Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (including Redmi AirDots, AirDots Pro, AirDots 2/3) are hugely popular due to the combination of price and quality. However, over time, even these devices have problems: the volume decreases, communication with one earphone disappears, or the battery needs to be replaced. In most cases, repair is possible on your own - if you know how to properly disassemble the headphones without damaging the internal components.
This article will help you:
- 🔧 Choose the necessary tools for disassembly without scratches and chips
- 📸 Step-by-step to disassemble the headphone case with photo illustrations of key stages
- ⚠️ Avoid common errors that cause microphone or speaker to break
- 🔄 Properly assemble the device after repair or cleaning
Important: Disassembling AirDots headphones requires care and patience, and if you're not sure about your skills, you'd better go to the service center, but for those who are willing to try it, we've prepared the most detailed instructions, taking into account the nuances of different models.
What tools will be needed to disassemble
For careful disassembly of Xiaomi AirDots, you do not need professional tools - a basic set is enough, which is found in many homes or can be purchased for pennies. The main rule is: do not use metal objects (knives, screwdrivers, blades), as they leave scratches on plastic and can damage internal contacts.
Here's the best set:
- 🔨 Plastic mediator (or guitar) - to separate the halves of the body. Alternative: old bank card.
- 🧲 Magnetic screwdriver (cross, size) PH00 or PH0) — squirt.
- 🔍 Lupe or magnifying glass - so as not to lose small parts (springs, rubber gaskets).
- 🧹 Soft brush (for example, for drawing) – to clean the dust inside the case.
- 📦 Container for small parts - so as not to lose screws and gaskets.
- 🔥 Hair dryer (optional) - to soften the glue if the body does not lend itself.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use superglue or other aggressive adhesives when assembly! original adhesive layer or bilateral tape (e.g., double-sided tape) is sufficient to fix the halves of the body, 3M VHB). Excess glue can get on the speaker or microphone.
If you are planning to replace the battery, prepare:
- 🔋 New battery (e.g., new battery, 3.7V 40mAh for AirDots 2)
- 🔌 A soldering iron with a thin sting (power up to 30 W) and solder
- 🧪 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) clean-up
Preparation for the disassembly: what to do before the beginning
Before you start disassembling, follow a few mandatory steps, which will help to avoid unpleasant surprises and keep the headphones working.
1. Completely discharge the headphones (up to 0%) This minimizes the risk of short circuit when working with the battery. If the headphones do not turn on, skip this step.
2.Photograph the headphones from all sides – this will help to properly collect them back, especially if you are doing repairs for the first time.
3. Check warranty. Disassembling Xiaomi headphones automatically voids warranty. If your device is still in warranty service, you better contact the service center.
Discharge headphones to 0%|Photograph the body and location of the parts|Prepare tools and workplace|Check for lack of guarantee|Clean the table from foreign objects-->
4. Organize the workplace:
- 📝 Work on a flat, well-lit surface (it is better to use a white sheet of paper – even small details are visible on it).
- 🧲 Use a magnetic mat or tray to avoid losing your screws.
- 🚫 Keep away pets and children – small details are easy to lose and can be dangerous.
⚠️ Attention: If you're disassembling your headphones because of a single channel problem (e.g., the left earphone doesn't work), first check the Bluetooth settings on your phone. Sometimes the problem is a software glitch, not a hardware breakdown. Turn off and turn on the headphones (press the button on the headphones). 10 Reconnect. If the problem persists, start disassembling. Step-by-step: How to disassemble the AirDots case The disassembly process for most Xiaomi AirDots models is similar, but there are nuances. Below is a universal manual with the features of Redmi AirDots (1-e) and AirDots 2/3. Step. 1. Take the silicone earpieces off carefully, pull the earbuds off the headphones. They're mounted on a rubber base and are usually removed effortlessly. If the casings are glued together (found in fakes), put them in a plastic mediator, but do not use metal objects. Step 2. Separate the halves of the case AirDots consists of two parts glued together. To separate them: Insert the plastic mediator in the gap between the halves of the case (start on the side opposite to the button). Carefully run the mediator around the perimeter, gradually disconnecting the parts. If the case does not respond, slightly - heat it with a fender and 2nd it is not to connect the device to the pressure for 60°. If you try to connect the camera to the next one to the to the to the tone. If that didn't work, use a thread or a line: put it in the slot and split the case in sawing movements. Step 3. Removal of the board After separation of the case, you will see: 🔋 Battery (glued to one of the halves) 📱 Printed circuit board with microphone, speaker and Bluetooth module 🔊 Speaker (can be glued or fixed with latches) To extract the board: Unscrew 2-3 screws (depending on the model) with a cross screwdriver PH00. Carefully tuck the board into a plastic tool. Be careful -- it's soldered with speaker wires and a microphone! If the board isn't taken out, check if the button plume holds it (on touch-controlled models). Step 4. Speaker and microphone disconnection The speaker is usually attached to glue or latches. To remove it: If the speaker is glued, gently tuck it around the edges and unplug it from the body. If you're on the latches, you can evenly press the edges of the speaker to release the latches. The microphone is on the board or on a separate plume. Don't pull the wires, they're very thin and they break easily! 💡If you're disassembling headphones to clean, just remove the speaker and blow the body with compressed air (like a canister to clean the keyboard). Don't use wet wipes - it can damage the electronics! Typical disassembly problems and how to avoid them Even with a careful disassembly, you can face unexpected difficulties. Here are the most common problems and ways to solve them: Problem Cause halves of the body do not disconnect Too strong glue or deformed body Use line/thread or heat with a hairdryer (max. 60°C) Broken shell latch Excessive disassembly force Secure halves with double-sided tape or glue B-7000 Sprayed wires speaker / microphone Sharp pulling board solder wires back (use soldering iron 30 watts and flux) After assembly, the headphone does not turn on Bad contact battery or board Check the correct connection of plumes and contacts Sound became quieter or wheezing appeared Damaged Blow the speaker with compressed air or replace it Critical error: many users confuse polarity when connecting the battery. + And -- but if it's not -- remember the battery's original position before disconnecting. What if the headphone doesn't work after disassembly? Check if all the plumes and contacts are connected correctly. Make sure the battery is connected with the correct polarity. Try charging the earphone - maybe the battery is discharged to zero. If the speaker is silent, check it with a tester (resistance should be) ~32 Om). 💡The most common cause of failure after disassembly is the break of thin wires going to the microphone or speaker. Always check their integrity before assembly! How to replace the battery in Xiaomi AirDots Battery is one of the most vulnerable places in AirDots. Over time, it loses capacity, headphones discharge for 1–2 The battery replacement is one of the most popular reasons to disassemble. Which battery to choose? Most AirDots models will fit the lithium polymer battery: 🔋 Tension: 3.7V 🔋 Capacity: 40–60mAh (for AirDots 2/3 — before 80mAh) 🔋 Size: approximately 20×15×3 mm (exact dimensions depend on the model) Where to buy? 🛒 AliExpress (search for Xiaomi AirDots battery") 🛒 Radio parts stores (e.g. Chipdip) 🛒 Electronics repair service centers Step-by-step Battery Replacement: Disconnect the old battery by gently tucking it in with a plastic tool. It's glued to the case. Clean the contacts on the board and case of glue residues (use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol). Salt the wires of the new battery to the board, observing the polarity (red — +, Secure the battery on a double-sided tape or a drop of glue. B-7000. Check the voltage on the contacts with a multimeter (should be) ~3.7V). ⚠️ Warning: Never use superglue or heat glue to fix the battery; when heated, it can damage the battery or the board; the best option is thin double-sided tape or special glue for electronics; How to extend the life of a new battery? 🔌 Do not discharge headphones to 0% – recharge them at 20-30% charge. 🔥 Avoid overheating (do not leave headphones in the sun or near heat sources). 🔋 Keep your headphones in your case, which protects the battery from mechanical damage. Cleaning and repairing the speaker and microphone If the headphones start wheezing, the sound becomes quieter or the microphone is gone, the problem can be the contamination of the speaker or microphone. Cleaning often solves these problems without replacing the parts. Clean speaker: Remove the speaker from the body (as described in the disassembly section). Gently blow it with compressed air (a tank for cleaning equipment). If you see dust or dirt on the membrane, use a soft brush (not a cotton swab!). To remove sticky contaminants, moisten the cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and lightly wet the membrane (do not rub it!). Microphone repair: The microphone in AirDots is usually soldered into a board or connected through a plume. If it doesn't work: Check the integrity of the wires (often they break off when you disassemble them sloppy). Clean the microphone contacts with alcohol. If the microphone is damaged, it can be replaced with a similar one (for example, from a donor fee or buy separately on AliExpress? 🔊 Check the integrity of the speaker membrane - if it is torn, a replacement will be required. 🔌 Make sure the speaker wires are properly connected to the board. 📱 Do the test on another device (possibly the problem with your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings). 💡If after cleaning the speaker still wheezes, try to "pump" it - apply to the contacts speaker voltage 1.5V (from the battery) for 1-2 seconds. This sometimes helps to restore the membrane. Collecting Xiaomi AirDots back is as important as carefully disassembling.Improper assembly can lead to poor contact, squeaking of the case or even short circuit.Build order: Make sure all parts are clean and dry. Set the speaker in place (if it's been removed) and lock it. Lay the plumes and wires carefully so they don't overflex. Secure the board with screws (don't drag them!). Connect the halves of the case. If the glue layer is damaged, use a thin double-sided tape. Wear silicone embushures, check after assembly: 🔋 Charge your headphones and check the indication (should be red/blue LED lit). 🎵 Connect to your phone and check the sound in both headphones. 🎤 Conduct a microphone test (for example, through recording a voice message). 🔄 Make sure the control button works (press it several times). ⚠️ Warning: If the headphones don't turn on after assembly, don't panic. Possible reasons: Bad battery contact - check if it's pressed well against the board. Wire break - inspect the plumes for integrity. Forgot to connect the speaker or microphone - disassemble and check again. FAQ: Frequent questions about the dismantling of Xiaomi AirDots ❓ Can you disassemble AirDots without special tools? Yes, but with caution. You can use an old bank card instead of a mediator, and a toothpick instead of a screwdriver (if the screws are not too tight), but the risk of damage to the case or the fee is higher. ❓ How long does it take to disassemble? 10-15 minutes if you have experience. If you are unpacking your headphones for the first time, save 30 to 40 minutes (including taking photos and carefully separating parts). ❓ What to do if after disassembly the headphone does not connect? First, check: Is the battery charged (plug the battery to charge, the indicator should light up); Bluetooth antenna integrity (thin wire on the board); assembly accuracy (sometimes the board shifts and the contacts don't touch); if nothing helps, the board may be damaged. In this case, repairs will cost more than buying new headphones. ❓ Where to buy AirDots? Main sources: AliExpress is the biggest choice (see headphone model), local radio parts stores (e.g. Chipdip, Amperka), social media groups (e.g., Headphone Repair on VKontakte). Service centers - sometimes sell used parts from donor devices. The average cost of the battery is 100-300 rubles, dynamics - 200-500 rubles. ❓ Can I wash AirDots with water? No! Xiaomi AirDots don't have water protection (even if the box says "Water Dots" on it) IPX4, It's just splashing). If you get water: Turn off your headphones immediately. Dry them in rice or silica gel for 24 to 48 hours. Don't turn them on until they're completely dry. If the headphones don't work after drying, the contacts are probably oxidized, and then cleaning with alcohol or changing the board will help.