If the screw doesn't twist easily, maybe the thread doesn't match or there's debris under the hat.

The back cover also needs to be cleaned of old glue residues and degreased, and apply new glue around the perimeter of the case, apply glass and lock the device with rubber rings or a 15-20 minute load for primary polymerization, which will ensure the necessary tightness and strength of the joint.

Calibration of the touch screen and checking the performance

After the physical replacement of the module, a programmatic calibration of the touchscreen may be required, especially if a non-original spare part was used or small errors in operation are observed. MIUI There is a built-in engineering menu for testing equipment.

To enter the test mode, dial the phone code ##6484##. In the menu that opens, select the item associated with the screen check (usually "Touch" or "Display"). Follow the instructions on the screen, drawing lines and checking the response throughout the area.

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If after replacing the touchscreen works incorrectly (the cursor shakes, does not press in the corners), try in the engineering menu to reset the calibration (Touch Calibration) and restart the device.

In some cases, if standard methods don't work, you can use third-party calibration apps from Google Play, but Xiaomi's built-in tools usually do better. It's also worth checking the multi-touch by slamming multiple dots at once. If all tests are successful, you can complete the build.

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Quality replacement of the keyboard on Xiaomi Mi 8 is possible at home with accuracy, the right tools and the original display module.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you change the glass if the matrix is intact?
It's theoretically possible, but it's very difficult at home, and it requires a separator to separate the glass and the matrix, and a laminator to stick new glass. AMOLED-The matrix is more than 80% when splitting, so it is more cost-effective and safer to change the module in the assembly.
Why is the fingerprint scanner not working after the replacement?
The fingerprint scanner in the Xiaomi Mi 8 is under the display, if you change the screen, you can damage its plume or press the connector loosely, and the problem may be a software failure, which is solved by resetting or flashing.
How long does the glue dry after assembly?
Complete polymerization of B-7000 glue or analogues takes about 24 hours. In the first couple of hours, it is better not to put stress on the device or carry it in your pocket, so that the glue seam does not spread. For reliable fixation, the back cover is recommended to be pressed for at least 30-60 minutes.
Will Face ID work after the screen is replaced?
Yes, Face Unlock uses a front-facing camera and software algorithms that should not be compromised by a careful replacement, but if you hit or contaminate the light sensor or camera when rearranged, the function may not work properly.