Xiaomi Redmi AirDots (also known as Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic S) often face typical problems. TWS-Over time, the battery capacity drops, the speakers start to wheez, and the microphones stop picking up the voice of the interlocutor. Unlike more expensive models, these headphones do not require maintenance, but experienced users often take risks to restore functionality.
The disassembly process requires maximum care, since the body is assembled without screws and is supported exclusively by adhesive joints. Before starting work, you need to prepare a thin metal scalpel, a dryer for softening the glue, plastic cards and tweezers. Any careless movement can damage the plumes or break the thin wires connecting the modules.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the body opening algorithm, the power replacement methods, and the dynamic membrane cleaning methods, and learn how to safely separate the outer panel without damaging the touch buttons, and what tools are really needed for quality repairs.
Workplace preparation and necessary tools
The success of an electronics repair operation depends 90 percent on the proper organization of the workspace: you'll need a well-lit desk with antistatic coating or a regular clean surface where fine details aren't lost. Chaotic scattering of components often results in the loss of screws or damage to fragile elements.
Working with Redmi AirDots will require a specific toolkit that is different from the standard smartphone suite: the main tool will be a thin, sharp-blade scalpel needed to cut the adhesive layer around the perimeter, and a hairdryer that can heat air to 80-100 degrees, which is critical for softening factory glue.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Using an open fire or industrial dryer at maximum power can melt the plastic case or damage the lithium battery, causing it to ignite!
In addition, prepare the following subjects:
- ๐ง Thin scalpel or shaving blade for cutting glue.
- ๐ฅ Hair dryer (household or construction with temperature adjustment).
- ๐งฒ Magnetic mat or screw sorting containers.
- ๐งค Dielectric gloves and tweezers with thin sponges.
Don't forget to have a power source to pre-check the device. Often the problem isn't the dynamics, but oxidized charging contacts that can be cleaned without being completely disassembled.
Algorithm of opening the headphone body
The most difficult step is to separate the outer decorative panel from the main body. Xiaomi factory assembly involves using a large amount of glue to ensure tightness and strength. Start by carefully heating the outer face of the earpiece with a hairdryer for 30-40 seconds.
Once heated, take a scalpel, and keep it at a minimum angle to the surface, slowly lead along the junction of the panels. Your job is to cut the adhesive layer, not cut the plastic. Movements should be progressive and controlled. Repeat the heat periodically if you feel that the glue is frozen again.
What to do if the panel is not removed?
When the panel starts to move away, don't pull it out, because inside you have the thinnest wires that connect the touch button and the main module to the rest of the electronics, and a sharp jerk is guaranteed to cause the contacts to break, and the restoration of which will require soldering under the microscope.
โ๏ธ Safe autopsy steps
For the convenience of further work, it is recommended to immediately clean the glue residues from the inside of the panel and the case. This can be done with your fingers or gently scraped off with a blade, trying not to scratch the visible parts of the device.
Replacement of the battery and work with electronics
Inside the Redmi AirDots case, the bulk of the volume is occupied by a lithium polymer battery, which most often fails, stops holding the charge. The battery is usually fixed on double-sided tape and connected to the board via a connector or soldering (depending on the revision).
To replace the battery, you must first turn off the speaker plume and microphone to access the main board. Gently unseal the old battery, observe polarity, and solder a new one. Use the low soldering temperature to avoid damaging the heat-sensitive elements of the board.
The main characteristics of the batteries used in these models:
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Li-Po | Lithium-polymer |
| Tension. | 3.7V - 4.2V | Standard for electronics. |
| Capacity | 40-60 mAh | Depends on the specific version |
| Jack | 1.25mm/Spidering | Requires a check before buying |
โ ๏ธ Warning: Never punch or bend the battery at a sharp angle. Damage to the internal structure of the Li-Po cell can cause instant ignition or bloating.
If you're changing batteries, make sure you check the voltage on the new battery before you install it. 3.7-3.8 Fully discharged batteries may not be charged by the headphone power controller.
Repair of speaker and microphone
Often users complain of a quiet sound or wheezing, and most of the time, the problem is that earwax or dust gets into the speaker's grid, and once you open the body, you'll have access to a dynamic head that's about 6-7 mm in diameter.
Carefully remove the speaker, solder the contacts. Clean the mesh with a soft brush soaked in isopropyl alcohol. If the membrane is damaged or torn, you will need to completely replace the speaker with a compatible counterpart. When buying, pay attention to resistance (usually 16 or 32 Ohms) and overall dimensions.
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To clean the speaker mesh, use a soft toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol. Don't pour the liquid directly onto the speaker, apply it only to the brush so that moisture doesn't get inside the magnetic system.
The microphone in Xiaomi AirDots is located on a separate board or wired to a hole in the case. If the person can't hear you, check the integrity of the microphone wire. It is very thin and often breaks at the base when sloppy assembly.
When you assemble, make sure that the microphone hole matches the process channel in the case. Even a millimeter shift can drastically reduce the quality of voice transmission.
Assembly of the device and verification of functionality
Once the components are successfully repaired or replaced, the reverse assembly phase is no less important than disassembly, and make sure that all the wires are packed into their channels and not clamped by the case when closed.
Apply a thin layer of special adhesive B-7000 or E-6000 around the perimeter of the junction of the panels. These adhesives remain elastic after drying, allowing the earpiece to be disassembled in the future without reheating. Avoid using superglue (cyanacrylate) as it becomes brittle and can damage plastic.
- ๐งฉ Put all the wires and plumes in the intended grooves for them.
- ๐ง Apply the glue in a thin strip along the edge of the main panel.
- ๐ Tightly press the panels against each other and fix the rubber band on 1-2 hour.
- ๐ Remove excess dried glue.
The first test is to be done before the glue is completely dry, connect the headphones to the charge case and check if the light is on, then hide them with the phone and check the sound in both channels.
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The quality of the glue directly affects the moisture protection and acoustic properties of the headphones. Poorly assembled body will miss the bass and can cause the earpiece to fall out of the ear.
Common Repair Mistakes and Their Consequences
Inexperienced craftsmen often make mistakes that lead to a device breaking down permanently. One of the most common is the use of excessive force in autopsy. Redmi AirDots plastic is quite fragile, and cracks in the body are almost impossible to hide.
Another common mistake is overheating the board with a soldering iron. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can peel paths or damage Bluetooth chips. Use temperature-adjusted soldering irons and keep the stinger on the contact longer than 2-3 seconds.
Also worth mentioning is the risk of static electricity: When working with electronics in a dry room, a static discharge can instantly disable sensitive controllers, it is recommended to use an antistatic bracelet or periodically touch a grounded metal object.
The table below shows the common symptoms and their probable causes:
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Method of decision |
|---|---|---|
| No sound in one ear | Breaking the plume dynamics | Contact soldering |
| The earphone is not charging. | Oxidation of contacts | Cleaning with alcohol |
| Quiet sound | Grid contamination | Cleaning the dynamics |
| Not included. | AKB's deep discharge | Battery replacement |
Remember that self-repair always carries risks. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact the professionals or consider buying a new model, given the affordable price of the device.