How to open the Xiaomi router correctly: instructions with photos and tips for disassembly

Xiaomi routers are some of the most popular devices for home networking due to their combination of price, performance and functionality, but over time, they may need to be disassembled for dust cleaning, heatpaste replacement, repair after a fall, or even for memory upgrades (in some models), and in this article we will discuss how to safely open a Xiaomi router without damaging the case and internal components.

It's important to understand that the design of the Mi Router routers varies depending on the model. 4A It has a classic plastic case with latches, and AX3600 — We're going to look at the general-purpose methods, and the nuances for the specific devices, and if you've never really done electronics, don't worry, if you've done it right, even a beginner can do it.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you start opening the case, make sure you have everything you need, and the lack of the right tools is the main cause of damage to the board or latch, and here's the minimum set you'll need:

• 🔧 Plastic mediator (or guitar) - to carefully disconnect the latches. Metal objects (knives, screwdrivers) can not be used, they scratch the body and can close contacts.
• ⚙️ Cross screwdriver (usually) PH0 or PH1) — for models with screws (e.g, AX3600 Or Mi Router 4 Pro).
• 🧲 Magnetic substrate or container – so as not to lose small parts (screws, rubber legs).
• 📸 Smartphone – for photographing the process (useful when reassembling).
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (70%+) — Cleaning contacts or removing old thermal paste.

Also, prepare your workspace: the table should be flat, well-lit and without carpeting (screws are easily lost in the pile). If you are disassembling a router for cleaning from dust, stock up on a soft brush and a can of compressed air. MX-4) and plastic card for uniform application.

⚠️ Warning: Before disassembling, be sure to disconnect the router from the network and wait for the chipset to cool completely (10-15 minutes). The capacitors on the board can store charge, which will lead to electric shock or damage to components.

How to determine the router model and the type of mounting of the case

The design of Xiaomi routers depends on the series, for example, budget models (Mi Router). 4A, 4C) They are usually on the back, and the flagships are (AX3600, Mi Router 4 Pro - screws. To avoid breaking the case, first identify your model:

• 📋 Look at the sticker on the bottom of the device – it shows the exact model (for example, the model, R4A or RA75).
• 🔍 Enter the serial number in the search engine or on the support site Xiaomi.
• 📱 Use the Mi Wi-Fi mobile application: the model is indicated in the About router section.

Now compare the model with the type of fastening on the table:

If your model is not listed in the table, look at the photos of the disassembled devices in the forums (for example, 4PDA). Pay attention to the location of antennas – in some routers they are soldered to the board, and careless handling can damage them.

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If you're not sure what type of attachment you should try to gently tuck the body with a plastic perimeter picker, and if you feel resistance, you probably have hidden screws.

Step-by-step: how to open the Xiaomi router on latches (Mi Router) 3/4A/4C)

Latch models are the easiest to understand, but they need to be careful -- plastic is fragile, and if you push it too hard, the latches can break.

1. Put the router buttons down on a soft surface (such as a towel) so as not to scratch the front panel.
2. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the top and bottom of the case. Start at the corner where there are no ports (usually opposite to the side with connectors). LAN/WAN).
3. Carefully drive the mediator along the seam, alternately snapping the mounts, you will hear the characteristic clicks.
4. After disconnecting the 2 to 3 latches on one side, repeat the procedure from the opposite angle. Do not immediately try to remove the lid - this can break the plastic.
5. When all latches are disconnected, remove the top cover by holding it by the edges (antenna wires may be glued inside).

If the body does not respond, check for hidden screws:

Turn over the router and inspect the rubber legs - there may be screws under them.


Carefully tuck the legs with a flat screwdriver (do not damage the rubber).




- Screwdrivers are usually under a cross screwdriver (PH0 or PH1).

Checked type of fastening (latches/screws)|Tools prepared (mediator, screwdriver)|The initial state is photographed|Power is off and the router is cold.|The workplace is lit and free from debris-->

⚠️ Attention: In Mi Router models 4C and AC2100 There might be an extra metal plate attached to the top cover, screwed up, and don't try to remove it without a screwdriver, because it's going to deform.

Disassembly of routers on screws (Mi Router 4 Pro, AX3600, AX1800)

Helical-mounted models require more care, as screws are often hidden under stickers or rubber elements. Consider the process with the example of Xiaomi. AX3600:

1. Turn over the router and take off all the rubber legs (there are 4 of them), and underneath them you will find screws. If the legs are glued, put a plastic card on them.
2. Unscrew the screws with a cross screwdriver. Be careful, they can be of different lengths (remember which one from).
3. If the screws don't unscrew, don't force them -- they may have got stuck. WD-40 Or alcohol on the thread and wait 5 minutes.
4. After removing the screws, gently apply the body to the mediator, starting at the angle without ports, AX1800) extra-latch.
5. Remove the top cover while holding the edge charge. AX3600 The board is attached to the bottom of the body - do not pull it up!

Features of models:

• 📡 Mi Router 4 Pro: screws are hidden under a sticker with a serial number. To remove it, warm up with a dryer (temperature 50-60)°C) and gently apply.
• ⚡ AX3600: And under the top cover, there's a metal screen that's screwed to the board, and you have to take it off to get to the chipset.
• 🔄 AC2100: combined system - first unscrew 2 screws, then disconnect the latches with a mediator.

What to do after opening the case: cleaning, replacement of thermopaste, diagnosis

When the case is successfully removed, you will have a board with or without a radiator (in models with active cooling), and the next steps depend on the purpose of disassembly:

1.Pulture cleansing

Dust accumulates on the radiator, the fan (if any) and around the connectors.

• 🌬️ Use a spray of compressed air (hold it vertically so that no liquid is splashed).
• 🖌️ With a soft brush, remove dust from the fan and radiator.
• 🧴 With a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol, wipe the contacts of antennas and connectors.

2. Thermopaste replacement

If the router overheats (turns off when loaded or hot to the touch), it is time to update the thermal paste.

1. Remove the radiator, carefully pulling it up (sometimes it is glued - put the mediator).
2. Remove the old paste with a napkin soaked in alcohol. Clean both surfaces (chipset and radiator).
3. Apply a new thermopaste (about the size of a pea) and evenly spread with a plastic card.
4. Set the radiator back and press it slightly.

Routers. AX3600 And 4 Pro uses a thermal paste with high thermal conductivity (3-5 W / m·K). Do not skimp on cheap analogues - this will lead to reheating.

Diagnostics of malfunctions

If the router is not turned on or is unstable, check the charge for:

• 🔥 Blackened or bloated capacitors (require replacement).
• 💥 Traces of burns or melted tracks (sign of short circuit).
• 📶 Detached antenna cables (greatly connect back).

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If you are not sure about your soldering skills, don’t try to repair the board yourself. contact the service center – the cost of repairs is often lower than the price of a new router.

Common Mistakes in Disassembly and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that cause the router to break down.

1. Using metal tools to unplug the latches, which scratches the body and can close the contacts on the board. Always use a plastic mediator.
2. Loss of screws or rubber legs. Store them in a magnetic container and photograph the location before taking them off.
3. Excessive force when removing the lid. If the body does not respond, check for hidden screws or latches.
4. Touching boards with your bare hands. Static electricity can damage the chipset. Use an antistatic bracelet or touch metal parts of the case before work.
5. Wrong assembly, like forgetting to connect antenna cables or getting the screws wrong, always check the photos taken before disassembly.

If the router does not turn on after assembly:

• 🔌 Check the power supply connection (sometimes the contact is broken when moving).
• 🔄 Make sure all cables (antennas, buttons) are connected to the board.
• 🔧 Recheck the screw tightening - sometimes the board does not contact the power connector due to weak fixation.

⚠️ Note: In Xiaomi routers with dual-band Wi-Fi (for example, AX3600) antenna cables have different lengths and markings (e.g, MAIN and AUX). If you confuse them in places, the speed of Wi-Fi will drop 2-3 times!

How to Build a Router Back: A Step-by-Step Algorithm

The assembly should be a mirror image of the disassembly. Follow this order to avoid errors:

1. Make sure all cables and connectors are connected (antennas, reset button, indicators).
2. If you removed the radiator, check that the heat paste is applied evenly and the radiator fits tightly to the chipset.
3. Place the charge in the lower part of the case, combining the screw holes (if any).
4. Carefully move the top cover, starting from the side without ports, so that the latches enter the slots.
5. If the case is on the screws, twist them cross-cross (like the wheels of a car) to avoid distortion.
6. Install rubber legs and stickers (if removed) glue them to double-sided tape or superglue (a drop on the center).
7. Turn on the power and check the router. If the lights aren't on, turn off the power and check the build.

After inclusion:

• 🔄 Wait for full loading (1-2 minutes).
• 📶 Check Wi-Fi speeds on different devices.
• 🌡️ Make sure the body does not overheat (for the AX3600 normal temperature - up to 60°C under load).

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If the router is unstable after assembly, reset it to factory settings (button) RESET This will help to eliminate software failures caused by power outages.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions