Dismantling the flagship Xiaomi Mi 7 smartphone (often known on the market as the Mi 8 in the global version) is a complex process that requires high accuracy and specialized tools. Unlike budget models, it uses a glass back panel that is attached to a powerful layer of glue, and the internal layout is high density. Any careless movement can lead to damage to the plumes or destruction of the case, so before starting work, you need to soberly assess your skills.
The challenge is that the sealability of the case in the factory is achieved by vacuum pressing, and when opened, it is irrevocably broken. You will need not only a set of screwdrivers, but also heating equipment to soften the adhesive. If you plan to simply replace the broken glass, know that in modern smartphones it is often glued to the frame or display, which makes replacing a single element economically impractical.
The purpose of this article is to provide the most detailed algorithm for safe access to the internal components of the device. We will look at the steps of removing the back cover, disconnecting the battery and dismantling the motherboard. Remember that self-repair always deprives you of warranty if it was still in effect, so proceed with caution.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting any work, make sure that the battery is less than 25%.Working with a fully charged lithium polymer battery if the housing is damaged carries a high risk of ignition or explosion.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Well-prepared workplaces are 50 percent of the success of the whole event. You'll need a spacious table with good, uniform lighting to see the smallest screws and connectors. The absence of dust is also critical, as it can get under a new layer of glue or into the camera lens.
The Xiaomi Mi 7 will require a specific set of tools that differ from the standard household.Using inappropriate items such as knives or pins can lead to short circuits on the board or physical damage to components.
- 🔥 Dryer or thermostole to heat the back panel to temperature 80-90°C.
- 🔧 A set of precision screwdrivers (star Torx) T4, T5 cross-bow P2).
- 💳 Plastic blades and mediators for opening the body without scratches.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat for sorting screws of different sizes.
- 🧴 Fluid B-7000 or special adhesive tapes for reverse assembly.
Pay special attention to the suction cup that will be needed to create the initial gap. If the glass is badly damaged, it is recommended to paste a transparent tape over it so that the fragments do not fly apart and the panel is held in a single piece.
☑️ Checking readiness for repair
Removal of the rear glass panel
The most critical stage is the separation of the back cover from the metal frame. 7 double glass is used, and the risk of damage during dismantling is extremely high. 3-5 minute.
Don't try to plug the lid right after heating. Check the temperature with your finger: the glass should be hot, but not melting. If you feel that the glue is not letting go, add a little more heat, but do not overheat the display on the front side, so as not to damage the OLED matrix.
Use a suction cup to create a microscopic gap at the bottom of your smartphone, and you can gently insert a thin plastic card or a shoulder blade into that gap, and you can move it sliding along the edges, gradually cutting the glue layer.
What to do if the glass is cracked?
As you walk around the perimeter, you can walk around the plume and module areas, even though the main connections are on top of the model, and when you get to the top edge, don't pull the lid upwards, because there may be contact points for the glue.
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Heat your smartphone gradually, starting at the bottom. A sharp temperature drop can cause microcracks on the glass that will only appear after cooling.
Disconnection of the battery and dismantling of protective screens
Once the back cover is successfully removed, you will see the interior layout, the first and most important step is to turn off the device, find the battery connector and gently disconnect the connector using a plastic blade or nail.
Do not use metal tools to turn off the battery plume, as this may cause a short circuit of the residual current. After switching off, it is recommended to wait 1-2 minutes before further manipulation.
Next, remove the metal shields that cover the motherboard and the camera module, which are fixed by many small screws of different sizes, and it is recommended to photograph each stage or use a magnetic mat with markings.
| Component | Type of screw | Number of | Location. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower bar. | Torx T4 | 6 pcs. | Near the charging socket |
| Motherboard screen | Torx T5 | 8 pcs. | Central part of the hull |
| Camera attachment | Cross P1 | 2 pcs. | Upper left corner |
| Antenna module | Torx T4 | 3 pcs. | Top of the frame |
When you take metal plates off, you can look at the contact plates, and sometimes they can stick to the screens or have microscopic spring contacts that are easy to lose.
Extraction of motherboard and modules
The motherboard in Xiaomi Mi 7 is central and connected by many plumes. Before extraction, you need to turn off all visible connections: display plume, touchscreen plume, camera connectors and antenna cables.
Antenna cables (usually black or white) require special care, they can not be pulled by the wire, only by the metal connector. When disconnected from the board, use tweezers to avoid damaging adjacent elements.
- 📱 Disconnect the main display plume located closer to the top of the board.
- 🔌 Remove the plume of the lower sub-bod (charging boards) going along the body.
- 📷 Carefully remove the main camera module by pulling it up.
- 📡 Disconnect the main antenna cable from the connector in the corner of the board.
After all communications are turned off, the board is usually only held on screws and a tight fit. Carefully lift one edge, check if any microphone or plume is caught, and remove the knot.
⚠️ Note: The camera and fingerprint scanner (if integrated into a display or button) are extremely sensitive to static electricity. It is recommended to use an antistatic bracelet or periodically touch a grounded metal object.
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The order of shutdown of the plumes is critical: first power, then periphery.
Replacement of the battery and work with the glue layer
The battery in the Xiaomi Mi 7 is located at the bottom of the body and is attached to two strips of powerful glue. You can't just pull it out, there's a high risk of warping, which will lead to fire. You need to apply heat again to safely extract.
Heat the bottom of your smartphone (where the battery is) for 2-3 minutes. Then use a plastic card soaked in isopropyl alcohol (if you have access to the edges), or just a thin fishing line to "re-saw" the glue layer under the battery.
The movements should be smooth, without jerking. If you feel strong resistance, add more heat. Never use sharp metal objects to tweak the battery.
When installing a new battery, make sure that the contact group matches the connector on the board. Use special adhesive tapes (B-7000 or double-sided electronics tape) to fix it, applying them to the case, rather than the battery itself.
Assembly of the device and verification of functionality
The assembly is done in reverse order, but with important nuances. Before the final screw twist and the back cover is glued, you need to do an initial health check. Connect the display plume and battery, then try turning the device on.
Check the touchscreen, the vibrations, the speakers and the cameras, if everything is working correctly, you can proceed to the final sealing, clean the frame of the case of the residue of old glue with alcohol or a special solvent.
Apply the new B-7000 glue layer with a thin strip around the perimeter or use pre-prepared adhesive tapes. Press the back cover and lock the device with stationery gums for 30-60 minutes until completely dry.
- ✅ Check the operation of the proximity and light sensor.
- ✅ Make sure there is no gap between the screen and the frame.
- ✅ Test the operation of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules.
The final test should include a heat test in load mode. If the phone is warming in the area of the battery or processor is larger than usual, it may be poorly pressed heat sink or the contact of the gasket is broken.