The Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelet has long been one of the most popular activity-tracking gadgets, but even such a reliable device has a weak spot: a strap. Over time, it stretches, cracks or just gets bored with the standard design. Where to buy a replacement so as not to run into a fake or a low-quality analog?
In this article, we will look at all possible purchase options, from official Xiaomi stores to Chinese marketplaces, where prices are 2-3 times lower, you will learn how to distinguish the original from the replica, what materials are better to choose for sports or everyday wear, and where to find exclusive designs that are not in mass sale, and also tell you how to save on delivery and not overpay for intermediaries.
Xiaomi Official Stores: Quality Guarantee, but Not Always Profitable
The most obvious way to buy a Mi Band strap is to go to the manufacturer. Official stores offer original accessories with a guarantee of compatibility, but often at inflated prices. Where exactly do you look?
- 🏬 Xiaomi brand stores – in Russia, this is the Mi Store network (for example, in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg). Here you can touch the straps before buying and check compatibility with your bracelet model.
- 🌍 Official website of Xiaomi Russia (mi.com/ru) — The accessories catalogue is updated regularly, but the strap range is often limited to the base colors.
- 🛒 Authorized resellers, like Svyaznoy, M. Video, or Eldorado, you can find original stock straps here, but check for a certificate of authenticity.
⚠️ Note: Official stores often sell straps only for the latest models (Mi Band) 7/8). If you have an older bracelet 2021 Years (e.g. Mi Band) 5), You will have to look for alternative options - the manufacturer gradually curtails support for old accessories.
2 Marketplaces: a wide choice, but the risk of running into a fake
If the official stores don't have the right color or material, you should check out popular marketplaces, which are much wider and prices are lower, but there are pitfalls: up to 30% of straps on platforms like Wildberries or Ozon can be unoriginal or low quality.
How do you minimize the risks? Pay attention to:
- ⭐ Seller rating – choose shops with a rating of not less than 4.8 and the number of reviews from 500+.
- 📸 Photos from buyers – real images often show defects that are not on the product card.
- 🔍 Description of the material - the original straps for the Mi Band are made from TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane, or the highest grade silicone, if you just say "plastic," it's a fake.
- 💬 Reviews with photos – look for comments where customers compare the new strap with the original.
🔹 Lifehack: Wildberries can filter products according to the "Original Product" option (under the "Brand"), which does not give a 100% guarantee, but reduces the number of outright fakes.
| Marketplace. | Average price (ruble) | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildberries | 300–800 | Quick delivery, cashback, frequent discounts | Many fakes, limited range for older models |
| Ozon | 250–700 | More sellers, sometimes come across rare colors | Longer delivery, harder to return the goods |
| Yandex Market | 400–1000 | Price aggregator, convenient filter by parameters | Prices are often higher than at other venues |
| AliExpress | 150–500 | The lowest prices, a huge selection of designs | Long delivery (2-4 weeks), risk of counterfeiting |
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Before buying on the marketplace, check the compatibility of the strap with your Mi Band model. For example, the straps for the Mi Band 6 will not work for the Mi Band 8 due to the changed mount.
3. Chinese sites: cheap, but long and risky
If you are not willing to pay for the brand and are willing to wait, Chinese sites offer straps for Xiaomi Mi Band at prices 2-5 times lower than in Russia.
🔹 Pros of buying in China:
- 💰 Prices from 100-200 rubles for a strap (against 500-1000 in Russian stores).
- 🎨 Unique designs: metal bracelets, engraved straps, exclusive colors (e.g. neon green or transparent silicone).
- 📦 3-5 straps in one order (beneficial if you want to change style often).
⚠️ Attention: About 60 percent of straps on AliExpress are non-original accessories that can hold the bracelet poorly, irritate the skin, or break quickly to avoid disappointment:
- Choose sellers with a rating of at least 98% and orders from 1000+.
- Look for the phrases “Original Xiaomi accessory” or “Genuine Mi Band strap” in the description.
- Check the reviews with the photo – the original straps have the Mi logo on the inside.
📌 Shipping tip: If you order on AliExpress, choose the free-delivery options "Cainiao Super Economy" - they go longer (3-4 weeks), but rarely get lost. For urgency, take "AliExpress Standard Shipping" (10-15 days).
How to distinguish the original Xiaomi strap from a fake?
Local shops and service centers: fast but expensive
If the strap is needed urgently (for example, the old one broke right before training), you can contact:
- 🛠️ Xiaomi service centers – they sell original parts, but the range is usually limited to basic colors (black, white, blue), prices are 20-30% higher than on marketplaces.
- 🏪 Phone accessories stores – for example, Cellular, Telephone.ru or small pavilions in the shopping center. Here you can touch the strap before buying, but the choice is often limited to universal options that are suitable for different bracelets.
- 🔧 Electronics repair shops – sometimes they have used straps in good condition (cheaper than new ones by 40–50%).
🔹 Important: Local stores often sell "universal" straps that "fit all Mi Bands." In practice, they may not fit tightly on the bracelet or have an uncomfortable clasp. Always check compatibility with your model!
💡 Unexpected: Some sports stores (e.g. Decathlon) sell straps for fitness trackers that are suitable for the Xiaomi Mi Band.
Density of attachment to the bracelet | Quality of material (is there a sharp smell) | Performance of the fastener | Presence of the Xiaomi logo (if the original is important) | Compatibility with your Mi Band-->
5 Groups on social networks and bulletin boards: cheap, but at risk
If the budget is limited, you can look for straps in the secondary market:
- 📱 Groups in VK/Facebook — for example “Xiaomi Russia | Buy/Sell" or "Mi Band and other fitness bracelets. They often sell used straps in good condition at a price in the same place. 2–3 lower.
- 🔄 Avito/Yula - search for "mi band strap" 7" Or "Mi Band Band Band Band Band Band Band Band Band Band Band Band." Pay attention to the photo and description -- vendors don't always specify the bracelet model that the band is designed for.
- 🤝 Forums and thematic chats - on 4PDA or in Telegram channels on Xiaomi often share links to profitable purchases or sell accessories with hands".
⚠️ Warning: When buying with hands, never transfer money forward - use a secure trade (on Avito) or face-to-face meeting. Fraudsters often ask for a "reserve" or "delivery" payment, after which they disappear.
🔹 Plus secondary market: Here you can find rare colors or limited edition straps (for example, Mi Band 6). NFC with a gold clasp, which is no longer on sale.
6. Alternative options: straps from other brands
You don't have to buy a Xiaomi strap, and many accessories from other manufacturers are good for the Mi Band -- sometimes they're even better in quality!
🔹 Which brands are worth considering:
- 🏆 Amazfit – straps from Amazfit Bip or GTR They are often compatible with the Mi Band. 7/8 (You need to specify the width, it should be 18–22 mm).
- 💪 Garmin – Garmin Vivosmart silicone straps are suitable for most Mi Band models (check the mounting!).
- 👔 Universal straps, such as from Casio or Timex, the main thing is that the width is the same (for Mi Band). 6/7/8 — 20 mm).
- 🛡️ Strap protector covers – some brands (like Spigen) produce Mi Band covers with replaceable straps.
📌 Important: When buying a strap from another brand, specify:
- The width of the band (for Mi Band 5 - 18 mm, for Mi Band 6/7/8 - 20 mm).
- The type of attachment (the Mi Band it is specific - not all universal straps will fit).
- Material (e.g., Apple Watch straps are often too rigid for the Mi Band).
💡 Tip: AliExpress can find adapters that allow you to use straps from the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch on the Mi Band. ~200-300 rubles and open access to premium designs.
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Bands from other brands are often cheaper and better than the original ones, but require careful compatibility checks. Always check the width and type of attachment!
7. How to choose a strap: material, color, functionality
It's not enough to buy a strap, you need to choose one that fits your lifestyle.
🔹 Materials:
- 🧴 silicone/TPU — It's a sporty option, not afraid of water, but it can cause sweating in summer.
- 🧵 Fabric (nylon) – breathable, stylish, but quickly stained and not suitable for swimming pool.
- 🔗 Metal (Milanian weaving) – looks premium but heavy and can rub the wrist.
- 🌿 Eco-skin – suitable for the office, but afraid of moisture and requires care.
🔹 Colour:
- 🖤 Classic black is universal, but marquee.
- 🌈 Bright colors – clearly visible in the photo for social networks, but may not be combined with clothes.
- ⚪ White/beige – stylish but quickly stains.
- 💎 Transparent is a fashion trend, but scratches.
🔹 Functionality:
- 🏊 Waterproof – if you swim with a bracelet, choose silicone or TPU.
- 🔒 Magnetic fastener is more convenient, but less reliable; classic "hole" - more reliable, but can rub.
- 📏 Length - the standard length of the Mi Band strap - 155-210 mm. If the wrist is thinner or thicker, look for options with adjustment.
📌 Athletes' advice: If you're in the gym, choose antibacterial straps (such as silver ions) that prevent odor and skin irritation.