Modern wireless headphones from Xiaomi and its sub-brands such as Redmi and Haylou are famous for their minimalist design and affordable price. However, when the device fails, stops holding charge or makes extraneous noises, the owner faces the question of repair. Disassembling the Xiaomi headset is a delicate process, requiring understanding of design and the presence of specific tools, since the manufacturer does not provide easy access to the insides.
In this article, we will take a closer look at how to safely open the case without damaging fragile plumes and batteries. You will learn about the nuances of dismantling different models, from AirDots liners to full-size overhead headphones. It is important to understand that any intervention in the design removes the warranty, so you should start only if it is absent or expires.
Before you pick up tools, you need to assess the risks. The internal components are tightly packed, and lithium polymer batteries are sensitive to punctures. The wrong actions can lead not only to the final breakdown of the gadget, but also to fire. Next, we will discuss all the stages of preparation and the recovery process.
Tools and workplace preparation required
For successful disassembly of the headset Xiaomi is not enough regular screwdriver. TWS-The first thing you need to do is to have a well-lit workspace where there's no distraction from the process.
- 🔧 Precision screwdriver set (PH000, PH00) microscrew.
- 🛠 Plastic blades (spoogers) and a mediator for opening the body without scratches.
- 🌬 Hair dryer or thermal pistol for softening glue (temperature not higher than 80)°C).
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer for sorting screws of different sizes.
Special attention should be paid to the choice of plastic tools. Metal objects such as a knife or steel needle can easily damage the case of glossy plastic or, worse, to penetrate the insulation of the battery. The use of a hairdryer is only necessary if you are sure that there are no thermal shrinkage elements inside that are sensitive to temperature.
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Use medical alcohol (isopropyl) to dissolve the glue. Apply it (literally a drop) to the junction of the body before opening to reduce the tearing force.
Prepare the container for small parts. The screws in Xiaomi headsets can vary in length even within the same device, and if you mix them up when you build them, you can damage the thread or push plastic on the back.
Design analysis: body types and hidden screws
Xiaomi headsets are divided into several design types, and the approach to each of them is different, the most common models with a completely hidden mount, where the screws are under silicone mounts or decorative stubs.
The second type is latch-assembled devices. In models like some versions of the Mi True Wireless Earphones, the body is held by a tight fit and perimeter glue. The third type is full-size headphones, where the battery can be accessed through a spin-off bowl.
- 🔍 Carefully inspect the joints of the body in bright light for the presence of microscopic holes.
- 🔍 Check the silicone nozzles: often the screws hide under them.
- 🔍 Look for stickers with a serial number – they can also hide fasteners.
⚠️ Note: Some models have screws that have their heads covered with paint or varnish from the manufacturer, and they must be carefully scratched with a sharp blade before twisting, otherwise you can tear the slits.
Understanding the type of assembly helps you choose the right strategy. If you hear the characteristic click when you lightly press the blade, it's probably a latch. If the body is monolithic and has no visible joints, it's likely glued together using ultrasonic welding technology, and dismantling will require radical measures.
Step-by-step instruction: disassembly TWS-Headphones (AirDots, Redmi Buds)
The process of dismantling the compact liners is the most difficult one. Start by removing all the silicone elements. If you have speaker grids in your model, you'd better take them off carefully to gain access to the interior space.
Using a hair dryer, warm the body slightly for 30-40 seconds. Do not hold the hot air flow for too long to not melt the internal plastic clamps. After warming, insert a thin plastic blade at the junction between the main and bottom of the case.
Sequence of action:
1. Heated joint (30-40 sec).
2. Insert the shoulder blade into the gap.
3. Easy turning (no more than 15 degrees).
Perimeter scapula driving.Move slowly, in a circle. Don't try to open the case on one side. Your job is to unplug the latches around the perimeter. Once the halves start to diverge, use the mediator to fix the areas that are already open, and continue with the blade.
☑️ Checklist before autopsy TWS
Once you remove the lid, you'll see the main board and the battery, and be very careful: wires that go to the speaker and the battery can be soldered directly to the board or connected through a micro-connector, and a sudden movement can break the speaker plume.
Dismantling of full-size and neck models
Disassembly of overhead headphones, such as Mi Headphones Comfort or Mi Neckband neck models, is different. There are often screws under soft earpieces. Carefully pull the speaker pad; if it doesn't take off, check for hidden locks.
In neck models, the main electronics and battery are located in a thickening around the neck, and often require access to them, removing the rubber lining that can be held on the glue, and then squeezing it with a thin tool, gradually separating it from the plastic.
| Model | Type of attachment | Location of screws | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots | Glue + latches | Under the net/inside | Tall. |
| Mi Neckband Basic | Screws + plastic | Under the rubber | Medium |
| Mi Headphones | Screws under the hood | Under the pillow | Low. |
| Haylou GT1 | Ultrasonic welding | Absent. | Critical |
When working with large cases, it is important not to lose the spring folding mechanisms, if any, they can pop out if you do not handle it carefully, and also watch for the plume connecting the speaker to the main board, if it is placed in a separate unit.
Battery replacement and dynamics: technical nuances
The most common reason for disassembly is to replace a worn-out battery. Xiaomi headsets use Li-Po batteries with different shapes. Before turning off the old battery, make sure you remember the polarity of the connection.
If the new battery has a different connector, you will have to re-sweat the contacts. Use a soldering iron with a thin sting and a temperature not higher than 300 ° C, so as not to overheat the board. Contact time of the sting with the contact should not exceed 2-3 seconds.
⚠️ Warning: Never puncture a ballooned battery or heat it above 60°C. This can cause electrolyte ignition. Dispose of damaged batteries according to safety regulations.
When replacing a speaker, pay attention to its impedance (resistance). Usually Xiaomi headphones use speakers with a resistance of 16 Ohms or 32 Ohms. Installing a speaker with other characteristics can lead to a quiet sound or an overload of the amplifier.
Where can I find the battery label?
You reverse the assembly. Before you finally snap the body, check that the device is working, and make sure that all the plumes are in their grooves and not clamped by the body.
Frequent errors and problems in assembly
One of the most common mistakes is leakage loss: If you disassemble headphones that have moisture protection (IPX4), they may lose their properties once assembled. Use a thin layer of special glue or sealant to repair them.
Another problem is that the sound is foreign after assembly, which may indicate that the speaker is skewed or that a piece of debris has stuck to its membrane, and it's also possible that you forgot to put the rubber pad, and the sound is walking inside the case.
- 🚫 Forgot to connect the antenna contact (if there is a separate wire for Bluetooth).
- 🚫 The microphone is pressed, which is why the interlocutor cannot hear you.
- 🚫 Confused screws of different lengths, damaging the insides of the body.
If the headphones are not turned on after assembly, check the voltage on the battery contacts with a multimeter. Perhaps during the work you accidentally closed the contacts, and the BMS (Battery Management System) board protection worked.
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The key to successful assembly is to take your time in the halves-connection phase, and make sure that no wire protrudes beyond its vestibule.
Recovering your headset with your own hands is a cost-saving and rewarding experience, but if you feel insecure, it’s best to contact a dedicated service, especially if the device is warranty-based.