Disassembly Xiaomi Mi 9T: a complete guide with photos and nuances

The Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20 in some regions) is a popular smartphone with a retractable front camera that, despite its robust design, may require repair over time. Disassembly of the device has its own characteristics, from non-standard rear lid attachment to fragile retractable loops. In this article, you will find a step-by-step photo instruction, a list of necessary tools, and critical warnings to help avoid damage.

It's important to understand that disassembling the Mi 9T is a medium-sized task, and there's no removable battery like the old models, and the retractable mechanism of the camera requires special care. If you've never disassembled a smartphone before, we recommend that you practice on a less valuable device or go to a service center first, but with the right approach, even a beginner can replace the battery, speaker or screen on their own.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need, and the lack of the right tools is the main cause of damage to the body or internal components.

• 🔧 Plastic mediators (2-3 (a) - for separation of the back cover without scratches.
• 🔨 Cross screwdriver PH00 — for the middle-module screw attachment.
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or tray – so as not to lose small screws.
• 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature 60-80)°C).
• 📱 Suction - will help to lift the lid after heating.
• 🛠️ Tweezers – for working with plumes and small details.

Also, prepare the workspace: it should be well lit, without dust or static electricity. Use an antistatic bracelet or periodically touch a grounded metal object to avoid damage to the chips by discharge.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal mediators or knives to separate the lid! 9T It has a fragile glass coating that will crack easily if pressed carelessly, and plastic tools reduce the risk but do not guarantee complete safety.

Step 1: Removing the back cover is the most important step

The back cover of the Mi 9T is glued around the perimeter and is further fixed by latches. To remove it, do the following:

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
2. Heat the edges of the body with a hairdryer (60-80°C) for 2-3 minutes. Don't overheat! Temperatures above 90°C can damage the battery or display.
3. Place the suction cup closer to the bottom edge (where the USB-C connector is located) and pull up slightly.
4. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap and carefully guide it along the edge, separating the lid. Start at the bottom, there is less risk of damage to the plumes.

If the lid fails, reheat the problem area. Don't apply excessive force, which can cause cracks in the glass or damage to antenna lines under the lid. After removal, put the lid back to a safe place, which will be needed for reverse assembly.

Step 2: Battery shutdown – why it’s critical

When you take the lid off, you'll see the battery covered with black film. Before you go on, be sure to turn it off!

1. Find the battery plume (usually located at the top, under the metal plate).
2. Carefully put the connector on a plastic picker or tweezers.
3. Make sure the contacts do not come into contact with the body – this can cause a short circuit.

Turning off the battery prevents the smartphone from unintentionally turning on during repairs (which can damage components) and protects against electric shock when working with boards. If you miss this step, the risk of damaging the device increases significantly.

⚠️ Warning: If after the battery is turned off, the smartphone still reacts to the power button (for example, vibrates), this is a sign of a malfunction of the power controller.

Step 3: Extract the motherboard and access components

Once the battery is turned off, you can start removing the motherboard, which is mounted on 10 to 12 screws (depending on the modification) and a few latches.

1. Unscrew all the screws with a PH00 screwdriver, place them on a magnetic mat in order of extraction, so as not to confuse them when assembled.
2. Carefully tuck the board with a plastic mediator, starting at the top edge. Don't pull too hard, there are camera plumes and a speaker underneath the board.
3. Disconnect all the plume connectors (they are usually 4-5: main camera, front camera, speaker, touch screen).

At this point, you will have access to all the key components: processor, memory, communication module, etc. If your goal is to replace the battery or speaker, the fee can be put aside. If you need to repair the board (for example, replacing the USB-C connector), you will need a soldering station and experience with microelectronics.

Step 4: Battery Replacement – Nuances and Errors

The battery in the Mi 9T is glued to the body, so it takes care to replace it.

1. After turning off the battery plume, heat the surface with a hairdryer (60°C) for 1-2 minutes to soften the glue.
2. Carefully slap the battery with a plastic spatula from any angle.
3. If the battery fails, put a thin guitar string or fishing line under it and slowly "saw" the glue, stretching the string back and forth.
4. After extraction, clean the seat from the glue residues with isopropyl alcohol.

When installing a new battery, use double-sided tape or a special glue B-7000. Make sure the plume is not twisted and securely fixed. Do not turn on the smartphone immediately after replacement - let the glue dry (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: If a new battery is inflated or has a defective packaging, do not install it! this may cause fire. Check the voltage with a multimeter (normal: 3.7–4.4V).

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Before buying a new battery, check its capacity: the original battery for the Mi 9T has a capacity of 4000 mAh. Cheap analogues often give 3,500-3800 mAh, which will reduce the time of operation.

Step 5: Working with a retractable camera – risks and recommendations

The front camera's retractable mechanism is the most vulnerable part of the Mi 9T, and its plume is thin and easily torn when handled carelessly, and if the camera stops moving or makes a grin, the problem may be:

• 🔌 Contamination of the mechanism (dust, sand).
• 🔧 Damage to the gears (requires replacement of the entire module).
• 📶 Breakage of the plume (you can try soldering, but there is no guarantee).

To clean the machinery:

1. Remove the camera module (it is attached to 2 screws and a plume).
2. Blow the mechanism with compressed air (do not use wet wipes!).
3. Lubricate the gears with silicone lubricant (1-2 drops).

If the machine is damaged, replace it completely, and if you try to repair the gears or the plume without experience, the camera will fail completely 90 percent of the time.

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The Mi 9T retractable camera is not designed to be self-repaired, and if it breaks, the best option is to replace the module in the service.

Step 6: Building a Device – How to Avoid Errors

The Mi 9T should be assembled in reverse order, but with a few critical points in mind:

• 🔄 Check all the plumes - they should be stacked evenly, without inflections.
• 🔩 Twisting the screws cross-cross to avoid skewing the fee.
• 🔋 Connect the battery last, before installing the cover.
• 🧹 Remove dust and debris from the case before sticking the lid.

After assembly, turn on the smartphone and check:

• Does the touch screen work (no dead zones)?
• Is the front camera moving without delay?
• Is the device charging (check the USB-C connector).
• Are the speakers and microphone working?

If something doesn't work, re-assemble the smartphone and check the quality of the plume connection, most often due to a poorly connected battery connector or display.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the dismantling of Xiaomi Mi 9T