How to disassemble a Xiaomi laptop: detailed instructions for Mi Notebook, RedmiBook and POCO

Disassembling a Xiaomi laptop yourself is a task that scares many users. Fear of damaging fragile plumes, breaking latches or losing warranty often stops from trying to clean the cooling system, replace the thermal paste or install an additional one. SSD. However, with the right approach and the presence of a minimum set of tools, the dismantling process becomes quite feasible even for a beginner.

In this article, we will take a look at how to disassemble the popular Xiaomi laptops, from the budget RedmiBook to the flagship Mi Notebook Pro. You will learn what tools you need, how to avoid typical errors and what to do if something goes wrong.

If your laptop is warranty-free, a disassembly may invalidate it, but if the warranty period has expired or you are willing to take risks, go ahead! Our instructions are based on the experience of repairing dozens of Xiaomi devices and take into account all the nuances of their design.

What Xiaomi models can be disassembled independently?

Xiaomi laptops are divided into several lines, and their design can be significantly different.

• 📱 Mi Notebook Air (12.5, 13.3) – Ultrabooks with simplified disassembly, but fragile plumes.
• 💻 Mi Notebook Pro (15.6) – flagship models with powerful cooling and removable back cover.
• 🔴 RedmiBook (14, 15, 16) – budget series with plastic case and simplified access to components.
• 🆕 POCO Notebook – new models with a metal body and modular design.

Most Xiaomi laptops after 2018 have a removable back cover, which greatly facilitates access to internal components, with the exception of some ultrabooks (for example, Mi Notebook Air 12.5), where the cover is glued and requires a special approach.

Before disassembling, be sure to check the model of your device. This can be done through the Windows command line by entering:

wmic csproduct get name

Or look at the sticker on the bottom of the case – it shows the exact name of the model (for example, RedmiBook 15 Pro).

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

To disassemble a Xiaomi laptop without damage, you'll need a minimal set of tools. Don't skimp on quality - cheap plastic picks can break and scratch the case.

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (necessarily with a magnetic tip): cross PH00 and PH0, flat-footed 1.5 mm.
• 📱 Plastic mediators (2-3 pc.) or guitar mediators for disconnecting latches.
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or screw container (so as not to lose small details).
• 🔥 Hair dryer (if the cover is glued) or isopropyl alcohol to remove glue residues.
• 📸 Smartphone for photographing the process (useful when reassembling).

Also, prepare the workplace: the desk should be clean, without crumbs and debris, it is advisable to use an antistatic mat or at least touch an earthed object (for example, a heating battery) to remove static electricity.

⚠️ Note: If you are disassembling a laptop with a discrete graphics card (for example, Mi Notebook Pro with a discrete graphics card) NVIDIA MX250), Before you start, you need to remove the battery, and a short circuit on the board can make the graphics chip fail.

Disconnect the laptop from the network and remove the charger|

Backup important data |

Prepare all the tools and arrange them in order.|

Take a picture of the original state of the laptop|

Remove static electricity (touch the grounded object)-->

Step-by-step: how to remove the back cover

The most important step is to remove the back cover, and the key is to take your time and act carefully to avoid breaking the latches, and let's take a look at the RedmiBook 15 process (similar to most models).

1. Turn the laptop over and place it on a soft surface (like a towel) to avoid scratching the screen.
2. Unscrew all the screws on the back cover. Notice that some screws may be hidden under rubber legs. Carefully tuck the legs into a flat screwdriver and remove them.
3. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the lid and the body (start at the corner next to the screen hinges) and carefully guide it along the perimeter, disengaging the latches. Don't put too much effort — if the lid doesn't lend itself, check if all screws are unscrewed.
4. When all the latches are disconnected, remove the lid and put it aside. Be careful: plumes may be attached to the lid (for example, from a keyboard or touchpad).

If the lid is glued (as in Mi Notebook Air 12.5), the process becomes more complicated.

1. Heat the hair dryer of the edge of the cover (temperature ~60°C) for 2-3 minutes to soften the glue.
2. Carefully tuck the cover with a mediator and slowly separate it, heating the problem areas with a hair dryer.
3. After removal, remove the remains of the glue from the body with isopropyl alcohol.

When you take the lid off, you'll see the insides of the laptop.

• 🖥️ Motherboard with processor and RAM.
• 💾 M.2 SSD (Maybe there's one or two slots).
• 🔋 Battery (in some models soldered, in others - removable).
• 🌀 Cooler with radiator and heat pipes.
• 🔊 Speakers and Wi-Fi module.

Cleaning the cooling system and replacing the heat paste

One of the main reasons Xiaomi laptops are disassembled is overheating. Over time, the dust clogs the radiator and the thermopaste dries up, leading to trottling (automatic performance reduction), cooling cleansing and replacing thermopaste can return the laptop to its previous power.

The work will require:

• 🧴 Thermopaste (recommended by Arctic) MX-6 noctua NT-H2).
• 🧹 Soft pile brush and compressed air canister.
• 🧻 Whip wipes and isopropyl alcohol (90%+).

Step-by-step process:

1. Disconnect the battery (if it is removable) or disconnect the power plume from the motherboard.
2. Unscrew the screws that hold the cooler, and carefully remove it. Be careful - the heat pipes are fragile!
3. Clean the radiator and fan blades of dust with a brush and compressed air. For persistent dirt, use cotton swabs soaked in alcohol.
4. Remove the old thermopaste from the processor and chipset (if any) with a napkin and alcohol. Do not use abrasive materials!
5. Apply a new thermopaste in a thin layer (about the size of a pea) on the processor crystal. Excess paste will worsen the heat sink.
6. Collect the cooler in reverse order, making sure the heat pipes fit tightly to the processor.

⚠️ Note: Mi Notebook Pro laptops with 11th-generation Intel processors and AMD The Ryzen 5000 is often used as a liquid metal instead of a thermopaste, and removing it requires special care – use wipes dipped in alcohol and avoid liquid metal from being released on the board.

In Xiaomi models with dual fan (for example, RedmiBook Pro) 15) cleaning should be done every time 6-12 months – their cooling system gets clogged with dust faster due to increased air intake.

Replacement SSD and RAM

One of the main advantages of Xiaomi laptops is the ability to upgrade. SSD And in some cases, RAM. Let's look at the nuances for different lines.

Replacement SSD:

• 🔧 Most models (RedmiBook, Mi Notebook Pro) use form factor M.2 2280 with PCIe NVMe interface.
• 🔍 Before buying a new drive, check the supported protocols (e.g. PCIe 3.0) x4 or PCIe 4.0).
• 🛠️ To replace, unscrew the screw that fixes SSD, Pull the drive carefully at an angle. ~30° And remove it. Install a new one. SSD and lock it with a screw.

Replacement of RAM:

• 🔧 Only a few models (Mi Notebook Pro 15 2020, RedmiBook Pro 15 2021) have removable slots. RAM.
• 🔍 In most ultrabooks (Mi Notebook Air, POCO Notebook) memory soldered to motherboard.
• 🛠️ If there is a slot, press the latches on the sides of the memory module, remove it and install a new one (modules are supported). DDR4 SO-DIMM frequency up to 3200 MHz).

⚠️ Note: In Xiaomi laptops with two slots M.2 The second slot often works in the mode SATA, Not PCIe, before you buy it. SSD Check the model specifications on the official website or in the documentation.

After replacement SSD You will need to install an operating system. For laptops Xiaomi recommend:

• 🪟 Windows 10/11 (Official drivers available on Xiaomi Support website).
• 🐧 Linux (Ubuntu or Manjaro distributions with 5.15 core work best)+).

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Before installing a new one SSD Copy the serial number of the old drive (on the sticker), which may be needed to activate the Windows license if it was tied to the device.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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

• 🔌 Forgetting to turn off the battery before running the board can short circuit and cause components to fail. Always disconnect the battery or power plume!
• 🔧 They lose screws or confuse them with places. Xiaomi laptops often use screws of different lengths - if you confuse them, you can damage the board. Photograph the location of the screws before unscrewing.
• 🧲 They use excess force when you remove the lid or the plumes. If something doesn't respond, check if all the mounts are unscrewed. Remove the plumes by pulling the plastic tongue instead of the wires.
• 🧴 They put too much heat paste on the board, they can run out of the board and short circuit, and the optimal layer is a thin strip or pea-sized drop.
• 🔋 The plumes are damaged when assembled, and make sure all the cables are properly laid and not covered.

If the laptop does not turn on after assembly, check:

1. Is the battery (or power plume) connected?
2. Is the memory properly installed (if you touched it)?
3. Are the contacts closed on the board (look for foreign objects or excess heat paste).
4. Is the screen connected (the plume can depart during transportation).

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If the laptop turns on but the screen doesn't work, it's probably a display plume or backlight problem. Try gently reconnecting it.

When is the best time to go to the service center?

Not all breakdowns can be repaired on their own, but here are some cases where it is wiser to consult a professional:

• 💻 Damage to the motherboard (burnt elements, cracks, traces of liquid).
• 🔋 Battery bloating is dangerous! Don't try to disassemble it or puncture it.
• 🖥️ Video card problems (artifacts on the screen, lack of image) – often requires soldering of the chip.
• 🔌 Breakage of the power connector - its replacement requires soldering and special equipment.
• 💾 Recovery of data from damaged SSD — The service uses professional software and clean rooms.

The cost of repairs in official Xiaomi service centers varies:

If you still decide to use the service, choose official Xiaomi partners or proven workshops with good reviews.

• Make a backup copy of the data.
• Remove the passwords from BIOS and Windows (if installed).
• Make the act of reception and transmission with a list of malfunctions.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions