Owners of Xiaomi’s smart kitchen appliances often face the need to clean the device deeply when standard washing of the work bowl becomes insufficient. Over time, the gaps between the main body and the top cover accumulate fat and soot, which can emit an unpleasant odor when heated or even cause electronics to break. That is why the question of how to safely remove the lid of the aerogrill becomes especially relevant for those who want to extend the life of their gadget.
The process of dismantling the top of the device requires care, because the design of a smart aerogrille involves many hidden mounts and plumes. Wrong actions can damage the plastic latches or break thin wires connecting the touchpad to the motherboard. In this article, we will discuss in detail the steps of disassembly, necessary tools and precautions that will protect your device from irreversible damage.
Before you take action, you need to make sure you understand the risks and are willing to act slowly. It is strictly forbidden to try to remove the lid while the device is connected to the electrical grid. It is a basic safety rule, ignoring which can lead to electric shock or short circuit in the control circuit.
Tools and workplace preparation required
To do the job of disassembling Xiaomi Mi Smart Air Fryer, you will need a minimal but specific set of tools. Using inappropriate items such as kitchen knives or wide screwdrivers can leave scratches on glossy plastic or damage the screw threads. It is best to prepare a professional or semi-professional tool in advance that will ensure reliable grip and control of the effort.
Special attention should be paid to the organization of the workspace. You will need a spacious table with good lighting to see small parts and screws, it is recommended to also prepare several containers for sorting fasteners, since screws can have different lengths and threads, and they can not be confused during assembly.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers with cross nozzles (mainly) PH1 and PH2) screw-up.
- 🛠️ Plastic blades (spoogers) for neat opening of the body without damage to latches.
- 🧤 Antistatic gloves to protect electronics from static stress and fat traces.
- 🔦 Lantern or table lamp for illuminating internal connections.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal blades or knives to lid the metal can damage plastic guides or, worse, damage the insulation layer, which will overheat the outer parts of the body.
The preparation also involves completely cooling the device, so if the aerogrill has been working recently, let it lie down for at least 30-40 minutes, not only for your safety, but also for the plastic to cool and return to its original size, making it easier to access some latches.
Design analysis and search for hidden screws
Xiaomi’s aerogrill design is designed to minimize the number of visible screws while maintaining an aesthetic appearance. The main mounting points are often hidden under decorative plugs, rubber legs or stickers. Before using force, a thorough visual inspection of the entire surface of the top cover should be carried out.
Most often, the screws are located at the top of the device, around the area of the ventilation holes, or under rubber stops at the bottom of the inverted device. In some models, such as the Mijia Smart Air Fryer 3.5L, the fastener can be hidden under the control ring or decorative strip. Carefully probe all joints and indentations with your fingers.
Where to look for screws in different models
If you find screws under rubber pads, use a thin tweezer or needle to gently lift the edge of the rubber. Don't tear the sticker off completely unless there is an urgent need to, as it can be difficult to restore its original appearance. After removing all the visible screws, try to sway the lid - if it doesn't move, then you missed the hidden fastener.
| Element of construction | Location of screws | Type of screw | Tool. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top panel. | Under the rubber legs | Cross (PH1) | Magnetic screwdriver |
| Display zone | Under a decorative ring | Little cross | Thin screwdriver |
| Back end | Open or under a sticker | Standard (PH2) | Middle screwdriver. |
| Lower base | In the hull's recess | Long cross | Extension screwdriver |
It's important to understand that different versions of the Xiaomi aerogrilla may have different locations. Always check for visual signs: if you see a hole but you don't see the screw cap, it may have a screw with a secret head or it's closed with a plug. Don't try to forcefully separate parts of the case until you're sure that all the screws are removed.
The process of dismantling the top cover
Once all the screws are removed, the most critical step is to disconnect the plastic halves of the case, where the plastic latches that hold the structure together play a major role, and they can range from 6 to 12 pieces around the perimeter of the device, and they require a uniform force to unlock.
Take a plastic blade and start gently putting it into the junction between the top and bottom of the body. Move around the perimeter, snapping the locks one by one. A characteristic click will signal a successful release of the latch. Don't try to open the lid on one side completely before you go all the way around - this can break the extreme latches.
☑️ Autopsy procedures
When all the latches around the perimeter are loosened, you can gently lift the lid. But don't make any sudden movements! Inside the case, there are wires connecting the control panel, temperature sensors and the heating element to the main board. A sharp jerk can break these connections, which will require complex soldering to recover.
⚠️ Attention: When lifting the cover, watch the plume of the display. It is very thin and fragile, it is easy to damage with a nail or tool. If the cover does not rise freely, check if you forgot to unscrew the central screw.
To make things easier, you can temporarily disconnect the connectors if the design allows you to do so without completely removing the lid. However, in most cases, Xiaomi designs the devices so that you have to completely remove the top part to access the insides, first turning off the connectors.
Working with internal components and plumes
When you remove the lid, you'll see the internals of the aerogrill, and you'll see the heating element, the cooling fan, the control board, and the sensors, and the main thing at this point is not to damage these components when you clean or repair them, and the dust and fat can settle on the contacts, causing overheating or electronics to malfunction.
Pay special attention to the connection of the heating coil and thermosensor. These elements are in the high temperature zone, and the insulation of the wires here can be melted or fragile. If necessary, use a dry soft brush or cloth slightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol, which quickly evaporates and leaves no conductive traces.
- 🧹 Carefully remove dust from fan blades as it affects the efficiency of electronics cooling.
- 💧 Wipe the connectors with a dry cotton swab if they show oxidized plaque.
- 🔍 Inspect the wires for melting or cracking, especially in the bending areas near the loop cover.
If your goal was to replace the seal or to thoroughly clean the inner surface of the lid, now is the time to do so. Use mild detergents, but avoid getting moisture on the electronic components. Any liquid that has fallen on the board must be carefully removed before turning on the device.
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To clean the internal surfaces of fat, use wet office wipes or alcohol wipes. They degrease the surface and dry quickly without leaving a pile, unlike conventional rags.
When working with a control board, try not to touch the chips with your hands, so as not to leave greasy traces that can lead to corrosion over time. If you plan to work with an open case for a long time, it is better to disconnect the battery (if it is in the model with memory) or just be extremely careful.
Assembly of the device and verification of functionality
The assembly process is reversed to disassembly, but requires even more care, first of all, you need to put all the wires and plumes in your seats so that they do not fall under the screws and are not clamped with a plastic case. Improperly laid wire can cause short circuit or mechanical damage when vibrating.
Put the halves of the body together and start snapping the locks around the perimeter. You should hear clear clicks. If the body doesn't fit somewhere, don't push it, check if the wire is interfering or if the latch is standing right. After you snap all the locks, put the screws in place, starting at the center and moving to the edges to ensure that you fit evenly.
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The rule of assembly is not to use excessive force, and if a part doesn't fit in, you've missed something or put it wrong.
Once fully assembled, do a visual inspection: there should be no gaps, creaks or protruding parts anywhere; only after making sure the housing is tight, you can connect the device to the network; the first run is better done in idle mode (without products) in a well-ventilated room, so that any dust that has fallen inside during repairs will burn out.
Check all functions: fan rotation, heating, display and touch buttons. If you notice any foreign sounds or smells, immediately turn off the device and re-diagnose. Successful assembly is confirmed by the stable operation of all smart aerogril systems in normal mode.
Frequent errors and precautions
When disassembling appliances on your own, users often make common mistakes that can lead to failure, one of the most common is the loss of small screws or the confusion of their installation locations. To avoid this, use a magnetic mat or arrange the screws in the order of their removal, accompanied by photofixing the steps.
Another mistake is to use force where you want precision. Plastics that have been in high temperatures become more fragile. Excessive pressure with a blade can split the body, and then it will be almost impossible to glue it together without visible traces. Act gently and gradually increase the force only if you are sure of your actions.
⚠️ Warning: Never turn on an aerogrill with a partially disassembled body or a heater protective cover removed, which creates a risk of electric shock and fire.
If your device is under warranty, self-opening the case will likely result in a denial of free repairs, and in such cases, it is better to contact an authorized Xiaomi service center, where specialists will perform the work professionally.
Following these simple rules and guidelines will allow you to safely remove the lid of the aerogrill, carry out the necessary cleaning or minor repairs.Remember that regular maintenance of the equipment prolongs its life and ensures safe cooking for you and your family.