How to disassemble Xiaomi Bluetooth column with your own hands

Xiaomi’s portable acoustics are well-deservedly popular for their combination of price, sound quality and autonomy. However, like any electronics, these devices are not immune to breakdowns: over time, the battery degrades, the speakers are damaged or the Bluetooth module stops working. Owners often wonder whether it is possible to open the case for diagnosis without damaging fragile plastic latches. In this article, we will examine in detail the process of dismantling popular models such as the Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker and Square Box.

Disassembly requires not only precision, but also an understanding of the design of the device. Inside are compact components connected by thin plumes that are easily damaged when you move carelessly. Before starting work, you need to prepare a specialized tool to minimize the risk of mechanical damage to the case and internal boards. We will describe in detail each step, from the removal of screws to the disabling of the battery.

Tools and workplace preparation required

To successfully complete the dismantling, you will need a set of precision screwdrivers, since the design often uses small diameter screws with hats like Phillips or Torx. A standard stationery knife is better not to use, as it can leave deep scratches on glossy plastic or fabric upholstery. The ideal solution is a set of plastic blades (spudger) and mediators for carefully snapping the latches without damaging the paint coating.

Special attention should be paid to the organization of the workspace. The surface should be clean, well-lit and not accumulate static electricity that can cause a power controller to fail. It is recommended to use an antistatic mat or just work on a wooden table, having previously wiped it with a wet cloth, and you will need a container for folding screws, so that they do not lose them during operation.

  • πŸ”§ Precision screwdriver set (PH00, T5, T6).
  • πŸ› οΈ Plastic blades and mediator for opening the body.
  • 🌑️ Hair dryer or heating platform for softening glue.
  • πŸ” Lupus or magnifying glass for working with small details.

In some models, speakers can be planted on glue, so having a hair dryer or temperature-adjusted thermophen is a big advantage. Heating allows you to soften the adhesive base without breaking the plastic fixtures. It's important not to overheat the body to avoid deforming the plastic, the optimal temperature is about 60-70 degrees Celsius.

Xiaomi engineers take different approaches to assembling their acoustic systems. For example, the Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker (square version) has hidden screws under a rubber leg at the bottom of the device. At the same time, cylindrical versions, such as the Mi Compact Bluetooth Speaker 2, are often assembled without visible screws, where tight internal latches and adhesive joints play a major role.

Inside the case, there's usually a main board with a Bluetooth module, a sound amplifier, a speaker, and a lithium polymer battery. The cell layout is as dense as possible, requiring care when extracting components. The plumes can be soldered directly to the board or connected through connectors that are easy to break when snatched.

πŸ“Š What is your model of the Xiaomi column?
Square Box (Square Box)
Cylindrical (Cylinder)
Mini version
I don't know, I'll look at the bottom.

Understanding the type of speaker attachment is also critical. In budget models, diffusers are often glued to the body, and replacing them requires complete gluing or finding a donor. More expensive models can use screw-mounting speakers to a metal frame, which makes repairs easier.

Step-by-step instructions for disassembling the body

Start by looking closely at the outer surfaces for screws, which can be hidden under decorative plugs, rubber pads or brand logos, and if there are no screws, then the body is held on the latches, and to unlock them, carefully insert a plastic blade into the joint between the halves of the case and drive it along the perimeter, listening to the characteristic clicks.

When working with adhesives, such as removing the speaker mesh, use a hair dryer. Heat the mesh perimeter for 1-2 minutes, constantly checking the temperature with your finger to avoid burning yourself or melting the plastic. After heating, try to tamper the mesh with a mediator. If it does not respond, the heating should continue, but do not overdo it.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist before autopsy

Done: 0 / 4

Once the outer grid or lid is removed, the insides will be unlocked, and the first thing you need to do is disconnect the battery if it's connected through the connector, and this will turn off the device and prevent short circuits when you're working with the boards, and then you can unscrew the screws that hold the mainboard and the speaker.

⚠️ Warning: Never force the parts off if they don't lend themselves. Chances are you missed a hidden screw or didn't warm up enough the adhesive layer. Excessive effort will break the plastic ears of the attachment.

Diagnostics and battery replacement

The most common reason to seek repairs is to quickly discharge or bloat the battery. Xiaomi devices typically use standard lithium-polymer batteries. To replace them, you need to gently solder off the old cell or disconnect the connector from the control board. When soldering, it is important not to overheat the board using a thermoregulated soldering iron and flux.

When installing a new battery, be sure to check the polarity of the connection. Mixed plus and minus can instantly disable the charging circuit or power controller. You should also make sure that the dimensions of the new battery match the seat so as not to damage the housing during assembly.

If you don't have soldering skills, you can look for a battery that has a plug installed that matches your model, but in most cases you'll have to move the connector from the old battery to the new one, cutting the wires and isolating the connections with shrinkage.

How to check the health of the battery?
For accurate diagnosis, use a multimeter. The voltage of a fully charged Li-Pol battery should be about 4.2 volts. If the voltage is below 3.0-3.2 volts, the battery is deeply discharged and may not take charge without a special activator. Bloating is an unequivocal sign of the need to replace.

Repair of speakers and elimination of wheezing

Wheezing or no sound at all often indicates damage to the speaker coil or a break in the sound coil. Visually inspect the diffuser for ruptures and punctures. If the membrane is intact, the problem may be the glue that has dried up and allows the coil to rub against the magnetic system, creating extraneous noise.

To replace the speaker, you need to carefully solder the wires from the old terminals and solder them to the new component, observing the polarity. It is important to use wires of the same thickness as the original, so as not to change the resistance and not to impair the sound quality. After installation, check the device before the final assembly of the case.

  • πŸ”Š Check the integrity of the suspension speaker.
  • πŸ”Œ Call your contacts for oxidation.
  • 🧹 Cleanse the insides of dust that can cause rattles.

Sometimes wheezing is not caused by a speaker breakdown, but by a software failure or interference. Try resetting the speaker to the factory settings by holding a combination of buttons (usually power and Bluetooth buttons at the same time). If the problem persists, then it's the hardware.

πŸ’‘

Before soldering the wires, you can cover the ends and contact points on the board, which will ensure a reliable connection and facilitate the process, especially if the wires are short.

Device assembly and testing

The assembly is done in reverse order. Make sure all plumes are stacked in their ducts and not clamped with the body. Write the screws evenly, without undue effort, so as not to break the thread in the plastic racks. Pay special attention to tightness if the model is declared to be waterproof - you may need to apply a new layer of glue or replace the sealing gum.

Once you've connected the halves, don't rush to twist all the screws completely. First, plug the battery in and check the device's performance. Make sure the speaker is turned on, mated to the phone and plays the sound without distortion. Only after you make sure that you're working properly, complete the assembly.

PhaseAction.Risks.
AutopsyHeating and snappingPlastic damage, plume rupture
DiagnosticsMultimeter checkShort circuit when touching the board
Replacementsoldering or disconnection of the connectorOverheating of the board, error of polarity
AssemblyFixing screws and glueClutching of wires, violation of tightness

The final step is to clean the case of glue and fingerprints, use isopropyl alcohol to degrease the surfaces, and if you've been changing the battery, the first few charge-discharge cycles are better monitored, monitoring the temperature of the device.

⚠️ Warning: When assembly, make sure that no wires fall under the screws or into moving parts of the mechanism (if any) this can lead to short circuit immediately after switching on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I disassemble a Xiaomi column without losing warranty?
In most cases, opening the case leads to damage to the warranty seals or the appearance of traces of interference, which will void the warranty. If the device is still under warranty, it is better to contact an authorized service center.
Which battery is best used for replacement?
It is recommended to use original batteries or quality analogues from well-known brands (for example, Samsung, LG, Sony) with similar capacity and dimensions. Cheap Chinese copies can have a real capacity well below the declared.
What if the column does not turn on after assembly?
Check the battery connection and safety lock integrity on the board, make sure the buttons are not clamped in the case and the connector contacts are tightly seated in the connectors, and also check if the polarity is mixed up.
How to replace a special glue for the speaker grid?
To fix the mesh, you can use a special glue B-7000 or T-7000, which remains elastic after drying. Superglue (cyanacrylate) is not recommended, as it becomes brittle and can damage the plastic if re-repaired.

πŸ’‘

Self-disassembly is possible with accuracy and basic skills, but requires the risk of damaging fragile structural elements.