Xiaomi Mi 3 Motherboard Replacement

Press the SIM card removal tool firmly into the hole at the top of the phone.

The SIM card may be ejected and could fall or get lost if not caught.

Be aware that tampering with the phone may void its warranty.

• Remove the two Phillips head screws at the top of the phone, one under an orange sticker.
• The SIM card ejector location is nearby.

Careful not to damage the screen or internal components.

• Insert a prying tool into the small gap at the upper edge of the phone.
• Use it to start separating the screen from the rest of the phone's frame.

Careful handling is required to avoid damaging the phone's screen or internal components.

• Slide the pry tool around the perimeter of the phone, gently lifting until the panels separate.

Separate the phone back from the screen.

Place the front panel screen side down with camera facing upwards.

• Remove six Phillips head screws located at the top half of the phone.

• Careful not to strip the screw head; it may be hidden under an orange sticker.

• Use a pair of tweezers to remove the sticker, then take out the screw located at the top right corner of the panel.

Remove the screws located at the bottom of the back panel.

Remove the rubber dust cover from the back panel using a pair of tweezers.

Insert pry tool at the edge of the plastic cover, then lift it off gently.

Insert the pry tool into the upper edge of the back panel and gently lift the upper plastic cover.

Some models have the NFC antenna glued to the top cover; in these cases, you must remove the battery before proceeding. Check the touchscreen guide for specific instructions on removing the battery and top cover.

Disconnect the small ribbon cable from the battery using a spudger.

Careful removal is necessary as the Battery is secured by double-sided tape.

• Grip the Battery Removal tab and pull up on it.
• Some force may be required due to the adhesive securing the battery in place.

Remove the battery from the panel.

Use a pry tool to disconnect the antenna wire from its attachment point on the lower left side of the motherboard.

Locate the LCD display cable at the bottom right corner of the motherboard.

• Use a pry tool to carefully separate the LCD display cable from the motherboard.
• The cable is connected by a rectangular metallic piece.

Insert a p Pry Tool under the wide end of the gold ribbon cable and lift up.

Be careful not to damage the gold contacts or the cable itself.

Use the pry tool to carefully separate the cable ribbon at the top right of the motherboard.

• Gently insert the pry tool under the rectangular metallic piece.
• Lift the piece to release the cable ribbon.

Insert the pry tool under the rectangular metallic piece on the motherboard, located near the previously separated cable.

• Gently lift the metallic piece to separate the cable ribbon.

Locate and carefully pry side control buttons assembly away from case.

• Use a pry tool for this purpose.
• The buttons should come loose with minimal force, indicating connection to the motherboard is loose.

Remove screws 1 and 2.

Use a pry tool to carefully remove the motherboard. Position it at the top edge of the panel and gently pry upwards.

• Lift the motherboard away from its mounting points on this side only.

The motherboard is now free from its housing.