Many owners of popular Xiaomi car recorders sooner or later face the need for physical access to the insides of the device. Most often this is due to the critical inflating of the lithium polymer battery, which ceases to hold charge or is so inflated that the body is deformed. Also a common cause is sticking control buttons, especially the on buttons, which after winter operation can cease to respond to pressing. Disassembly is a delicate process that requires patience and accuracy, since plastic latches are quite fragile and easily broken.
Before any manipulations are initiated, it is important to be clear that opening the case automatically voids the warranty. If the device is in warranty service, it is wiser to contact an authorized service center. However, if the warranty has already expired or the case is not recognized as warranty, self-repair becomes the only economically viable solution. In this article, we will discuss the process of dismantling various models, paying attention to hidden screws and design features.
The success of the operation depends on the quality of the workspace and the availability of specialized tools. Using inappropriate items such as knives or wide screwdrivers often leads to deep scratches on the glossy body or chips. The accuracy of the actions at the initial stage determines whether you can assemble the device back without gaps and creaks. Below are the necessary tools and steps for preparing for disassembly.
Tools and workplace preparation required
The electronics are not disassembled properly. Xiaomi DVRs are characterized by the use of small fasteners and a dense fit of plastic panels. The standard home craftsman set may not be suitable, so you should get specialized tools in advance. The lack of the right screwdriver can lead to the licking of the screw faces, which will turn a simple repair into a complex puzzle.
First of all, you need a set of precision screwdrivers. Most often, the design uses screws with heads like Phillips #00 or Phillips #000. Sometimes there is a rare for household appliances Torx T5 screw, so it is better to have a full set of bits. Also, an indispensable assistant will be a plastic blade (poodger) or a mediator for snapping the case without damage.
- 🔧 A set of precision screwdrivers (cross and Torx) - the main tool for twisting screws.
- 🧤 Antistatic gloves – protect components from static electricity and prevent pollution.
- 🔦 Powerful flashlight or lamp – necessary to inspect the internal cavities and search for hidden fasteners.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer - allows you not to lose small screws and spread them in the order of removal.
Special attention should be paid to the organization of lighting. The interior cavities of the recorder are deep and dark, and screws often hide under stickers or rubber plugs. Good light will allow you to see all the nuances of the attachment and not miss the hidden element. The work surface should be clean, flat and not slippery, so that small parts do not roll far.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting disassembly, be sure to remove the MicroSD card and turn off the power.The residual charge in the capacitors can persist for several minutes, so do not touch the board immediately after turning off.
Defining the model and finding hidden fasteners
Xiaomi DVRs come in a variety of form factors, from classic cylinders to compact rectangular blocks. Each model has its own unique design features. For example, in the Xiaomi Yi or 70mai series, screws can be hidden under decorative lens colls or under silicone legs on the back. Misunderstanding the design of a particular model can lead to an attempt to open the wrong place.
The first step is always to look carefully at the case from all sides, look for any holes, indentations or stickers that might hide the mounting points, and often manufacturers use serial number or certification labels that hide the screws, and it's not always necessary to peel them off carefully, sometimes just puncturing the sticker with a thin screwdriver sting.
Where do screws most often hide?
It's important to distinguish between the types of connections. Some models are held exclusively on the latches, others are held on the combination of screws and glue. If you feel strong resistance when you try to separate the halves of the body, you probably missed the screw. Forced force in this situation is guaranteed to break the plastic ears of the latches.
| Model of the device | Location of screws | Type of fastener | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Yi Dash Cam | Under the removable battery cover | 4 Phillips screws | We need to remove the lid. |
| 70mai Smart Dash Cam | In the grooves at the ends of the hull | 2 Torx screws | It takes a thin bat. |
| Xiaomi Mijia 1S | Under the decorative lens ring | Hidden screws. | We need a ring-remover. |
| 70mai A500S | On the back of the sticker. | 4 Phillips screws | Disposable sticker |
The process of opening the body: stages and nuances
Once all the screws are twisted and all the screws are unscrewed, the most important step is to separate the body parts. The main rule is: take your time. Plastic becomes brittle in the cold and soft in the heat, so the optimal temperature for disassembling is room temperature. If the device is just brought from the street, let it warm up to ambient temperature for 30-40 minutes.
Put a plastic blade in the junction between the halves of the body. Start on the bottom or opposite side of the bracket attachment. Move the tool along the perimeter, carefully snapping the locks. A characteristic click will tell you that the latch is free. Don't use metal objects, because they leave burrs on the plastic, and you can't put the case back tightly.
☑️ Checklist before autopsy
In some models, the halves of the body can be further glued together. If the blade does not pass, you can try to warm the perimeter of the body slightly with a hairdryer at low temperature, but extremely carefully so as not to damage the camera matrix or the screen (if any). Patience is a key success factor. A sharp jerk can break the plumes connecting the parts of the device.
Access to battery and control board
When you remove the back cover, you'll see the interior of the recorder, which is dominated by a circuit board with a Wi-Fi processor and module, and a battery pack. Most Xiaomi models have a battery connected to the board via a small, two-wire connector (usually red and black), which is very miniaturized and fragile.
To turn off the battery, do not pull the wires. With your fingers or tweezers, carefully grab the plastic base of the connector and sway from side to side, disconnect it from the board. If the battery is swollen, it can fit tightly against the walls of the case or screen, in which case it should be smacked with a plastic card or a spatula, trying not to pierc the shell.
- 🔋 Carefully disconnect the display plume (if the model has a screen) before fully removing the board.
- 🔌 Remember or photograph the location of all plumes and connectors before turning them off.
- 🧼 Clean the insides of the dust with a soft brush while the body is disassembled.
⚠️ Attention: Lithium polymer batteries can catch fire if the shell is damaged. If you see that the battery is very swelled, remove it as carefully as possible without pressing sharp objects.
Battery replacement and button maintenance
The main reason for disassembly is to replace the power source. The old battery needs to be disposed of and replaced by a new battery with similar characteristics. Three parameters are critical: voltage (usually 3.7V), capacity (for example, 500mAh) and, most importantly, overall dimensions. The new battery must physically fit into the compartment. Also pay attention to the length of the wires and the location of the connector.
If the purpose of the disassembly was to clean the buttons, now is the time to do it. Sticking is often caused by dirt or contact oxidation. Wash the contact groups with alcohol or a special contact cleaner. For rubber membrane buttons, you can wipe the surface with an alcohol wipe, which will restore tactile responsiveness and eliminate the need for strong pressure.
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When buying a new battery, pay attention to the thickness of the cell. Even a difference of 1-2 mm can lead to the fact that the body will not close or the battery will experience pressure, which will reduce its life.
When you install a new battery, make sure that the wires are not clamped in the case and do not touch the sharp edges of the board. After connecting, check if the device is charging from the mains. The charging indicator should catch fire. Only after making sure that the new battery is working, you can start building.
Device assembly and final inspection
The assembly is done in reverse order, but with increased care. First, connect all the plumes and connectors, making sure that the characteristic snap of the fixation. Lay the wires carefully along the edges so that they do not fall under the screws. Then combine the halves of the body and evenly press the perimeter until all the locks are snapped. The sounds should be quiet and uniform.
The last screws are twisted. Don't pull them over! Plastic breaks easily with excessive force. Twisting the screws diagonally, gradually tightening them. This will ensure that the parts of the body fit evenly without skewing. If you used a sticker to hide the screws, the old one is better replaced with a new one or gently glued back if it retains stickiness.
The final step is to check the functionality. Put the memory card in, plug in the power, and check the recording, Wi-Fi (if any) and buttons. The device should turn on immediately or after a short press. If everything works correctly, you can attach the recorder to the car.
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The main secret of successful assembly is not to miss any step of disconnecting the plumes and make sure that no wire is pinched by the case before the final closure.