Disassembling wearable electronics is always a balance between wanting to save on repairs and risking permanently disabling the device.The owner of Xiaomi Mi Band or Amazfit smartwatches often faces the need to replace the battery or screen after a fall, but is hesitant to start because of the complex design.
Modern gadgets are designed with a monolithic mindset, making them waterproof but extremely difficult to maintain at home. In this article, we will take a closer look at the dismantling of popular models, focusing on tools and hidden nuances that are not discussed in service centers.
Before you start taking action, you need to be clear that opening the case will automatically void the warranty. If your device is still in warranty service, it is wiser to contact an authorized center rather than trying to solve the problem yourself.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Quality training is 90 percent of the success of the whole operation. You're going to need not just a set of screwdrivers, but a specialized toolkit that minimizes the risk of damage to fragile plumes and plastic latches. Standard home tools often have too thick stings or magnetized, which can be dangerous for electronics.
First of all, get a set of precision screwdrivers with various nozzles, including the Torx T2-T5 and cross P2. Many users underestimate the importance of metal quality in bits: cheap tools can lick the edges of the screws at the first twist, turning a simple repair into a difficult drilling task.
To work with adhesives and sealants, you need a hair dryer or a professional heat pad. Heating helps soften the glue, the holding display or the back cover, making them more malleable. Also, don't forget about mediators, plastic blades and a sucker for neat detachment of the elements.
- 🛠️ A set of precision screwdrivers with a magnetic holder and interchangeable bits.
- 🔥 dryer.
- 🧷 Plastic mediators and shoulder blades for opening the body without scratches.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer for sorting small screws.
⚠️ Note: The use of metal tools (knives, needles) for putting the lid is strictly not recommended, since there is a high risk of damaging the battery or puncture it, which will lead to fire.
Features of the design of popular Xiaomi models
Xiaomi and Amazfit have different build architectures to consider before work begins. Mi Band models are often a capsule retrievable from a strap, while Watch or GTS watches have a more complex sealed body.
In budget models such as the Mi Band 4-7, the main module (tracker) is extracted by extruding from a silicone strap. Here the main difficulty is not to break the strap and scratch the tracker itself. In more expensive models such as the Amazfit GTR or Xiaomi Watch S1, adhesive connection around the perimeter and hidden screws under the plugs are used.
Seal tightness is a key factor that suffers when disassembling, with special gaskets and adhesives that break down when opened, and reassembling without replacing the adhesive frame (B-7000 or equivalent) will completely strip the watch of water and sweat protection.
The internal layout is usually dense: the battery takes up most of the volume, and the display plumes pass in close proximity to the battery. This requires increased care when disconnecting the connectors, so as not to squeeze or tear thin tracks.
Step-by-step: Removal of the back cover and module
The dismantling process begins with examining the perimeter of the device. In some models, such as the Haylou or older versions of the Mi Band, the back cover can be held on the latches, in which case it is enough to carefully insert a thin plastic blade into the gap between the body and the lid and run around.
If the lid is glued, preheating is necessary. Use a dryer at medium temperature, warming the edges for 1-2 minutes. Do not keep the hot air flow at one point for too long so as not to damage the screen on the back side or overheat the battery.
Once warmed up, use a suction cup to create a small gap, and immediately insert a mediator. Move slowly by cutting the adhesive layer, rather than tearing it off by force. Sharp movements can lead to cracks in the sensor glass or the housing itself.
☑️ Postmortem readiness
In models with hidden screws (for example, under a sticker with sensors), first you need to remove the screws, and then start to unplug. Often, under the heartbeat sensor, there are one or two screws that hold the entire structure.
Replacement of the battery and work with plumes
Once you successfully remove the lid, you'll have an internal board, and the first thing you need to do is turn off the battery. Most Xiaomi and Amazfit watches have a battery connector covered with a metal plate or plastic plug that's locked by a screw or a latch.
Carefully bend the connector lock (if you have one) and pull the connector up using a plastic blade. Under no circumstances pull the wires, as they easily break away from the contact group. Once the power is turned off, you can safely work with other components.
Replacing the battery requires care, because it's often glued to the body with double-sided tape. Tap the edge of the battery with a plastic card and slowly loosen it, while warming up the landing site with a hairdryer. The new battery should have exactly the same dimensions and voltage.
- 🔋 Turn off the battery plume before any manipulation of the fee.
- 🧹 Clean the seat of the residues of old glue with alcohol or solvent.
- 🧪 Apply a thin layer of new glue or bilateral scotch for fixation.
- 🔌 Check the tension of the new battery wires before installing the cover.
⚠️ Warning: The billowing battery cannot be pierced or bent. If you notice bloating, remove the battery as carefully as possible and dispose of it in a special battery container.
Where to buy the original battery?
Comparison of the complexity of disassembling different series of devices
Not all devices are equally difficult to maintain, some are designed with repairs in mind, while others are a monolithic unit that is virtually impossible to assemble back without losing functionality, and understanding complexity class will help you assess your strength.
The Mi Band trackers (starting with version 4 and later) are modular in design, and the tracker itself is easy to remove, but replacing the screen on it is often not cost effective, as the cost of the display is comparable to the price of a new device.
Flagship models such as the Xiaomi Watch or the latest generation Amazfit GTR/GTS have a complex sealing system and many small plumes, and dismantling such watches requires experience and the availability of consumables (glue, gaskets) to restore moisture protection.
| Model of the device | Type of lid attachment | Difficulty (1-5) | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 6/7/8 | Silicone strap (extracting) | 1 | Low (risk of breaking the strap) |
| Amazfit Bip U | 4 screws + latches | 2 | Medium (risk of damage to the body) |
| Xiaomi Watch S1 | Glue + hidden screws | 4 | High (screen risk and loss of water protection) |
| Haylou Solar | 4 screws under stubs | 3 | Medium (risk of tearing the thread) |
Assembly and restoration of leakage
Reverse assembly is even more important than disassembly, and it's important not only to connect all the plumes, but also to properly distribute them inside the housing so that they don't get squeezed by the lid, and any extra pressure on the display from the inside will cause stains or cracks.
To restore moisture protection, remove all residues of old glue, use isopropyl alcohol and a plastic card, and the surface must be perfectly clean and fat-free before applying a new adhesive.
As adhesive, it is best to use special adhesives for electronics (such as the B-7000) or ready-made adhesive frames cut out in the shape of the case. Apply the adhesive with a thin strip, avoiding getting into sensors, speakers and microphones.
After connecting the halves of the body, the device must be fixed with stationery rubber or in a special press for 1-2 hours before the glue is completely dry. Early use can disrupt the tightness of the connection.
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Use a thin line or dental floss instead of a blade to cut the glue inside the case – this will significantly reduce the risk of damage to the battery or plumes.
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The build quality directly affects the life of the device: a poorly glued lid will let moisture through from sweat, which will lead to the oxidation of the board after a few months.
Typical errors and precautions
The most common mistake is to use excessive force. If the element does not respond, then you missed some screw or did not warm up the glue enough. Forceful actions lead to broken plastic tabs that cannot be repaired easily. Plastic in smart watches is fragile and does not forgive jerks.
Ignoring statics can also be fatal: touching a grounded metal object or using an antistatic bracelet can be a good idea before touching the board, and a static discharge can instantly disable the power controller or sensor layer.
Another mistake is the wrong installation of the plumes. Connectors must be inserted until the characteristic click and evenly. The skewed plume can operate unstable or move away after a few days of operation.
- ❌ Do not use superglue (cyanacrylate) – it emits vapors settling on the optics of sensors and the screen, making them cloudy.
- ❌ Do not leave the device to charge immediately after assembly without checking - make sure there is no short circuit.
- ❌ Do not ignore small screws – their absence can lead to rattling of parts inside the case.
⚠️ Warning: If the watch doesn't turn on after assembly, don't rush to disassemble it again. Connect it to the charger on the back of the clock. 15-20 Minutes – some power controllers go into deep protective mode after the battery is turned off.