How to disassemble Xiaomi wireless headphones: a repair guide

Xiaomi’s modern wireless headphones, such as the Redmi AirDots or Mi True Wireless, have become incredibly popular due to their excellent price-to-quality ratio. However, the TWS (True Wireless Stereo) compact form factor often turns into a problem when the device body is made in a monolithic method without visible screws. Owners face the need to replace the battery, clean the speaker or fix the button, but do not know where to start.

Disassembling these gadgets requires not only accuracy, but also an understanding of design, as the manufacturer deliberately hides the fasteners to improve ergonomics and moisture protection. In this article, we will look in detail at the opening process of the case, the necessary tools and typical errors that can lead to final failure of the device, you will learn how to separate the halves of the case without damaging the plumes and components inside.

Before you start, it's important to be aware of the risks: self-intervention almost always deprives you of warranty, and careless actions can damage the lithium battery. However, if the device has already failed or the warranty is over, competent disassembly is the only way to extend the life of your favorite gadget.

Tools and workplace preparation required

You can't disassemble electronics properly without the right tools. You'll need a minimal but specific set to work with Xiaomi TWS. Use of inappropriate items like knives or pins can short circuits or damage the internals. Pay special attention to lighting and space so that small screws don't get lost.

The main tool will be a mediator or a plastic blade to open the case. Metal tools are best avoided in the initial stages, as they can leave deep scratches on the glossy plastic or, worse, damage the lithium polymer battery when you move carelessly. You will also need a thin cross screwdriver, often the size of a PH00 or PH000, since the screws inside are extremely miniaturized.

⚠️ Warning: Before starting disassembly, be sure to discharge the battery of the device before 25-30%. A fully charged battery can ignite when shorted, and a deep discharge below zero will make it unsuitable for further use.

Additionally, prepare tweezers with thin curved ends to extract small parts and a dryer to soften the glue. If you have isopropyl alcohol, it will help dissolve the adhesive base without damaging the electronics. Remember to use a magnetic mat or small screw sorting containers, as they can vary in size even within the same device.

• 🛠️ Plastic blades (spudger) and mediators for opening latches.
• 🔧 Precision screwdriver kit (cross-hatch) PH000, PH00).
• 🌡️ A hair dryer or thermophen for heating adhesive compounds.
• 🧪 Isopropyl alcohol and pipette for working with glue.
• 📦 Organizer for screws and small components.

Design features and search for hidden fasteners

Xiaomi engineers design headphones to look solid and streamlined. Most models, such as the Redmi AirDots 2 or Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic, have no external screws at all. The main method of fixation is a combination of dense plastic latches and adhesive layer around the perimeter of the junction of the body halves.

The first thing you need to do is to look at the surface of the device carefully, and sometimes the hidden screw can be under a silicone embushure or a decorative sticker, and in some models, the fastener hides deep inside the sound channel, closed by a metal mesh, and trying to get it out without removing the mesh can deform the speaker.

It's important to understand the difference between button models and touch controls. In mechanical button devices, they often hide an extra screw or a reinforced latch area underneath, and when pressed with a blade in this area, you can break a button or damage the mechanism of its movement, so mechanical elements require special care when opening.

The adhesive layer is the repairman's main enemy. It's applied all over the seam perimeter and requires preheating. Without heat treatment, plastic can crack when you try to separate. Heat the body evenly, avoiding overheating at one point, so as not to melt the internal polymer components or damage the battery.

Step-by-step instructions for opening the headphone case

The disassembly process starts with heating. Set the hair dryer at about 80-100 degrees Celsius and evenly warm the perimeter of the earpiece for 1-2 minutes. The plastic should be warm to the touch, but not hot, so as not to burn or deform the material.

Insert a thin mediator or plastic card at the junction between the top and bottom of the case. It's best to start at the bottom, where the microphone or charging contacts are usually located, because the adhesive layer is often thinner there. Move the tool along the seam, making light swaying movements to layer the glue and snap the plastic fixtures.

Sequence of action:


1. Heated perimeter with a hairdryer (60-90 sec).




2. Injection of the shoulder blade at the lower joint.




3. Sliding along the seam with light pressure.




Clicking latches in a circle.




5. Careful halves separation.

When the body starts to diverge, don't pull the halves sharply to the sides. Inside, thin plumes of the speaker or button wires may remain connected. First, visually make sure that nothing is stretched. If the halves are disconnected, but the device is hanging on the wires, examine the insides to find soldering points or connectors.

⚠️ Warning: Never use force to separate the body, if the halves do not diverge, you missed the screw or did not warm up the glue enough, excessive effort will lead to breakage of plastic racks or cracks in the front panel.

When you successfully remove the lid, you'll have access to the main board and battery, and at this point, it's important to avoid fingers touching the open contacts and the dynamic membrane, and fatty footprints can make sound worse, and static electricity can make the charge controller or Bluetooth module incapacitated.

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Use a smartphone screen suction cup to slightly lift the heated half of the body after the first blade is inserted, creating a gap for putting in thinner tools without risking damage to the internal components.

Diagnostics of internal components and battery replacement

Inside Xiaomi headphones, the layout of the elements is extremely dense. PCB-It's a board with a Bluetooth chip and a power controller, and next to it is a tiny lithium battery, which most often fails to hold its charge, and it also has a speaker and a microphone connected by thin conductors.

In budget models, wires are often soldered directly to the board, which requires soldering skills and a thin soldering iron. In more expensive versions, such as the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Pro, a micro-connector can be used, which makes it easier to replace, but requires accuracy in extraction.

When disassembling an old battery, be extremely careful. Lithium cells are sensitive to puncture and overheating. If you use a dryer to peel off the battery, do not heat it directly above 60 degrees. After installing a new battery, check the voltage with a multimeter before final assembly to make sure the battery is healthy.

• 🔋 Disconnect the plume or unfurl the old battery wires.
• 🧹 Clean the bed of the remnants of old glue and contamination.
• 🔌 Install a new element while respecting the polarity of the connection.
• 🔧 Lock the battery with double-sided tape or glue.
• ✅ Check the operation of the device before closing the case.

Cleaning dynamic grid and fixing sound problems

Frequent problem TWS-The reason for this is often the earwax and dust that clogs the acoustic grid, and unlike full-size models, the mesh is deep, and it has microscopic holes that are easily clogged.

Do not use sharp objects such as needles or toothpicks to clean, as they can easily pierce the net or push dirt deeper into the speaker membrane. The best way is to use a soft toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol. Wet the brush in alcohol and gently walk along the surface of the mesh, removing plaque.

If the sound is gone, the speaker's contact may have gone away. In the process of disassembling, check the soldering locations of the wires going to the dynamic head. Often, from frequent vibration or fall, the contact group peels off. Careful soldering of the wire into place can restore the full functionality of the device.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid getting large amounts of liquid inside the case. Alcohol should be applied to the brush, not put into the earpiece. The liquid can get on the board and cause corrosion of contacts after drying.

After cleaning, allow the device to dry completely for 15-20 minutes before turning on. Even rapidly evaporating alcohol can leave the conductive film for a short time. Make sure the speaker membrane is not deformed and walks freely with light air.

Assembly of the device and checking leakage

The assembly is done in reverse order, but it has its own nuances: the main thing is to put all the wires and plumes correctly so that they do not fall under the edge of the body and are not clamped by latches. Any compression of the wires can lead to a break in the contact immediately after the outer housing is closed.

Use a special electronics glue, such as the B-7000 or T-7000, to fix the halves, apply it with a thin strip along the perimeter of the lower part, avoiding contact with the dynamic grid and microphone holes. The glue should be applied evenly, without gaps, to ensure proper tightness and protection against dust.

Once the halves are joined, press them tightly together and hold them with rubber rings or stationery gums for 1-2 hours until the glue is completely dry. Don't turn the device on immediately, let the adhesive compound polymerize. Check the buttons and indicators only after the glue is fully grasped.

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The quality of the gluing directly affects the acoustic properties of the headphones. Poorly closed body will lead to the loss of bass and the appearance of foreign sounds due to the leakage of the acoustic camera.

The final step is to check all the functions, connect the headphones to your smartphone, check the sound balance, the microphone in mode and the charging in the case, if everything is working correctly, you can consider the repair a success, otherwise you will have to reopen the device for a deeper diagnosis of the board.