Modern smartphones, including the flagship Xiaomi Mi 8, are designed with aesthetics and tightness in mind, which often makes self-repairing a difficult task. Owners face the need to replace a broken display, a spent battery or a burned-out charging connector, but do not know where to start the dismantling process. Disassembling this device requires not only accuracy, but also an understanding of the internal architecture, since inept actions can damage the plumes or the case.
The opening process is slow and requires a specialized tool, and the adhesive base on which the rear window is planted becomes elastic when heated, allowing the device to open without chipping.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at each stage of disassembly, paying special attention to hidden screws and thin connections. You will learn how to safely disable the plumes and remove the main components for their replacement or repair. The right sequence of actions minimizes risks and allows you to maintain the gadget at home.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Before starting disassembling the Mi 8, you need to organize a clean and well-lit workspace. Dust and static electricity are the main enemies of electronics, so it is recommended to use an antistatic mat or just a clean surface of the table without pile.
To successfully perform the procedure, you will need a set of tools, each of which performs its unique function. Using inappropriate items, such as scissors or regular screwdrivers, can damage the body or fasteners.
- 🔥 Dryer or heat pad - to soften the glue under the back cover.
- 🔧 Setting screwdrivers (Torx) T5, T6) — cock-wheel.
- 🎴 Plastic mediators and suction cup - for careful peeling off of glass and snapping of plumes.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer - for sorting screws of different sizes.
Special attention should be paid to the quality of the suction cup. Cheap options can not withstand tension or damage the glass, it is also important to have tweezers with thin curved ends on hand, which can be useful for extracting small parts from hard-to-reach places.
☑️ Ready to disassemble
Primary dismantling of the back cover
The beginning of work is always connected with heating the perimeter of the device. Xiaomi Mi 8 has a glass back panel that is attached to a double-sided tape throughout the circuit. Heating is necessary to make the adhesive layer soft and malleable. The optimal temperature is about 80-90 degrees Celsius, you need to warm evenly, without holding the hair dryer for a long time at one point.
After heating (usually 2-3 minutes), fast but gently attach the suction cup to the bottom of the back cover. Pulling the suction cup up, create a small gap between the glass and the frame.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to open the lid if you feel strong resistance of the glue. Repeat the heating, otherwise the glass may crack under the pressure of the tool.
Move the mediator along the perimeter, gradually cutting through the adhesive layer. Be especially careful in the area of the camera module and the fingerprint scanner, because there are internal elements that are easily damaged when you move carelessly. When the adhesive around the perimeter is overcome, the cover can be carefully lifted.
Nuances of the glue layer
Removal of the protective plate and disconnection of plumes
When you remove the back cover, you'll see an internal arrangement that's covered by a black plastic plate, and it protects the main parts from dust and mechanical stress, and it also presses the connectors, and it's mounted with a lot of screws of different sizes, so sorting them out is critical here.
Use a Torx T5 or T6 screwdriver (depending on the batch of the device) to unscrew all the visible screws on the plate. Some screws can be hidden under stickers or in recesses. Once the fastener is removed, the plate is easily removed, opening access to the motherboard.
The first thing you need to do is turn off the battery, which is the most important safety rule for any electronics repair, find the battery connector and gently unplug it with a plastic tool, and only after it's turned off can the display plumes, cameras and other modules be turned off.
- 🔋 Turn off the battery plume first.
- 📱 Remove the main display and touch screen plume.
- 📸 Disconnect the main and front camera plumes.
- 🔌 Remove antenna connectors and buttons.
When working with connectors, avoid using metal objects, as this can short-circuit or damage the contact areas on the board.
Extraction of motherboard and components
Once all communications are turned off, the motherboard can be removed, it's held by screws and sits tightly in its seat. In the Mi 8, the board is compact enough, but it's packed with elements, so it's important not to touch the small ones. SMD-finger-piece.
Carefully raise the charge on one side, checking if all the plumes are off. Often forget to disconnect the antenna wire (coaxial cable), which goes from the board to the bottom of the case or the camera module. If there is resistance, stop and double check the connections.
| Component | Type of attachment | Tool. | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back cover. | Clay. | Fryer, sucker. | Breaking glass |
| Protective plate. | Torx screws | Screwdriver T5/T6 | Carving failure |
| Battery | Glue + connector | Plastic, hair dryer | Battery puncture |
| Maternity fee | Screws + plumes | Tweezers, screwdriver. | Damage to contacts |
When removing the board, be sure not to damage the transceiver plume connecting the main board to the sub-board where the charging connector is located. In some versions, it can be integrated or tightly pressed.
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When removing the board, take a picture of the location of the screws and plumes. Visual memory often fails when you start assembly in a few hours or the next day.
Replacement of the battery and lower plume
Access to the battery in Xiaomi Mi 8 opens after dismantling the vibrator and the lower part of the body. The battery is glued to the frame is sufficiently firmly, so it will also require heating to extract it. OLED-display.
Use special hoods with suction cups or a thin fishing line / plastic card soaked in isopropyl alcohol to dissolve the glue. Never try to tamper with a metal spatula battery - this is guaranteed to cause puncture and fire.
⚠️ Warning: If the battery is swelling, handle it very carefully, do not press it or pierce it. Remove it only after the device has completely cooled and with fire safety measures.
The bottom plume, which includes the USB Type-C charging connector and microphone, often fails due to moisture or mechanical wear. Its replacement is simple: after removing the board, you just unscrew some screws and replace the module with a new one. When installing a new connector, make sure that it sits tightly in its bed.
Assembly of the device and verification of functionality
The assembly is done in reverse order, but requires attention to detail. Before the final fixation of the back cover, it is strongly recommended to conduct an initial check. Connect the battery, the display plume and try to turn on the device.
Check the touchscreen, the speaker sound, the cameras and the charging. If all the functions are working correctly, you can start the final assembly. Apply the new glue on the frame of the case, evenly spreading it in a thin layer.
- 📱 Set all the plumes before you click.
- 🔩 Twisting all the screws of the protective plate.
- 🔋 Connect the battery last before closing.
- 🧪 Conduct a test run of the system.
After a successful test, press the back cover with rubber harnesses or a load for 1-2 hours until the glue is completely dry, this will ensure the necessary tightness and absence of backlashes of the case.
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The main mistake in assembly is to forget to put the vibrator or speaker in place. Always check for all the small components before sticking the back cover, as it will be difficult and risky to disassemble everything again.