The need to disassemble Xiaomi air purifiers is common among smart appliance owners, usually due to routine maintenance, when deep cleaning of internal components is required, or when the air quality sensor has become incorrect. Despite its monolithic appearance, the device is designed so that the user can independently service its main units without a specialized tool.
Owners often mistakenly believe that the Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier case is sealed and any interference will cause a breakdown. This is not true. Engineers have provided hidden screws and latches to safely dismantle the external grille. However, it is important to follow a sequence of actions so as not to damage the plastic locks or damage the integrity of the cables.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the process of dismantling various modifications, including the popular series 2, 2S, 3 and Pro. You will learn where to look for fasteners, how to properly disconnect electronic modules and what to do if the device stopped turning on after cleaning. The main rule when disassembling any Xiaomi devices is to disconnect power from the network long before work begins, since the capacitors inside the power supply can retain residual charge.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tool
Before you start dismantling, you need to organize the space, the work surface should be clean, flat and well lit, ideal for a large table, covered with soft cloth, so as not to scratch the glossy plastic of the case during operation, and also make sure that there are no sources of static electricity nearby, which can harm electronic boards.
You'll need a minimal set of tools to disassemble the Xiaomi Air Purifier. Unlike smartphones, it doesn't require complex suction cups or heating elements, because the body is not glued. The main fastener is made in the form of screws hidden under decorative elements.
- 🔧 Cross screwdriver (usually size required) PH1 or PH2) screw-up.
- 🛠️ Plastic blade or mediator for gently opening latches without damaging the housing.
- 🧤 Antistatic gloves (preferably) to protect the board from fat traces and statics.
If you can, prepare the screw sorting containers. The screws can vary in length even within the same device, and to confuse them means risking damaging the thread or piercing through the plastic when assembled. It is also recommended to have tweezers on hand to extract small parts.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Removal of the back cover and removal of the filter
The disassembly process always begins with the removal of the main consumables — HEPA-Not only is it necessary to access the insides, but it also helps to reduce the weight of the structure, which will make it easier to manipulate the body, and there's a circular grille on the back of the device that acts as a door.
To take the lid off, find a small recess or a handle at the bottom of the grille. Pull it over. In some models, such as the Mi Air Purifier 2, the lid can sit tight and it takes a little effort. Don't be afraid to pull, but do it sharply and confidently so as not to break the plastic rails.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to unscrew the screws under the rear grille without removing the grille itself, which will deform the plastic and make it impossible to build without replacing the body.
Once you remove the lid, you'll see a cylindrical filter, pull it out by pulling a special tape or handle, and inside the housing you'll see a view of the fan and motor, and that's where, on the inside of the back wall or at the bottom of the housing, there are often hidden screws that hold the main casing.
Search and unscrew hidden fasteners
The hardest part of the process for a beginner is finding all the mounting points. Xiaomi devices are minimalist, so manufacturers hide the screws as deep as possible, most often located under rubber legs at the bottom of the device or under stickers with technical information.
Carefully examine the bottom of the cleaner. If you see rubber legs, gently tuck their edges with a plastic blade. Often one or two screws hide underneath. In the Pro series, additional screws may be in the recesses around the perimeter of the lower grille.
What do I do if the screw is ripped off?
Use a screwdriver of the appropriate size. Too small a sting will damage the screw cap, too large will not enter the hole. Unwrap the screws counterclockwise, slightly pressing the tool down so that it does not slip. Stack all the fasteners in a prepared container.
Separation of the housing and access to the fan
Once all the screws are removed, there is a point of separation of the upper and lower parts of the case, unlike many household appliances, there are no hidden latches around the perimeter that need to be "clicked"; the body is maintained by accurate fit and weight, and also by connections to electronics.
Carefully lift the top (perforated cylinder) up. Don't make sharp jerks! Inside are wires connecting the control board located in the base to the buttons and display on the top panel. A sharp movement can break the plumes or pull out the connectors.
- 👀 Visually inspect the insides for dust, animal hair or foreign objects.
- 🌬️ The fan blades can be wiped with a wet (not wet!) cloth from accumulated dirt.
- 🔌 Check the connection density of all plumes and connectors.
If your goal is to just clean the device of dust, then you can stop at this stage, blow the insides with compressed air or carefully use a soft brush. Dust deposited on a laser-type sensor often causes incorrect air quality readings.
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Use a dry toothbrush to clean the fan blades. The bristles are great at penetrating hard-to-reach places and do not scratch plastic, unlike hard sponges.
Air quality sensor and electronics maintenance
One of the common reasons for disassembly is calibrating or cleaning the PM2.5 sensor. In modern Xiaomi models, it is a small module with holes for air intake. Over time, the dust clogs these holes, and the device begins to “think” that the air in the room is dirty, even if it is not.
You don't have to take it apart to clean the sensor completely, you just have to use a cotton swab slightly soaked in alcohol to wipe the sensor's inlet and outlet, and you have to be careful not to damage the sensitive optical element inside.
If you're planning to replace the board or the motor, you have to disconnect the plumes at this point, they're fixed with plastic latches, bend the latch with tweezers or a nail, and smoothly pull the plume out. When you reassemble, make sure that the connector is inserted before the characteristic click.
| Component | Frequency of service | Cleaning method | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEPA-filter | Every 3-6 months | Replacement with a new one | Damage to the structure when trying to wash |
| Fan | Every 6 months | Washing the blades | Unbalanced under heavy pressure |
| Sensor PM2.5 | Every 1-2 months | Cotton swab cleaning | Moisture entering the sensor |
| Corps | As pollution progresses | Dry/wet fabric | Scratches from abrasives |
Assembly of the device and check of performance
The assembly is done in reverse order. First, make sure that all the internal components are in place and nothing hangs around. Connect all the plumes, check their orientation. Then gently lower the top of the housing, making sure that the wires do not fall under the edge of the plastic.
Press the halves of the body until tightly fit. Only then screw the screws in. Don't pull them over: Xiaomi plastic is good enough, but if you put too much effort, it can crack around the screw cap. Just lock them to the end of the hand with a light screwdriver press.
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Proper assembly is characterized by no gaps between the parts of the body and quiet fan operation. If after assembly there is a whistle or vibration, check whether the filter is flat and the back cover is closed.
After you install the filter and close the back cover, connect the device to the network. Press the power button. If the lights are on and the fan is rotating smoothly, without any extraneous sounds, then the dismantling of the Xiaomi air purifier was successful. Check the Mi Home application to make sure that the sensor readings are correct.
If the device makes strange noises, turn it off immediately and check the assembly again. Perhaps some screw is left over or the wire is clamped over with the body.