How to disassemble headphones Xiaomi Earbuds: detailed instructions with photos and life hacks

Xiaomi Earbuds are some of the most popular wireless headsets in the budget and mid-range segment, but even they are not immune to breakdowns. Over time, dust accumulates, contacts oxidize, or the battery fails. Instead of buying new ones, many users prefer to disassemble and repair the device themselves. However, disassembling Xiaomi headphones requires care: the wrong actions can damage fragile parts or adhesive connections.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to disassemble Xiaomi Earbuds (including Air, Air 2, Air 2 Pro, Air 3, S and others), what tools you will need, and what to look for to avoid breaking the headset permanently. You will also learn how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the headphones stop working after disassembly. For clarity, we will give step-by-step photos, a tool table and answers to frequent questions.

What Xiaomi Earbuds models can be disassembled independently?

Not all Xiaomi headphones are equally easy to disassemble, for example, Xiaomi AirDots (first generation) have a completely taped body, but Xiaomi Earbuds 3 Pro or Air 2. SE They're easier to understand because of the modular design, and here's a list of the models that are most commonly repaired at home:

  • 🎧 Xiaomi AirDots (1st and 2nd generation) – difficult, but possible with accuracy.
  • 🎧 Xiaomi Air 2 / Air 2 Pro / Air 2 SE β€” medium difficulty, hair dryer or alcohol is required to soften the glue.
  • 🎧 Xiaomi Earbuds 3 / 3 Pro - the easiest way, due to magnetic latches in the case.
  • 🎧 Xiaomi Earbuds S – budget model with minimal glue, but fragile latches.
  • 🎧 Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro – disassembly is possible, but the risk of damage to the hinge mechanism is high.

Important: models with active noise reduction (ANC), The Air 2 Pro or Earbuds 3 Pro have additional microphones and seals, and disassembling them requires special care to avoid damaging the membranes.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi Earbuds model do you use?
AirDots (1/2 generation)
Air 2 / Air 2 Pro
Earbuds 3 / 3 Pro
Earbuds S
FlipBuds Pro
Another model

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you start disassembling, get your workspace and tools ready, and without the right tools, you're at risk of scratching the body, breaking the latches, or breaking the plumes.

Tool.AppointmentThe alternative
Plastic mediator or shoulder bladeSeparation of body parts without scratchesGuitar mediator, credit card
Fryer-dryerSoftening of glue (temperature 60–80 Β°C)Hot water (careful!) or alcohol
Thin-ended tweezersExtraction of plumes and small partsManicure tweezers
Screwdriver. T3 or T4Screws in some models (for example, FlipBuds Pro)Scissors with a thin blade (not recommended)
Isopropyl alcohol (90%+)Cleaning contacts and removing glue residuesOrdinary alcohol (less effective)

Critical detail: in models Xiaomi Earbuds 3 Pro and Air 2 Pro used adhesive tape 3M, They're very flexible when heated, and without heating, you can break the case!

⚠️ Warning: Never use metal screwdrivers or knives to disengage the body, as this is guaranteed to scratch the plastic and damage the internal components.°C deforms the body.

Charge headphones by 30-50% (to avoid short circuit)

Prepare a clean, well-lit workplace

Take photos of headphones from all sides (for reverse assembly)

Disable Bluetooth on your smartphone (to avoid accidental connection)

Put soft fabric under the body (so as not to scratch)-->

Step-by-step: how to disassemble Xiaomi Earbuds

Consider the universal disassembly algorithm using the Xiaomi Air 2 Pro (for other models, we will specify nuances). The whole process will take 15-30 minutes depending on experience.

Step 1: Removal of silicone earpieces and speaker grids

Carefully remove the silicone headphones, and underneath them you'll see a metal speaker grid, and in most models, it's attached to latches or glue, to remove it.

  1. Put a plastic spatula on the net.
  2. If the mesh is glued, drip some alcohol along the edge and wait 10 seconds.
  3. Carefully lift the net with tweezers - there is a speaker and microphone under it.

Step 2: Separation of the headphone body

The Xiaomi Earbuds body consists of two parts glued together to separate them:

  1. Heat the body with a hair dryer (60-70)Β°C) for 1-2 minutes, evenly moving along the seam.
  2. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the parts of the case and carefully lead around.
  3. As soon as the mediator is at least 2/3 circles, both halves can be separated by hand.

Nuance for the Earbuds S: in this model, the body is held on latches, not glue. You just need to find a cerca slot for charging and press carefully.

Step 3: Removing the board and battery

After the separation of the body, you will see:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery (soldiered or on the connector).
  • πŸŽ›οΈ Printed circuit board with Bluetooth chip and speaker.
  • 🎀 Microphone (may be glued or on latches).

Unplug the plumes (if any) and carefully remove the board. In Air 2 Pro and newer models, the battery is often glued to it - you need to tamper with a plastic blade.

What to do if the battery is swelling?
If the battery is swelling, don't try to prick it or heat it up - it can cause fire. Carefully remove it with gloves, place it in a sealed bag and dispose of it as hazardous waste. To replace, use only the original battery with the same capacity (for example, for the Air 2 Pro it is 55 mAh).

Step 4: Cleaning and Repair

Now we can:

  • 🧹 Clean the contacts with alcohol (if oxidized).
  • πŸ”§ Replace the battery or speaker (with soldering joints, a soldering iron will be required).
  • πŸ”Š Check the integrity of the speaker membrane (if the sound is distorted).

⚠️ Attention: in models with ANC (Air 2 Pro, Earbuds 3 Pro) don't touch noise reduction microphones, they're extremely sensitive to static electricity. Use an antistatic bracelet or regularly touch a grounded object.

Step 5: Reverse Assembly

Collect the headphones in reverse order:

  1. Set the board and battery, connect the plumes.
  2. Apply a thin layer of glue (for example, B-7000) on the edge of the body, if the original glue has lost its properties.
  3. Squeeze the halves of the body and fix for 10-15 minutes (you can use a rubber band).
  4. Install back the speaker grid and the earpieces.

1. Correct connection of the plumes (they could move).

2. charge the battery (plug into the case for 10 minutes).

3. Integrity of contacts on the board (sometimes they depart when heated).-->

Typical problems after disassembly and their solution

Even with a careful disassembly, there can be problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The earphone is off.The battery line or contact is disconnectedRe-disassemble and check connections
Sound is distorted or absentThe speaker membrane is damaged or the wire has moved awayCheck the speaker with a multimeter, solder the wire
The microphone is not working.Pollution or damage to the microphoneClean with alcohol or replace the microphone
The headphone doesn't hold the charge.The battery or charging controller is damagedReplace the battery or charge
Case doesn't charge headphones.Contacts in the case or headphones oxidizedClean the contacts with alcohol and swallow

Tip: If after disassembly, one of the headphones stopped synchronizing with the case, try resetting.

  1. Put both earphones in the case.
  2. Press and hold the button on the case for 10-15 seconds (until the indicator flashes).
  3. Connect the headphones again via Bluetooth.

πŸ’‘

If the headphones don't work after disassembly, 90 percent of the time the problem is poor contact between the plumes or the battery. Don't rush to buy new parts, check the assembly first.

When the Disassembly is Inappropriate: Alternative Solutions

It's not always worth it to repair yourself, but here are the best times to go to the service or buy new headphones:

  • πŸ’₯ The body of the headphone cracked or deformed (repair will cost more than the new Earbuds S).
  • πŸ”₯ Battery swells or leaks (risk of fire).
  • πŸŽ›οΈ Printed circuit board damaged (sweeter station and experience required).
  • πŸ”Š The speaker is completely out of order (replacement will cost 50-70% of the cost of new headphones).

If you are unsure of your skills, consider alternatives:

  • πŸ”§ Xiaomi official service (repair warranty, but high price).
  • πŸ› οΈ Local workshops (cheap, but without guarantee).
  • πŸ”„ Buying used headphones to replace (for example, Air 2 Pro often sells for repair price).

Important: Xiaomi Earbuds models older than 2-3 years are often unprofitable to repair - parts wear out comprehensively (battery) + dynamics + In this case, it is better to invest in a new model.

Comparison of Xiaomi Earbuds models by the complexity of disassembly

To make it easier for you to assess your strength, we have compiled a rating of models by the complexity of disassembly (from simple to complex):

ModelDifficulty disassembling (1–5)Main difficultiesRecommendations
Earbuds S2Latches, minimum glue.Suitable for beginners
Air 2 SE3Perimeter glue, fragile plumesWe need a plastic spatula.
Air 2 Pro4Clay. 3M, ANC-microphoneMandatory hair dryer and antistatic
Earbuds 3 Pro3Magnetic latches, but lots of small detailsIt is better to take pictures of each step.
FlipBuds Pro5Complex hinge mechanism, screwsOnly for experienced craftsmen.

If you’ve never done electronics before, start with the Earbuds S or Air 2. SE β€” They are easier to repair and cheaper in case of an error.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the dismantling of Xiaomi Earbuds

Can you make Xiaomi Earbuds without a hairdryer?
Yes, but it's more complicated. Instead of a hair dryer, you can use hot water (put the earphone in a bag and put it in water 40-50).Β°Alcohol (drip on the seam and wait 5 minutes) Cold (put the earpiece in the freezer for 10 minutes - the glue will become brittle), however, these methods are less reliable and can damage electronic components.
How to check if the speaker works after disassembly?
Connect the headphone to a sound source (like a smartphone) and: Call another phone and see if there's a sound. Turn on music and listen to distortion. Use a frequency test app (like Audio Test on Android). If there's no sound, check: Speaker wire integrity. Contacts on the board (possibly soldered contact has gone).
How to replace the original glue during assembly?
Best alternatives: B-7000 β€” universal glue for electronics, does not conduct current. LOCTITE 401 is cyanoacrylate glue, fast-handling. Double-sided scotch 3M (0.2 mm thick, for models without liquid glue, do not use superglue (Moment, Second) - it can damage plastic and conductors.
Where to buy spare parts for Xiaomi Earbuds?
Parts sources: 🌍 AliExpress – Cheap but long wait (see model for β€œXiaomi Air 2 Pro battery"). πŸ›’ Local electronics stores are faster but more expensive (ask for β€œspeaker for the store”) TWS headphone"). πŸ”§ Service centers – sometimes sell used parts after repair. πŸ“¦ Donor headphones - buy broken Earbuds on Avito or Yula and use them as donors.Average Parts Prices (2026): Battery: 300-800 β‚½. Dynamics: 500-1200 β‚½. Management fee: 1000–2500 β‚½.
How to avoid damage to microphones during disassembly?
Microphones in Xiaomi Earbuds are the most vulnerable. To avoid damaging them: Don't blow on the microphone or touch its membrane. Use an antistatic bracelet or regularly discharge statics (touching a metal object); Don't clean the microphone with alcohol - just with a dry brush. When soldering, keep the soldering iron at least 5 cm from the microphone. If the microphone still fails, it can be replaced (cost 200-500). β‚½), but it'll take a soldering iron.