Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones today are both densely packed, making disassembly a complex process that requires not only accuracy but also specific knowledge of the internals. Unlike older models with removable batteries, today disassembly involves adhesives and fragile plumes that can cause the device to fail completely.
Many users are trying to save on the service center, wanting to replace the charging connector, battery or broken glass display. However, Xiaomi Android smartphones have their own design features that must be considered before starting work, so as not to damage the case or motherboard.
In this guide, we will take a detailed look at the process of dismantling popular series, necessary tools and critical errors that beginners make when first getting acquainted with the insides of the gadget.
Tools and workplace preparation required
High-quality disassembly of the smartphone is impossible without specialized equipment that provides security for both the device and the wizard. You will need a set of precision screwdrivers with magnetic tips, since screws in Xiaomi often have different lengths and threads, and confusing them is to damage the thread in the case.
To work with adhesives that hold the back cover or display, you need a heating element such as a thermophene or a heating platform capable of maintaining a temperature of about 80-90 degrees Celsius, plastic mediators (scapula), a suction cup to lift the glass and isopropyl alcohol to dissolve the glue.
Organize your workspace so that light falls evenly and fine details are not lost. Using a magnetic screw mat is not just a convenience, it is a necessity to track the sequence of fasteners.
- 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers (cross-crosses) PH000, PH00 Torx T2, T3).
- 🔥 dryer or warmer.
- 🧲 Magnetic screw-sorting mat.
- 🧪 Isopropyl alcohol and pipette for working with glue.
⚠️ Attention: The use of a common household hair dryer is often not effective enough, as it does not give the desired concentration of heat in a small area, which can lead to overheating of internal components with prolonged exposure.
Don’t neglect using antistatic gloves or bracelets, especially if you’re working in a dry environment.Static electricity can imperceptibly disable power controllers or memory chips, even if the device is turned off at that point.
Safety measures and preliminary diagnosis
Before you start physical impact on the device, you need to perform a number of program and visual checks, first of all, make sure that the battery is charged no more than 25-30%, as working with a fully charged lithium polymer battery increases the risk of fire if it is accidentally damaged.
Be sure to turn off the device and remove the tray. SIM-This will not only make the chain lighter, but also allow access to some hidden screws, which in Xiaomi models are often hidden under a tray or decorative stickers.
Risks of self-disassembly
Carefully inspect the case for battery bloating. If the back cover has already detached on its own or the screen is arching, this is a signal that the battery requires immediate and extremely careful replacement.
- 🔋 Charge or discharge the battery to level 20-30%.
- 📵 Remove all memory cards and SIM-modules.
- 👓 Wear safety glasses in case of breaking glass.
Work in a well-ventilated environment, as when the glue is heated and components are damaged, harmful substances can be released. Safety when working with chemicals and heating appliances is the first priority.
Removal technology of the back cover and display
The process of opening the case depends on the material from which it is made. In models with a glass rear panel (for example, the flagship Xiaomi Mi series or Xiaomi Numbered series), it is required to warm up the perimeter of the device evenly for 3-5 minutes.
After warming up, use a suction cup to create a small gap between the frame and the glass, and gently enter a plastic mediator. Move the tool along the perimeter, without dipping it deeper than 3-4 mm, so as not to damage the plumes coming from the side buttons or the main camera.
💡
If the back cover doesn't lend itself, don't use force. Add a little more heat or drip a little alcohol into the gap, wait a minute for it to dissolve the glue, and try again.
For plastic-enclosed models (budget Redmi and Poco), heating is often not required or minimal. It is important to find an entry point, usually in the area of the charging connector or tray. SIM-cards, and snap the plastic latches with a characteristic click.
| Type of body | Heating temperature | Warm-up time | Entry tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass. | 80-90°C | 4-5 minutes | Suction cup + mediator |
| Plastic. | 50-60°C | 1-2 minutes | Thin spatula |
| Metal (Unibody) | Just the display. | 3-4 minutes | Suction (from the screen) |
| Ceramics | 90-100°C | 5-7 minutes | Suction cup (caution!) |
Be extremely careful with fingerprint scanner modules, which are often pasted into the back cover. A sharp jerking motion can break the thin plume, after which the scanner will stop working even if it is soldered.
Disconnection of plumes and dismantling of components
After removing the back cover, you have access to the main board, but you should not rush to remove the metal screens (shielding), the first thing you need to do is turn off the battery to turn off the system and avoid short circuits when disconnecting other connectors.
The plumes in Xiaomi are either mounted with pinch slats on the screws or snapped into the connectors. To turn off, use a plastic blade or a special antistatic tweezer, putting the connector strictly vertically upwards, avoiding impact on the cable itself.
☑️ Disconnection procedure
If you're planning to take a display off, remember that most modern Xiaomi models have it glued to a frame. Its dismantling also requires careful warming up and cutting of the glue around the perimeter. Try not to push the center of the screen, as the matrix can crack from point pressure.
- 🔌 The battery connector is always the first to shut down.
- 📷 The camera plumes are very thin, take them only by the thickened edges.
- 🔩 Screws from the clamping slats may differ in length, mark them.
⚠️ Warning: Never turn off the plumes under voltage (unless the device was pre-energized by the battery shutdown), this is guaranteed to cause the power controller or backlight to burn.
When removing the main board, pay attention to the antenna contacts, which are spring-loaded pins that must precisely fall into the return pads on the case or board, and when assembled, they will need to be carefully combined.
Replacement of the battery and work with adhesive layers
In smartphones Xiaomi battery is almost always fixed to double-sided tape or special glue. Trying to pull it out just by hand will lead to deformation of the battery, which is strictly forbidden because of the risk of fire.
For safe extraction, use special hood strips (if designed) or the "string" method. A thin fishing line or dental floss is carefully wound behind the battery and cuts off the adhesive layer with sawing movements.
💡
The main rule of battery operation: Never use metal tools to tamper with the battery, as a puncture of the cell shell causes an instant chemical reaction with the ignition of the electrolyte.
Before installing a new power supply, thoroughly clean the seat of the residues of old glue. Degrease the surface with alcohol and apply a new layer of adhesive composition or special adhesive strips complete with the new battery.
Be sure to check the voltage on the contacts of the new battery with a multimeter before connecting.It should be within normal limits (usually about 3.7-3.8 V) to make sure that the battery has not been deeply discharged during storage.
Device assembly and final inspection
The assembly is done in reverse order, but requires even more care. Make sure that all the plumes are snapped to the characteristic click sound, and the clamping bars are twisted evenly, without skewing.
Pay special attention to the module of the vibrator and loudspeaker – they must fit tightly to the body, otherwise you will get rattling or loss of leakage (if any).
If you plug in the battery and the display plume, press the power button, and if the device vibrates and the MIUI screensaver appears, the basic steps are successful. Turn off the phone, turn off the battery again, and complete the installation of the case.
- 🧹 Wipe the inside of the display and body from dust before gluing.
- 🔧 Check the operation of all buttons and connectors until the screws are fully twisted.
- 🧪 Use a new glue. B-7000 or T-7000 sealable.
After full assembly, allow the glue to dry for 1-2 hours, fixing the edges of the case with rubber bands. Do not turn the device on to fast charging immediately after assembly, let the power controller properly initialize the new battery.