Xiaomi’s popular Airdots 2s wireless headphones (often known as Redmi Buds or Redmi Airdots 2) are known for their minimalism and low price, but their design does not involve easy maintenance. Users often face the need to open the device when one of the headphones stops charging or the sound becomes quiet.
Before any manipulations, it is important to realize that opening the warranty seal will lead to a loss of warranty. However, if the device has already failed and is not refundable, self-repair can give the gadget a second life. In this article, we will discuss in detail the dismantling process, the necessary tools and nuances of working with miniature electronics.
The internal layout of the Airdots 2s is quite dense, requiring care and a firm hand. Any careless movement can damage the thin plumes or the lithium polymer battery itself, which can cause fire or short circuit. So prepare a workplace with good lighting and be patient, as the process can take from 30 to 60 minutes.
Tools and workplace preparation required
For Xiaomi Airdots 2s, a standard set of screwdrivers will not be enough, since the main enemy here is glue and plastic latches. You will need a thin metal scalpel or a special mediator for opening, which will allow you to penetrate the junction of the case without deformation.
Also, be sure to prepare a dryer or a thermo-air soldering station to soften the adhesive layer. Isopropyl alcohol will help dissolve the residue of the adhesive without damaging the plastic parts. Don't forget about tweezers with thin curved ends to extract small components and chips.
- 🛠️ Thin metal scalpel or blade for neat opening of the body
- 🌡️ Hair dryer for heating glue (temperature near 80-100 degree)
- 🧪 Isopropyl alcohol or special solvent for glue
- 📏 Plastic spatulas (spudgers) for snapping internal retainers
⚠️ Attention: The use of knives or rough screwdrivers can lead to irreversible chipping on the glossy surface of the case, which will spoil the appearance of the device after assembly.
The workplace should be clean and free of foreign objects. It is recommended to use an antistatic mat to prevent damage to electronics by a static discharge. It is important to understand that inside the earphone there is a miniature battery, a puncture of which can cause instant fire.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Anatomy of the body and access point
Xiaomi Airdots 2s is designed in an in-ear form factor, where the main electronics are located in the leg and head of the dynamic part. The body consists of two main halves connected around the perimeter. The visual seam is almost invisible, which creates the illusion of monolithic product.
The challenge is that there are no screws inside, it's all on plastic latches and adhesive, and the best way to enter is to either either choose the joint between the main bowl and the removable cap if it's designed for a specific revision, or the seam in the center of the side face, and heating it in this area will help to reduce the adhesion of the materials.
| Component | Location. | Type of attachment | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic driver | Top of the bowl | Glue + landing | High (membrane cliff) |
| Battery | Lower part (leg) | Glue + soldering | Critical (fire) |
| Management fee | Central part | plumes | Medium (contact break) |
| Microphone | Lower end | Pike. | Low. |
When you look at access points, you'll notice the speaker grid, and often users try to tamper with the body from this side, which is a mistake, and the safety net is easily plugged in, and you can't restore the tightness and appearance, and you can't just stick to the factory seam.
The process of opening the headphone case
Start by heating the body carefully. Direct the hot air from the hair dryer to the junction of the halves of the body for 30-40 seconds. Don't overheat the plastic, otherwise it may warp or change color. The goal is to soften the inner adhesive layer, not melt the body.
Once heated, insert a thin blade or mediator into the seam and make reciprocal movements, gradually moving around the perimeter. Ultrasonic welding can resist, so don't use excessive force. If you feel the plastic cracking, stop the pressure and add some more heat.
What to do if the body does not open?
When the latches are snapped, the halves of the body can be split. Don't pull sharply, as the components can be connected by thin wires. Before you split them completely, check the insides for connecting plumes going from the board to the speaker or microphone.
- 🔥 Heat the body evenly, avoiding local overheating
- 🔪 Move the tool along the seam, not inside the body
- 👀 Watch the color of the plastic to prevent melting
- 🧩 Fix the flaked parts so they don’t connect back together.
Dismantling the battery and replacing the elements
Most often, the dismantling of Xiaomi Airdots 2s is required precisely to replace the battery. The battery in these models is usually glued to the wall of the case and connected to the board with two thin wires. To extract, you need to carefully tuck the battery into a plastic blade, previously unstuck it from the wall.
It's important not to damage the battery shell. If you're planning to solder wires, do it quickly and at the lowest temperature of the soldering iron sting, so that the battery itself doesn't overheat, shrinkage or special tape will help fix the new element in place of the old one.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to charge or use a ballooned battery, which can cause an explosion inside the earphone and serious facial injuries.
When installing a new battery, make sure the polarity of the connection is met.A confused plus and minus can instantly disable the charge controller on the board.A check the voltage with the multimeter before final assembly.
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Use double-sided electronics tape (e.g. 3M) to lock the battery, this will provide reliable mounting and good heat sink.
Cleaning dynamics and elimination of pollution
The inside of the earbud often suffers from earwax and dust, which clog the mesh and spoil the sound. Once you open the body, you access the back of the dynamic membrane. Cleaning should be done with a soft brush soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
Do not pour the liquid directly onto the speaker. The alcohol should be applied to a brush, which then gently removes the contaminants. If the net is removable, it is better to remove it and wash it separately, allowing it to dry completely before installing it back.
Also check the status of the charging contact areas. Contact oxidation is a common reason why the Airdots 2s earphone stops charging in the case. Wipe the contacts with a swab or cotton swab with alcohol until the characteristic shine appears.
- 🧹 Use only soft brushes to clean the membrane
- 🚫 Avoid getting moisture on electronic components
- 💨 Blow the insides with compressed air before assembly
- ✨ Clean the charging contacts to metallic sheen
Assembly and sealing of the device
The final step is assembly. Before joining the halves of the body, make sure that all the plumes are packed into their channels and nothing is compressed. To seal, use a special glue B-7000 or E-8000, which remains elastic after drying and allows you to reopen the device if necessary.
Apply a thin layer of glue around the perimeter of the joint and tightly press the halves against each other. Lock the device with rubber bands or in a soft sponge grip for 1-2 hours before the initial grasp. Complete polymerization of the glue takes about 24 hours.
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High-quality sealing is the key to protecting electronics from moisture and sweat, so do not save on the adhesive composition and fixation time.
Once assembled, check the sensor areas and microphone, and if everything is working correctly, you can consider the repair complete, but remember that the factory moisture protection is lost after opening, so be careful with the device in the future.