Disassembly Xiaomi Mi A1: detailed instructions with photos and warnings

The Xiaomi Mi A1, released in 2017, is still popular with users due to its reliability and the ability to install a clean Android One. However, over time, even this “unkillable” device may need repairs: replacing the charging connector, battery or screen. Disassembly Mi A1 has its nuances – from non-standard attachment of the rear cover to fragile plumes that are easy to damage.

In this article, you will find a step-by-step photo instruction, a list of tools you need, and unique recommendations for working with specific nodes on your smartphone (for example, how to safely unplug the fingerprint scanner plume, which often breaks when you disassemble sloppy), we will also analyze the typical errors that lead to a device failure, and give tips for diagnosing malfunctions before starting disassembly.

If you've never taken a smartphone apart before, don't worry. The Mi A1 is a medium-sized device (6 out of 10 on the iFixit scale), and even a beginner can handle it with the right approach, with patience and attention to detail.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need, and if you don't have at least one tool, you can damage the body or the internal components.

• 🔧 Plastic mediators or shoulder blades (2-3 - to separate the back cover. Metal tools cannot be used!
• 🔨 The screwdriver. PH00 (magnetic) - for screws inside the housing.
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or container - so as not to lose small screws (there are 12 pieces!).
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermoair station - for softening the glue (optional, but recommended).
• 📱 Screen suction cup - will help to gently lift the display module.
• 🔍 Lupe or magnifying glass - for inspection of small connectors.

Also, prepare your workspace: it should be well lit, free of dust and static electricity; put soft cloth (such as a microfiber) on the table so as not to scratch the glass of your smartphone; if you work with a battery, be sure to discharge it to 20-30% to avoid fire if you accidentally circuit.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use a knife or other sharp objects to separate the lid! A1 the back panel is attached to glue and latches, and a careless impact will lead to cracks or chips.

Step 1: Removing the back cover is the most important step

The back cover of the Xiaomi Mi A1 is both the most vulnerable and the most capricious part of the device, and it is attached to a two-part glue (heat-melting + permanent) and 8 plastic latches around the perimeter, and if you pull the lid by force, it will break.

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
2. Heat the back cover around the perimeter (temperature ~50-60 °C) for 2-3 minutes. This will soften the glue.
3. Insert the plastic mediator into the gap between the lid and the frame (start with the lower left corner where the charging connector is located).
4. Carefully drive the mediator along the body, alternately snapping the latches. Don't try to separate the lid immediately - work gradually!

If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't apply force. Return to the hair dryer for another 1-2 minutes. In the Mi A1, the areas of particular concern are the top (near the camera) and the bottom right (the antenna cable passes there).

Heat the cover with a hairdryer |Use only a plastic mediator |Start from the lower left corner |Do not force the top portion |Check if all latches are snapped-->

Step 2: Shutting down the battery – why it’s critical

Once the lid is removed, the first thing you'll see is a 3080mAh battery glued to the body, and many newcomers skip this step and try to unplug the plumes immediately, but that's a big mistake: with the battery plugged in, any circuit can burn the motherboard.

To turn off the battery:

1. Find the black battery connector (located at the bottom of the board, next to the USB-port).
2. Carefully tuck it with a plastic spatula on the side (not up!).
3. After disconnecting, check with the multimeter that there is no voltage on the board contacts.

If the connector is stuck and doesn't lend itself, don't pull it by force. Put a little isopropyl alcohol (90%+) on the contacts and wait 10-15 seconds. It will dissolve the oxides.

⚠️ Attention: In Mi A1 The battery plume is very short. If you accidentally pull it up, it can come off the board.

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If you plan to replace the battery, take a picture of its position before removing the new battery must lie exactly the same, otherwise you may have problems with wireless charging (if you use it).

Step 3: Removing the motherboard – working with screws and plumes

The Mi A1 motherboard is mounted on 12 screws of different lengths, and if you mix them up in places when you build them, you can damage the board or the case!

1. Unscrew all the screws and spread them out on a magnetic mat in order of extraction (e.g., left to right).
2. Disconnect all plumes: 📸 Main camera plume (top of board). 🔍 Fingerprint scanner plume (under the battery, very fragile!). 🔊 Dynamics and microphone plume (bottom part). 📶 Antenna cables (3 pcs, glued to the board).

Then, make sure you are on the right side of the sleeve.

Pay special attention to the fingerprint scanner plume. In the Mi A1, it goes over the battery and often breaks when it is not properly removed, and if the scanner stops working after assembly, 90 percent of the time, it is this plume that is to blame.

Step 4: Disassemble the display module – when necessary

If you need to replace the screen, touchscreen or front camera, you have to disassemble the display module, and in the Mi A1, it is attached to glue and double-sided tape, and is connected to the board with three loops:

• 📺 Display plume (the widest, in the center).
• 👆 Touchscreen plume (thin, right).
• 📸 Front camera and sensor plume (left).

Disassembly algorithm:

1. Heat the screen with a hair dryer (temperature ~60°C) for 3-4 minutes.
2. Suction carefully lift the display from the bottom edge (where the charging connector is located).
3. Insert plastic mediators into the slots and gradually separate the module.
4. Disconnect all three plumes with a plastic spatula (not nails!).

The Mi A1 often has a problem: the touchscreen does not work properly after the screen is replaced (it does not register touches on the edges), this is due to poor-quality glue on the new modules, the solution is to use the original 3M 9448A double-sided tape (0.25 mm thick).

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When disassembling the display module, never lift the screen from the top, because there are the tails of the front camera and the light sensor, and damage to these plumes will lead to a broken autobrightness and a selfie camera.

Typical malfunctions Xiaomi Mi A1 and how to diagnose them before disassembly

Before disassembling your smartphone, make sure that the problem does require physical intervention.

If the problem is software related (e.g., the smartphone is hanging or not updating), disassembly won't help.

• 🔄 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → System system → Reset).
• 📥 Fastboot to reflash the device (instructions are available on the forum) 4PDA).
• 🛠️ Check for viruses (use Malwarebytes).

Smartphone Assembly: How to Avoid Mistakes

Getting the Xiaomi Mi A1 back together is often harder than disassembling.

1. Screws: Make sure all 12 screws are in their places. The screws near the charging connector are shorter than the others!
2. Plugs: Last thing you do is plug them in when the board is already fixed. Start with the battery plume.
3. Glue: Use a new double-sided scotch for the back cover (e.g. Tesa 61395).
4. Check: Before final assembly, connect the battery and check the operability of all functions (camera, fingerprint scanner, speaker).

If after assembly the smartphone does not turn on:

• 🔋 Check if the battery is connected.
• 🔌 Make sure all the plumes sit tightly in the connectors.
• 🔍 Check the charge for closures (blackened areas).

⚠️ Warning: If you replaced the battery and the smartphone now shows 0% charge and is not charging - chances are you forgot to plug in the battery plume or damaged it. A1 It's a frequent mistake!

FAQ: Frequent questions about the dismantling of Xiaomi Mi A1