Broken or cracked glass display is one of the most common problems faced by owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco. Even with a protective case and glass, an accidental fall can lead to the need for a complete replacement module. Many users immediately carry the device into the service, but self-replacing the screen on Xiaomi is a very real procedure that saves a significant amount of money.
But the dismantling process requires precision, a specific tool, and an understanding of the interior of the gadget. Modern smartphones are very tightly assembled, and the adhesives are stronger every year new models are released. Before you start dismantling, you need to assess the extent of the damage: if the image is displayed correctly and the sensor responds to touch, you may be able to replace only the glass.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to safely remove the screen from your device. We will consider the preparation of the workplace, the choice of tools and the specifics of working with various series of smartphones of the Chinese brand.
Workplace preparation and necessary tools
Any repair operation is 80 percent pre-production-dependent, and you don't have to start a knee-dealing or a kitchen table full of foreign objects, you need a flat, well-lit surface, preferably with antistatic coating, or just a clean countertop, and the order on the table is not just aesthetics, it's a guarantee that tiny cogs don't get lost in the carpet pile.
You'll need a special toolkit to work with, which you can buy from any radio parts store or marketplace, including a suction cup, a set of plastic mediators (scapula), cross screwdrivers of different sizes and tweezers, and using metal tools to crack the case is highly undesirable, as there is a high risk of damaging the glass or back cover.
- 🔧 Heating tool: a hair dryer (construction or household) or a special heater for softening the glue.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer for screws, so as not to confuse them when assembling.
- 🧴 Dissolving adhesive liquid (B-7000, T-7000 oropropyl).
- 📱 Safety gloves and glasses for safety when working with broken glass.
Pay special attention to lighting. A dim lamp will cause you to squint, your eyes to get tired, and your risk of shaking your hand increases. A bright light will allow you to see the smallest details of the plumes' attachment and the condition of the screws. If you have a magnifying glass or a macro shot on your phone, use them to visually monitor the process.
☑️ Checking readiness for repair
Features of the design of Xiaomi and Redmi displays
Understanding what you're going to disassemble is critical. Xiaomi smartphones and Redmi's budget lineups most often use LCD IPS technology with glass glued on top. In these cases, the entire module (frame, matrix, touchscreen) changes assembly, which simplifies the process, since it does not require separation of glass from the matrix, which is made only in the factory.
Flagship models and mid-range devices (such as the Xiaomi Mi series or Redmi Note Pro) can be equipped with AMOLED arrays. They are thinner, brighter and more energy efficient, but much more expensive to replace. Often these screens come in a frame, which makes installation easier, but requires accuracy when transferring small parts (speakers, vibrator) from the old module.
⚠️ Note: On many modern Xiaomi models, the display module can be glued to a perimeter frame. Trying to remove it without heating will cause the plumes to rupture or damage the frame.
Also worth considering is the presence of a fingerprint scanner, which in older models could be on the back cover, but in modern devices it is often embedded in or below the screen, which adds another step: you need to carefully disconnect the scanner plume so that it does not damage when the display is lifted.
What is the difference between OLED and LCD when replacing?
Step-by-step: how to remove a broken screen
The dismantling process begins with the device being turned off. Never try to disassemble the smartphone on, it can lead to a short circuit. The first step is always to remove the tray. SIM-Then you need to warm up the perimeter of the screen. Use a hair dryer, evenly warming the edges of the display during the course of the screen. 2-3 The temperature should not be extreme, heat that is not strong enough to soften the adhesive base.
After warming up, place the suction cup at the bottom of the screen, closer to the center, but not on the glass itself if it is broken (you better target the surviving fragment or use tape to fix the fragments). Pull the suction cup up, creating a small gap, and carefully insert the plastic mediator. Lead the instrument along the perimeter, gradually snapping the clips and cutting the glue layer.
- 📱 Remove the back cover if the design of the model requires it (e.g. in the Redmi Note series).
- 🔌 Disconnect the battery plume first thing to turn off the device.
- 🔩 Unscrew all visible screws fixing protective metal plates over connectors.
- 🧩 Carefully disconnect the plume of the display and touch screen, tucking them with a plastic spatula.
When all the connections are broken, you can completely remove the old module. Clean the frame of the new screen or the case of the residue of old glue. This can be done with your fingers by rolling glue into the coils, or using a special liquid. The surface should be perfectly clean and fat-free before applying a new adhesive.
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Plug paint tape cross over the broken screen before work begins, which will prevent shards of glass from falling inside the case and protect your eyes and hands from being cut.
Comparison of matrices types and their impact on repair complexity
Part choice is half the success. There are many screen options available for Xiaomi: originals, high-quality copies (Hard) OLED) And it's cheap, and understanding the difference between them will help you not overpay or be disappointed with the result. LCD-copy AMOLED-The models may work unstablely or have low brightness.
Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of the different types of screens used in Xiaomi devices and their impact on the replacement process:
| Type of matrix | Difficulty replacing | Price. | Image quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original (Service Pack) | High (requires gluing) | Tall. | Reference |
| Copy (Hard OLED) | Medium (often in frame) | Medium | Good. |
| LCD analog | Low. | Low. | Low (pale colors) |
| Restored (Ref) | Medium | Medium | Depends on the quality of recovery |
Original screens are often frameless, requiring the master to repaint small parts like speaker grids, button plumes, and sometimes even the frame itself. Copies often come with a frame, making repairs a simple move of the insides from one housing to another, but the build quality of these frames can be lame and gaps can be noticeable.
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Buying a screen assembled with a frame makes repairs much easier for the beginner, but requires careful rearrangement of all the small components from the old module.
Frequent Replacement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even following instructions, beginners often make mistakes that can cost the device life. One of the most common is damage to the plume when sloppy disconnect. The plumes in Xiaomi smartphones are very thin and gentle. They can not be pulled; you need to snap the connector strictly vertically using a special tool or nail (if you have access).
Another mistake is not heating the glue properly, and if you feel strong resistance to trying to open the case or remove the screen, don't use force. Most likely, the glue hasn't softened yet. Reheating will take less time than the first one, because the heat has already accumulated in the layers. The use of force is guaranteed to crack the new glass or deform the frame.
⚠️ Warning: Never plug the new display plume into a hot one without first shutting down the battery. A power surge could knock out the motherboard's power controller and repairs would become economically inefficient.
Also, you often forget to check the functionality before the final assembly. Don't rush to twist all the screws and glue the lid. Connect the plumes, turn on the phone and check the touchscreen in all areas, the presence of broken pixels and the proximity sensor. If something is wrong, you can quickly fix the error without disassembling the device again.
Completion of assembly and verification of result
Once the new module is successfully installed and tested, the final assembly phase begins: make sure all the plumes are packed into their channels and not clamped. Write the screws evenly, without undue effort, so as not to break the thread in the plastic bushings. Pay special attention to the screws near the charging connectors and speakers.
Use a special glue (B-7000 or analog) to fix the screen or back cover. Apply it with a thin strip around the perimeter. Avoid getting glue on the cameras, speakers and connectors. After applying, press the glue surfaces and lock the device with rubber bands or a load for 15-20 minutes for initial polymerization.
The final test should include all the functions: sound, vibration, front and main cameras, light and proximity sensors, and fingerprint scanner. If everything works correctly, congratulations, you've done well and saved your budget. A quality repair extends the life of the device for years.