Xiaomiβs 20,000 mAh Power Bank external batteries are popular for their combination of capacity, compactness and reliability, but over time, even these devices can fail, with batteries inflating, connectors breaking or displays failing. If your power bank stops charging, quickly discharges or physically deforms, disassembly can be the first step to diagnosis or repair.
But before you start screwdriver, it is worth assessing the risks. Inside the case Xiaomi 20000 mAh installed lithium-ion cells 18650, which if mishandled can ignite or explode. In addition, the leakage of the case automatically deprives the device of warranty (if it is still valid), this article will help to disassemble the battery as safely as possible, minimizing the risks to themselves and equipment.
Attention: if you are not sure about your skills or your power bank has visible damage (blown, cracks, smell of burning) - it is better to contact the service center.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures
To disassemble Xiaomi Power Bank 20000 mAh (models PLM05ZM, PLM06ZM, PLM07ZM and similar) you will need:
- π§ Plastic mediator or guitar mediator - for neat disengagement of the body.
- βοΈ Cross screwdriver (usually) PH0 or PH00) screw.
- π§² Magnetic mat or container β to avoid losing small details.
- π₯ Refractory surface (ceramic tiles, metal tray).
- π§€ Gloves (if possible) β to protect against possible chemical burns.
Before you start, completely discharge the battery, which will reduce the risk of short circuit. Also prepare the workplace: remove flammable objects and ensure good ventilation. If the battery is blown up, disassembly is highly recommended!
β οΈ Warning: Never use metal tools to tamper with the body, it can puncture the battery. Xiaomi Lithium-ion cells in power banks are usually connected in parallel, and damage to even one of them will lead to the failure of the entire device.
Xiaomi Power Bank 20000 mAh: Whatβs Inside?
The design of a typical Xiaomi power bank with 20,000 mAh includes the following key components:
| Component | Appointment | Typical malfunctions |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion elements 18650 (2-4 units) | The main energy source is connected in parallel | Bloating, loss of capacity, internal closure |
| Management fee (PCB) | Charge/discharge control, protection against KZ and overheating | Controller failure, burnt-out elements |
| USB-Type-A, Type-C, Micro-USB connectors) | Entrance for charging, output for powering devices | Oxidation of contacts, mechanical damage |
| Charge indicator (4 LED) | Charge level mapping | The lights are not working, not all lights are on. |
| Body (plastic/metal) | Protection of internal components | Cracks, deformation due to bloated batteries |
In most models, the 18650 is soldered to the control board, and the board itself is fixed to the bottom of the case. In some versions (for example, Mi Power Bank 3), a temperature sensor may be present for temperature monitoring.
How to determine the model of your power bank?
Step-by-step: how to disassemble the body Xiaomi 20000 mAh
The disassembly process can be divided into 3 stages: opening the case, removing the board and accessing the batteries. Follow the instructions carefully - errors at any stage can lead to irreversible damage.
- Remove the top cover. Xiaomi Power Bank case is latched around the perimeter. Insert the plastic mediator in the gap between the top and bottom (start at the corner next to the corner). USB-And then you can use the ports, and you can gently lead along the seam, and you can take turns and you can use a moderate force, and if you don't do this, you can do this, and you can make sure that all the latches are free.
- Spinning screws. Once you remove the lid, you'll see 3-5 screws (depending on the model). Use a PH0 cross screwdriver to unscrew them. Put the screws on the magnetic mat so you don't lose them.
- Disconnect the control board. The board can be glued to the case or fixed with additional latches. Carefully tuck it into the mediator, before disconnecting the indicator plume (if any).
- Access to batteries: The 18650 elements are usually secured with heat-glue or double-sided tape, and to remove them, you can slightly heat the body with a hairdryer (not higher than 60 Β° C) or gently apply a knife (not metal!).
βοΈ Checklist before removing batteries
If your goal is to replace batteries, look for the labeling. Xiaomi often uses elements from LG, Samsung or Panasonic with a capacity of 3.6-3.7V and a real capacity of ~3400 mAh each.
β οΈ Note: If during disassembly you find that one of the batteries is swollen or has traces of corrosion, do not try to charge or discharge it. Such an element must be disposed of at a special reception point (in Russia, this can be done in the Svyaznoy or M.Video stores).
Typical Problems and How to Avoid Them
Disassembling a power bank is only half the battle, and users often encounter common errors that lead to a device finally breaking down, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- β‘ Short circuit. When you touch the battery contacts with metal tools, you risk closing them. Always use dielectric mediators and screwdrivers with insulated handles.
- π₯ Overheating when soldering. USB-connector or battery, do not overheat the board with a soldering iron - this can damage the charge controller.Β°C.
- π§² Loss of small parts. Screws, springs, or plumes are easily lost. Use a magnetic mat or container with cells to sort through.
- π Installation of cells with different capacity or chemistry (e.g. LiPo instead of Li-Ion) will lead to imbalance and rapid degradation.
Another common problem is damage to the flexible plume of the charge indicator. LED-The light bulbs are not working, so check the integrity of the plume and the reliability of its connection to the board. In some models, the plume is glued to the body - you need to tear it off very carefully.
π‘
If you are replacing batteries, make sure to clean the contacts on the board and on the batteries with sandpaper (granularity 1000-1500) before soldering new cells, which will improve contact and reduce the risk of overheating when soldering.
What to do after disassembly: diagnosis and repair
Once the body is opened and the components are available, you can start diagnosing.
- External inspection. Check the batteries for bloating, the board for burnt cells or traces of oxidation, the connectors for contamination. If there are black spots on the board or the smell of burning, the controller is likely to have burned.
- Multimeter test. Measure the voltage at the battery terminals (should be ~3.7V on each cell). If the voltage of one of the cells is very different (e.g. 2.5V instead of 3.7V), it needs to be replaced. Multimeter mode: DC 20V Red probe: "+" battery Black probe: "-" battery
- Test USB-Connect the power bank to the charger and check if the voltage is coming to the input connector (usually) 5V). If not, the problem is in the charge or connector.
If a faulty component is found, it can be replaced:
- π Batteries β buy a similar 18650 with the same capacity and solder them with polarity.
- π USB-Replace the old one with a new one, after you have finished the old one.
- π± Management fees β if burned, it is easier to buy a new power bank (repair fees will cost more).
π‘
If after replacing the batteries, the power bank does not turn on, check the polarity of the connection and the integrity of the fuse on the board (usually this is the case). SMD-near-point USB-port).
Powerbank Assembly: How Not to Make New Mistakes
To assemble Xiaomi Power Bank 20000 mAh after disassembly, you need to make sure that all components are in place, and the case snaps effortlessly.
- Check the location of the batteries. They should fit tightly to the body, without distortion. If the elements stagger, attach them with heat glue (but do not overdo it, otherwise the next disassembly will be difficult to remove them).
- Connect the indicator plume. Make sure it's not twisted and securely fixed in the connector on the board. In some models, the plume is pressed with a small latch, make sure it's snapped.
- Twirl all the screws. Don't pull them over, it can damage the board. Optimal effort: screws should sit tight, but without deforming the holes.
- Click the body. Start with the opposite angle. USB-And then you can slowly click the perimeter clamps, and if the case doesn't close, don't push it, but check if something inside is interfering, like a wire or battery).
After assembly, do not connect the power bank to the charging immediately. First check the multimeter voltage at the output (should be ~5V on USB-If everything is in order, plug in a small device (like a flashlight) and make sure it's charging.
β οΈ Warning: If the power bank warms up more than usual after assembly or discharges quickly, this is a sign of improper battery connection (possibly polarity confused or the controller is defective!
When the Disassembly is Inappropriate: Alternative Solutions
Xiaomi Power Bank 20000 mAh is not always justified, and in some cases it is easier or safer to use alternative methods:
- π If the power bank is not charging but the batteries are fine, try waking the controller up: plug it into charging for 10 to 15 seconds, then turn it off and reconnect.
- π External battery charging: If the board is burned, but the 18650 is in good condition, it can be removed and charged via a separate RAM (e.g., Nitecore or Xtar).
- β»οΈ Recycling. If the case is damaged and the batteries are swelling, don't take the risk. In Russia, power banks are sent to electronics reception points (for example, in El Dorado or DNS) or to special containers for batteries.
It is also worth assessing the economic feasibility of repairs, for example, replacing all batteries in Xiaomi 20000 mAh will cost 1500-2500 rubles (depending on the model of the elements).