How to disassemble Xiaomi Mi Play: instructions with photos, tools and tips

Xiaomi Mi Play is a popular budget smartphone released in 2018, which is still actively used. Despite its simple design, its disassembly requires care: a thin plastic case, brittle plumes and battery adhesive mount can be a serious test for a beginner. In this article, you will find a step-by-step photo instruction, a list of necessary tools, and unique tips to help avoid typical mistakes during disassembly.

Mi Play may need to be disassembled for a variety of reasons: replacing a broken screen, cleaning from dust, recovering from moisture or replacing the battery. However, before starting work, it is important to assess your strength - some operations (for example, brazing the battery plume) require experience with soldering equipment. If you have never taken apart smartphones, start by watching the video instructions at the end of the article.

Unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, where the body is often mounted to screws and latches, the Mi Play is built using glue and plastic clips. This makes it easier to disassemble, but increases the risk of damage to the body if you sloppy open. Pay special attention to the battery — improper removal can lead to a short circuit or fire.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you start dismantling, prepare the workspace and tools. Xiaomi Mi Play does not require professional equipment, but you can not do without a minimum set.

• 🔧 Plastic spatula (mediator or specialized for smartphones) – for separation of the body.
• ⚡ Screwdriver cross (PH00) — screw-in.
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermoair station - for softening the glue (optional, but recommended).
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or container – to avoid losing small details.
• 🩹 Alcohol and cotton swabs – to clean contacts.
• 🔋 Multimeter – to check the voltage of the battery (if you plan to replace it).

Also, prepare spare parts if you plan to replace: screen, battery, speaker or camera. Buy parts only from trusted sellers - fakes may not fit the connectors or cause problems with the smartphone.

⚠️ Warning: If you disassemble the Mi Play after moisture is injected, don't turn it on until it's completely disassembled and dry. Even if the smartphone is "live", corrosion on the board can show up later. Use 90% isopropyl alcohol to clean the contacts.

Work on a clean, well-lit surface. It is advisable to use an antistatic mat to avoid damage to the chips by static electricity. If not, regularly touch grounded metal objects (such as a heating battery).

Step 1: Removing the back cover

The Xiaomi Mi Play case is attached to plastic clips and double-sided tape. To remove it, start by warming the edge with a hairdryer, which will soften the glue and reduce the risk of damage to the latches.

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
2. Heat the body edge with a hair dryer (temperature ~60 ° C) for 1-2 minutes.
3. Insert a plastic blade into the gap between the back cover and the screen (start at the bottom edge, next to the USB-C connector).
4. Carefully drive the shoulder blade along the body, snapping clips.

If the lid doesn't work, reheat the problem area. Don't use metal tools, they'll scratch the plastic. Once you remove the lid, you'll see the battery, the motherboard and the plumes.

⚠️ Attention: On the Mi Play, the fingerprint scanner plume is glued to the back cover, you can tear it off if you don't plan on replacing the cover, unplug the plume until you're completely removed.

Once the lid is removed, take a picture of all the screws and plumes, which will help with the reverse assembly. The screws on the Mi Play are of different lengths, so it is easy to confuse them.

Step 2: Shutting off the battery

Before any work with the insides of your smartphone, be sure to turn off the battery. On the Mi Play, it's connected via a connector on the motherboard. Use a plastic blade to gently lift the connector:

1. Find the battery connector (usually signed BATT or Battery).
2. Insert the blade under the black lock connector and slightly slap it up.
3. Then, remove the sleeve by pulling it away (not up!).

If the lock breaks, don't try to sell off the battery without experience, go to the service center. A short circuit can knock out the motherboard.

On the Mi Play, the battery is glued to the body. To remove it, tuck the edge with a plastic card and slowly pull up. If the glue is too strong, use isopropyl alcohol to dissolve (not Aliexpress "miracle solvents"!).

Step 3: Removing the motherboard

The Mi Play motherboard is mounted on multiple screws and connected to other components through plumes to extract it:

1. Unscrew all the screws (usually 6-8 pieces) around the board.
2. Disconnect the plumes: 📱 Display (signed) LCD). 📸 Main and front cameras. 🔊 Dynamics and microphone.

Carefully tuck the board with a plastic spatula and lift.

Don't pull the board over the edges, it's got fragile elements (like a USB-C connector) If you're planning to clean it, use a soft brush and alcohol. Don't blow on the board with your mouth, saliva contains acids that cause corrosion!

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If the screws don't unscrew, don't force them -- try a screwdriver with better grip (like a magnetic tip), and if you ripped it off, you can make it impossible to build.

Step 4: Replace the screen

The Mi Play screen is one of the most vulnerable places, and if the display crashes or stops responding to touch, you can replace it yourself.

1. Remove the back cover and turn off the battery (as described above).
2. Warm up the screen edge with a hair dryer (temperature ~70°C) - this will soften the glue.
3. Insert a plastic spatula between the screen and the frame and carefully guide it around the perimeter.
4. Disconnect the display plume from the motherboard.

If the plume is damaged, it will have to be replaced.