The Xiaomi Mi A2 is a popular smartphone with a clean Android, but even it can have some sort of disassembly problem over time, from replacing the battery to repairing the charging connector, which is harder to disassemble than the classic removable-lid models, but with the right approach, it can be done even at home.
In this article, you'll find a step-by-step photo guide, a list of tools you need, and key nuances that aren't covered in the standard manuals. We've taken into account the specifics of the Mi A2, from the rear mounting to the location of the plumes. If you've never taken a smartphone apart, start by preparing: read the article to the end to avoid typical errors.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures
Before you start, you can pack everything you need, and without the right tools, you're at risk of damaging the body, the plumes, even the motherboard.
- 🔧 Plastic mediators or shoulder blades (2-3 - for gently putting the lid on, leave the metal tools for other tasks!
- 🔩 Screwdriver. T3 and T5 (better magnetic) - for screws of different sizes inside the body.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or tray - so as not to lose small details (screws, latches).
- 🔥 Hair dryer or thermoair station - for softening the glue (optional, but simplifies the task).
- 📸 Smartphone for photography – fix the location of plumes and screws at each stage.
Important: Mi A2 is built on glue and latches, so don't use excessive force when removing the lid. If it doesn't, warm up the edges with a hair dryer (temperature no higher than 60°C) to make the glue more plastic. Also, prepare the workplace: a clean desk, good lighting and an antistatic bracelet (if any) to avoid damage to electronics by static electricity.
⚠️ Attention: If you're disassembling a smartphone with a broken screen, stick cross-stick tape on it, which will prevent fragments from crumbled and protect against cuts. Don't use vacuum suction cups: they're useless for the Mi. A2 sleek back panel.
Step 1: Removing the back cover
The rear panel of the Mi A2 is attached to glue and plastic latches. Start by warming the edges of the body with a hairdryer (1-2 minutes at each site), this will weaken the glue, but do not overdo it - overheating can damage the battery or display.
Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the lid and the case at the connector for SIM-Keep the tool carefully along the edge, taking turns snapping the mounts. Don't try to rip the lid off right away, you'll break the latches!
Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-map|Warm up the edges with a hair dryer (temperature to 60)°C)|Start at the corner. SIM-tray|Use only plastic tools.|Do not apply force to the center of the cover.-->
When the lid starts to move, don't take it off completely -- it's connected to your smartphone by a fingerprint scanner plume. Carefully lift it up to 45.° And you can unplug the plume by pulling it up with a mediator, and you can remove the lid.
⚠️ Warning: If you see black traces of glue on the edges of the case after you remove the lid, don't remove them with a knife! This is a special sealant that protects against dust. Use isopropyl alcohol and a lilac-free wipe to clean.
Step 2: Shutting off the battery
Before you continue, be sure to disconnect the battery.This will prevent short circuits from accidentally touching the contacts. A2 The battery connector is located at the bottom (near the USB-port).
Put a plastic blade on the connector, pull it up, and if the connector is stuck, don't pull it, gently swing it from side to side, make sure the battery is actually turned off, and the screen must remain black when you press the power button.
| Action. | Tool. | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Warming up the edges of the hull | Hair dryer (60°C) | Do not direct hot air to the screen or camera |
| Removal of the back cover | Plastic mediator | Start at the corner. SIM-tray |
| Battery disconnection | Scapula or tweezers | Check the power out with the Power button |
| Screwing of screws | Screwdriver T3/T5 | Sort the screws by groups (they are of different lengths!) |
After the battery is turned off, take a picture of all the plumes and screws. The Mi A2 uses three types of screws: T3 (for the motherboard), T5 (for the metal frame), and cross-shaped (for some modules), confusing them, you risk damaging the board when you build.
Step 3: Removing the motherboard
The Mi A2 motherboard is fixed to 10 screws and two plumes: the display and the touchpad. Start by removing all screws (mark their location in the photo!) Then gently slap the plumes with a spatula, pulling them up.
The board is removed at an angle of ~30°. Don't pull it too hard, check if the contacts are caught. Pay special attention to the area near the charging connector, where there is an antenna cable that is easy to tear off.
What to do if the plume is broken?
Once you've removed the board, check it for bloated capacitors or oxidized contacts, and if you notice dark spots near the chips, it's a sign of overheating, and you'll need to be diagnosed in the service.
Step 4: Dismantling the battery
The battery in the Mi A2 is glued to the body with double-sided tape. To remove it, tuck the edge with a plastic blade and pull up. If the battery fails, warm it up with a hair dryer (maximum 50°C!) or use isopropyl alcohol to dissolve the glue.
Don't use metal tools, they can puncture the battery, which will cause fire, and if the battery is swelling, don't try to disassemble it, dispose of it according to the rules of your region.
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If you are planning to replace the battery, choose the original battery with a capacity of 3010 mAh (article: MB-J10). Cheap counterparts often have a smaller capacity and fail faster.
After removing the battery, clean the contacts in the socket of glue residues. Use a plastic brush and alcohol to do this. Do not use abrasive materials - they will damage the gilded contacts.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Mi A2, and here are the most common problems and ways to prevent them:
- 🔋 Damage to the battery plume occurs when you disconnect sloppy. Always pull the connector on the side instead of pulling the wires.
- 📱 Chipped on the back cover -- you get chipped using metal tools. You only work with plastic mediators.
- 🔧 Loss of screws in Mi A2 Keep them in separate containers with signatures.
- 🔥 Battery overheating – Never heat a battery above 50°C. Use a thermometer to monitor.
Another common mistake is the wrong build, for example, if you forget to plug in the fingerprint scanner plume, the smartphone will turn on, but the sensor will not work. Always check the photos taken during the disassembly.
1. battery connection (the connector must click).
2. The state of the plume of the supply (whether there are cracks).
3. Correct installation of screws (they must not touch the contact board).-->
When the disassembly will not help: signs of serious breakdowns
Not all Mi A2 problems are solved by replacing the battery or cleaning the contacts, and here are the signs for which it is better to contact the service:
- 🔌 The smartphone does not charge even after replacing the connector and battery - a malfunction of the power controller on the board is possible.
- 📵 No network after falling - could move away or crack antenna module.
- 🔄 Spontaneous reboots – often associated with damage to memory chips.
- 🎯 The touchscreen does not work partially or completely - a digitizer is required to be replaced.
If you notice a burning smell or dark spots on the motherboard, self-repair can aggravate the problem, in such cases, diagnostics are required on specialized equipment (for example, an ultrasound bath to clean the board).
⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone stopped turning on after disassembly, but the charging indicator is on, check the test points on the board (located next to the battery connector), their tweezing sometimes helps to "reanimate" the device. However, this method only works in software failures, not physical damage.