Modern wireless acoustics from Xiaomi and sub-brands like Redmi or QCY are famous for their excellent value for money, but even reliable devices fail over time. Most often, owners face battery degradation, which stops holding charge, or clogging the speaker membrane, which leads to a quiet or hoarse sound. In such situations, disassembling the headphone on its own becomes the only way to extend the life of the gadget without going to the service center, where the cost of work can exceed the price of a new device.
Compact autopsy process TWS-True Wireless Stereo requires extreme care as engineers strive to make the body as tight and monolithic as possible. The lack of visible screws often confuses inexperienced users, making them think about the impossibility of repair. However, knowledge of the hidden mountings and the correct sequence of actions allow you to safely dismantle the case, preserving the integrity of internal components and electronics.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Before any manipulations begin, you need to organize a properly lit workspace with a flat surface so that small parts do not get lost. You will need a specialized set of tools for working with small electronics, since ordinary household items can damage delicate plastic or damage contacts. The key tool is a thin metal scalpel or a special mediator for opening the cases, which will allow you to tamper with latches without chipping.
A set of precision screwdrivers, usually a PH00 or PH000 cross, and plastic blades to snap clips are also needed. Battery and soldering (if you need a replacement) will require tweezers with curved tips, a multimeter to check voltage and, preferably, a flux soldering station. Be sure to prepare a screw folding tank, as they may differ in length and type of thread in different models.
- 🛠️ Thin scalpel or blade for neat opening of the body seams.
- 📏 A set of precision screwdrivers (cross and flat micro-sizes).
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer for screws of different sizes.
- 🔋 Multimeter for diagnosis of battery status.
⚠️ Warning: Plastic headphone cases are very fragile at the break. When using metal tools, always control the force so as not to penetrate the case through and damage the printed circuit board located inside.
Design features and search for hidden fasteners
The engineering in Xiaomi devices often dictates the abandonment of traditional screws in favor of adhesive joints and internal plastic latches. On the outside, the headphone may look like a monolithic piece of plastic, but on closer inspection you can find a barely noticeable seam around the perimeter or hidden screws under silicone embeddings. In some models, such as the Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic, the main screws are under a removable external panel or inside the speaker channel.
It's important to understand that sealing in these devices is often achieved by tight fitting parts and sometimes a small amount of glue, so when you disassemble the body, you need to warm up the body with a hairdryer or gently walk the scalpel along the seam, destroying the adhesive layer, and ignoring this step can lead to the breakage of the plastic ears of the attachments, after which it will be impossible to assemble the device back without gaps.
Inside the case, there's a main circuit board, a battery and a dynamic emitter, connected by thin plumes or wires. The board is usually fixed in its socket tightly, sometimes with double-sided tape. When removing the board, the main thing is not to damage the wires going to the battery, because they are very thin and easily detached when a sharp jerk is made.
Hidden screws under the net
Step-by-step instructions for opening the body
The process should begin by removing all removable elements, such as silicone embroideries and any plugs of charging ports. If the model assumes a removable outer cover, carefully apply it to a thin tool in the intended recess, the movements should be progressive and soft, without the use of excessive force that can split the plastic.
Then, using a scalpel or a thin plastic card, you walk around the perimeter of the seam between the halves of the case. Put the tool in the gap and turn it carefully to unclose the plastic latches. You hear the characteristic click when each clip is released. Walk around several times, gradually increasing the gap until the case begins to diverge.
☑️ Checklist for safe disassembly
Once the external latches are free, take your time to cut the halves apart abruptly, a plume or wire may pass inside connecting the controls to the main board, inspect the insides carefully and, if necessary, disconnect the connectors with tweezers or gently unseal the wires if they are welded with spot welding.
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To facilitate the disassembly process, you can slightly warm the body of the earpiece with a hairdryer to a temperature of 40-50 degrees, which will soften the glue and make the plastic more elastic, reducing the risk of cracks.
Diagnostics and replacement of the battery
The most common cause of disassembly is the failure of a lithium polymer battery, which loses capacity after hundreds of charging cycles. The battery in Xiaomi headphones is usually a small rectangular or cylindrical element glued to the body or board. To replace it, you need to carefully separate the old cell using a plastic blade to avoid damaging adjacent components.
When installing a new battery, it is critical to observe the polarity of the connection. The mixed plus and minus can instantly disable the charge controller or the control board itself. Before final assembly, it is recommended to check the voltage at the contacts of the new battery using a multimeter - it should be within 3.7-4.2 Volts.
If the battery wires have been soldered, use a soldering iron with a thin sting and a minimum amount of solder to avoid overheating the contacts. exposure to high temperature can damage the heat-resistant layer of the battery or melt the insulation of the wires, which will lead to a short circuit.
| Component | Function | Signs of malfunction | Difficulty replacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | Powering the device | Sitting down fast, not charging. | Medium |
| Dynamician | Sound reproduction | Wheezing, quiet sound, lack of HF | Tall. |
| Microphone | Vote recording | The interviewer can't hear. | Tall. |
| Management fee | Signal processing | The earphone is off. | Very high. |
Cleaning dynamics and membrane maintenance
The volume drop or the appearance of foreign sounds is often caused by the ingress of earwax and dust into the speaker's grid. Once you open the body, you have direct access to the emitter, which allows you to do a good cleaning. Use a soft brush and cotton swab, slightly moistened in isopropyl alcohol, to remove contaminants.
Be very careful with the membrane itself, the speaker is a thin film that breaks easily when mechanically exposed. Never blow heavily into the speaker or poke sharp objects at it, as the deformation of the membrane is irreversible and will require a complete replacement of the sound module. If the pollution is deep, it is better to carefully remove the protective mesh, if the design allows it.
After cleaning, allow the alcohol to dry completely for a few minutes before assembly. Moisture residues can cause contact corrosion or distortion of sound on the first turn on. Also check the status of contacts that fit the speaker - they may have oxidized from moisture, which also affects the sound quality.
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Regular cleaning of the speaker mesh prevents 80% of sound problems and prolongs the life of the earphone acoustic system.
Assembly of the device and check of performance
The assembly process is reversed, but requires even more attention to detail. Make sure all plumes and wires are stacked in their channels and won't be clamped by the case when the halves are closed. If you've used glue to lock the battery or lid, let it be fully polymerized before the device is turned on.
When you connect the halves of the body, first snap the opposite sides of the connector, gradually moving towards the center. There should be no creaking or feeling that the plastic is rubbing against the plastic - this is a sign of improperly laid wire or plume. Screw the screws evenly, without undue effort, so as not to break the thread in the plastic racks.
The final step is testing. Connect the headphone to the charger and check the display. Then pair it with your smartphone and play the audio file, check the balance of channels, microphone and control buttons. If everything is working correctly, you can install silicone pads and return the device to everyday use.
⚠️ Warning: If the earphone makes a whistle or vibration after assembly, immediately disassemble it again. Chances are you didn't press the speaker well or left a gap through which air comes out, creating an acoustic sound.