The Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets have become an integral part of the daily lives of millions of users, but sooner or later the owner faces the question: how to remove the electronic module (the so-called “watch”) from the silicone strap? The reasons can vary from battery replacement to repair after falling or getting moisture. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways for Mi Band models. 4/5/6/7/8, We also offer practical advice on how to avoid damage.
It's important to understand that the design of the bracelets has evolved with each new version. Whereas in the Mi Band 4, the module was held on latches and removed relatively easily, in the Mi Band 7 and 8, the manufacturer complicated the mounting mechanism, making it more reliable (but less repairable), we will tell you what tools you need, how to act without the risk of breaking the device, and what to do if the module is jammed.
We warn you right away that if your bracelet is still warranty, a self-automatic autopsy will cancel it, in such cases it is better to contact the service center, but if the warranty period has expired or you are willing to take risks, our instructions will help you to do everything as carefully as possible.
Preparation: What tools will be needed
Before you start removing the module, prepare the workplace and the tools you need. Don't try to do it with your bare hands -- without the tools at hand, you run the risk of scratching the case or breaking the latches. Here's the minimum set that you'll need:
- 🔧 Plastic blade (or mediator) - for careful tweaking of the module. Metal tools can leave scratches.
- 🧲 Magnet (optional, but useful) – helps to hold small details if latches fall out.
- 📸 Loop or magnifying glass – to better consider the mechanism of fastening.
- 🪛 Thin screwdriver (cross or flat) - for some models where you need to unscrew the screws.
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol - for cleaning contacts, if the module is removed due to moisture.
Also, prep a soft cloth (such as a microfiber) to put a module on it and avoid scratching. If you plan to replace the battery or repair the board, you will need a soldering iron with a thin sting and solder, but this is already a topic for a separate article.
⚠️ Warning: Don't use knives or sharp objects! The risk of damaging plumes or the body is extremely high. If you don't have a plastic shoulder blade, you can replace it with a credit card or a dense plastic card.
Mi Band 7/8 models may require a special key to unscrew miniature bolts (usually bundled with remixes), if not, it can be ordered on AliExpress or in radio parts stores.
Method 1: Removing a module from Xiaomi Mi Band 4/5/6
The Mi Band 4, 5 and 6 have a similar mounting design, and it uses a latch system that holds the body in the slots of the strap, and it's important to be smooth and not to put too much effort into it.
Step-by-step:
- Place the bracelet on a flat surface with the screen down.
- Insert the plastic blade into the gap between the module and the strap on the side (on the side of the button).
- Carefully press the blade down, simultaneously pull the module up and to the side (as if trying to "move" it from the strap).
- Once one side comes out of the groove, repeat the action from the opposite side.
If the module doesn't respond, try scrolling it around your axis a little bit -- sometimes it helps loosen the latches. Don't pull too hard: in the Mi Band 6, the power plume can come off if you pull the module at the wrong angle.
Check if the bracelet is turned off (if possible)
Take a picture of the module in the strap
Prepare a soft surface for laying parts
Make sure that the tools do not have sharp edges.-->
For clarity, check out the YouTube video instructions (see "Xiaomi Mi Band 6 disassembly"). Note that the Mi Band 5 latches are a little deeper, so more effort may be required.
⚠️ Attention: Mi Band 4, when you're not getting it right, it often breaks the plastic button locker, and if it breaks, it stops pressing, so you have to glue it back or replace the body.
Method 2: Disassembly Xiaomi Mi Band 7/8 - difficulties and nuances
With the release of the Mi Band 7 and 8, Xiaomi has radically changed the mounting system, now the module is fixed not only by latches, but also by miniature screws, and in some versions even with glue, which makes it difficult to disassemble, but makes the structure more protected from moisture and dust.
What you'll need:
- 🔩 Screwdriver. T3 or T4 (depending on the screw model).
- 🔥 Hair dryer (if the module is glued) - to heat and weaken the glue.
- 🧊 Cold spray (optional) – helps cool plastic and make it less brittle.
Sequence of action:
- Unscrew the two screws on the back of the module (they can be hidden under the sticker).
- If the module does not separate, gently warm it with a hair dryer (temperature not higher than 60 ° C) for 30 seconds.
- Tap the body with a plastic spatula and slowly separate it from the strap.
- In the Mi Band 8, you may need to unplug the display plume – do it extremely carefully!
In these models, the screws most often break, they are miniature and easily break off with excessive force. If the screw breaks, it can be drilled with a thin drill (0.8-1 mm) or gently melted with a soldering iron.
Mi Band 4/5
Mi Band 6
Mi Band 7
Mi Band 8
Another.-->
| Model | Type of attachment | Difficulty disassembling | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 4 | Latches | Easy. | Breakdown of the button locker |
| Mi Band 5 | Latches + deep grooves | Medium | Scratches on the hull |
| Mi Band 6 | Latches + additional latches | Medium | The plume break |
| Mi Band 7 | Screws + glue | Difficult. | Screw failure, display damage |
| Mi Band 8 | Screws + glue + plume | Very complicated. | Sensor failure, display failure |
What to do if the module is jammed
Sometimes the module refuses to step out of the strap despite all efforts, which can happen because of:
- 💧 Moisture infestations - corrosion "welds" metal parts.
- 🏖️ Sand or dust – particles are clogged into the grooves.
- 🔨 Deformation of the body after falling.
Solutions:
- Heat: Use a hair dryer or place the bracelet in warm water (not boiling water!) for 5-10 minutes. Heat will expand the plastic and loosen the latches.
- WD-40 or alcohol: Apply a few drops on the joints and wait 10 minutes. This will help dissolve dirt or glue.
- Careful loosening: Try swaying the module left-right without applying vertical force.
If nothing works, you should not use brute force, you should contact the service. In extreme cases, you can saw the strap with a stationery knife (but then you will have to replace it).
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Before heating, remove the strap from your hand – some Mi Band models have a thermosensitive glue that can melt and stain your skin.
Replacement of the battery: when necessary
One of the main reasons for disassembling the bracelet is to replace the battery, and over time, the battery capacity decreases and the device begins to run out in a few hours, and here are the signs that the battery should be changed:
- ⚡ The bracelet discharges in 1-2 days (with the initial 5-7 days of work).
- 🔋 In annex Mi Fit/Zepp displays an incorrect percentage of charge (for example, jumps from the 50% before 1%).
- 🛑 The device shuts down at 20-30% charge.
- 🔥 The body swelled (seen by the deformation of the screen or strap).
To replace the battery in the Mi Band 4-6, you just need to remove the module and solder off the old battery. In the Mi Band 7/8, the process is more complicated - you will need:
- Disconnect the display plume.
- Remove the metal screen (glued, you need a hair dryer).
- Solder off the battery without damaging the charge controller.
The cost of a new battery for the Mi Band is from 300 to 800 rubles (depending on the model).Buy only from trusted sellers, as fakes can swell or not hold the charge.
What happens if the battery is not soldered correctly?
How to avoid breakdowns during disassembly
To avoid turning the bracelet into a brick, follow these rules:
- 🛠️ Don’t disassemble in the cold – the plastic becomes brittle and can crack.
- ⚡ Turn off power: if the battery is not removable, let the bracelet completely discharge.
- 📱 Backup your data in the Zepp app if you plan to shut down for a long time.
- 🧤 Use an antistatic bracelet or touch grounded items periodically.
Pay special attention to the plumes (in Mi Band 7/8): they are attached by fragile connectors. If the plume is broken, it can be soldered back, but this requires experience with a soldering station and a microscope.
After assembly, check the leakproofness by placing the bracelet in a plastic bag with a napkin. If after 10 minutes the napkin is dry, you can use it. If moisture appears, the seals are damaged, and the device is not protected from water.
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The main rule of dismantling Xiaomi Mi Band: if you are not confident in their abilities - do not risk. the cost of repair in the service (1000-2000 rubles) is often lower than the price of a new bracelet (2500-4000 rubles).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make disassembly mistakes, and here are the most common ones:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Use of metal tools | Scratches on the body, short circuit | Use only plastic shoulder blades |
| Wrong angle application of force | Display plume break | Pull the module strictly upwards, without distortions |
| Heating above 60°C | Deformation of the body, detachment of the screen | Use a dryer at minimum power |
| Moisture on the board | Corrosion of contacts, failure | Work in a dry place, avoid condensation |
Another common problem is the loss of cogs. In the Mi Band 7/8, they're tiny and easy to drop, and to avoid that, use a magnetic mat or a sticky tape that you can temporarily attach parts to.
If the bracelet does not turn on after assembly, check:
- Is the battery properly connected (polarity!)?
- Is the display plume damaged?
- Whether all latches are closed (sometimes the module does not contact the charging pins).