How to disassemble Xiaomi Mi A1: video instructions with a step-by-step description

The Xiaomi Mi A1 is a challenge that owners face when replacing a battery, repairing a screen or cleaning from dust. Although the model was released in 2017, its popularity among users remains high due to its reliable hardware base and support for Android One. However, the design of the device has its own peculiarities: there is no removable back cover, and the body is glued around the perimeter, which makes it difficult to access internal components.

In this article, you will find a detailed video guide to disassemble the Mi A1 without risking damage to the plumes or board. We will examine the necessary tools, nuances of lid detachment, battery shutdown and other critical points, and pay special attention to the typical errors that lead to the breakage of flexible cables or damage to antenna modules.

If you have never disassembled smartphones before, we recommend first familiarize yourself with frequent questions at the end of the article - there are answers to the most problematic situations, for example, what to do if the touchscreen does not work after disassembly or the network does not catch.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you start disassembling the Xiaomi Mi A1, make sure you have everything you need. The wrong tool is the main cause of damage to the body or internal components.

• 🔧 Plastic mediators or shoulder blades (thickness 0.1–0.2 mm) – for the separation of the cover.
• 🔨 Cross screwdriver PH00 - for screws of the body.
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer – to avoid losing small details.
• 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station (optional) - for softening the glue.
• 📦 Screen suction cup – will help remove the front panel if needed.

Important: The Mi A1 has an aluminum case with plastic inserts that are easy to scratch. Use only plastic or wooden tools - metal blades will leave traces. If you plan to replace the battery, buy 3M duct tape in advance to fix the new element.

⚠️ Warning: Don't disassemble your phone when the power is on! Even if the battery is low, short circuits on the board can knock out the charging controller. Turn off the device and wait 10 to 15 minutes before work begins.

If you're in doubt, watch a video of the disassembly from experienced craftsmen (we'll give you examples below) to help you understand how hard you can push the mediator and how to properly lid the mediator. Also, pay attention to the location of the antenna contacts, which are easily damaged when you sloppyly remove the back panel.

Video Instructions: the best videos for disassembling Xiaomi Mi A1

The visual guide simplifies the process considerably, and we selected 3 verified videos that show the Mi A1 disassembly from different angles and comments in Russian:

• 🎥 Disassembly of Xiaomi Mi A1 to replace the battery is a detailed video with an emphasis on unplugging the lid and unplugging the plumes.
• 🎥 How to remove the screen on Mi A1 without damage - shows the process of separation of the display module while maintaining the operability of the touchscreen.
• 🎥 Dust cleaning and speaker replacement is useful for those looking to improve sound or eliminate blockages.

Now, notice the battery shutdown -- most of the videos, the wizards use insulated tweezers to avoid static discharge, and if you don't have tweezers, you can gently tweez the connector with a plastic blade, but without putting too much pressure on it.

The critical nuance is that in the Mi A1, the fingerprint scanner plume runs under the battery. If you're removing the battery, don't pull the plume -- it's easy to pull off the board! This is a point that's often missed in the instructions, but it's important to keep the sensor functional.

Step-by-step: how to disassemble Xiaomi Mi A1

Now, let's get to the practice. Follow this algorithm to minimize the risks.

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-scatter-card.
2. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (50–60°C) for 1-2 minutes to soften the glue.
3. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the case and the cover (start at the bottom edge where the speakers are located).
4. Carefully drive the mediator around the perimeter, separating the lid. Don't put too much effort into it -- if the lid doesn't lend itself, warm it up again.
5. Take the lid off and put it aside, and you'll see the battery and the board.

Then you need to turn off the battery.

1. Find the battery connector on the board (usually located at the top, next to the camera).
2. Carefully tuck the connector with a plastic spatula and disconnect it.
3. If you need to remove the battery, dent it with a mediator (it is glued) and carefully pull it out.

Is the phone off-charging?|Whether extracted SIM-map?|Are there plastic mediators at hand?|Is there a place for small details?-->

After the battery is turned off, you can start replacing components, for example, replacing the screen will require:

1. Unscrew the screws fixing the metal plate over the display plumes.
2. Disconnect the plumes of the touchscreen and display (they are located under the plate).
3. Heat the screen around the perimeter and carefully separate it from the body with a suction cup.

⚠️ Warning: The fingerprint scanner plume in the Mi A1 is extremely fragile! If you're not planning to replace it, don't touch this section of the board. The plume will cause the sensor to fail.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Xiaomi Mi A1, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔧 Battery plume damage -- occurs when the connector is suddenly disconnected. Always use a plastic tool and prick it from the side, not from the top.
• 📱 Scratches on the body -- they come from metal blades. Use plastic mediators only.
• 🔋 Battery rupture -- if you pull it by force, you can tear the shell, heat the case beforehand, and use isopropyl alcohol to dissolve the glue.
• 📡 Break antenna contacts -- they're on the sides of the body. Don't press those areas when you remove the lid.

Another common problem is that the touchscreen is broken after assembly, and this is due to the wrong connection of the display plume. Make sure the connector is tightly snapped (the characteristic click should be heard). If the screen is not responding, check the integrity of the plume for microcracks.

If the phone does not turn on after disassembly, the reasons may be as follows:

• The battery connector is not connected.
• The board is damaged (for example, static discharge).
• Power plume or display disconnected.

Replacement of components: battery, screen, speakers

Depending on the purpose of the disassembly, you may need to replace one or more components.

1. Battery replacement

The old battery in the Mi A1 often swells or loses capacity.

• Disconnect the battery connector from the board.
• Carefully tuck the battery with a plastic spatula (it is glued).
• Install a new battery and fix it with double-sided adhesive tape.
• Connect the connector back.

Tip: before installing a new battery, clean the contacts on the board with isopropyl alcohol - this will improve the connection.

2. Screen replacement

If the display is cracked or the touchscreen is no longer working, you'll need to replace the entire module.

• In the Mi A1, the screen and touchscreen are combined into one block - buy the display module assembled.
• When unplugging the old screen, heat the body to 60°C to soften the glue.
• The display and touchscreen plumes are located under the metal plate - do not forget to unscrew it before disconnecting.

3. Replacement of speaker or microphone

The speaker and microphone in the Mi A1 are mounted on latches and glue.

• Disconnect the speaker plume from the charge.
• Put a plastic shoulder blade on the speaker and remove it.
• Install a new speaker and fix it with glue.

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If the speaker is quieter after you've replaced it, make sure it's not covered by a safety net, and sometimes when you're assembling, the mesh shifts and covers the sound holes.

Build the phone: reverse order and check

To assemble Xiaomi Mi A1 back you need to reverse the order, but taking into account a few nuances:

• Before installing the cover, make sure that all plumes are connected and fixed.
• Check that the antenna contacts (metallic “mustache” on the sides of the body) are not bent.
• Stick the back cover with 3M double-sided tape or special glue for smartphones.
• Twisting all the screws, but don’t pull them over – it can damage the thread.

After assembly, perform a check:

1. Turn on your phone and make sure it loads.
2. Check the touchscreen, cameras, speakers and microphone.
3. Make sure the network catches (if the antennas are damaged, the signal will be weak).
4. Charge your phone and check that the battery is charging.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone overheats after assembly, chances are you forgot to plug the heat paste onto the processor or you misplaced the metal plate over the board. Disassemble the device and check for those moments.

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The most common mistake in building is forgetting to plug in the fingerprint scanner plume, so if the sensor doesn't work, take the phone apart and check the connector on the board.

Where to buy spare parts for Xiaomi Mi A1

Finding original parts for the Mi A1 in 2026 has become more difficult, but they are still available.

When buying spare parts, pay attention to:

• 📦 Compatibility – make sure that the part is suitable for the MDG6 model (code Mi A1).
• ⭐ Seller Rating – Choose Verified Suppliers with Reviews.
• 🔄 Warranty – Some stores give a warranty for parts up to 30 days.

If you are not sure about the quality of the part, order a test batch (e.g., only the battery) and check it before buying the remaining components.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)