How to disassemble the case from Xiaomi headphones: a step-by-step guide

Wireless headsets often have a charger case that stops working properly even though the headphones themselves are working, which can be caused by battery failure, contact oxidation, or mechanical damage to the plume inside the device. Disassembly of the case requires care, as manufacturers use hidden latches and adhesives to give the case monolithicity.

Before starting the dismantling, you need to prepare a specialized tool and workplace. Xiaomi applies different build methods depending on the model, whether it is a budget Redmi Buds or flagship Mi True Wireless. Understanding the design will help avoid breaking plastic mounts, which are almost impossible to restore.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the process of opening the charging case, from tool selection to reverse assembly. The accuracy of each step determines whether the device will work after repair or turn into a plastic kit.

Tools and workplace preparation required

To do this successfully, you'll need a minimal but specific set of tools, and using inappropriate items like kitchen knives or thick screwdrivers is guaranteed to cause chips and scratches on glossy plastic, and thin tools allow you to penetrate microscopic gaps without any visible interference.

Organize workspace so that all the parts are on hand and well lit. Small screws and plumes are easy to lose, so having a magnetic mat or container with cells for fasteners will be a great advantage. It is also recommended to have a bright light source at hand to see the state of internal contacts.

Here is a list of what you will need for the job:

• 🛠️ Precision screwdriver kit (cross-hatch) PH000, PH00 flat)
• 🔪 Thin metal spatula or scalpel
• 🎹 Plastic mediators or cards for opening
• 🔥 A hair dryer or thermophene (to soften the glue if the model is glued)
• 🧲 Tweezers with thin tips for extracting plumes

Pay special attention to clean hands and tools. Fat marks can get on optical sensors (if any) or charging contacts, which will cause malfunctions. Degreasing surfaces before assembly is an important step that is often forgotten.

⚠️ Warning: Be sure to discharge the case to a minimum before starting work or turn off the battery if possible.A short circuit with careless handling of metal tools can damage the power controller.

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Use isopropyl alcohol to clean contacts before assembly – it evaporates quickly and leaves no trace, unlike water or other solvents.

Determination of the type of design of the Xiaomi body

Not all Xiaomi chargers are assembled the same way. There are two main design types: screw and glue. Understanding which type of charger you're dealing with will save you time and nerves. Trying to unscrew the screw case without unscrewing the screws will break the plastic.

Screwed models typically have visible holes under the fasteners, often hidden under rubber legs or stickers inside the recesses.The adhesive models popular in the latest versions of Redmi AirDots and Mi Buds, have no visible screws and are assembled by ultrasonic welding or perimeter bonding.

The table below shows the main differences and opening methods for different series:

If you're not sure what type of attachment you should try to gently, effortlessly, turn the halves of the body relative to each other. If you feel a backlash or hear a crack, maybe the screws are already twisted or not. If you have a monolithic design, you'll need heat and a thin blade.

The process of disassembling screw models

Start by taking a thorough visual look at the outer surface of the case, looking for any bumps, rubber plugs or stickers. Often, manufacturers hide screws under the logo on the bottom or inside the headphone compartment. Use a magnifying glass if your eyes don't allow you to see the fine details.

Once you find the fastener, use a screwdriver exactly the size of the slit. A too thin sting will rip off the screw cap, and a too thick sting will damage the plastic around. Unwrap the screws counterclockwise with moderate force. Stack them in a separate container so you don't confuse them with screws from other devices.

When all the screws are removed, don't try to push the halves of the case sharply. There may be plumes or wires connecting the boards inside. Carefully insert a plastic mediator into the joint and swipe around the perimeter, snapping the internal latches. Move slowly, listening to the characteristic clicks.

If the body does not diverge, check again for hidden screws. Sometimes a single screw can be hidden under a decorative element that needs to be tampered with a needle. Attempting to forcefully untwisted the body with an untwisted screw will lead to irreversible destruction of the wall.

Opening of monolithic (glue) housings

Disassembling adhesives is the most difficult step, and it requires patience. The main task here is to soften the glue or break the layer of welded plastic without damaging the inside. This often requires warm-up. Use a dryer at medium temperature, evenly warming the seam on all sides for 2-3 minutes.

Once heated, take a thin blade or scalpel. Put it in the junction of the halves and, swaying from side to side, slowly move in. It is important to keep the blade parallel to the plane of the connector so as not to punctur the battery or board. The movements should be translational, not cutting.

Some Xiaomi models use ultrasonic welding, where there is little plastic at the seam, and in such cases, you have to carefully cut the thinnest strip of plastic around the perimeter, a time-consuming process that requires a hard hand and good lighting.

⚠️ Attention: Do not overheat the body above 60-70 High temperatures can warp plastic, damage the lithium battery, or melt the insulation of wires inside.

When you pass a large portion of the perimeter with the blade, you move to the plastic blades, which are wider and will help you to finally separate the halves without scratching the inner surfaces, and if you feel strong resistance, stop and reheat the seam.

Disconnection of the battery and work with the payment

When you open the case successfully, you'll see the inside of the device, and the first thing you need to do is find the battery, which is usually a small rectangular piece that's glued to the wall or in a recess, and it's approached by a thin wire with a connector or solder.

If the battery is connected through a connector, gently pull the connector itself, not the wires. If it is soldered, you will need a soldering iron and skills to work with it. Power outage is a critical step before any manipulation of the board to avoid short circuit.

The control board is usually fixed to screws or plastic racks. Removing it may require removing additional protective films or plastic pads. Be careful with microphones and touch buttons - they are very fragile.

• 🔋 Check the battery voltage with a multimeter (normal 3.7V - 4.2V)
• 🔌 Check the connectors for oxidation or dirt
• 🧹 Clean the board with a soft brush from dust and pile
• 🔍 Check the integrity of the contact soldering USB-port

Often the problem of lack of charging lies in the oxidation of contacts inside. USB-Visual examination can detect 90% of these problems. If you see plaque, use isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush to clean.

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The most common cause of failure is the battery wire dump from the board, and reconnecting with soldering brings the case back to life in most cases.

Reverse assembly and performance check

The assembly is done in reverse disassembly, if you've removed stickers or rubber legs, replace them with new ones, or use double-sided tape to fix, which will ensure tightness and dust protection. Screw the screws cross-cross without putting too much effort.

The adhesive models will require a new layer of glue. Use a special electronics glue (e.g., B-7000 or T-7000) with a thin strip along the perimeter. Remove the excess glue immediately before they are frozen. After connecting the halves, lock the case with rubber bands for 2-3 hours before drying out completely.

Before final assembly, be sure to check the device's operation. Connect the charging, insert the headphones and make sure the lights are on and the charging process is underway.

Refurbishing a charging case is a useful skill that extends the life of your gadgets. Even if you don't plan to do it professionally, knowing the basics will save you money on buying a new kit, and the main thing is to act slowly, carefully and safely.