Xiaomi 12 WiFi Antenna Repair
Complete guide to Xiaomi 12 wifi antenna repair. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
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💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
WiFi Antenna Repair is one of the most common repairs for Xiaomi 12. This repair involves replacing the damaged connectivity component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 1-2 hours and requires moderate skill level.
What You'll Need
- Replacement connectivity part (OEM or aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
- Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Clean workspace with good lighting
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Loosen the rear glass adhesive
Allow your phone's battery to fully drain before starting repairs. A charged battery may catch fire if damaged during the repair.
Unplug any cables and fully shut down your phone.
A [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Use+a+Hair+Dryer+to+Soften+Adhesive/157348|new_window=true|hair dryer], [https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Use+a+Heat+Gun+to+Soften+Adhesive/151116|heat gun|new_window=true], or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the phone—the display and internal battery are both susceptible to heat damage.
Step 2: Insert an opening pick
The adhesive securing the rear glass is strong, and creating a gap requires significant force. If you're having trouble, apply more heat and try again.
If your rear glass is badly cracked, [https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Tape+Over+a+Cracked+Phone+Screen/140533|covering it with a layer of clear packing tape|new_window=true] may allow the suction handle to adhere. Alternatively, [link|https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/NgVMfmOgJwEalMFF.full|new_window=true|very strong tape] may be used instead of the suction handle. If all else fails, you can superglue the suction handle to the broken rear glass.
Apply a suction handle to the center of the rear glass's bottom edge, as close to the edge as possible.
Pull up on the suction handle with strong, steady force to create a gap between the rear glass and frame.
Insert an opening pick where the charging port is located.
Step 3: Slice the bottom edge adhesive
During the following steps, don't insert your pick more than 4 mm to avoid damaging internal components.
Slide the opening pick to the bottom right corner of the rear glass to slice its adhesive.
Leave the opening pick in place to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
Step 4: Insert a second opening pick
Insert a second opening pick at the bottom right corner and slide it to the bottom left corner of the rear glass to slice the adhesive.
Leave the opening pick in place to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
Step 5: Slice the left edge adhesive
If the adhesive becomes hard to cut, apply your [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iOpener+Heating/25705|new_window=true|iOpener] for 1–2 minutes or use a [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Use+a+Hair+Dryer+to+Soften+Adhesive/157348|new_window=true|hair dryer] or [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Use+a+Heat+Gun+to+Soften+Adhesive/151116|new_window=true|heat gun] to reheat it.
Insert a third opening pick under the bottom left corner of the rear glass.
Slide the opening pick along the left edge of the rear glass to slice the adhesive.
Leave the opening pick in the top left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
Step 6: Slice the top edge adhesive
Insert a fourth opening pick under the top left corner of the rear glass.
Slide the opening pick along the top edge of the phone to slice the adhesive.
Leave the opening pick in the top right corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
Step 7: Slice the right edge adhesive
Insert a fifth opening pick under the top right corner of the rear glass and slide it to the bottom right corner to slice the remaining adhesive.
Step 8: Remove the rear glass
Remove the rear glass.
If the rear glass is still stuck to the frame, slide an opening pick around the entire perimeter until the rear glass separates completely.
During reassembly:
This is a good point to power on your phone and test all functions before sealing it up. Be sure to power your phone back down completely before you continue working.
During reassembly, [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Use+a+Pre-Cut+Adhesive+Sheet/113604|new_window=true|secure the rear glass with pre-cut adhesive or double-sided tape] after cleaning the relevant areas with high-concentration isopropyl alcohol (>90%) and a lint-free cloth.
After installing the rear glass, apply strong, steady pressure to your phone for several minutes to help the adhesive form a good bond—a stack of heavy books works well.
Step 9: Loosen the charging coil assembly
The charging coil assembly is adhered to the loudspeaker with mild adhesive tape.
Insert an opening pick under the bottom right corner of the charging coil.
Slide the pick toward the charging port to separate the adhesive.
Insert a pick under the bottom left corner of the charging coil and separate its adhesive.
An [link|https://guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com/igi/CLausH5yKKm13gtg.full|new_window=true|interconnect cable runs underneath the bottom left corner of the charging coil]. Avoid tearing, slicing, or creasing it while separating the adhesive tape.
Step 10: Remove the indicator sticker
An orange water damage indicator sticker covers a screw on the top edge of the motherboard cover. Pierce through it with your screwdriver or use [product|IF145-020|tweezers] to remove it.
Step 11: Unfasten the flash connector cover
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four 5.4 mm-long screws securing the flash connector cover.
Step 12: Remove the flash connector cover
Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the flash connector cover.
Step 13: Disconnect the flash
Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the the flash [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Recognizing+&+Disconnecting+Cable+Connectors/25629#s70308|new_window=true|press connector].
Step 14: Unfasten the motherboard cover screws
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the seven screws securing the motherboard cover:
Five 5.4 mm-long black screws
Two 4.4 mm-long silver screws
Step 15: Pry up the motherboard cover
The motherboard cover is further held in place by plastic clips.
Insert an opening pick under the bottom right corner of the motherboard cover and pry it up.
Slide the pick up along the right edge of the motherboard cover.
Twist the pick to release the remaining clips.
Step 16: Remove the motherboard cover
Remove the motherboard cover.
The charging coil is attached to the motherboard cover and will lift up at the same time.
Step 17: Disconnect the battery cables
Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect ***both*** battery cables by prying the connectors straight up from their sockets.
Step 18: Disconnect the interconnect cable
Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the interconnect cable press connector.
To re-attach [https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Recognizing+&+Disconnecting+Cable+Connectors/25629#s70308|press connectors|new_window=true] like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Don't press down in the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend and cause permanent damage.
Step 19: Reposition the interconnect cable
Don't crease or strain the interconnect cable during this step.
Flip the interconnect cable over the bottom of the phone to access to the battery.
It can be handy to use a small piece of tape to temporarily stick the cable onto your work surface to hold it out of your way during battery removal.
Step 20: Peel up the battery pull-tabs
Take care not to puncture or bend the battery with your tools—it can leak dangerous chemicals and/or catch fire.
Use a pair of blunt nose [product|IF145-020|tweezers] or a clean fingernail to peel up the orange pull-tab labeled "***A***".
Step 21:
Use a pair of blunt nose tweezers or a clean fingernail to peel up the orange pull-tab labeled "***B***".
Step 22: Lift the battery
Strong adhesive secures the battery to the frame.
Grip both sides of the pull-tab labeled "***A***" and pull up to lift the battery out of its recess.
If you have trouble lifting the battery, heat the screen side with an [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iOpener+Heating/25705|new_window=true|iOpener], [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Use+a+Hair+Dryer+to+Soften+Adhesive/157348|new_window=true|hair dryer], or [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Use+a+Heat+Gun+to+Soften+Adhesive/151116|new_window=true|heat gun] to soften the adhesive under the battery.
Don't apply heat directly to the battery, as doing so is a fire hazard. Only heat the screen until it's barely too hot to touch.
Step 23: Remove the battery
Peel the battery off of the remaining adhesive and remove it.
Never reuse a deformed or damaged battery—it's a fire hazard. Replace it with a new battery.
To install a new battery:
Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the old adhesive from the frame.
Use high-concentration isopropyl alcohol (>90%) and a lint-free cloth to remove any remaining adhesive residue.
Temporarily connect the replacement battery's cables to the motherboard and lay the battery in its recess to ensure proper fit and orientation.
If your replacement battery isn‘t already equipped with adhesive, apply double-sided tape such as [link|https://www.ifixit.com/products/tesa-61395-tape|new_window=true|Tesa Tape] directly to the battery recess where the old adhesive was.
Lay the replacement battery in its recess and press down firmly on the entire surface of the battery to secure it.
📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
iFixit Difficulty: Moderate | Time: NaNh NaNm
DIY vs Professional Repair
✋ DIY Repair
- ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $36-$108)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($60-$180)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your Xiaomi 12 instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 56 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new Xiaomi 12 generates 60 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 4 kg of CO₂. That's a 93% reduction in carbon emissions!
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