Disassembly Xiaomi Mi A1: a complete repair guide

The Xiaomi Mi A1, part of the Android One program, has proven to be a reliable device with a clean interface, but the time of operation inevitably makes adjustments. Over time, owners face battery degradation, mechanical damage to the body or failure of the bottom plume with a charging connector. Self-replacement of components requires an accurate understanding of the design, since the device has an all-metal body, which significantly complicates access to internal nodes compared to models with glass covers.

Before any manipulations are initiated, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with leakage of the case and possible loss of warranty if it is still relevant. Disassembly of the Xiaomi Mi A1 is a process that requires carefulness, especially when working with adhesive joints and fragile display plumes. In this article, we will look at each stage of dismantling, from heating the perimeter of the case to disconnecting the motherboard, to minimize the likelihood of damage.

It is important to note that the device design does not involve easy access to the battery, so quality repairs will require a specific set of tools and compliance with temperature regimes. Wrong actions can lead to rupture of the lithium-polymer battery or damage to the display module, so follow the instructions carefully. Below is a detailed algorithm of actions that will help you successfully diagnose or replace faulty parts.

⚠️ Warning: Before starting work, be sure to turn off your smartphone. Any manipulation of the device on can lead to short circuit and irreversible damage to electronic components.

Preparation of the workplace and tools

Quality preparation is half the success of any electronic repair. To safely disassemble the Mi A1, you will need not only the desire, but also specialized tools that will provide control over the process. The workplace should be well lit and the surface of the table should be clean and non-conductive electric current, preferably using an antistatic mat.

The main tool for separating the body is the heating element, since the back cover is attached to a powerful layer of glue. You can use a professional heating pad, a thermal air soldering station or, in extreme cases, a household hair dryer, although the latter option is less predictable in temperature. Also be sure to prepare a suction cup to lift the cover, a set of plastic mediators (scapula) and thin metal blades to dissect the adhesive layer.

In addition to mechanical action, you will need chemical solvents to remove glue residues, such as isopropyl alcohol or a special liquid B-7000. Don't forget about the screw sorting capacity, as the Xiaomi Mi A1 design uses fasteners of different lengths, and confusing them means the risk of breaking through the motherboard when assembly.

Removal of the back cover and primary access

The process of opening the case begins with a gentle heating of the device's perimeter. Turn on the dryer at a medium power and evenly warm the edges of the rear panel for 2-3 minutes, constantly moving the air flow so as not to overheat one point.The temperature should be sufficient to soften the adhesive, but not so high as to damage the display on the back side or melt plastic frame elements.

Once heated, install a suction cup at the bottom of the back cover, closer to the logo but avoiding the camera area. Pull the suction cup up, creating a small gap, and immediately insert a thin plastic mediator into it. Don't try to pull the lid off immediately with a jerk; instead, slowly lead the mediator along all the faces, cutting the softened adhesive layer.

⚠️ Warning: Do not enter the tools too deeply, especially at the top of the smartphone, where the plume of the fingerprint scanner is located.Abrupt movement can lead to a break in the plume, which then have to be soldered or changed entirely.

When the perimeter is passed, the lid should be easily separated, but you can't rush to put it on the table, because inside is a plume connecting the main board and the fingerprint scanner module located on the inside of the lid. Carefully lift the lid and disconnect the plume connector from the motherboard using a plastic blade or nail, after which the lid can be put aside.

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Warm up the case in cycles: 30 seconds warm, 10 seconds check the softness of the glue, this will prevent the internal components from overheating and the battery from bloating.

Dismantling of protective screens and battery

Once you remove the back panel, you get access to the insides, but most of the components are hidden under metal screens mounted by screws. The Xiaomi Mi A1 uses many screws of different lengths, so it is recommended to use a magnetic mat or circuit, marking the location of each fastener. First of all, screws that lock plastic clamping slats over the display and battery connectors.

The next step is to remove the battery, which is one of the most difficult operations in this smartphone. The battery is glued to the frame with double-sided tape throughout the area, and trying to tamper with a screwdriver from one edge is almost guaranteed to deform and ignite the element. Safe disassembly requires applying the adhesive solvent under the battery through the gaps or preheating the back part (if the lid is not yet removed, but in our case it is already removed, warm carefully from the inside).

To extract the battery, professionals use a special nichrome thread or a thin line that is wound behind the battery and cut off the adhesive layer with sawing movements. If you don't have a thread at hand, you can use a flat plastic card, but you need to act extremely slowly. Be sure to disconnect the battery plume from the board before any manipulations with it to exclude short circuit.

Replacement of the charging connector and the lower plume

One of the most common reasons for disassembling the Xiaomi Mi A1 is poor charging contact or problems with transmitting sound through the speaker. In this model, the USB Type-C connector is soldered on a flexible plume, which also includes a microphone and an antenna module. To replace, you need to completely dismantle the motherboard, since access to the lower compartment is blocked.

After removing the battery and unscrewing all visible screws on the motherboard, gently raise the board, controlling the position of the plumes. The main plume of the display and the touchscreen plume come out of the board, so they need to be disconnected first. The charging plume passes under the battery and is pressed with a metal plate, which also needs to be removed.

The new plume is set in reverse order: first, we put the antenna wire into the grooves of the case, then we put the plume itself, press it with a protective bar and fix it with screws. It is important to make sure that the connector is up exactly the first time, because reconnecting can damage the contact pads, and then you can return the motherboard to the place and connect all the plumes.

⚠️ Warning: When assembly, make sure that the antenna wire (usually black or white wiring from top to bottom) is properly connected to the contact area on the bottom plume. Poor antenna contact will cause the network signal to be lost.

Removal and replacement of the display module

Replacing the screen with the Xiaomi Mi A1 is the most time-consuming part of the repair, because the display is glued to a metal frame around the perimeter. If you change the screen with the frame, the task is simple: just rearrange the internal components. If only the glass or matrix without the frame changes, you will need to separate the broken display from the frame.

To separate, the body is heated to a heat plate of 80-90 degrees, then a thin string or blade carefully cuts the adhesive layer between the frame and the display module. You need to act without jerking, constantly monitoring the depth of the instrument immersion, so as not to damage the matrix itself or the touchscreen, if they are still intact. The adhesive base in these devices is very durable, and the process can take from 15 to 30 minutes.

After cleaning the frame of old glue and dirt, a new layer of glue B-7000 is applied to it or a special adhesive frame is installed. The display module is carefully applied, aligned and pressed with a load or clips for the period of polymerization of the adhesive (usually 1-2 hours). Before final assembly, it is recommended to check the health of the new screen, temporarily connecting the plumes to the board.

Assembly of the device and verification of functionality

The final step is reverse assembly, which requires attention to detail. Install the motherboard, making sure all the screw racks hit their holes. Connect the display plumes, touchscreen and buttons, then install the press plates and twist the screws. Remember, the screws around the camera and the processor can be of different lengths, and they can be twisted can damage the board.

Before sticking the back cover, be sure to test all the functions: check the touchscreen throughout the area, take a test photo on all the cameras, check the microphones and speakers, and make sure that Wi-Fi and mobile network work. Testing on an open case allows you to identify connection errors that will be much more difficult to fix after assembly.

If all systems are working correctly, degrease the body and lid with alcohol, apply a new adhesive with a thin layer and press the lid. Lock the device with gums for 15-20 minutes before grasping the glue. After drying, wipe the case of glue residue and turn on the smartphone for final inspection.

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The quality of repair depends not only on new parts, but also on the thoroughness of cleaning the seats from old glue and dirt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)