Disassembly Xiaomi Mi8: a complete guide with photos, schemes and secrets of the masters

Xiaomi Mi8 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 requires repairs, from replacing the battery to cleaning the cooling system. You can disassemble the Mi8 yourself, but the process requires accuracy and knowledge of nuances – from hidden latches to the risk of damaging the plumes.

In this article, you will find a step-by-step photo instruction, a list of necessary tools, and unique tips for disassembling without damage (for example, how to safely disconnect the adhesive battery or not break the plume of the fingerprint scanner).

Warning: disassembling your smartphone will void the warranty (if it's still valid) and risk disabling your device. If you're not sure about your skills, you'd better go to the service center. But if you're willing, go ahead!

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you get to the screwdriver, make sure you have everything you need. Inappropriate tools are the main reason for broken latches and scratches on the body.

• 🔧 Plastic mediators (2-3 - for gently putting the lid on. Metal blades leave scratches!
• ⚡ Screwdriver. T3 and T5 (Torx for the screws of the body and motherboard. Use magnetic nozzles to avoid losing the twists.
• 🔋 Suction cup – will help to raise the screen after heating (if you need to replace the display).
• 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue under the battery (temperature not higher than 80)°C).
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — Cleaning contacts and removing glue residues.
• 📦 Organizer for screws - so as not to confuse mounts of different lengths (in Mi8 3 types!).

Also, prepare your workspace: a clean surface (better with an antistatic mat), good lighting and a spare battery (if you plan to test the board without the original one).

⚠️ Attention: If you understand Mi8 Replace the battery, do not heat the case above 80.°C – This can deform plastic elements of the camera or damage OLED-Use a heat paste or silicone pad as a barrier.

Step 1: Removing the back cover – hidden latches and life hacks

The back cover of the Xiaomi Mi8 is mounted on 12 latches around the perimeter and adhesive base, and the main challenge is not to break the plastic locks at the Type-C connector and the speaker.

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove the tray for SIM-cards (use a paper clip or special key).
2. Heat the edges of the body with a hair dryer (60-70°C) for 2-3 minutes to soften the glue. Do not direct air flow to the camera!
3. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the lid and the frame at the USB-C connector and carefully lead along the body, snapping the locks. The most stubborn latches are located at the upper left corner (near the volume button) and the lower right (near the speaker).

If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't force it -- you've probably missed one of the latches. Check if there's a section left unpatched. The Mi8 has a feature that the lid can stick with the discharge, so sometimes it helps to tap the lid with your palm.

He warmed up the edges of the body with a hairdryer.

Removed the tray SIM-map

Prepared plastic mediators

Marked the location of stubborn latches (upper left and lower right corners)

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After removing the cover, you will see:

• 🔋 Battery with connected plume (do not disconnect it immediately!)
• 📷 Dual camera module (20 + 12 MP) with a metal frame
• 📡 Antenna contacts (do not touch them with metal objects!)
• 🔊 Dynamics and vibrator

⚠️ Note: On some modifications Mi8 (for example, Mi8 Explorer Edition) under the lid is a fingerprint scanner under the screen, and its plume is extremely fragile — don't pull it or bend it!

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

Before you touch the motherboard or plumes, be sure to disconnect the battery, which will prevent short circuits and failure of components. In the Mi8, the battery connector is located under a black protective film.

Instructions:

1. Carefully tuck the film with tweezers or a nail - it is glued weakly.
2. With a T3 screwdriver, unscrew one screw that fixes the metal plate above the connector.
3. Put a plastic mediator on the battery socket (not metal!) and disconnect it. If the contacts are oxidized, clean them with isopropyl alcohol.

If the battery is swelling, don't try to pull it out by force, it's dangerous.

• 🛑 Stop the disassembly and contact the service.
• 🔥 Do not puncture or heat the bloated battery.
• ♻️ Dispose of it in special reception points.

Step 3: Removing the motherboard - screws and plumes

The Mi8 motherboard is mounted on 10 screws (8×T3 and 2×T5). Importantly, the screws are of different lengths - if you mix them up, you risk damaging the board when you build them, and we recommend that you arrange them in the organizer in order of extraction.

Procedure:

1. Unscrew all screws, starting from the corners of the board (it is easier to avoid distortion).
2. Disconnect the plumes in that order: 📞 Display plume (widest, right). 🔊 Dynamic plume (thin, left). 📷 Camera plume (fragile, center). 👆 Power button plume (small, top).

Put a plastic blade on the board at the USB-C connector and gently lift it. Don't pull the edges -- there may be antenna contacts soldered on the back!

If the board doesn't move, check if all the plumes are disconnected. A common mistake is to forget about the fingerprint scanner plume (in models with a subscreen sensor) or the NFC plume (if any).

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Before removing the board, take a picture of it from all sides, which will help to connect the plumes correctly during assembly, especially pay attention to the location of small connectors (for example, a gyroscope or proximity sensor).

Step 4: Disassemble the front panel - screen and buttons

If you need to replace the display, the fingerprint scanner, or the control button, you have to disassemble the front end, and that's the hardest part, because there are the most plumes and adhesives.

Algorithm:

1. Heat the screen with a hair dryer (70-80°C) around the perimeter for 3-5 minutes. The glue under the display in the Mi8 is very durable.
2. With a suction cup, grab the bottom of the screen (where the Home button is located) and pull up. If the screen doesn't respond, repeat the heat.
3. Insert plastic mediators into the gap and carefully lead along the frame. Do not insert the mediator deeper than 2 mm - so you damage the plumes!
4. After the screen is separated, place it on a soft surface (such as a napkin) with the display down so as not to scratch.

Under the screen you will find:

• 🔘 Home button plume (in models without a subscreen scanner).
• 📱 Flexible display and sensor plume (very fragile!).
• 🔊 Top speaker (for stereo sound).
• 📶 Antenna contacts (don't bend them!).

⚠️ Attention: In Xiaomi Mi8 Explorer Edition is installed under the screen 3D-face scanner (analogue of Face) ID). Its plume is located to the right of the front camera - do not confuse with the display plume!

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When disassembling the front panel, do not use metal tools - even a light touch can damage OLED-Plastic mediators and suction cups are your best assistants.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Mi8, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔧 Torn screws - use high-quality screwdrivers with magnetic nozzles and do not apply excessive force. If the screw "licked", rubber tape or superglue will help (please the drop on the screwdriver, press against the screw and let dry).
• 🔋 Broken battery plume - always disconnect the battery first thing and do not pull the plume, and lift the connector from the side.
• 📱 Cracked screen when heated - do not exceed the temperature of 80°C and heat evenly, not point-wise. Use a silicone pad between the hair dryer and the glass.
• 📡 Damaged antenna contacts -- don't bend them or touch them with metal objects. If the contact is broken, it can be soldered, but it takes experience.

Another common problem is that you get the wrong build when you don't turn on or glitch after you've repaired it, and to avoid that, you know,

• Check all plumes for distortions or contamination (wipe the contacts with alcohol).
• Make sure all screws are twisted - an unfixed board can close.
• After assembly, plug in the charging and check if the battery is warming (if so, perhaps short circuit).

Diagnostics of malfunctions before disassembly

Before you take a look at the Mi8, it's worth making sure that the problem is really hardware. Often the symptoms that seem hardware-based are actually caused by software glitches. Here's a quick diagnosis:

If symptoms persist after a software diagnosis, start disassembling.

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge → battery replacement or contact cleaning.
• 📷 Artifacts on screen → check the display plume or replace the matrix.
• 📡 No network. → diagnostics of antenna contacts or communication module.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)