Replacing a damaged display is one of the most common procedures when repairing smartphones Xiaomi. However, before installing a new part, it is necessary to correctly dismantle the old module. This task requires caution, as careless movement can damage internal components or the battery.
In this article we will look in detail at how to remove the screen on Xiaomi Android using a standard set of tools. You will learn about the nuances of disconnecting cables, removing glue and safely removing a fragile matrix. It is important to understand that modern smartphones have a complex structure, where the display is often glued to the frame, and not simply inserted into grooves.
The dismantling process may vary depending on the specific model of the device, be it budget Redmi or flagship Xiaomi Mi. However, the general principles remain the same: heating the case, disconnecting the connectors and carefully separating the glass from the frame. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid additional damage.
Preparation of the workplace and tools
Before starting any work on disassembling the smartphone, it is necessary to organize a safe space. The table should be clean, well lit and free of unnecessary objects. It is recommended to use an antistatic mat to eliminate the risk of static discharge damaging electronics.
You will need a specialized set of tools, which can be purchased in radio parts stores or online. Without the right equipment, trying to remove the screen may result in scratches on the case or chips on the glass. Do not use kitchen knives or metal screwdrivers where plastic is needed.
- 🔧 Set of precision screwdrivers (Torx stars, Phillips PH000)
- 🔥 Construction hair dryer or heat gun for heating glue
- 💳 Plastic spatula or mediator for prying up the case
- 🧲 Magnetic mat for sorting screws
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol or special glue solvent
Be sure to turn off the device before starting work. If the screen is broken and the sensor does not respond, press the power button for 10-15 seconds until it vibrates completely and the backlight turns off. This is a critical step for the safety of your work.
⚠️ Warning: Never begin disassembly if the battery is more than 50% charged. Damage to the battery during dismantling can lead to a fire or explosion.
☑️ Ready for repair
Removing the back cover and protecting internal components
Most modern models Xiaomi have a back panel glued to the frame. To gain access to the insides, you need to soften the adhesive layer. Heat the perimeter of the back cover with a hairdryer to a temperature of about 60-70 degrees. Do not hold the hairdryer at one point for too long so as not to overheat the plastic or glass.
After heating, insert a plastic spatula into the gap between the lid and the frame. Carefully move the tool along the perimeter, gradually snapping off the clips and cutting the glue. If the lid is glass, proceed with extreme caution - it may crack from excessive pressure.
Once the back panel is removed, you will see a protective plate covering the main board and connectors. It is usually secured with several screws. Unscrew them and set them aside, remembering the location of each screw, as their length may vary.
Use masking tape to stick the removed back cover face down on the table - this will prevent scratches on the glass while working.
The display and touchscreen cables are hidden under the plate. Make sure you do not touch other components before touching them. On some models, under this cover there is also a fingerprint scanner or antenna modules.
Disconnecting the display and touchscreen cables
The central stage of the procedure is disconnecting the cables that transmit the image and touch signals. The cables are connected to the motherboard through special connectors, which can be fixed with metal clamping plates.
First, carefully bend the clamps or unscrew the screws holding the clamping bars. Then use a plastic spatula to pry the connector from the bottom up. Under no circumstances pull on the cable itself - this will lead to broken contacts.
| Connector type | Disconnection method | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| ZIF (with lock) | Raise latch up | Break the plastic retainer |
| Press-fit (press-fit) | Pry from below with a spatula | Damage the contacts on the board |
| With a metal cover | Unscrew the screws, remove the cover | Lose the micro-screws |
On some devices Xiaomi the display cable runs under the battery or other components. In this case, you may need to temporarily disconnect the battery. First, disconnect the battery connector to de-energize the board, and then proceed to the display.
If you see traces of glue on the connectors, carefully remove them with a dry brush. Getting moisture or alcohol into the connector is unacceptable. After successfully disconnecting all cables, the screen becomes a free module, held only by glue around the perimeter.
What to do if the cable is torn?
If the connector comes off the cable but remains on the board, you can try to carefully insert it back with tweezers, but it is safer to replace the entire cable or screen assembly.
Removing the old screen and removing the glue
Now that all connections are broken, you need to physically remove the screen from the case. It is held in place by a strong adhesive layer around the entire perimeter of the frame. Use the hairdryer again, warming the front of the smartphone for 2-3 minutes.
Insert a thin plastic card or a special string between the frame and the display glass. Slowly move the tool, cutting the adhesive layer. If you feel a lot of resistance, add more heat. Do not try to tear off the screen by force - the matrix inside is very fragile.
After removing the display, there will be glue residue on the frame. They must be carefully removed so that the new screen lies flat. Use isopropyl alcohol and a plastic spatula. Metal objects may scratch the frame or damage the antennas built into the case.
⚠️ Caution: When removing adhesive, be careful not to get solvent on internal components, especially speakers and microphones. This can damage them.
Pay special attention to the corners of the frame. The most glue often accumulates there, and it is in these places that chips most often occur during careless dismantling. The cleaned surface must be smooth and free of grease before installing a new part.
The quality of cleaning the frame from old glue directly affects the tightness of the assembly and the absence of gaps after installing a new screen.
Nuances for different Xiaomi and Redmi models
Line of smartphones Xiaomi is extremely diverse, and the design of the display module can differ significantly. In budget models of the series Redmi The screen is often assembled with a plastic frame, which simplifies replacement. You just need to insert a new module and click it into place.
Flagship devices such as Xiaomi 13 or 14use screen-to-screen technology or gluing directly to the metal chassis. Here, removing the screen requires pinpoint precision. Often you have to remove the middle frame completely to gain access to the fasteners.
In some models with curved edges (Curved Display), dismantling is complicated by the fact that the cables go under the bend of the glass. An attempt to pry such a screen from the end is almost guaranteed to lead to its destruction. It requires heating the entire area and working with a thin wire.
It is also worth considering the presence of a fingerprint scanner under the screen. In such models, between the display and the frame there may be an additional layer of optical adhesive or a protective film that should not be damaged. Study the disassembly diagram for your specific model before starting work.
Frequent mistakes when removing the screen
Beginners often make typical mistakes that turn a simple repair into an expensive problem. The most common one is rushing to heat up. Insufficiently heated glue forces you to apply excess force, which leads to cracks.
Another mistake is using metal tools to pry up glass. Even accidentally touching the inside of the display with metal can damage the polarizing layer or liquid crystals, causing stains.
- ❌ Trying to bend the cable at an acute angle (minimum bending radius is 3-5 mm)
- ❌ Ignoring disconnecting the battery before working with the connectors
- ❌ Using aggressive chemicals (acetone) to clean the frame
- ❌ Assembling the device without checking the functionality of the new screen
Remember that the touchscreen and matrix are a single unit in most modern assemblies. Damage to one element usually requires replacement of the entire module. Careful attention to detail during the dismantling stage will save you money and time.
⚠️ Attention: Smartphone interfaces and designs are constantly changing. Before disassembling a specific model, check the current diagram in the official service manual or on specialized forums.
Can I use old glue?
Reusing the old adhesive layer is not recommended. It loses its adhesive properties after heating and removal. Always use a new adhesive backing (B-7000 or double-sided tape).
FAQ: Questions and answers about screen replacement
Do I need to re-glue the speaker mesh when replacing the screen?
Yes, if the speaker mesh is located at the top of the screen (in the "notch" or frame), when During dismantling, it often breaks or comes off. It is recommended to replace it with a new one to maintain moisture protection and sound quality.
What to do if the sensor does not work after replacement?
Check the tightness of the touchscreen cable connection. Sometimes the connector appears to be inserted, but does not go all the way. Also make sure that the protective film on the back of the new touchscreen is removed before installation.
Is it possible to replace only the glass without the matrix?
Theoretically, yes, but this requires special equipment (separator, laminator) and skills. At home, it is almost impossible to replace only the glass without damaging the matrix, so they replace the assembled module.
How to check the new screen before final assembly?
Connect the cables to the board, turn on the phone and check the image, colors and operation of the touch layer. Do not permanently glue the screen until you are sure that all functions work correctly.
Does replacing the screen affect IP68 moisture protection?
Homemade screen replacement almost always violates the factory seal. Even when using high-quality glue, the level of protection is reduced. It is not recommended to immerse a repaired phone in water.