Xiaomi Mi 8 is the flagship of 2018, which is still popular among users due to its powerful hardware and affordable price in the secondary market. However, over time, even such a reliable device can require repairs, from replacing the battery to cleaning the connectors or recovering from a fall. If you decide to disassemble the smartphone yourself, it is important to do it carefully so as not to damage fragile plumes and chips.
In this article, you will find a step-by-step photo instruction, a list of tools you need, and critical warnings to avoid typical errors. We will take a look at the process from removing the back cover to removing the motherboard, paying attention to the nuances specific to the Mi 8 (for example, working with the adhesive layer under the battery).
If you’ve never taken a smartphone apart before, we recommend that you first review the FAQ at the end of the article, which provides answers to frequent questions about the complexities and risks of self-repair.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures
Before you start disassembling the Xiaomi Mi 8, make sure you have everything you need. Not even one tool can damage the body or internal components.
- 🔧 Plastic mediators (2-3 pieces) - for separation of the back cover and the battery.
- 🔨 Cross screwdriver (PH00 or PH0) — hull-rotor.
- 🔥 Dryer or thermoplatform - to soften the glue under the cover.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or container – so as not to lose screws.
- 🔋 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — cleaner.
- 📸 Smartphone for photography - fix the location of the plumes!
Also prepare the workplace: it should be well lit, without carpeting (so as not to lose fine details) and with access to a socket for a hair dryer. In the Xiaomi Mi 8, the fingerprint scanner plume is glued to the back cover - it is easy to tear when taken carelessly!
⚠️ WARNING: If you're disassembling a smartphone with a broken screen, be sure to put scotch tape on it to prevent cuts. Glass shards can damage the plumes when extracted.
Step 1: Removing the back cover
The back cover of the Mi 8 is glued around the perimeter, so it needs to be warmed up carefully to avoid damage. Use a hair dryer at 60-70°C (not higher!). Warm the cover in a circle for 2-3 minutes, paying special attention to the corners.
Once the glue has softened, insert the plastic mediator into the gap between the lid and the frame (start at the lower left corner where the USB-C connector is located). Carefully drive the mediator along the housing, gradually separating the lid. Do not force - if the lid does not respond, warm up again.
Warm the cover with a hair dryer (60–70°C)
Insert the mediator in the lower left corner
Carefully guide the mediator around the perimeter
Do not pull the lid by force, only separate the glue
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When you detach the lid, you'll see a fingerprint scanner plume glued to the inside of the lid, and you'll have to unplug it with a neat mediator, and don't pull the plume, because it's fragile and can come off the board.
| Component | Firming | Risks of withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
| Back cover. | Perimeter glue | Damage to the fingerprint scanner plume |
| Battery | Glue + screws | Puncture or rupture at power compartment |
| Maternity fee | Screws + plumes | Breaking contacts with careless extraction |
Step 2: Shutting off the battery
Before you touch the internal components, be sure to turn off the battery.
- Find the battery plume (it is located at the top of the board, next to the camera).
- Tap the connector with a plastic mediator or tweezers, carefully pulling up.
- Make sure that the contacts are not closed (you can check with a multimeter).
In the Xiaomi Mi 8, the battery is glued to the body with double-sided tape. Don't try to rip it out, it will break! To safely remove the battery:
- Warm it with a hair dryer (temperature 50-60 ° C).
- Put the battery on the side with a plastic blade where there are no components.
- Put a mediator under it and slowly separate, pouring isopropyl alcohol under the glue.
⚠️ Warning: If the battery is swelling, do not heat it up - the risk of fire.
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If the glue under the battery is too strong, use a string or guitar string: slash it under the battery and saw the glue back and forth, as in the video with the disassembly of the iPhone.
Step 3: Removing the motherboard
The Mi 8 motherboard is mounted on 12 screws of different lengths, and remember the location of each one, you can't confuse the screws when you build it! We recommend you take a picture of the board before you remove it, or you can spread the screws out.
First unscrew all the screws (use the PH00 screwdriver), then gently unscrew the plumes in this order:
- Display plume (lower part of the board).
- Camera plume (top part).
- The power button plume (right edge).
- The sleeves are marked in red on the board.
Once the plumes are disconnected, you can pull the board up by pulling it up at the top edge, and be careful, there's a microphone and a speaker on the back that's easily damaged.
What to do if the screw breaks?
Step 4: Disassemble the front panel (display + frame)
If you need to replace the display, the sensor, or the front camera, you have to disassemble the front end, which is the hardest part of the process, because the display is glued to the frame, and the plumes are very fragile.
Algorithm of action:
- Warm up the display with a hair dryer (70°C) around the perimeter.
- Insert the mediator in the gap between the display and the frame (start at the bottom edge).
- Carefully separate the display as you move clockwise. Don't push too deep, there are plumes underneath the display!
- Disconnect the display and sensor plumes from the board.
If the display crashes, we recommend not trying to restore it - replace the module entirely.The cost of the original display for the Mi 8 is about 3000-5 000. ₽ (2026).
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When disassembling the front panel, do not use metal tools - they can damage the plumes or leave scratches on the frame.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Xiaomi Mi 8. Here are the most common problems and ways to prevent them:
- 🔋 Battery damage – do not heat it too much and do not use metal tools to separate.
- 📱 Breaking the fingerprint scanner plume – always disconnect it first, don’t pull the lid.
- 🔧 Loss of screws – use a magnetic mat and photograph their location.
- 🔥 Overheating of components – do not keep the dryer too close to the board (optimum distance is 5-10 cm).
If after the assembly of the smartphone does not turn on, check:
- Is the battery connected (sometimes the connector leaves during transportation).
- Are the contacts closed on the board (look at the subject of foreign objects).
- Is the display plumes and power buttons connected correctly?
⚠️ If after disassembly Mi 8 stopped charging, check the connector USB-C — It's easy to damage when you're not getting the board properly, and often the problem is solved by cleaning the contacts with alcohol.
When should I contact the service?
Not all breakdowns can be repaired by yourself. Contact the service center if:
- 💥 Smartphone fell into the water – corrosion on the board requires professional cleaning.
- 🔌 Charging or communication is not working – the motherboard may have been damaged.
- 📉 After disassembly, artifacts appeared on the screen - the display plume could have been damaged.
- 🔋 The battery is swelling or leaking - it is dangerous to health!
Average cost of repair in the service (for 2026):
- Battery replacement: 1,500–2,500 ₽.
- Display replacement: 4,000–6,000 ₽.
- Maternity Board Repairs – from 3,000 ₽ (dependant).
If you are not confident in your abilities, do not take risks – modern smartphones have a complex design, and one mistake can lead to irreversible consequences.