Mi Mix 3 Screen repair

I have just done this repair for the first time.

If you have a screen including a frame, first remove the back by heating to about 80C/180F for a few minutes then prying gently around the edges using picks (guitar picks, etc.) Thankfully there are no awkward cables sticking to the back but when the back comes loose remove it gently as you will need to unplug the fingerprint reader.

Once this is done, take a photo then unscrew the motherboard shield and carefully lift it away. Be sure to organise your screws carefully so you remember which one went where. It is necessary to remove the battery to access the six screws underneath so do this by gently pulling on the two battery tabs which should stretch and remove. Be sure to hold the battery when removing the second tab. Unplug the battery from the motherboard and put it aside.

Take another photo then remove the motherboard by unscrewing the additional screws which hold it down. There is no need to unplug the cameras which should lift away with the motherboard. You will need to unplug the flat cable that links the motherboard to the board at the bottom of the phone, then peel it back carefully to access the three screws underneath. There is also a small plug that connects to the buttons on the side of the phone which you will need to unplug.

Once you have revealed the six screws beneath the battery and the two beneath the motherboard, remove the orange tape (preserving it if you can), unplug the screen from the motherboard (the plug has a rectangle of red elastomer around it), remove the screws and the screen and frame should drop away from the phone.

Reassembly is the reverse of removal.

If you have the screen without the frame then you can try heating the front of the phone and prying the dead screen away from the front. Unusually, on this model there is a plug and socket behind the screen held together with tape. Peel the tape and carefully unplug the screen, then replace with a new one. This option is easier and cheaper.