Disassembly of headphones Xiaomi AirDots: instructions for all models (Pro, Pro 2, SE, 3)

Xiaomi AirDots are some of the most popular wireless headsets in the budget segment, but even they are not immune to breakdowns. Most often, users face battery discharge problems, sound distortions or physical damage to the case. If the warranty is over or repairs at the service center cost more than new headphones, disassembling with their own hands becomes a smart decision.

In this article, we will detail how to gently open the body of any AirDots model (including the Pro, Pro 2, SE and AirDots 3) without damaging the internal components. You will learn what tools you need, how to avoid typical disassembly errors, and what to do if the headphone stopped working after opening.

Warning: the process requires patience and accuracy, AirDots body is sealed, and internal elements (for example, Flex-cable speaker) are extremely fragile. If you have never disassembled electronics, practice on old headphones or watch video instructions before you start working.

Training: tools and materials

Before you start disassembling, make sure you have everything you need, and even one tool can damage the body or internal components, and here's the full list:

• 🔧 Plastic mediator or opener – for neat opening of the body (metal tools will leave scratches!).
• 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature 60-80)°C).
• 🧲 Magnetic screwdriver (cross, size PH00 or PH0) - for spinning screws in AirDots Pro 2 and AirDots 3 models.
• 🔋 Thin-ended tweezers for Flex cables and small parts.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — glue-residue.
• 📦 Small parts container – to avoid losing screws or spring contacts.
• 🔌 Multimeter (optional) - for checking chains after disassembly.

If you are planning to replace the battery, prepare:

• 🔋 New battery (e.g. C103450 for AirDots Pro or C104050 for AirDots 3).
• 🔥 A soldering iron with a thin sting (power up to 30 W) and solder.
• 🧊 Thermopaste (for better heat sink after battery replacement).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use a knife or other sharp objects to open the case!The risk of damage to internal components (especially the Flex speaker cable) is greater than 80%.

Step 1: Disassembling the headphone body

The Xiaomi AirDots case consists of two parts glued together. Pro 2 and AirDots 3 models may additionally have screws under rubber plugs. Let's consider the process with the example of AirDots Pro (for other models, we will specify the nuances separately).

For models without screws (AirDots 1, SE):

1. Heat the body with a hair dryer around the perimeter for 1-2 minutes. The glue will become softer, and the risk of breaking the latches will decrease.
2. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the halves of the case (start on the side opposite the button). Carefully lead the instrument around, gradually increasing the gap.
3. Once the body starts to pull away, don't pull it by force, there may be latches inside. Walk the mediator again to release all the latches.

For models with screws (AirDots Pro 2, AirDots 3):

1. Remove the rubber plugs on the end of the earphone (plug them with tweezers).
2. Unscrew the screws with a PH00 screwdriver. AirDots 3 may have an extra screw under the speaker grid - remove it carefully so as not to break.
3. Warm up the body with a hairdryer and separate the halves with a mediator (as in the instructions above).

When you disconnect the case, you'll see an internal board with soldered components. Don't touch it with your hands, static electricity can damage the chips. Use an antistatic bracelet or periodically touch an earthed object.

Step 2: Removing the battery

The battery in Xiaomi AirDots is the most vulnerable element, and over time it swells up, loses capacity or moves away from contacts. Replacing it requires caution: Lithium polymer batteries can ignite if damaged!

Extract algorithm:

1. Disconnect the Flex speaker cable from the board (if it interferes). To do this, gently tweez the connector - do not pull the wires!
2. The battery is glued to the body. Put a plastic mediator on it and slowly separate it. If the battery is swelling, don't puncture it!
3. Seal off the battery contacts from the board. Use a soldering iron with a thin sting and solder with flux. The soldering iron temperature is no higher than 300°C.

When installing a new battery:

• 🔋 Select a battery with similar parameters (capacity, size, location of contacts).
• 🔥 Salt contacts, avoiding overheating the board.
• 🧊 Apply a drop of the thermopaste to the back of the battery for better heat sink.

⚠️ Warning: If the battery is swelling, don't try to drain or puncture it! Place the headphone in a non-combustible container (e.g., a metal container) and dispose of it according to local battery recycling regulations.

Step 3: Replace the speaker or Flex cable

If the sound in the headphones has become quiet, distorted or completely gone, the problem may lie in the speaker or the Flex cable connecting it to the board. In 70% of cases, the cable is to blame - it is rubbed or moves away from the connector.

How to check and replace:

1. Disconnect the Flex cable from the board, inspect it for breaks or oxidation of contacts, and if the cable is damaged, it will have to be replaced.
2. Call the speaker with a multimeter (resistance check mode). The correct speaker will show resistance within 16-32 Ohms (depending on the model).
3. If the speaker is faulty, carefully remove it from the case. In AirDots Pro and AirDots 3, it can be glued - use isopropyl alcohol to dissolve the glue.

When installing a new speaker:

• 🔊 Select a model with similar impedance (resistance).
• 🧲 Secure it in the case with glue B-7000 or double-sided tape.
• 🔌 Connect the Flex cable, making sure the connector is snapped to the end.

Step 4: Cleaning Contacts and Payments

Dust, sweat, or contact oxidation are common causes of headphone instability, and if AirDots don't charge, are periodically turned off, or are not detected by the phone, the problem may be contaminated contacts.

How to clean:

1. Wet the cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol (90%+) and gently wipe the contacts on the board and charging "pickles" on the case.
2. To remove oxidation, use an eraser (wash them with contacts until shine).
3. Blow the board with compressed air (such as a can of keyboard cleaning) to remove dust.

If there are traces of corrosion (green coating), use citric acid:

1. Dilute the acid in water (1 tsp per 100 ml).
2. Apply the solution to corroded areas with a cotton swab.
3. After 5-10 minutes, wash off with alcohol and dry the board with a hairdryer (temperature not higher than 50 ° C).

⚠️ Warning: Don't use acetone or solvents to clean boards! they break down plastic elements and can damage tracks.

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If the headphones don't turn on after cleaning, check the fuse on the board (a small black chip labeled F1). Often it burns when shorted, and you can replace it with a soldering iron using the fuse at the same current (usually 0.5-1A).

Step 5: Building headphones after repair

Building Xiaomi AirDots after disassembly is no less responsible than disassembling, the main rule is that all cables and contacts must be securely fixed, otherwise the headphones will not work or quickly break again.

Assembly order:

1. Make sure all Flex cables are connected to the board and locked (some models have latches).
2. Check that the speaker is sitting tightly in its socket and does not touch other components.
3. Carefully put the battery in its place. In AirDots Pro models, make sure the contacts are not closed.
4. Connect the halves of the body. If you have screws, twist them (don't pull them over!).
5. Apply a thin layer of B-7000 glue or sealant around the perimeter of the case. Remove the excess glue with a napkin soaked in alcohol.

After assembly:

• 🔋 Charge the headphones in the case for at least 2 hours.
• 🔊 Check the sound on both headphones (use the bass and high-frequency test track).
• 📱 Make sure the headphones are defined by the phone and synchronized with each other.

1. Connecting Flex Cable Speaker.

2. battery contacts (possibly the wire has departed).

3. Integrity of antenna wire (in models with Bluetooth 5.0)+ He can get away from the pay).-->

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Xiaomi AirDots, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔥 Overheating soldering iron → Use a soldering iron with a power of no more than 30 watts and solder with flux. solder quickly, without staying in one place.
• 🧲 Loss of screws or spring contacts → Work on a light surface and use a magnetic mat for small parts.
• 🔊 Damage to Flex speaker cable → Never pull the wires! Unplug the connector by gently putting it on both sides.
• 🔋 Install the battery incorrect polarity → Before soldering, mark "+" and "-" on the board with a marker.
• 🧴 Use superglue to build → It breaks down plastic and makes subsequent disassembly impossible. Use only B-7000 or sealant.

If the headphones are not turned on after repair:

1. Check the multimeter voltage on the battery (should be ~3.7-4.2 V).
2. Make sure the power button is not stuck (in models with a mechanical button).
3. Try to reset the headphones: put them in the case, press and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds.

FAQ: Frequent questions about AirDots disassembly