When the charger is lost, and the bracelet is discharged: what to do?
The situation is familiar to many: fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band (or Redmi Band, Smart Band) has discharged to zero, and the native charging somewhere disappeared. Buying a new one is not always convenient - especially if you are on a business trip, in the country or just do not want to waste time waiting for delivery. Fortunately, there are several ways to charge the bracelet without the original cable, using improvised means.
In this article, we'll look at 7 working methods that can help bring the device back to life. Importantly, not all methods are equally safe. Some require accuracy, others are suitable only for certain models. We'll give you all the nuances so that you can choose the best option without risking damage to the bracelet.
Before you start, check:
- π Charge level: If the bracelet is completely discharged, some methods may not work the first time.
- π± Model of the device: Mi Band 3/4/5/6/7/8 Redmi Band β This depends on the location of the contacts.
- π The availability of alternative sources of nutrition: USB-Computer port, power bank, charging from the phone.
Note: If the Xiaomi bracelet doesnβt turn on after completely discharging, you may need to βwake upβ it by holding the button for a long time (for models with a physical button) or connecting to charge for 10-15 minutes.
Method 1: Use of universal USB-pinched"
One of the most reliable ways to buy or borrow a universal charging cable with spring contacts (called a βpinpinpinβ), such cables are sold in electronics stores (for example, AliExpress, Wildberries) and are suitable for most fitness bracelets, including Xiaomi.
How it works:
- π The cable has USB-connector on one side and spring contacts on the other.
- π The contacts are adjusted in width to fit different bracelet models.
- β‘ Connects to anyone. USB-port (computer, charge from the phone, power bank).
Step-by-step:
- Remove the strap from the bracelet to open access to contacts.
- Spread the cableβs spring contacts by a width corresponding to the distance between the contacts on the bracelet.
- Carefully press the cable contacts to the contacts of the bracelet (usually they are located on the back side of the case).
- Connect. USB-power-storage.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use excessive force when fixing the "pinpins" - this can damage the contacts of the bracelet. If the device does not start charging, check the polarity (plus / minus) - sometimes you need to flip the cable.
Remove the strap from the bracelet|Check the purity of contacts (if necessary, wipe with alcohol)|Adjust the width of spring contacts|Connect to USB-port|Control the temperature of the bracelet (does not overheat)-->
Method 2: Charging from the phone through OTG-cable (for Mi Band) 5/6/7/8)
If you have a smartphone with support OTG (On-The-Go, you can try charging the bracelet directly from your phone, which is suitable for Mi Band 5 and later models, as they support charging through standard charging. USB-C microUSB (depending on the adapter).
What you need:
- π± Smartphone with OTG (Most of the modern Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO support).
- π OTG-Adapter (if the phone does not have a direct phone) USB-C port).
- π Charging cable from the bracelet (or universal with a "pinpinpin").
Instructions:
- Connect. OTG-smartphone adapter.
- Connect the adapter to the bracelet charging cable (or universal cable).
- Put the contacts on the bracelet.
- A notification about the connected device may appear on the phone β ignore it.
β οΈ Warning: Charging from the phone is slower than from the outlet. If the charge level of the phone is below 30%, it is better to use a different power source, otherwise both devices can run out of power.
| Model bracelet | Support OTG-charging | Max. Charging current. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 3/4 | β No. | β | Original cable required |
| Mi Band 5/6 | β Yes. | ~100 m. | Slow charging, possible failures |
| Mi Band 7/8 | β Yes. | ~200 m. | Stable, but requires quality OTG |
| Redmi Band | β οΈ Partially. | ~50 m. | Maybe not recognized. |
π‘
If the bracelet does not start charging through OTG, Try connecting your phone to charge β sometimes you need extra power to activate it. OTG-regime.
Method 3: Homemade charging from a Krona battery" (9V) β emergency
If you're not on hand USB-port, but there's a Krone battery" (9V), This is a method that is only suitable for emergencies and requires caution - improper connection can damage the bracelet!
What you need:
- π The Krone battery" (9V).
- π Two wires (can be taken from the old charger).
- π§² Scotch or tape.
- π Loupa (for precise connection).
Step-by-step:
- Clean the ends of the wires by 5-7 mm.
- Connect one wire to "+" Batteries, the other to the -. Lock it up with a tape.
- Carefully press the free ends of the wires to the contacts of the bracelet (polarity is important!). π΄ Red wire (plus) - to contact with the marking "+" or+" (right-hand). β« Black wire (minus) - to contact with the marking "-" or "GND" (left).
Hold the contacts for 1-2 seconds. If the bracelet starts charging, fix the wires with tape.
β οΈ Attention: Voltage 9V higher-than-standard 5V USB-Do not keep the connection longer than 5-10 seconds at a time to avoid overheating.Repeat the procedure at intervals of 1 minute.
What happens if you confuse polarity?
Method 4: Charging through a power bank with an adapter
If you have an external battery, you can use it to charge the bracelet even without the original cable.
- π Power bank with USB-port.
- π Universal cable with a "pinpin" or homemade adapter.
- π A piece of foil or thin copper wire (optional).
Option 1: With universal cable
Just connect the "pincloth" to the power bank through USB-This is the same as a computer charging method, but it's more mobile.
Option 2: Homemade foil adapter
If there is no "pincloth", you can temporarily connect the contacts of the bracelet with the USB-Port Power Bank with Foil:
- Cut a strip of foil 3-4 mm wide and 20 mm long.
- Fold it in half to make a bridge.
- One end, press the contact "+" on the bracelet, the other to "+" into USB-Power Bank Ports (usually the most extreme contacts).
- Repeat for the - contact.
β οΈ Warning: Foil is a temporary solution! It can overheat, so charge the bracelet no longer than 10-15 minutes at a time).
π‘
Power bank should support an output current of at least 500 mA. If the bracelet is not charging, try another power bank - some budget models turn off the port at low power consumption.
Method 5: Charging from a solar panel (for tourists and summer residents)
If you are in nature or in the country without electricity, you can use a portable solar panel with a solar panel. USB-This method is suitable for Mi Band 5 and newer models, as they are less demanding on the stability of the food supply.
What you need:
- βοΈ Solar panel with power from 5W s USB-port.
- π Universal cable or homemade adapter.
- π€οΈ Clear weather (cloudy skies reduce efficiency).
How to charge:
- Place the solar panel under direct sunlight.
- Connect the bracelet via cable to USB-port.
- Control the process: if the panel overheats, take a break.
Charging speeds will be low (about 1-2% per hour), but this will be enough to βreanimateβ a fully discharged bracelet. To speed up the process, you can use a buffer battery: first charge from a power bank solar panel, and then from it β a bracelet.
β οΈ Warning: Do not leave the bracelet on the solar panel unattended. voltage changes (for example, if a shadow is hit) can cause the power controller to fail.
Method 6: Using charging from other gadgets (earphones, smart watches)
Some chargers from other gadgets (e.g. Xiaomi AirDots, Amazfit, Huawei Band) have similar connectors or contacts, and if you have one, you can try connecting the bracelet to charge them.
Compatible devices (verified by users):
- π§ Charging case from Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 (fitting for the Mi Band 6/7).
- β Charging dock from Amazfit Bip U (needs to finalize contacts).
- π± Wireless charging from Xiaomi Mi Watch (only for models with support for Qi).
How to connect:
- Compare the location of contacts on the bracelet and charger.
- If necessary, put a piece of foil or paper to make the contacts match.
- Secure the bracelet with tape or rubber band so that the contacts do not shift.
β οΈ Attention: Not all charging is compatible! For example, charging from the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch has a different voltage and can damage the Xiaomi bracelet. 5V, current up to 500 mA).
Method 7: Contactless charging (only for Mi Band 7 Pro and later)
The Mi Band 7 Pro and Mi Band 8 Pro models support wireless charging according to the Qi standard. If you have wireless charging from a smartphone (for example, from the Xiaomi Mi 11 or Redmi Note 10 Pro), you can try charging the bracelet wirelessly.
How it works:
- Place the bracelet on the charging pad so that its back touches the surface.
- Make sure the bracelet is in the center (for better contact).
- Connect the charging pad to the power source.
If the bracelet does not start charging:
- π Try turning it over on the other side.
- π± Check if the charging pad is on (some models have an on button).
- π Make sure the area is producing sufficient voltage (Qi standard β 5V).
β οΈ Warning: Wireless charging for the Mi Band is slower than wired charging. If the bracelet is discharged to 0%, it may take 10-15 minutes before it starts showing signs of charging.
What if the bracelet is not charged in any way?
If youβve tried all the methods, but the Xiaomi bracelet still doesnβt charge, the following problems are possible:
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The bracelet does not respond to charging | Deep battery discharge | Leave on charging for 30β60 minutes, then try to reboot (hold the button for 20 seconds) |
| Charging is going, but very slowly. | Weak power supply (e.g., weak power supply, USB 1.0) | Use the charger from your phone (1A or 2A) |
| The bracelet warms up when charging | Short circuit or irregular polarity | Turn it off immediately! Check contacts and polarity. |
| Charging is interrupted | Poor contact or oxidation of contacts | Wipe the contacts with alcohol, tighten the wires. |
If neither of these methods worked, the power controller or battery may have failed, and repairs will be required at the service center, and the cost of replacing the battery for the Mi Band is around 500-1,500 rubles (depending on the model).
Warning signs of failure:
- π₯ The bracelet is very hot even without charging.
- π The battery is discharged in a few hours (with normal use).
- β‘ Charging is only in a certain position of the cable.