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:
- π§ Xiaomi AirDots (1st and 2nd generation) β difficult, but possible with accuracy.
- π§ Xiaomi Air 2 / Air 2 Pro / Air 2 SE β medium difficulty, hair dryer or alcohol is required to soften the glue.
- π§ Xiaomi Earbuds 3 / 3 Pro - the easiest way, due to magnetic latches in the case.
- π§ Xiaomi Earbuds S β budget model with minimal glue, but fragile latches.
- π§ Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro β 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.
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. | Appointment | The alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic mediator or shoulder blade | Separation of body parts without scratches | Guitar mediator, credit card |
| Fryer-dryer | Softening of glue (temperature 60β80 Β°C) | Hot water (careful!) or alcohol |
| Thin-ended tweezers | Extraction of plumes and small parts | Manicure tweezers |
| Screwdriver. T3 or T4 | Screws in some models (for example, FlipBuds Pro) | Scissors with a thin blade (not recommended) |
| Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) | Cleaning contacts and removing glue residues | Ordinary 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!
β οΈ Warning: Never use metal screwdrivers or knives to disengage the body, as this is guaranteed to scratch the plastic and damage the internal components.Β°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.
- Put a plastic spatula on the net.
- If the mesh is glued, drip some alcohol along the edge and wait 10 seconds.
- 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:
- Heat the body with a hair dryer (60-70)Β°C) for 1-2 minutes, evenly moving along the seam.
- Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the parts of the case and carefully lead around.
- 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:
- π Battery (soldiered or on the connector).
- ποΈ Printed circuit board with Bluetooth chip and speaker.
- π€ 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?
Step 4: Cleaning and Repair
Now we can:
- π§Ή Clean the contacts with alcohol (if oxidized).
- π§ Replace the battery or speaker (with soldering joints, a soldering iron will be required).
- π Check the integrity of the speaker membrane (if the sound is distorted).
β οΈ 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:
- Set the board and battery, connect the plumes.
- Apply a thin layer of glue (for example, B-7000) on the edge of the body, if the original glue has lost its properties.
- Squeeze the halves of the body and fix for 10-15 minutes (you can use a rubber band).
- 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 cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The earphone is off. | The battery line or contact is disconnected | Re-disassemble and check connections |
| Sound is distorted or absent | The speaker membrane is damaged or the wire has moved away | Check the speaker with a multimeter, solder the wire |
| The microphone is not working. | Pollution or damage to the microphone | Clean with alcohol or replace the microphone |
| The headphone doesn't hold the charge. | The battery or charging controller is damaged | Replace the battery or charge |
| Case doesn't charge headphones. | Contacts in the case or headphones oxidized | Clean the contacts with alcohol and swallow |
Tip: If after disassembly, one of the headphones stopped synchronizing with the case, try resetting.
- Put both earphones in the case.
- Press and hold the button on the case for 10-15 seconds (until the indicator flashes).
- Connect the headphones again via Bluetooth.
π‘
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:
- π₯ The body of the headphone cracked or deformed (repair will cost more than the new Earbuds S).
- π₯ Battery swells or leaks (risk of fire).
- ποΈ Printed circuit board damaged (sweeter station and experience required).
- π 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:
- π§ Xiaomi official service (repair warranty, but high price).
- π οΈ Local workshops (cheap, but without guarantee).
- π 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):
| Model | Difficulty disassembling (1β5) | Main difficulties | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earbuds S | 2 | Latches, minimum glue. | Suitable for beginners |
| Air 2 SE | 3 | Perimeter glue, fragile plumes | We need a plastic spatula. |
| Air 2 Pro | 4 | Clay. 3M, ANC-microphone | Mandatory hair dryer and antistatic |
| Earbuds 3 Pro | 3 | Magnetic latches, but lots of small details | It is better to take pictures of each step. |
| FlipBuds Pro | 5 | Complex hinge mechanism, screws | Only for experienced craftsmen. |
If youβve 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.