How to change the bracelet on Xiaomi watches: a detailed guide

Changing the strap is the easiest way to personalize your Xiaomi Mi Band fitness tracker and adapt it to different life situations. Owners often wonder how to change the bracelet on Xiaomi watches, as the regular silicone can cause irritation or simply get bored with color.The replacement process does not require special tools, but has its own nuances depending on the generation of the device.

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi trackers are equipped with a capsule that can be easily removed from the base, which allows you to use hundreds of different design options, from sports nylon to classic leather.

In this article, we will discuss the mounting mechanics for all current versions, from the Mi Band 4 to the latest models, learn how to safely remove the tracker without damaging the screen or plastic latches, and what types of straps are best suited for active sports or business meetings.

Design features and types of fastenings

Before you start changing the accessory, it is important to understand the principle of fixing the tracker inside the strap. All Mi Band generations use a "capsule" system, but the ways of holding it differ. In early models, such as the Mi Band 2 and 3, the capsule was simply inserted into the slots of the silicone by friction, which sometimes led to the device falling out when sudden movements.

Since the fourth generation, engineers have introduced a more robust system, which now holds the capsule with special guides or hidden locks, and has become more dense, which prevents the tracker from falling out spontaneously, but it also complicates the extraction process, requiring some skill or the use of auxiliary items.

The Mi Band 7 and Mi Band 8 went a step further by introducing quick-removal mechanisms. The eighth series, for example, uses a quick-fasten system where you don't even have to take the capsule out of the frame, you unfasten the entire frame, and it changes the way you think about how to change your xiomy wristband, making it instantaneous.

⚠️ Warning: Never use sharp metal objects (knives, needles) to poke the capsule near the screen.

Understanding your mount type is the first step to a successful replacement. If you try to force the tracker out of the latch model, you can break the plastic case. Always check for hidden locks on the back of the device before you make any effort.

Instructions for Mi Band 4, 5 and 6

Generation 4-6 models have a similar design, where the capsule is inserted into a silicone base. To replace the strap, you have to push the tracker out. The standard method involves using a thumb, but often the silicone sits too tight.

Take the tracker in your hands and flip it down with the screen. Find the circular recess on the back of the capsule. That's where you press your thumb, while pushing the tracker forward with the thumb of the other hand. The movement should be confident, but smooth.

If you can't handle it, you can use a thin blunt object, like a plastic card or a nail, and the main thing is not to damage the charging contacts that are located on the ends of the capsule. After extraction, simply insert the tracker into the new strap until the characteristic click or tight fit.

• 🔹 Make sure the charging contacts are not covered by the new strap material.
• 🔹 When installing, watch for orientation: the rounded part of the screen should look upwards.
• 🔹 Check the density of the landing, slightly pulling the edges of the strap in different directions.

Some users have noted that new third-party straps can sit tighter than the original, so don't be afraid to put in a little more effort, but control them so that the silicone doesn't burst.

Replacement of the band with the Mi Band 7 and 7 Pro

The seventh generation has made changes to the geometry of the body, making it more streamlined, and the extraction principle is similar to previous versions, but the contact area with the strap, which makes the clutch more reliable, but requires a more precise impact on the attachment point.

For the Mi Band 7, it is important to press strictly into the center of the recess on the back cover. Shifting the force to the side can cause the capsule to jam in the silicone. If you change the bracelet for the first time, it is recommended to do so over a soft surface, such as a sofa, in case the tracker pops out abruptly.

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Lubricate the edges of the capsule with a drop of water or soap solution before being installed in a new silicone strap - this will make insertion easier and prevent the material from rupturing.

The Pro version is similar, but because of the larger body size, the pressure area with your finger may not be enough, and the two-hand method may be useful: hold the strap at both ends with one hand, creating tension, and push the capsule out with the other.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use glue to fix the strap, the glue can leak into the body and damage the electronics, and make it impossible to replace the accessory further.

After installing the new strap, be sure to check the sensors. Sometimes too thick or dense material can block the light from the optical pulsometer, which will lead to incorrect readings.

The Mi Band 8 and the new mechanisms

The eighth generation was revolutionary with the concept of a super strap, and it's changing the way we change the bracelet on a xiomi watch, and the tracker is now in a separate frame that is attached to the strap by rotating mechanisms or latches.

To replace, you don't have to take the capsule out, just press the lock buttons on the sides of the frame (or back, depending on the type of strap) and unfasten the tracker from the base, which takes literally a couple of seconds and allows you to have many options for wearing: on the arm, on the neck or even on the sneaker.

There are also metal and leather straps for the Mi Band 8 that use the same rapid replacement system, which makes it possible to wear the gadget as a full-fledged watch under a suit, just changing the base, and the snap mechanism is very reliable and can withstand active training.

• 🔹 Press the locks simultaneously from both sides for easy removal.
• 🔹 When you install in the frame, wait for a characteristic click.
• 🔹 Regularly check the purity of the latch mechanism from dust and pile.

The versatility of the new system allows for adapters. You can buy a special adapter that will allow you to install the Mi Band 8 frame on classic watch bracelets with a width of 20 or 22 mm, although this already requires the purchase of additional accessories.

Material choice: silicone, nylon or leather

The market for Xiaomi accessories is huge, and the choice of material affects not only the appearance but also the comfort of wearing. Silicone remains the leader due to its moisture resistance and hypoallergenicity. It is ideal for sports, as it is easy to wash and does not absorb sweat.

Nylon straps (often Milanese-style weaving or slings) provide better skin ventilation. They do not cause a "greenhouse effect" in summer, but can accumulate odors and require more frequent washing. For everyday wear in the office or on a walk, this is a great option.

Leather straps give the device a premium look, making the fitness tracker a business-style element. But real leather is afraid of water and sweat, so you better not go to the gym in this way. Artificial leather is more practical, but loses its presentation faster.

When choosing, pay attention to the quality of the treatment of the edges of the strap. Cheap analogues can have sharp burrs that will rub the wrist. The optimal width of the strap for the Mi Band 4-7 is 18-20 mm at the place of attachment of the capsule, but always check the compatibility of the particular model.

Strap care and extension of service life

To make a new accessory last, it needs to be properly cared for. Silicone is prone to accumulating bacteria and dirt, especially if you wear a tracker without taking off. Regular cleaning is the key to the health of your skin and neat appearance of the gadget.

Use warm water and soft soap to clean the strap. You can use a soft brush to remove contaminants from the texture of the material. After washing, be sure to dry the device, especially in areas of contact with skin and sensors.

Avoid contact with aggressive environments such as cosmetics, repellents, household chemicals, which can cause color changes, stickiness, or material destruction. If you have used insect spray or perfume, let them dry before you wear the watch.

⚠️ Warning: If you notice redness or itching under the strap, remove the device, rinse the skin and let it dry.

Check the condition of the mounts regularly. If you notice cracks in the silicone at the folding sites or near the capsule, it is better to replace the strap in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Properly selected and installed strap turns a simple fitness tracker into a stylish accessory suitable for any lifestyle.