The Xiaomi Mi 9 was a flagship device that set high standards for performance and screen quality in its class. OLED-It's not immune to mechanical damage when it falls. Broken glass or black spots on the matrix are critical problems that require immediate intervention. Self-replacement of the screen is possible, but requires accuracy and understanding of the design of the device.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the process of dismantling the display module so you can assess your strength or prepare for repairs in the service. It is important to understand that disassembling a smartphone is a risk that you take. Wrong actions can damage the plumes, battery or other internal components. So carefully study the theoretical part before picking up tools.
The main challenge of replacing the display with the Mi 9 is the design of the body, and the screen is the load-bearing element here, because there is no frame around it, which means that to replace the glass or the matrix, you often have to glue a lot of small parts from the old module to the new one. Let's look at what you'll need to successfully complete this operation.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Before you start disassembling, you need to have a clean, well-lit workspace. Dust and static electricity are enemies of electronics, so try to minimize their impact. You need a specialized toolkit that allows you to work with small screws and fragile plumes without the risk of damaging them. Lack of the right tool can lead to a failure of the thread or damage to the case.
To work, you will need the following tools:
- ๐ง Precision screwdrivers (cross-haired) P2/P00, star T5).
- ๐ฅ Thermophen or heating pad for heating glue around the perimeter of the body.
- ๐ณ Plastic cards or mediators for neat opening of the body.
- ๐งฒ Magnetic screw-sorting mat.
- ๐ Suction cup for pulling glass during heating.
Special attention should be paid to the suction cup and heating equipment. The glue that holds the back cover softens when heated, but does not disappear completely. Excessive heating can damage the battery or cause deformation of the frame, so it is important to observe the temperature regime. Use a thermometer if your thermophen is not accurately adjusted.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Before starting any work, be sure to turn off your smartphone. If the device does not turn on due to damage, the first step should be to carefully disconnect the battery plume from the motherboard to avoid short circuit.
Prepare containers for small parts, as the screws in the Xiaomi Mi 9 can vary in length and type of thread. If you confuse them during assembly, you risk damaging the internal thread inserts in the case. It is also recommended to have tweezers with curved ends on hand to work in hard-to-reach places.
Removal of the back cover and removal of protective elements
The disassembly process begins with the removal of the back glass panel, which is the most critical step, as the glass cracks easily when heated unevenly or under heavy mechanical pressure. Heat the perimeter of the back cover to a temperature of about 80-90 degrees Celsius. Don't keep the hair dryer at one point for too long to keep the battery warm.
After heating, gently place the suction cup at the bottom of the back cover and pull up slightly to create a gap. Insert a plastic mediator into the resulting gap and, while making cutting movements, walk around the perimeter of the device. It is important not to enter the tool too deeply, so as not to damage the plume of the fingerprint scanner, which is located in the central part.
Nuances of work with a fingerprint scanner
When you remove the back cover, you'll see the inside of the smartphone, and the first thing you need to do is turn off the battery, find the battery connector on the motherboard, and gently unplug the plume using a plastic blade, and this will turn off the device and keep you from accidentally closing when you continue to work with electronics.
Next, remove the bottom plastic cap that covers the speaker and the charging connector, which is attached to several screws and adhesive strips, unscrew all the visible screws, warm up the plug and carefully remove it, and below it you will see a vibrator and antenna module, which can also interfere with access to the screen.
Disassembly of the internal layout of the smartphone
To access the display plumes, you need to dismantle a number of internal components. The Mi 9 design involves a multi-layer assembly, where each element blocks access to the next one. Start by unscrewing the screws that lock the metal plates over the display and main camera connectors.
The next step is to extract SIM-The camera module in this model is quite large and protrudes above the surface of the board, so it must be removed first. Carefully disconnect the camera plume and remove the module from your seat, trying not to touch the lenses with your fingers.
Now you have to remove the subboard, which is the charging connector and the microphone, and it's connected to the motherboard with a flexible plume that runs along the side face, carefully unplug the plume and remove the board, and you have to remove the top speaker, which can be glued to the frame.
An important step is to dismantle the vibrator. In the Xiaomi Mi 9, it is located at the bottom and can interfere with the bending of the plumes. Unscrew the engine mount screws and remove it. Once you remove all the interfering components, you will have full access to the metal frame that holds the display.
โ ๏ธ Warning: The plumes in this model are very thin and delicate. When they are disconnected, never pull the cable itself, always take a hard connector. A jerk can damage the conductive tracks, which will make replacing the display meaningless.
Display module removal process
Once all the internal components that interfere with access have been removed, you can start removing the display itself. The screen in the Mi 9 is glued to a metal frame around the perimeter. Removing it will require reheating the front of the device. Be careful: it is the frame around the screen that you need to heat, avoiding direct impact on the matrix if it is still intact.
Use a thin line or a special string knife if the screen is shattered. Swipe the tool between the frame and the matrix, cutting the adhesive layer. If the screen is intact and you change it preventively, you can try using suction cups and mediators, but the risk of crushing the matrix is very high. It is better to work slowly, gradually separating the module from the body.
When the module is separated from the frame, you have to disconnect its plume from the motherboard, and normally the connector is under a protective metal plate that you have to unscrew, and once the plume is turned off, you can remove the entire screen from the housing, and now you have to choose between changing the entire module or regluing the glass.
โ๏ธ Pre-assembly check
If you have a framed display, it's a simpler task, you just have to move all the internal components (motherboard, batteries, boards) to a new frame, and if you only have a framed matrix with nothing, you have to work hard to paste the speakers, the grids and other small elements from the old module.
Comparison of display types and choice of spare parts
The Xiaomi Mi 9 spare parts market offers different display options, and it's important to understand the difference between them. The type of matrix chosen determines not only the price of repair, but also the image quality, power consumption and reliability of the device as a whole. Cheap counterparts often have the worst color reproduction and brightness.
There are three main types of matrices that can be found on sale:
- ๐ข OLED Original is the original matrix, with perfect black, high brightness and the right viewing angle.
- ๐ต In-Cell LCD โ It's a cheaper technology, where the sensor layer is embedded in the matrix, and the image can be faded and the black color can be grayish.
- ๐ด Copy OLED โ copies made under OLED-They're using technology, but they're using lesser materials, and they often have problems with touchscreen and color calibration.
When choosing a part, pay attention to the presence of the manufacturer's logo and the quality of the plume. Original plumes are usually labeled and more rigid structure. Cheap copies can have thin, easily tearable plumes, which is a critical disadvantage when used.
Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of the different display types for the Mi 9:
| Characteristics | OLED Original | In-Cell LCD | Copy OLED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brightness | High (up to 600 nits) | Medium (up to 400 nits) | Low/Mediocre |
| Viewing angles | Great. | Noticeable distortions | Average. |
| Energy consumption | Low. | High. | Average. |
| Fingerprint scanner | It works fast. | Maybe it won't work. | It's not stable. |
โ ๏ธ Attention: The fingerprint scanner built into the screen is extremely sensitive to the type of matrix. LCD-In the case of copies, it often stops working or functions with great delays, since optical scanning technology requires a certain transparency and pixel structure.
Device assembly and final inspection
The smartphone is assembled in reverse order. Set the new display module on the frame, pre-applied a thin layer of glue B-7000 or using pre-installed adhesive strips. Let the glue dry slightly (about 1-2 minutes) to become sticky, but not fluid. Carefully press the module around the perimeter.
Put all the internal components in place: vibrator, circuit board, camera. Connect the plumes starting with the battery. Make sure all the connectors are snapped to a characteristic click. Twisted all the screws, keeping them in length and position. Don't forget the plastic plugs and speaker grids.
๐ก
Use rubber harnesses or special clips to fix the screen during drying of the glue. Leave the smartphone under the press (not too strong) for 1-2 hours for complete polymerization of the adhesive composition.
Once fully assembled, turn on the device. Check the touchscreen across the screen, the brightness, color reproduction and the proximity sensor. Pay special attention to the fingerprint scanner: register a new print and check the unlock speed.
If all functions are working correctly, you can start the final installation of the back cover. Clean the surface of the case of the residues of old glue, degrease the frame with alcohol and apply a new layer of adhesive tape or glue. Press the back cover and lock the device until the glue is completely cooled.