Xiaomi Mi A1 has become a landmark device in the manufacturer’s lineup, offering pure Android in a metal case.However, like any electronics, it is not immune to mechanical damage. A broken screen, a swollen battery or a failed charging connector are typical problems that require physical intervention in the device.
The process of disassembling the Xiaomi Mi A1 requires precision and understanding of the design of the monoblock. Unlike modern models with glass rear covers, it uses an all-metal body Unibody, which makes it difficult to access the internal components. You will have to remove the display module first to get to the main nodes.
Before you start, it is important to be aware of the risks: Incorrect handling of tools can damage the plumes or even fire the battery.This article will help you safely perform the replacement of the display or other components, minimizing the likelihood of errors and loss of warranty if it is still relevant.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tool
The quality disassembly of any gadget begins with the organization of space. You need a clean, well-lit table, preferably with antistatic coating. Small screws and parts are easy to lose, so immediately prepare a magnetic mat or containers to sort the fasteners by the stages of dismantling.
You need a specific set of tools to work with the Xiaomi Mi A1. The standard cross screwdriver here is not suitable for all screws, since the design uses screws with asterisks. You also need a heating element to soften the glue that holds the screen.
- 🔧 A set of precision screwdrivers (required the presence of Torx bits) T5 and Phillips #000).
- 🌡️ Hair dryer building or household heating pad for heating the edges of the case to 80-90 degree.
- 🏦 Plastic mediators, suction cup and metal spatula for opening the body.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer for screws of different sizes.
- 🧤 Antistatic gloves and tweezers for working with small components.
Pay special attention to the quality of the suction cups. Cheap rubber suction cups can slide off the smooth glass of the display, which will lead to a sharp jerk and damage to the matrix. If you do not have professional equipment, you should use proven accessories.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a metal blade to primary separate the screen.Sharp metal can damage the matrix or puncturing the lithium polymer battery, causing a short circuit.
Primary actions and power outage
The first and most important step is to shut down the device completely. Don't try to disassemble a smartphone that's in sleep mode or just with the screen down, which is critical for the safety of the electronic board and preventing short circuits when the plumes are disconnected.
Remove the tray for SIM-It's a standard procedure that is often overlooked when you try to force the body open, and the tray is on the bottom end of the device, and extracting it sometimes helps you get initial access for the mediator, although in the case of Mi, it's a very difficult task to do. A1 the main tightness is provided by glue around the perimeter.
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Before you start, take a picture of the screws at each stage. The screws may vary in length, and mounting a long screw into a short hole can pierce the motherboard right through.
Heating the body is the next step. Warm up the screen with a hair dryer evenly for 2-3 minutes. The glue should be soft, but not melt completely. You can check readiness by carefully pulling the suction cup: if you feel resistance, you need to continue heating.
Dismantling of the display module
After warming up, set the suction cup at the bottom of the screen, closer to the Home button (which is touch-sensitive in the Mi A1, but physically there is the edge). Pull up, creating a small gap between the glass and the frame. In the resulting gap, carefully insert a plastic mediator.
We use a mediator along the perimeter. Move slowly, cutting through the adhesive layer. Don't dive the tool deeper than 3-4 mm to avoid hitting the internal plumes or side buttons. Be especially careful in corners where the adhesive often holds tighter.
☑️ Pre-screen check
When the module is separated from the frame, don't pull it sharply. It's still connected to the motherboard by a plume. Put the phone up with the screen and go to remove the back metal cover, which in this model is a decorative lining glued to the metal body.
The back cover is removed in a similar way: heating and smearing with a mediator, and underneath it you find the main motherboard, which is covered with a plastic protective lining, and the screws of this lining also require careful handling.
Disabling plumes and removing protection
And when you take off the decorative back cover, you'll see a black plastic lining covering the main components, and it's mounted with multiple screws around the perimeter and one in the center, unscrew them and remove the plastic, and you get access to the motherboard.
The first thing you do inside is turn off the battery, find the battery connector, and gently disconnect it with a plastic tool, and then you can safely turn off the display and touchscreen plumes, which is the golden rule of mobile repair.
| Component | Location. | Type of attachment | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | The bottom of the fee | Pressure connector | First to turn off |
| Display (LCD) | Top of the pay | Wide plume | Fragile, easy to break |
| touchscreen | Next to the display | Narrow plume | It requires precision. |
| Main camera. | Centre de la carte | Clamped plume | Sensitive to statics |
The plumes often have latching latches. In the Xiaomi Mi A1, some connectors can be pressed with metal plates. If you see screws on the connectors, you need to unscrew them before lifting the retainer.
⚠️ Attention: The display and touchscreen plumes are very thin. When they are disconnected, never pull on the flexible conductor itself, just on the hard connector. The risk of lane detachment is 90% if you mishandle them.
Removal of the battery and other components
Once all the plumes are turned off, you can extract the motherboard itself, which is held on perimeter and center screws, and carefully unscrew them and raise the board, freeing up charging and audio connectors that can be integrated into the bottom of the case or connected by a plume.
The battery in the Xiaomi Mi A1 is glued to the body quite firmly. Removing it will require reheating the back of the device. Do not use metal objects to tamper with the battery. This can cause puncture and fire.
Use a plastic card or a special spatula with isopropyl alcohol applied. Put some alcohol under the edge of the battery, wait a minute and move it carefully. The process requires patience, sudden movements are unacceptable.
What to do if the battery is swelling?
If your goal was to replace the charging socket, the Mi A1 often soldered on the lower board or connected by a plume to the main board. Depending on the modification, it may require soldering or simply replacing the socket plume.
Assembly of the device and verification of functionality
The assembly is done in reverse order. Set up a new battery (if there was a replacement) and press it around the edges to lock it. Connect the battery plume to the board, but don't screw the protection up yet.
Turn on the phone by pressing the power button. If the device is running, check the touchscreen, speaker, microphone and cameras. Make sure the image on the display has no artifacts, and the sensor responds throughout the area.
If everything works correctly, turn off the phone and continue building, put a plastic pad on the motherboard, twist all the screws, make sure that no screws are left over.
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Final check of operability of all modules before full sealing of the case is a mandatory stage, which will save time for re-disassembly in case of defective spare parts.
Apply a new glue (B-7000 or special glue for screens) to the frame of the case. Spread the thin layer evenly and press the screen. Lock the device with rubber rings for 15-20 minutes before the initial grasp of the glue.
Typical errors and troubleshooting
One of the common problems after assembly is a broken touchscreen or the appearance of spots on the screen ("ink"), which is often the result of the drawn screws of the frame or dust falling under the matrix during assembly.
If the phone doesn't turn on, check the battery connector, sometimes it doesn't fit in, and you might have lost the power button plume, which is on the side control loop in the Mi A1.
- 🔍 Screen does not glow: check the plume of the illumination and connector for the presence of cracks.
- 🔍 Mik: Make sure the microphone rubber plug is installed smoothly and not clamped.
- 🔍 Heated body: possible short circuit or improper battery installation.
Don't ignore the quality of parts. Cheap display copies for the Xiaomi Mi A1 often have worse color reproduction and less sensor sensitivity. Original or quality counterparts (OLEDs) cost more, but last longer.
⚠️ Attention: Use of poor-quality adhesive (such as cyanoacrylate-based superglue) can lead to clouding of the screen over time or destruction of plastic frame elements.