Display damage is one of the most frequent and unpleasant problems faced by owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones. Cracks on glass, the appearance of spots or complete inoperability of the touchscreen require immediate intervention, since operating the device in this state can lead to more serious breakdowns. In this article, we will discuss the process of dismantling the module, paying attention to the nuances that are often missed by beginners.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that modern Xiaomi smartphones are often equipped with AMOLED-It's very sensitive to mechanical pressure and temperature changes, and if you don't take it the wrong way, you can damage the plumes or even the battery, and you can ignite. Therefore, follow the algorithm of actions strictly and do not neglect the precautions described below.
It's also worth noting that in many low-end and mid-range models, the display is framed rather than just inserted into the slots. This requires the use of special tools and chemistry to dissolve the glue. If you're not confident in your abilities, you'd better leave the repair to professionals, but for those who decide to act on their own, this instruction will be an indispensable tool.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting any work, be sure to turn off your smartphone. Attempting to remove the screen on the device on can cause a short circuit and disable the motherboard.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Quality training is half the success. You don't need a professional workshop, but a minimum set of tools is required. Use of improvised tools like knives or forks is strictly prohibited, as they can damage the internal components or scratch the body.
For safe removal, you will need:
- 🔥 A dryer or heating platform (thermophene) for softening glue.
- 💳 Plastic cards or mediators for unplugging the display.
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (usually cross-shaped) PH000 and Torx stars).
- 🧪 Isopropyl alcohol or special solvent B-7000.
- 🧲 Magnetic screw-sorting mat.
Organize the workspace so that light falls evenly and small parts do not roll far, and it is recommended to use an antistatic bracelet or at least periodically touch a grounded metal object to relieve static stress from the body, which is critical when working with electronics.
⚠️ Attention: Isopropyl alcohol is easily flammable. Do not use an open fire near the site and ensure good ventilation of the room.
Diagnostics and assessment of display damage
Xiaomi smartphones use OGS (One Glass Solution) or In-Cell technology, where the touchscreen and the matrix are often a single module. If only the glass is broken, but the image is clean and the sensor works, theoretically you can only replace the glass, but in a home it is almost impossible to do this without special equipment.
Pay attention to the following signs:
- 🕸️ Web of cracks on the external glass when the image is working.
- 🟣 Purple or black spots spreading across the screen.
- 🖱️ Partial or complete failure of the sensory layer (touch screen).
- 💡 Complete lack of illumination or flickering of the image.
If you see black spots that increase over time, it means that the internal matrix is damaged, and in this case, replacing the entire module assembly is the only effective solution, and trying to glue the cracked glass will not restore the sealancy and moisture protection that is inherent in the factory assembly.
The process of heating and opening the case of the smartphone
Modern Xiaomi phones are assembled using a large amount of glue to ensure stiffness of the structure and protection from dust. To remove the back cover or display module, you need to evenly warm the perimeter of the device. The optimal heating temperature is 80-90 degrees Celsius.
Use a hair dryer to direct hot air to the edges of the screen or back for 2-3 minutes. Constantly check the temperature with your hand: if the body is hot to hold, but does not burn, the temperature is sufficient. Do not overheat the battery by focusing the air flow only on the edges.
After warming up, insert a plastic card or a thin mediator into the gap between the frame and the screen. Move the tool along the perimeter, gradually cutting through the glue layer. Don't try to force the screen, better add a little more heat. There may be plumes connecting the side buttons or the fingerprint scanner inside, so the depth of the tool should not exceed 2-3 mm.
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If the fingerprint scanner plume is underneath the screen, be especially careful at the bottom of the display.
Disabling plumes and dismantling the module
Once the screen is separated from the body and lifted, you can't pull it up, you can't pull it up, you can have connectors inside that you have to turn off, and you can usually use a metal shield that's mounted with a few screws.
Algorithm of action:
- 🔩 Carefully unscrew all screws that fix the protective bar.
- 🔌 Plastic blade to click the connectors of the display and touch screen.
- 🧩 Remove the module completely and put it in a safe place.
- 🧹 Clean the frame of the old glue before installing the new screen.
The connectors in Xiaomi smartphones often have different sizes and locations of contacts, so it is difficult to confuse them, but it is worth paying attention. When snapping, use a plastic tool to avoid damaging the contacts on the motherboard. Metal tweezers can not be used here.
☑️ Pre-assembly check
Comparison of original and copy displays
When replacing the screen, it’s important to understand which component you’re installing. Xiaomi’s parts market is crowded with copies that can be significantly different in quality from the original, and the differences are not just in color reproduction, but also in power consumption and sensor sensitivity.
Below is a table to help distinguish a quality module from a low quality copy:
| Parameter | Original (OEM) | Quality copy (AAA+) | Cheap copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brightness | Tall, adaptive. | Medium, manual. | Low, dull. |
| Frames. | Minimum, uniform | A little wider than the original | Very wide from below. |
| Imprint scanner. | It works fast. | It's working with a delay. | Often not working. |
| Energy consumption | Standard. | Elevated. | Plants the battery in 3 hours |
Original. AMOLED-They provide deep black and high contrast. Copies are often made using technology. IPS It's very poor calibration, which you can see when you look at the white background, it can turn yellow or gray, and cheap copies often don't support Always On Display.
How to check the screen before assembly?
Assembly and final performance check
The final step is to install a new module. Before applying a new glue or double-sided tape, make sure that the frame is perfectly clean. Any dust mote will create a bump that can lead to local pressure on the matrix and new defects.
Apply a thin layer of B-7000 glue around the perimeter of the frame or use a pre-painted double-sided tape. Carefully stow the screen, combining all the holes. Press the module at the edges and lock the phone with rubber bands for 15-20 minutes for primary glue polymerization.
After assembly, be sure to conduct testing:
- ✅ Check the operation of all areas of the touch screen.
- ✅ Make sure there are no "dead zones".
- ✅ Check the operation of the proximity and brightness sensor.
- ✅ Evaluate the uniformity of the lighting on a white background.
If all tests are successful, the repair is complete, and remember that after the screen is replaced, the body is leakproof (IP-rating) is likely to be violated, so you should avoid diving your phone in water and working in dusty conditions.
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Qualitative cleaning of the frame from the old glue is the guarantee that the new screen will lie flat and will not peel off during operation.