Disassembly Xiaomi Mi A2: a detailed guide with photos and nuances

Xiaomi Mi A2

Android One

Disassembling the Mi A2 yourself is a challenging task, but it can be done with the right approach. The main challenge is the adhesive attachment of the back cover and the fragile plumes that are easily damaged. In this article, we will go into detail the disassembly process, list the necessary tools and point out key points that are often missed by beginners.

If you've never taken a smartphone apart before, we recommend that you first look at the frequent questions at the end of this article -- they're the answers to common mistakes -- and you should also look at YouTube video instructions to visually evaluate the process. Remember, 90 percent of the damage to disassembly is due to rushing or using inappropriate tools.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need, and not even one tool can lead to serious problems, from scratches on the body to plumes breaking.

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Plastic mediators or shoulder blades (2-3 - for gently putting the lid on. Metal tools should not be used!
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature 60-80)ยฐC).
  • ๐Ÿงฒ Magnetic screwdriver. T3 and T5 โ€” scalable.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Container for screws - so as not to lose small parts (you can use a magnetic mat).
  • ๐Ÿงด Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) โ€” cleaner.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ New battery or spare parts โ€“ if you are planning to replace.

Also, prepare the workplace: the desk should be clean, well-lit and without static electricity. Turn off the smartphone 10-15 minutes before disassembly to cool the battery, this will reduce the risk of short circuit. If the device does not turn on, try to discharge the capacitors by holding the power button for 20-30 seconds.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Do not use a knife or other sharp objects to lid! even a slight pressure can damage the aluminum case or fingerprint scanner plume.

๐Ÿ“Š Youโ€™ve already taken out smartphones before?
Yes, many times.
1-2 times
No, it's my first experience.
I'm planning on trying.

Step 1: Removing the back cover

The most important step is to separate the back panel. On the Xiaomi Mi A2, it's glued around the perimeter, and it's also fixed with latches. If you pull too hard, you can tear the plumes or leave marks on the body.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Heat the edges of the smartphone with a hair dryer for 1-2 minutes, keeping it at a distance of 5-7 cm Do not overheat! Temperatures above 80 ยฐ C can damage the battery.
  2. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the lid and the case at the USB-C connector. Carefully run them around the perimeter, gradually increasing the gap.
  3. When the cover begins to move away, do not pull it sharply - under it are the plumes of the fingerprint scanner and antenna contacts.

If the lid doesn't respond, reheat the problem areas. Don't force it -- it's better to spend an extra 5 minutes warming up than to break the latches.

Warming up the body perimeter |

The mediator is inserted into the slot at USB-C|

No sudden movements |

The plumes are not stretched.-->

Step 2: Shutting off the battery

When the lid is removed, the first thing you need to do is disconnect the battery, which will prevent short circuits from breaking down further, and on the Mi A2, the battery is locked in with glue and pressed by a metal plate.

Procedure:

  1. Unscrew 4 T3 screws that lock the metal plate over the battery.
  2. Carefully slap the plate and put it aside.
  3. Unplug the battery plume with a plastic spatula.

If the battery is swelling, do not try to puncture or bend it, in which case it is better to contact the service center - the risk of fire is too high.

โš ๏ธ Note: If after disconnecting the battery smartphone accidentally turned on (for example, due to the closure of contacts), immediately disconnect the plume of the display and interrupt the power supply!

What to do if the screws do not unscrew?
If the screws T3 or T5 "slime" or do not respond, try: 1. Use a screwdriver with better grip (for example, with a rubber tip). 2. Drop a little superglue on the screw head and glue a screwdriver to it for 10-15 seconds. 3. In extreme cases - drill the screw with a drill with a thin drill (only for experienced!).

Step 3: Removing the motherboard

The Mi A2 motherboard is mounted on multiple screws and connected to the body by multiple plumes, so it's important to act consistently and remember to disconnect the connectors.

Main steps:

  1. Unscrew all the screws T3 and T5, fixing the board (there are about 10-12 pieces).
  2. Disconnect the plumes in that order: ๐Ÿ“ฑ Display (the widest plume) ๐Ÿ”Š Dynamician and microphone ๐Ÿ“ถ Antenna contacts ๐Ÿ”‹ Charging loop (if not previously disabled)

Carefully raise the charge with a plastic spatula. Don't pull it around the edges!

If the board is stuck to the heat sink, don't force it torn off. It's better to heat the area with a hair dryer at a minimum temperature.

schleifeLocation.Features of disconnection
Display.Top of the payFixed with a latch - lift it up before extraction
BatteryThe bottom, under the metal plateThe plume is fragile - don't rot it
Fingerprint scannerUnder the back cover, next to the camera.Plugged to the lid - unplug gently
Antenna contactsOn the sides of the boardCan stick to the case - check before removing the board

๐Ÿ’ก

If the plume doesn't detach, don't pull it by the wires! Try gently swinging the connector left-right or using more force on the latch (but not on the plume itself).

Step 4: Disassemble the front panel and display

The Mi A2 is glued to the frame and also connected to the board with a flexible plume, and if you're planning to replace the screen or touchscreen, this is a must, but without experience, it's better not to risk it, because damage to the display plume leads to complete loss of image.

How to proceed:

  1. Warm up the edges of the screen with a hair dryer (temperature 70-80 ยฐ C) for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the display and the frame. Start at the bottom edge where the buttons are.
  3. Gradually move around the perimeter, separating the glue, and if the screen doesn't respond, reheat the problem area.
  4. After separation of the display carefully disconnect the plume of the touchscreen and the display from the board.

If you're only replacing glass (without a display), you'd better use a special glue B-7000 to fix the new glass. Cheap superglue can damage the matrix.

โš ๏ธ Attention: On Mi A2 The plume of the display runs under a metal frame, and if you push the mediator at the top too hard, you can tear it!

Step 5: Replace the battery

The battery is the most common reason for disassembling the Mi A2. Over time, the battery capacity drops and the smartphone begins to quickly discharge. Replacing the battery with a new one (for example, with a BLT6 with a capacity of 3010 mAh) can return the device to its former autonomy.

Step-by-step:

  1. After you turn off the old battery, remove the glue residue from the case. Use isopropyl alcohol and a plastic spatula.
  2. Install a new battery, making sure that the plume is not twisted and stretched.
  3. Secure the battery with glue (you can use bilateral tape or special glue for batteries).
  4. Connect the plume to the board and fix the metal plate with T3 screws.

After assembly, turn on the smartphone and check:

  1. Does the touchscreen work (no dead zones).
  2. Is the device charging (check the USB-C connector).
  3. Are the cameras, speaker and microphone functioning?
  4. Do you have fingerprints (if you have replaced the scanner)?

If something's not working, don't panic. Go back to the showdown and check:

  • All the plumes are connected.
  • Are the contacts on the board damaged?
  • Is the antenna installed correctly (if there is no network)?
What to do if after assembly the smartphone does not turn on?
Possible causes and solutions: 1. Battery is not connected - check the plume and contacts. 2. Short circuit - check the fee for the presence of foreign metal particles. 3. Display plume is damaged - connect the smartphone to the PC: if it is detected, the problem is in the screen. 4. The software flew - try to go to the Fastboot (volume button down + power) and reflash the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the dismantling of Xiaomi Mi A2

Can I disassemble the Mi A2 without a hairdryer?
Theoretically, yes, but the risk of damaging the lid or plumes increases significantly. The glue on the Mi A2 is quite strong, and without warming up, the rear panel can crack. If the hair dryer is not available, try using hot water in the bag (attach it to the body for 5-7 minutes), but this method is less reliable.
What glue should I use for the back cover?
Best suited is 3M double-sided tape or special glue for smartphones (such as Tesa 61395). Do not use superglue or PVA - they can damage the plastic or leak inside the case. You can also buy a ready-made set of adhesive strips for the Mi A2 on AliExpress.
What if the fingerprint scanner does not work after the disassembly?
The problem is probably one of three: the scanner plume is not connected or damaged; the contacts are contaminated, wipe them with alcohol; the fingerprint scanner is not glued tightly to the lid (should be pressed without gaps); and check the settings too: sometimes after dismantling, you need to re-register fingerprints.
How much does a professional Mi A2 disassembly cost?
Price depends on the type of work: Battery replacement: 800-1500 โ‚ฝ. Display replacement: 2500โ€“4000 โ‚ฝ (Cleaning/sweetening of plumes: 1000โ€“2500 โ‚ฝ. Complete disassembly/assembly: 500โ€“1000 โ‚ฝ. In official Xiaomi services, the price may be higher, but they give a guarantee for work.
Can I disassemble the Mi A2 with a broken screen?
Yes, but it's more complicated. If the glass is completely broken, paste it with tape so that the fragments don't fly apart. Then warm up the screen with a hair dryer and carefully separate it with a plastic blade. The main thing is not to press the matrix so as not to damage it. If the screen does not respond to touch, but the image is there, the problem may be in the plume of the touch screen.