How to disassemble Xiaomi smart watches yourself: instructions for Mi Band, Watch and Redmi Watch

Xiaomi smartwatches are some of the most popular wearables on the market due to their combination of functionality and affordable price. However, even the most reliable appliances can fail: battery runs out, the screen cracks, the sensor or button stops working. In such cases, many users think about self-repair but are afraid to damage the device. This article will help you safely disassemble Xiaomi watches — from Mi Band 3/4/5/6/7 to Xiaomi Watch S1/S2 and Redmi Watch 2/3 — with minimal risk.

It's important to understand that disassembling smartwatches is a jewelry process. The manufacturer doesn't provide easy access to the insides, so you'll have to work with glue, latches and brittle plumes. We'll go through the tools, the nuances for different models, and give you tips on how to avoid typical mistakes. If you've never done electronics repair, you better practice on an old device or go to a service center. But if you're ready, get started!

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you start, pack everything you need, and without the right tools, you risk damaging the case, the screen, or the board, which can make repairs impossible.

• 🔧 Plastic mediators or shoulder blades (2-3 - to separate the glued parts of the body. Metal tools should not be used!
• 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature 60-80)°C) Even a household hair dryer at maximum power will work.
• 🧲 Magnetic screwdriver (cross, size) PH00 or PH0) — for screws in some models (for example, Xiaomi Watch) S1).
• 📏 Suction cups (optional) – help to raise the screen after heating.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — glue-cleaner.
• 📦 Container for screws and small parts – so as not to lose anything.

Also, prepare the workspace: it should be well lit, draft-free (glue cools quickly) and with a soft substrate (such as a napkin) so as not to scratch the screen. If you disassemble the Mi Band, note that its body is very fragile - any excessive effort can lead to cracks.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Watch Color 2) have a sealed case with rubber pad. After disassembly, water resistance will be broken! If the watch was used for swimming, after repair, you will need to replace the gasket and re-seal.

Disassembly of fitness bracelets Mi Band (3/4/5/6/7)

The Mi Band bracelets are similar in design, but there are some nuances: for example, in the Mi Band 3/4, the electronics capsule is removed from the strap, and in the Mi Band 5/6/7, the body is glued together and requires heating.

1. Remove the strap (if it is removable). In Mi Band 5-7 models, press the button on the back of the capsule and pull the strap upwards.
2. Place the body of the bracelet on a soft surface (for example, a napkin) and evenly warm up with a hair dryer for 1-2 minutes, holding it at a distance of 5-7 cm.
3. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the front and rear of the housing (start with the corners) and gently guide along the perimeter, disengaging the parts. Don't force - if the housing does not respond, warm up more.

After the separation of the body, you will see:

• 🔋 Battery (stick to the back cover).
• 🖥️ Printed circuit board with display and sensors.
• 🔊 Vibration motor (in models with notifications).

⚠️ Note: In the Mi Band 7, the display plume is extremely thin and easily breaks when handled carelessly. If you're disassembling this battery replacement model, pre-order a spare plume, which is often damaged when disassembled the first time.

Warm up the body with a hairdryer (60–80°C)

Prepare plastic mediators

Disconnect the bracelet from your phone (to avoid accidental touches)

Take a picture of the details before the disassembly-->

Disassembly of smart watches Xiaomi Watch and Redmi Watch

Xiaomi Watch and Redmi Watch are more complex than bracelets, and their body is usually mounted on screws (hidden under stubs) and glue. Consider the process with the Xiaomi Watch S1:

1. Remove the strap by pressing the quick vacation buttons on the back.
2. Put the decorative plugs on the back cover (there are 4 of them) with a needle or a thin screwdriver.
3. Spin the screws with a PH00 screwdriver and put them in a container. Don't confuse the length of the screws - they may differ!
4. Warm up the body with a hair dryer around the perimeter (especially at the screen module) and gently apply the back cover with a mediator. In some models, the cover can be glued to the body with a sealant.

After removing the cover, you will have access to:

• 🔋 Battery (soldered to the board in most models).
• 🖥️ Main board with processor and memory.
• 📡 Antenna module (in models with GPS).
• 🔊 Dynamics and microphone (in Xiaomi Watch) S1 Pro).

Redmi Watch 2/3 is a simpler process, the body is glued together, but no screws, but the screen module here is connected to the board with a flexible plume that is easily damaged. When disassembling, hold the screen so that it does not fall off abruptly.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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

• 🔥 Overheating of the body - if you hold the hair dryer too close or for a long time, you can melt the plastic or damage the screen. Optimal temperature: 60-80°C, distance: 5-7 cm.
• 💥 Sharp lid -- if you pull too hard, you can tear the plumes or rip off the battery contacts.
• 🔋 Battery damage - don't try to tear it off by force! batteries in Xiaomi watches are glued and need to be gently tampered with after heating.
• 🧲 Loss of screws – in Xiaomi Watch screws come in different lengths. If you confuse them in places, you risk damaging the board when you build them.

Another common mistake is to ignore static electricity, so when you're working with a board, you'd better wear an antistatic bracelet or touch a grounded metal object periodically, and a discharge of static electricity can knock out the chips.

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If you are disassembling a battery replacement watch, check its voltage with a multimeter before soldering a new one. It should be within 3.7-4.2V. A battery with a voltage below 3.0V may not charge after installation.

How to collect the clock after disassembly

Building is as much a process as dismantling. Here are the key points:

1. Check the integrity of all the plumes and contacts. If the plume of the display or buttons has gone away, carefully insert it back (don't overdo it!).
2. Apply the new adhesive to the body. The Mi Band will do with 3M 9448A double-sided tape, the watch will do with B-7000 glue or LOCTITE 406 sealant.
3. Secure the lid, pressing it evenly around the perimeter. For Xiaomi Watch screws, twist the screws cross-cross to avoid skewing.
4. Check the health: connect the watch to charging and make sure it’s on, responsive to touch, and synced with the smartphone.

If the clock is not turned on after assembly:

• Check the polarity of the battery – you may have confused the + and the -.
• Make sure the display plume fits tightly to the connector on the board.
• Try resetting your settings via the Mi Fitness or Zepp app.

⚠️ Note: After the assembly of Xiaomi Watch S1/S2 or Redmi Watch 3 To do this, place the watch in a plastic bag with silica gel on top of the body. 12 If condensation appears inside the package, the sealing is broken, and the glue reprocessing will be required.

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The most common cause of failure after assembly is poor contact of the display plume. Always check its fixation before final assembly!

When disassembly is inappropriate: alternatives to repair

It is not always justified to repair yourself, here are the cases when it is better to contact the service or buy a new watch:

• 💀 The board is out of order (no switching on, no charging response, no indication) and repairs require a soldering station and experience.
• 🌊 Water entering the case (unless the watch is waterproof) corrosion can damage contacts without the possibility of recovery.
• 🔧 The screen was cracked in models with OLED-A screen replacement (like the Xiaomi Watch Color) often costs almost as much as a new watch.
• ⚡ The battery is swelling. It's dangerous, it can ignite when you try to retrieve it.

If you're going to renovate, you'll have to estimate the cost of the parts, for example, the battery for the Mi Band 6 costs about 300 to 500. ₽, And for Xiaomi Watch. S1 — 800–1200 ₽. If the price of the spare part exceeds 50% of the cost of new watches, repairs may be unprofitable.

The alternative to repairing is buying used watches on Avito or AliExpress. Many Xiaomi models sell at a price below the market due to minor defects (default, broken strap) that are easy to fix.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions