How to disassemble Xiaomi phone: a detailed guide with photos and videos

Deconstructing Xiaomi is a challenge that owners face when replacing a battery, repairing a screen or cleaning from dust. Despite the apparent complexity, the procedure can be done even by beginners, if approached with the right preparation. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step disassembly algorithm, list the necessary tools and warn of typical errors that can lead to damage to the device.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi phones (especially Redmi Note, POCO and flagship series) are different in design depending on the year of release, for example, devices before 2020 often had removable back covers, whereas modern models require heating to separate the adhesive layer, and we will take these nuances into account and give recommendations for different generations of devices.

If you've never done electronic repair, start by looking at video instructions for your particular model, and that will help you visualize the process. Now let's get to the preparation.

1. Disassembly preparation: tools and safety

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need, and not even one tool can make a showdown a pain.

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (cross-cross-haul) PH00 and PH0, flat-piece)
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station (for softening glue, temperature 60-80)°C)
• 📱 Suction cups (for the rear cover, especially relevant for Xiaomi) 11/12/13 series)
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or tray (so as not to lose screws)
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol 90%+ (Cleaning contacts and removing glue residues)
• 🛠️ Plastic mediators (for careful slashing of parts without scratches)

Also, prepare the workspace: the desk should be clean, well-lit and without static electricity. Use an antistatic bracelet is mandatory when working with boards - the discharge can damage the chips even if you do not feel it. If the bracelet is not, regularly touch grounded metal objects.

⚠️ Note: Do not use knives or metal blades to separate the lid – this is almost guaranteed to result in scratches on the body or damage to the plumes.

2. Power outage and retract the back cover

The first step is to shut down the device completely, and even if the phone is turned off, the battery can remain energized, so that it doesn't short-circuit.

1. Turn off the smartphone through the menu or press the power button for 10 seconds.
2. If the battery is removable (a rarity in newer models), remove it.
3. For non-removable batteries, disconnect the power plume from the motherboard immediately after opening.

Now, we're going to take the back cover off, and depending on the Xiaomi model, the process might be different.

For models with adhesive attachment, use a dryer at minimum power, evenly warming the lid in a circle. Do not stay in one place for longer than 10 seconds - overheating can damage OLED-After heating, gently pull the lid with a suction cup while simultaneously putting the mediator on.

💡

If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't force it -- you probably haven't warmed up enough. Reheat for another 30 to 40 seconds.

3. Battery Removal: Risks and Rules

The battery is the most dangerous component in disassembly. Xiaomi's lithium polymer batteries can ignite when punctured or bending strongly. Even if you don't plan to replace it, disconnect the power plume immediately after you remove the lid.

In the new models (Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 13), the battery is glued to the body.

• 🔋 Disconnect the power plume (usually covered with black tape).
• 🧴 Put a plastic blade on the battery and drip isopropyl alcohol under it - this will dissolve the glue.
• 🪛 Carefully pick up the battery for special tongues (if any) or use a suction tool.
• ⚠️ Do not pull the wires of the plume - they are easily detached from the board!

⚠️ Warning: If the battery is swelling (the lid is curved, the phone is "walking" on the table), do not try to remove it yourself.

In the POCO M3/M4 and some Redmi models, the battery can be fixed by a metal plate on the screws.

1. Turn all the screws around the perimeter of the plate.
2. Carefully remove the plate without touching the contacts with a screwdriver.
3. Disconnect the plume, then remove the battery by pulling the tongue.

4. Removal of motherboard and plumes

Once the battery is removed, you can start dismantling the motherboard, which is the most critical step, because it's easy to damage plumes or tear off small parts, starting with turning off all the connectors.

• 📸 Main camera plume (usually black, with metal latch).
• 🔊 The plume speaker and microphone (may be glued, gently dent).
• 📱 Display plume (the widest, fixed by the latch - lift it with a screwdriver).
• 🔋 Charging plume/Type-C (often covered by a metal screen).

The screws on the board can vary in length – remember or photograph their location. For example, the Xiaomi Mi 11 has screws 1.5 mm and 2.3 mm long – if you confuse them, the board can warp.

To collect the fee:

1. Unscrew all the screws (usually 8-12 pieces).
2. Carefully tuck the board with a plastic spatula from the edge where there are no connectors.
3. If the board is sitting tight, check if you have forgotten to disconnect the plume or unscrew the screw.

5. Disassembly of screen and camera

If you need to replace the display or front camera, be very careful, because these are the most fragile components. In most Xiaomi models, the screen is glued around the perimeter, and the camera and sensor plumes are under the board.

For the screen:

1. Warm up the display edge with a hairdryer (60°C, 1-2 minutes).
2. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the screen and the case.
3. Carefully swipe the mediator around the perimeter, separating the glue — OLED-screens break when bending!
4. Disconnect the display and sensor plume (they usually go together).

Xiaomi cameras are usually mounted on screws and glue to replace them:

• 📷 Untwist the screws of the mounting of the chamber module (usually 2-4 pieces).
• 🔧 Disconnect the plume (it may be glued - use alcohol to soften).
• 🧴 Take the module off the edge, and be careful, the lenses are easy to scratch!

⚠️ Note: In models with optical zoom (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the camera module may have additional mounts. Don't pull it by force - learn the disassembly scheme first.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Xiaomi, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

Another common problem is damage to waterproofing gaskets: In IP53-protected models (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro), the leakage is lost after disassembly, and if you care about waterproofing, pre-order new gaskets or adhesive sealant.

Also, many forget about the fingerprint scanner, which in new Xiaomi models is often built into the screen. When replacing the display, the scanner must be transferred from the old screen to the new one - this requires soldering work and is better entrusted to professionals.

💡

The most common reason a phone fails after disassembly is for the plume to be damaged, and always check its integrity before final assembly!

7. Build the phone: reverse order and testing

The assembly should take place in reverse order, but with some nuances:

• 🔧 Screw the screws cross-curl to avoid skewing the board.
• 📱 Before installing the screen, clean the place of gluing with alcohol - the dust worsens adhesion.
• 🔋 When connecting the battery, first attach the plume, then check the voltage with a multimeter (should be 3.7–4.2V).
• 🛠️ After assembly, do not turn on the phone immediately - let the glue grab (10-15 minutes).

After assembly, be sure to test all the functions:

1. Turn on the phone and check the charger (plug in the charger).
2. Test the sensor and display for broken pixels.
3. Take a photo on the front and main cameras.
4. Check the speaker, microphone and all buttons.

If something doesn’t work, take the phone apart and check:

• Are all the plumes (especially the display and cameras) connected correctly?
• Are there wires clamped somewhere?
• Have you forgotten to install some small details (such as button springs).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's disassembly