The Xiaomi Mi A1 is the iconic 2017 smartphone that is still popular today thanks to its clean Android One, reliable filling and affordable price. However, even such a device needs repair over time, whether it’s replacing the battery, cleaning the connectors or diagnosing the motherboard. If you decide to disassemble the Mi A1 yourself, it’s important to do it carefully so as not to damage fragile plumes and chips.
In this article, you will find detailed instructions with photos of each stage, a list of necessary tools and unique tips for disassembling this particular model (for example, how to safely unplug the glued back cover without damaging the antenna tracks). We will also tell you what mistakes beginners most often make and how to avoid them. If you have never taken apart smartphones before, don’t worry: Mi A1 is a device of medium disassembly complexity, and even a beginner can cope with the task with the right approach.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. Xiaomi Mi A1 does not require professional equipment, but without specialized disassembly tools can result in damage to the body or internal components.
- 🔧 Plastic mediators or shoulder blades (thickness 0.2–0.4 mm) – for separation of the back cover.
- 🔨 The screwdriver. PH00 — motherboard screw.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or container – to avoid losing small screws.
- 🔥 Hair dryer or heat tile - to soften the glue (optional, but recommended).
- 📱 Screen suction cup – will help move the lid from the spot.
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — Cleaning contacts and removing glue residues.
Pay special attention to security measures:
- ⚡ Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-card and memory card - they can interfere with the dismantling.
- 🔋 If the battery is swollen, do not try to disassemble the device yourself – contact the service center.
- 🧤 Work in gloves or ground to avoid static discharge that can damage the motherboard.
⚠️ Attention: In Mi A1 The back cover is glued around the perimeter, not the latched ones that are used in the newer models, and if you pull it by force, you can tear the antenna tracks or damage the fingerprint scanner plume.
Step 1: Removing the back cover
The most important step is to separate the back panel. In the Xiaomi Mi A1, it is glued around the perimeter, so you will need patience and accuracy.
- Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (~60°C) for 2-3 minutes, evenly leading the edges. This will soften the glue and make it easier to separate. Don't overheat - the plastic can deform.
- Place the suction cup closer to the bottom edge (where the charging connector is) and pull up slightly. If the lid doesn't lend itself, repeat the heating.
- Insert a plastic mediator into the gap and guide it gently around the perimeter, separating the lid. Don't use metal tools, they'll scratch the body.
If the lid doesn't lend itself to some place, don't force it. Go back to the heat or try the other side. The Mi A1 is particularly vulnerable.
- 📡 Antenna tracks along the upper and lower edges.
- 👆 Fingerprint scanner plume - it's glued to the lid and can come off.
☑️ Checklist before lid removal
Once the lid is successfully detached, you'll see the battery, the motherboard, and a few plumes. Don't touch the metal parts of the board with your bare hands, because static discharge can knock it out.
Step 2: Shutting off the battery
Before you continue, be sure to disconnect the battery, which will prevent short circuits and prevent the device from accidentally turning on during disassembly. In the Mi A1, the battery connector is located at the top of the board and closed with a black protective film.
- Carefully tuck the film with a nail or plastic spatula and remove it.
- With a PH00 screwdriver, unscrew one screw that fixes the metal plate above the connector.
- Put a battery connector (white plume) on the back and unplug it from the motherboard. Use a plastic mediator to keep the contacts intact.
⚠️ Attention: If the battery is swelling, it is strictly forbidden to pierce or bend. In this case, it is better to trust the dismantling to professionals - the risk of fire is too high.
After the battery is turned off, you can start dismantling other components, and we recommend taking a picture of the location of all the plumes and screws, which will help with the reverse assembly.
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If the battery is glued too tightly, don't try to tear it off by force. Put the phone in the freezer for 10-15 minutes (in a bag to avoid condensation) - the glue will become brittle and the battery will move away more easily.
Step 3: Dismantling the motherboard
The motherboard in the Mi A1 is mounted on 12 screws of different lengths, so that you don't confuse them when you build them, we recommend you to arrange the screws in groups or use a magnetic mat with markings.
- Unscrew all screws, starting with the peripherals. A1 There are three types of screws: 🔹 Short (fixes the fee to the middle part of the body). 🔹 Long (fixed charge at the charging connector). 🔹 With rubber pads (to protect antennas).
Disconnect all the plumes:
- 📷 Main camera plume.
- 🔊 Dynamics and microphone plume.
- 📱 Display module plume (the widest).
- Carefully tuck the board from one end and lift it up. If it doesn't come out, check if all the screws are unscrewed.
For Mi A1 suitable batteries labeled MDY11-E1 or BF41 (original). Capacity - 3080 mAh. Do not buy batteries of unknown brands - they may not meet the declared characteristics.
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When replacing the battery, never use metal tools to remove it, and even a slight damage to the shell can cause a fire.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Xiaomi Mi A1, here are the most common problems and ways to prevent them:
- 🔧 Stripped screws - use a high-quality screwdriver PH00 And don't put too much force on it. If the screw doesn't unscrew, drop it on it. WD-40 And wait 5 minutes.
- 📡 Damaged antenna tracks - don't insert a mediator deeper than 1 mm when the cover is removed. If the track breaks, it can be repaired with conductive glue.
- 🔋 Short circuit: always turn off the battery before you run the board. If you accidentally touch your contacts, discharge static electricity by touching a grounded object.
- 📱 A broken plume of the display - don't lift the screen too high until the plume is disconnected. If the contacts come off, you'll need a microscope and soldering.
If the phone does not turn on after assembly, check:
- Is the battery on?
- Are the screws confused (long screws in short holes can break through the board).
- Integrity of plumes (especially display and power buttons).