How to disassemble the Xiaomi Mi smartphone: instructions for beginners and experienced users

Why to disassemble the Xiaomi Mi smartphone and when it is really necessary

Disassembling the Xiaomi Mi is a challenge that every owner will face sooner or later, and the reasons can range from simple battery replacement to repairing the charging connector or recovering from a fall. However, it is not always worthwhile to do it on your own — in some cases, it is better to contact a service center, especially if you have never held a screwdriver in your hands.

Among the most common reasons for disassembly are: Mi 8/9/10/11 – replacing a broken screen, cleaning from dust after moisture, restoring power or volume buttons, as well as upgrading internal memory (for older models with microSD support).

In this article, we will learn how to safely disassemble Xiaomi Mi at home, what tools you will need, and what to look for to avoid turning your smartphone into a brick. And if you doubt your abilities, at the end of this article there is a checklist that will help you make an informed decision.

What tools will be needed to disassemble Xiaomi Mi

Without the right tools, it’s almost impossible to disassemble a Xiaomi smartphone — you’ll either damage the case or you won’t be able to gently unplug the plumes.

• 🔧 Plastic blades (mediators) - for gently slapping the back cover and unplugging the plumes!
• ⚙️ Set of screwdrivers (cross-haul) PH00, flat 1.5 mm, five-pointed Y00 for some).
• 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue under the back cover (temperature 60-80)°C).
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer – so as not to lose small cogs.
• 📱 Screen suction cup (optional, but simplifies the removal of the display).
• 🛠️ Tweezers – for working with small details, such as a sim tray.

If you’re looking at the Mi 10 or newer, note that they often use two-part glue and complex-shaped latches, and you might need a specialized tool like iSesamo or plastic wedges to keep the lid up evenly.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use knives, scissors or other sharp metal objects – they will damage the body and can puncture the battery, which will lead to a fire!

💡

Before disassembling, take a photo of each stage on your phone – this will help to properly assemble the smartphone back, especially if you are doing repairs for the first time.

Step-by-step: how to remove the back cover Xiaomi Mi

The most important step is to remove the back cover, and the key is to take your time and follow a clear algorithm.

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-scatter-card.
2. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer for 2-3 minutes, holding it at a distance of 5-7 cm. the glue will become softer, and the cover will come away easier.
3. Insert a plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the body (start at the bottom edge where the charging connector is).
4. Carefully swipe the perimeter, separate the latches. Don't force it -- if the lid doesn't lend itself, warm it up again.

The Mi 9 and Mi 10 have a particularly strong lid, which might require a second blade to lift evenly, and if you hear the crunch, it's okay, it's probably one of the latches that's gone, but if the lid is not heated, don't continue -- maybe the glue is too strong, and you'd better go to the service.

Once the lid is removed, you will see the battery, motherboard and plumes. Don't touch them with metal objects - static electricity can damage the components. If you need to replace the battery, first disconnect the plume (usually it is glued and fixed with black tape).

Disassembly of internal components: what can be touched and what can not be touched

When you remove the lid, you'll see the inside of the smartphone, and it's important to understand which parts can be safely detached and which parts are best left undisturbed.

If your goal is to replace the battery, after turning off its plume, gently slap the battery with a plastic blade. In some models (for example, the Mi 8), the battery is glued very firmly, this will help isopropyl alcohol, which dissolves the glue. Apply a few drops under the battery and wait 1-2 minutes.

To replace the screen, you need to remove the entire display module, which is mounted on plumes and double-sided tape, and the main rule is: don't pull the plumes, they need to be carefully disconnected using a spatula, starting with the connector.

⚠️ Note: If you accidentally tore the plume of the display or camera, do not try to glue it with tape - this will not work.

Common Mistakes When Disassembling Xiaomi Mi and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to a smartphone breakdown, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

• 🔋 Battery damage - never use metal tools to retrieve it. If the battery is swelling, don't try to pin it down - it's dangerous!
• 📱 Breaking plumes – Before disconnecting any plume, make sure that the latch of the connector is raised (usually white or black).
• 🔥 Overheating when soldering - if you solder the charging connector, use a soldering iron with a temperature not higher than 300°C and heat sink.
• 🧲 Loss of cogs – all Xiaomi Mi models have screws of different lengths. If you confuse them in places, you risk damaging the motherboard.
• 💦 Moisture intake – If you clean your smartphone after flooding, dry all components for at least 24 hours in rice or silica gel before assembly.

One of the most insidious mistakes is to misplace the back cover, and if the latches don't lock, eventually the lid will start to move away and dust will fall under it, and to avoid that, after assembly, just press the perimeter slightly on the lid, and you should hear the snaps of the latches.

Another point: if you disassembled the smartphone due to charging problems, but after the assembly, nothing changed, check: USB-connector for oxidation (clean with alcohol), cable and power supply (try another), battery contacts (sometimes they are contaminated).

💡

If the smartphone stopped turning on after disassembly, in 90% of cases the problem lies in the wrong battery or display plume.

How to Build Xiaomi Mi Back: Tips for Proper Build

Building a smartphone after disassembly is no less important process, and it is important to follow the reverse sequence and take into account several nuances:

1. Check all the plumes - they should be tightly inserted into the connectors, and the latches are lowered.
2. Set the battery and fix the plume. If the battery is not glued, use double-sided tape.
3. Secure the motherboard with screws (make sure they are screwed into the same holes!).
4. Do a test before final assembly – plug in the battery and check if the smartphone is turned on.
5. Close the back cover, starting at the top edge, press the perimeter so the latches fall into place.

If you've replaced the display or battery, after assembly, you may need to calibrate the battery. To do this, completely discharge the smartphone, then charge to 100% without interruption. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.

Pay special attention to tightness – if you disassemble the smartphone after moisture, before assembly, apply a thin layer of electronic sealant (for example, LOCTITE 7481) to the joints of the cover.

⚠️ Warning: If after assembly, the smartphone started to warm or discharge quickly, chances are you have improperly connected the battery or screws on the motherboard.

When disassembly Xiaomi Mi is impractical: cases for a service center

Although many operations can be performed independently, there are situations where disassembly at home is fraught with serious consequences.

• 🔧 Damaged motherboard (visible chips, scorch, bloated capacitors).
• 📱 The smartphone does not turn on or respond to charging (possibly a problem in the power controller).
• 💦 Phone sinks in salt water – corrosion can damage components even after drying.
• 🔋 The battery is swollen - it is dangerous to health, as it can ignite.
• 🛠️ Micro soldering is required (for example, replacing the charging connector or antenna module).

It’s also worth considering that some Xiaomi Mi models (such as the Mi 11 Ultra) have a complex multi-layer design with additional boards and sensors, and their disassembly requires special skills and tools that the average user does not have.

If you're in doubt about whether you'll be able to do it, ask yourself the questions: Do I have spare parts in case of an error? Am I prepared for the smartphone to fail? Is the cost savings on the service worth the potential risk?

If at least one question the answer is “no” – it is better to entrust the repair to professionals.

💡

A service center is not always expensive, for example, replacing the battery in the official Xiaomi service is cheaper than buying the original battery + the risk of damaging the smartphone if you replace it yourself.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Mi disassembly