Xiaomi's charging case is not just a protective case, but a full-fledged device with a battery, a charging controller and headphone contacts. Over time, dust, pile or contacts can accumulate inside, leading to poor charging of the headphones or complete failure of the case. Disassembling it yourself is possible, but requires care: improper actions can damage plumes, connectors or lithium battery.
In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for disassembling charging cases for popular Xiaomi AirDots, Redmi Buds, Mi True Wireless and their counterparts. We will understand what tools you will need, how to avoid typical errors (for example, damage to flexible plumes) and what to do if the case stopped charging headphones after disassembly.
What Xiaomi case models can be disassembled independently
Most of Xiaomi’s charging cases are similar in design, but there are nuances depending on the model, and here is a list of devices for which this instruction is suitable:
- 🎧 Xiaomi AirDots (Basic/Pro/SE) — Classic series with magnetic cover and charge indicator at the front.
- 🎧 Redmi Buds (3/4/5 Pro, Lite) – cases with a tighter headphone fit and often with USB-C plug-in.
- 🎧 Mi True Wireless Earbuds (2/2S/3) — premium models with wireless charging and improved tightness.
- 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 4/5 Pro – cases with display or touch buttons (require special care when disassembling).
⚠️ Note: Cases with wireless charging (e.g. Mi True Wireless) 2S) They have an extra coil that's easy to damage if you open it in a sloppy way. If your case supports Qi charging, use a plastic blade instead of a metal one so you don't close the coil contacts.
The models with a display on the lid (for example, Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro) are more difficult to understand because of the screen plume, and it is recommended to contact the service center if you do not have experience with microelectronics.
Required tools and materials
To disassemble the case, you will need specialized tools. Do not use improvised tools (knives, screwdrivers of the wrong size) - this is almost guaranteed to damage the case or internal components.
| Tool. | Appointment | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic spatula (suction cup) | Separation of the cover from the base without scratches | AliExpress, electronics stores |
| T3-T5 screwdriver set | Rotors in Xiaomi cases are usually under Torx T3 or T5 | Any tool store |
| Tweezers with curved ends | Convenient to pull the plumes and battery | Radio parts stores |
| Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) | Cleaning contacts and oxidation boards | Pharmacies, chemistry stores |
| Thermoclei or bilateral scotch | Battery fixation after disassembly | Stationery stores |
🔧 Tip: If you plan to clean the contacts, prepare cotton swabs and a soft brush. To check the performance after dismantling, you will need a multimeter (to measure the voltage on the battery).
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Before disassembling, take a photo of the case from all sides - this will help to properly collect it back, especially if there are several plumes or screws of different sizes inside.
Step-by-step instructions for disassembling the case
The disassembly process can be divided into 3 stages: opening the case, disconnecting the battery and board, diagnostics / cleaning. Follow the instructions strictly in order to avoid missing important details.
Step 1: Separation of the upper cover from the base
The most critical thing is to disconnect the two halves of the case, and they're glued around the perimeter, and if you pull too hard, you can damage the latches or the plume of the charge indicator.
- Insert the plastic blade into the gap between the top and bottom (start from the side opposite to the USB-C/Type-C connector).
- Carefully drive the shoulder blade around the perimeter, slightly pressing. If the lid does not lend itself, slightly heat the case with a hair dryer (not higher than 60 ° C) - the glue will become softer.
- Once the lid is removed, put it aside, and inside you'll see the battery, the controller board, and the headphone contacts.
Check the charge of the case (it is better to disassemble at 30-50% charge)
Prepare the workplace (clean surface, good lighting)
Disconnect the case from charging (if connected)
Take a picture of the interior before disconnecting the parts-->
Step 2: Removing the battery and board
The battery in Xiaomi cases is usually glued to the case with double-sided tape or heat-glue. Don't try to rip it out - it can damage the current tracks.
Algorithm of action:
- Unplug the battery with a plastic spatula. If it's glued heavily, use isopropyl alcohol, which dissolves the glue.
- Disconnect the circuit board plume from the battery (usually it is attached to a connector or soldered). In models with wireless charging, there will be a coil here - do not pull it!
- Unscrew the screws that fix the board (usually 2-3 T3 screws).
⚠️ Note: In Redmi Buds 4 Pro and later cases, the board can be flooded with a compound (protective compound), in which case disassembly for repair is almost impossible - only the replacement of the board is completely left.
Step 3: Cleaning contacts and diagnosing
If the case does not charge the headphones well, the problem is most often oxidized contacts or a discharged battery.
- 🔍 Headphone contacts: Wipe them with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol. oxidation looks like a dark plaque.
- 🔋 Battery: If it swells (as seen from the deformation of the body), it needs to be replaced urgently. Normal voltage - 3.7–4.2V (multimeter).
- 🔌 USB-connector: Check if there's any debris or bent contacts inside. Often, the problem with charging the case is that it's the one that's the problem.
What to do if the battery is swelling?
Typical problems after disassembly and how to avoid them
Even if you did everything right, you can still have problems after you build the case, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Case is off. | The board plume is damaged or the battery is disconnected | Check battery connection and integrity of plumes |
| The indicators are off. | Oxidation of indicator contacts or damage to the board | Clean the contacts with alcohol, check soldering connections |
| Headphones don't charge. | Poor contact between the board and headphone jacks | Make sure to make your contacts (carefully!) or clean them. |
| Case discharges fast. | Battery is worn out or damaged by the charging controller | Replace the battery or board (if the controller is on it) |
🔧 Useful tip: If the case is unstable after assembly (for example, spontaneously shuts down), check whether the contacts of the battery are closed on the case.
Critical information: In cases Xiaomi AirDots Pro and later charger may have protection against "unauthorized opening". If after disassembly case stopped charging via USB, perhaps this protection worked, in which case only the firmware of the board through the programmer or its replacement will help.
How to Rebuild the Case Back: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of assembling a case is as important as disassembly.
- Make sure that all the plumes are tightly connected (but without undue effort).
- Check that the battery is not closed to the body (use insulation tape if necessary).
- Apply new adhesive around the perimeter of the cover (you can use B-7000 or double-sided tape).
- Tightly compress the halves of the case for 10-15 minutes so that the glue catches.
⚠️ Warning: If you used heat glue to fix the battery, let it cool completely before assembly.Hot glue can warp the plastic case or damage the plumes.
After assembly:
- 🔌 Connect the case to the charger and check if the indicator is on.
- 🎧 Place the headphones in the case - they should start charging (indicators on the headphones blink).
- 📱 Connect the case to your phone via Bluetooth and check the charge level in the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app.
1. Connecting the battery to the board.
2. Integrity of plumes (especially in models with a display).
3. no short circuit (check multimeter).-->
When the disassembly of the case is inappropriate
Not all cases can be repaired by yourself, and in some cases, disassembly will only exacerbate the problem or be unnecessarily expensive.
- 💥 The case has swelled or deformed (this is a sign of a faulty battery that may ignite).
- 🔥 On the board, blackened elements or traces of burns are visible (the charging controller is damaged).
- 📱 Case is not determined by phone, although indicators are on (Bluetooth module problem).
- 🔌 USB-connector broke off from the board (needs soldering, which requires special equipment).
It is also not recommended to disassemble the cases of new models (released less than a year ago), as their design may differ from the one given in this instruction. For example, the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro uses ultrasonic welding of the body, and it is almost impossible to open it without damage.
Alternative ways to solve problems with the case
If you just need to clean your contacts or fix bad headphone charging, try these methods without completely disassembling:
- 🧹 Clean contacts without opening: Soak the cotton swab in alcohol and gently wipe the contacts inside the case (where the headphones lie) and on the headphones themselves. Repeat 2-3 times.
- 🔄 Case reset: For some models, resetting helps. To do this, hold the button on the case (if any) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
- 🔋 Battery calibration: Completely discharge the case (before switching off), then charge to 100% without interruption. Repeat 2-3 times.
🔧 Advice: If the case stopped charging through USB, but the indicator burns when connected to wireless charging (if supported), the problem is likely to be USB-It can be replaced by yourself, if you have experience with soldering.