Xiaomi Mi Mix has been a breakthrough in the industry, introducing the concept of a bezel-less screen when other manufacturers were dreaming of it. However, a monolithic ceramic case that creates a premium feel in the hand makes any repairs a difficult engineering task. Owners often face the need to open the device when the screen is broken or the battery wears out, but standard methods do not work here.
The process of dismantling this device is radically different from disassembling conventional plastic or metal smartphones. Ceramics requires a special approach to heating and mechanical impact, because the risk of splitting the back cover or damaging the display with careless actions is extremely high. You will need not only a set of tools, but also patience, and understanding the internal architecture of the device.
In this guide, we will take a detailed look at each step, from the preparation of the workplace to the shutdown of the plumes. We emphasize the nuances of working with ceramics and adhesives to minimize the risks. Remember, self-disassembly always voids the official warranty, so weigh all the risks before starting work.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Before you start dismantling, you need to organize a sterile, well-lit workplace. Dust and static electricity are the main enemies of electronics, so using an antistatic mat and bracelet is a prerequisite for a professional approach. The absence of pile on the surface of the table will prevent microparticles from entering the display or into the connectors.
To work with the Xiaomi Mi Mix, you’ll need a specialized toolkit that goes beyond the standard remachine kit: Ceramic housing requires more delicate handling than aluminum and used solvents to soften the adhesive without damaging the materials.
- 🔥 Hair dryer or thermostol - necessary for uniform heating of the perimeter of the body to temperature 80-90 degree.
- 🔧 Torx and Phillips screwdrivers – you will need screws of different sizes to fasten the board and modules.
- 🎴 Plastic mediators and suction cups – metal tools can scratch ceramics or break glass.
- 🧪 Isopropyl alcohol or special solvent B-7000 — lid-out.
Pay special attention to the quality of the blades for opening. Cheap plastic can break inside the case, creating additional problems, or scratch the internal components. Use only proven tools designed to work with premium equipment.
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Use a magnetic mat to sort screws, as the Xiaomi Mi Mix uses mounting elements of different lengths, and it is very easy to confuse them.
The process of heating and removing the back cover
The most critical step is to separate the back ceramic panel from the frame. The adhesive used by the manufacturer is very strong and securely fixes the elements, ensuring tightness, but this is what creates the main difficulties in repairing. Insufficient heating will lead to the fact that you will put excessive effort, risking splitting expensive ceramics.
Keep the device warm for 3-5 minutes, constantly moving the hot air flow. Do not hold the hair dryer still at one point so as not to overheat the battery or display on the back. Periodically check the temperature with your finger - it should be palpably hot, but not burning.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to pull the lid immediately after the dryer is turned on.The glue must become elastic, otherwise the ceramics will crack under the pressure of the shoulder blade.
Once warmed up, use a suction cup to create a small gap at the bottom of the smartphone, next to the charging port. Insert a plastic mediator into the resulting gap and start driving it along the side faces, cutting the glue layer. The movements should be sliding, not growling.
Nuances of ceramics
Dismantling internal components and protecting plumes
After successfully removing the back cover, you will see the inside of the smartphone, where the camera module and the fingerprint scanner are the dominant element, and it is important not to make sudden movements at this stage, since many components are connected by thin plumes that are easily damaged.
The first thing you need to do is turn off the battery, which is a key safety rule for any electronic repair, so that you don't short circuit when you disconnect the other modules, and the battery connector is under a protective metal plate that you need to unscrew carefully.
Then you take the main camera module off, it's mounted on the screws and connected with a wide plume. Bend the plume carefully using a plastic blade to keep the contacts intact. The fingerprint scanner is integrated into the back cover, so when it's removed, the plume is detached, but requires attention when it's reassembled.
- 📷 Camera module - removed after unscrewing the fixing screws and disconnecting the plume.
- 🔋 Battery - disconnected first, attached to double-sided scotch.
- 🔊 Dynamic and vibrator motor - located at the bottom and require careful extraction.
- 📡 Antenna modules - are located on the perimeter and can be glued to the frame.
When working with the insides of Xiaomi Mi Mix, pay attention to the location of the antennas. They are made in the form of flexible conductors glued to the body, and their damage will lead to a deterioration in the quality of communication. Try not to touch them with tools when removing the board.
Replacement of the display and removal of the motherboard
Replacing the display often requires a complete motherboard dismantling, as the screen in this model is glued to the frame and blocks access to the bottom components, making the process of replacing the screen time-consuming and requiring the reposition of all internal modules to a new frame.
Start by unscrewing all the visible screws that lock the board. Notice the screws of different lengths: longer ones usually go to corners or places with reinforced construction. In Xiaomi Mi Mix, the screws of the board mounting have different threads, and twisting a long screw into a short hole can break through the board.
Once the board is free, gently lift it, checking to see if all the plumes are off. Pay special attention to the display plume and touchscreen that fit from the bottom. Use dielectric tweezers to grab the connectors.
| Component | Type of attachment | Risk of damage | Tool. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back cover. | Glue + screws | Tall (cracks) | Fen, mediator |
| Maternity fee | Torx screws | Medium (trains) | Screwdriver, tweezers. |
| Battery | Adhesive tape | High (puncture) | Heat, spatula. |
| Display module | Perimeter glue | Critical (breakdown) | Thermoplate, string |
When installing a new frame with the display, make sure that all the holes under the screws match. Sometimes in cheap copies of the frames, the geometry can be broken, which will lead to skewing and breakage of the glass when the screws are tightened.
☑️ Pre-assembly check
Working with battery and glue bases
Replacing the battery in the Xiaomi Mi Mix is complicated by the fact that the battery is tightly glued to the body with double tape. The manufacturer uses an aggressive adhesive compound that over time polymerizes and becomes even stronger.
To safely extract, you need to apply the heat again. Put your smartphone on the thermotable or warm up the back (if the battery is still inside) or frame (if the battery is available) to 60-70 degrees. This will soften the glue. Then use a plastic card or a special spatula to slowly cut the tape, moving parallel to the plane of the battery.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to pierce the battery body or bend it. Lithium polymer batteries, when damaged, emit toxic gases and can catch fire.
After removing the old battery, thoroughly clean the seat of the old glue residue. Use isopropyl alcohol and a lilac-free wipe. The surface should be perfectly smooth and clean so that the new battery lays flat and stays secure.
To fix a new battery, use a special glue B-7000 or B-6000, or a quality double-sided electronics tape. Apply the adhesive with a thin layer, avoiding contact or microphone holes. Let the glue dry slightly before installing the battery.
Assembly of the device and verification of functionality
The Xiaomi Mi Mix is built in reverse order, but requires even more care than disassembly. It is important to remember to put all the screws in their places and not to drag them, as the thread in the ceramic inserts can break. Start the assembly with the installation of the motherboard and connecting the main plumes.
Before you finally seal the case, make sure to run a test run. Connect the battery, press the power button and check the display, touchscreen, cameras, speakers and communication modules. Make sure the smartphone sees SIM-map and Wi-Fi network.
- 📱 Touchscreen – check responsiveness in all areas of the screen.
- 🎤 Microphones and speakers – record a voice message and play it back.
- 📸 Cameras – Take a photo and check for autofocus.
- 🔌 Charging – connect the cable and make sure to start charging.
If all tests are successful, apply a new layer of glue around the perimeter of the frame to fix the back cover. evenly distribute the glue, press the lid and lock the smartphone with rubber bands or a load for 1-2 hours until the glue is fully polymerized.
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The quality of the final sealing directly affects the dust resistance of the device, so do not save on the adhesive composition and drying time.