How to disassemble Xiaomi Mi 5: a step-by-step guide

The Xiaomi Mi 5, launched in 2016, remains in service with many users thanks to its classic design and reliable stuffing. However, time is not spared electronic components: batteries lose capacity, charging connectors shatter, and displays crack, often at this point the question of self-repair or deep cleaning of the device.

Disassembling this gadget requires some skill, since the body is made of glass and metal, which makes the structure fragile when mishandled. Before starting any work, you need to clearly understand the risks: leakage and accidental damage to plumes are the most common problems for beginners. We will discuss the entire process in detail to minimize these risks.

In this article, we won't use complex technical terms without explanation, but we won't simplify the important safety aspects either. You'll need patience, good lighting, and a set of special tools, which we'll list below. Ready to get started? Then we'll start preparing the workplace.

The first thing to do is to turn the device off completely. Do not leave it in sleep mode, as an accidental call or notification during operation can cause a short circuit on the board. The battery charge before disassembly is recommended to be reduced to 5-10%, since a punctured lithium-ion battery with a full charge can ignite.

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Before starting work, be sure to remove SIM-MicroSD card and memory card so as not to damage their slots when the case is heated.

Tools and workplace preparation required

You can't do a good job of disassembling without the right tools. Unlike old push-button phones, modern monoblocks require a very specific approach: you'll need a dryer to heat the glue, a glass suction cup, thin plastic mediators (scapula) and a set of screwdrivers that includes cross and slate nozzles.

Special attention should be paid to the organization of space. The work surface should be clean, flat and, preferably, antistatic. A lost cog inside the case or a chip that fell on the floor can turn a simple repair into a disaster. It is recommended to use a magnetic mat or at least a white sheet of paper on which all the details are clearly visible.

• 🔧 Screwdrivers: Phillips size #000 must be available for the case screws.
• 🌡️ Thermophen: Necessary for softening the adhesive layer under the screen.
• 📦 Organizer: container with cells for sorting screws of different sizes.

⚠️ Note: Using a conventional household hair dryer instead of a construction hair dryer can take too long and cause internal components to overheat, as the airflow temperature will not be enough to quickly soften the glue.

Don't forget the lighting. Dim lights will make you squint and make extra movements, increasing the risk of error. LED-A cold light bulb is ideal for small electronics, and an isopropyl alcohol solution for cleaning contacts should be available.

Removal of the back cover and primary dismantling

The process of opening the Xiaomi Mi 5 body starts with heating the perimeter of the rear panel. The glue holding the glass melts at about 80-90 degrees Celsius. Warm the edges evenly for 2-3 minutes, constantly moving the hair dryer so as not to overheat one point and damage the display on the back side.

After heating, insert the suction cup into the bottom of the back cover and pull up slightly to create a gap. Insert a plastic mediator into the resulting gap carefully. Move around the perimeter, gradually cutting through the adhesive layer. Do not use metal tools at this stage, so as not to split the glass back.

When the lid is completely detached, don't try to remove it completely right away. It can be glued to the inside of it by plumes, such as a fingerprint scanner or an NFC antenna. Carefully examine the insides through the slit.

The next step is to unscrew the screws that hold the mid-frame, which can vary in number, but they're usually located around the perimeter and in the center, and fold them into a separate cell of the organizer, noting that they're frame screws.

Disconnection of plumes and removal of protective frame

Once all the screws are removed, gently lift the plastic frame, which hides the main motherboard, the battery and the camera module, and it is critical to proceed slowly, because the plumes are very thin and easily break when you jerk.

The first thing you need to do is turn off the battery plume, and this will turn off the battery, and it will eliminate the risk of short circuits when you touch other components with metal parts of the tools, and use a plastic blade to snap the connector.

Then disconnect the display and touchscreen plumes, which are usually located next to the battery connector. If you're planning to replace the screen, you can then remove the frame completely. If the goal is to replace the battery, you can simply push the frame aside without removing the vibration plumes or power buttons, as long as they don't interfere with access.

Replacement of the battery and work with the glue layer

In the Xiaomi Mi 5, the battery is glued to the body fairly firmly. Removing it will require heating again. Warm up the battery area through an open space (if the frame is removed) or through the back cover if you're working fast. Use a suction cup to lift the top edge of the battery and insert a plastic card under it.

Never use metal tools to pick inside the case next to the battery, puncture the battery shell will cause instant fire or explosion, move the card along the adhesive layer, trying to separate the cell from the metal.

• 🧹 Cleaning: Remove the remnants of old glue with alcohol and blade.
• 🧴 New glue: apply a special glue B-7000 Or use ready-made adhesive tapes.
• 🔋 Installation: Press the new battery and let the glue grab.

⚠️ Warning: If the battery is swelling, do not press it too hard and do not try to pierce it.

After installing a new battery, be sure to check the voltage with a multimeter if possible, or simply make sure the connector's adhesive density is tightly inserted. A loosely inserted plume is a common reason why the phone doesn't turn on after assembly.

Dismantling of the display module and touch screen

Replacing broken glass or display is the hardest part of repairing. The screen in the Xiaomi Mi 5 is glued to the frame. To remove it, you need to carefully warm the front of the device. The temperature should be sufficient to make the adhesive elastic, but not melt the polarization film of the matrix.

Use a thin string or a special knife to cut glue. Movements should be smooth, without jerking. OLED or IPS matrix is very sensitive to physical pressure. Any strong pressure with a finger or tool can leave black spots or stripes in the image.

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When replacing only glass (without a matrix), professional equipment is required to separate (separate) glass from the matrix, at home this is almost impossible without damaging the image.

After removing the old module, degrease the frame. The new screen often comes with a glue layer already applied, but if it is not, use double-sided tape or liquid glue. Before the final assembly, it is advisable to conduct a test turn on to make sure that the touchscreen and image work.

Assembly of the device and verification of functionality

The assembly is done in reverse order, and the internal components are installed first, the plumes are connected, and the protective frame is fixed with screws, and make sure that no screw is left out, which is a sure sign that everything has fallen into place.

Then the battery is plugged in and the device's response is checked, and if the screen catches fire and the phone reacts to the touch, you can then proceed to the final fixation of the back cover, and apply a new layer of glue around the perimeter of the case.

• 🧼 Degreasing: wipe the edges of the body with alcohol for better adhesion.
• 💧 Applying: Use a thin strip of glue B-7000.
• ⏱️ Fixing: Press the lid and fix the rubber bands on 30-60 minute.

Take your phone off the hook right after you apply the glue. Give it time to dry, otherwise the glue vapors may settle on the camera or sensors, causing them to fog. The glue takes about 24 hours to be fully polymerized, but the initial grip is faster.

⚠️ Attention: Excess glue from the sutures should be removed immediately before they are frozen. B-7000 turns into a rubber mass that is difficult to remove without damaging the coating of the body.

Frequent errors and expert recommendations

One of the biggest mistakes is to ignite static electricity. Working without an antistatic bracelet or gloves in a dry room can cause sensitive electronics to fail. Always ground before touching the internal boards.

Another common problem is the loss of screws of different sizes. Xiaomi Mi 5 uses screws of different lengths for different nodes. If you screw a long screw into a short hole, you can damage the board or body. Keep a detailed record or use a magnetic card.

Also worth mentioning is the quality of parts: the market is full of low-quality copies of screens and batteries, original parts or quality counterparts (Grade A) are more expensive, but last much longer and do not require re-repair after a month.

Electronics repair is a fascinating process that extends the life of your favorite gadgets, but it requires care and attention to detail, and if you're not sure at some point, you'd better stop and talk to the professionals to avoid making the breakdown worse.