How to change the bracelet to Xiaomi Mi Band

Changing the strap on the fitness tracker is not just a way to update the appearance of the gadget, but also a necessary measure of hygiene or repair. Owners of Xiaomi Mi Band devices often face the need to replace the worn accessory with a new, more stylish or simply functional, the process seems elementary, but careless actions can lead to damage to the tracker itself or loss of warranty.

In this detailed guide, we will take a look at how to change the bracelet on the Mi Band range, from the first versions to the latest flagships. You will learn about the specifics of the capsule attachment, the features of the materials and what tools you may need to safely dismantle.

Before you start to act, it's important to assess the status of the current mount and understand what kind of modification you're dealing with. The design of the fasteners and slots has changed from generation to generation, and there's no universal "all-in-a-lifetime" method, and attention to detail is crucial here.

Features of the design of trackers Xiaomi

Xiaomi fitness bracelets are built on a modular principle, where the main element is a capsule with a screen and battery. This capsule must be removed from a silicone or fabric base to make a replacement. Early models such as the Mi Band 2 and Mi Band 3 used a system of hidden grooves, which required a certain skill to disassemble.

Since the Mi Band 4, the manufacturer has introduced a more convenient extraction system, although the principle has remained similar: the capsule is held inside the strap by tight fit and special locking protrusions. Understanding the mechanics of this retention is the key to success. If you pull with force, without understanding the principle of the latches, you can break the plastic elements of the case.

Modern models, including the Mi Band 5, 6, 7 and 8, have even more sophisticated ergonomics: some versions of the capsule are removed by moving upwards, in others you need to press a special button or protrusion on the back. In the Mi Band 8, the design was completely changed to a quick-removal one, where the strap is attached to magnetic or pin mechanisms that do not require the removal of the main board.

⚠️ Warning: Never use sharp metal objects (knives, screwdrivers) to pull the capsule near the screen, guaranteed to cause scratches on the display or damage to the moisture protection layer.

The materials used for the base also affect the complexity of the procedure: Silicone dries up over time and becomes stiffer, making it difficult to remove the tracker. The fabric and leather variants may have their own fitting features that must be considered when dismantling.

Preparation for the belt replacement

Before you start changing the bracelet, you need to prepare the workplace, you need a clean, flat surface with good lighting, so you don't drop small parts, and you also need to have a soft fabric or microfiber on which the device is placed.

You may need tools to work, although you can do without them in many cases, but using the right tools can significantly reduce the risk of damage to the gadget.

• 🛠️ Special key for extraction (often included with new straps or bracelet itself).
• 🧤 Thin medical gloves to protect against sweat and fat marks on electronics.
• 🧼 Alcohol napkin for degreasing the surface of the capsule before installing in a new strap.
• 🔦 A magnifying glass or magnifying glass for better visual control of small grooves.

It is important to make sure that the new accessory is compatible with your model. Despite the appearance, the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4 mounts are identical, but different from the Mi Band 5. Trying to insert the capsule into the wrong strap can cause the latching ears to break.

It is also worth checking the charge of the device. Although replacing the strap does not require energy, accidentally pressing buttons or activating the screen during manipulations can drain the battery if the device was in sleep mode.

How to remove the capsule from Mi Band 2 and 3

The second and third generation models have the most "capricious" attachment mechanism, and the capsule is very tight, and it requires a force to extract it, but in a certain direction, and the main mistake users make is to squeeze the tracker through the front, which often leads to finger injuries or breakage of the screen.

The correct algorithm is this: flip the bracelet upwards, find a notch in the silicone under the module, carefully but confidently press your thumb on the bottom of the capsule, while pushing it upwards.

If you can't handle it, you can use a blunt object with a wide area, like a coin or a plastic ballpoint pen case, and you need to push it on the end of the plastic insert, avoiding contact with the screen, and the movement should be pushy, not picky.

⚠️ Attention: With the finger-squeezing method, there is a high risk of slipping and hitting a finger with a knuckle against a hard object or wall.

Once successfully removed, inspect the ends of the capsule, which should not be left with silicone or contaminants. If the new strap is also silicone, make sure the inner grooves are clean, which will ensure a tight fit and prevent the tracker from falling out during sports.

Replacement of the bracelet on Mi Band 4, 5, 6 and 7 models

Since the fourth version, Xiaomi has slightly improved the design, making the recovery of the capsule more predictable, although the principle remained the same. In the models of the Mi Band 4, 5, 6 and 7 capsule is also removed through the bottom end, but the effort requires less.

To retrieve, flip the device down. With your thumbs in both hands, wrap around the strap around the capsule. Push your fingertips over the bottom of the tracker's plastic body, pushing it upwards. In some cases, it's convenient to use the "pluck" method by squeezing the strap from the sides to ease tension.

The original straps often come with a small plastic key, designed to make the process easier, inserted into a special hole or placed under the end of the capsule, working as a lever, to avoid painful sensations in the fingers.

The new strap is re-installed, first inserting the top end of the capsule (where there are no charging contacts), then snapping the device to a characteristic click sound, and making sure the tracker sits flat and doesn't hang around.

• 💡 Always start the installation from the top edge of the capsule so as not to damage the charging contact group.
• 👌 Make sure that the pulse sensor on the back panel is not covered with the strap material.
• 🔍 After installation, check the density of the fit on all sides in good lighting.

The Mi Band 7, which has a larger screen, is worth noting, but although it's similar to the sixth version, the size of the capsule is different, and the straps from the previous models won't fit here. Visually, they may look similar, but the seat has a different geometry.

Specificity of the Mi Band 8 and new fastening mechanisms

The eighth generation of fitness trackers marked a revolution in the design of the lineup, with an oval body and, most importantly, an all-new mounting system called Quick Release, where you no longer have to take out the electronics capsule itself to change style.

The Mi Band 8 straps are attached to special swivel mechanisms on the sides of the body, and you just need to press the lock or turn the latch to replace it, and the strap is easily detached, and this allows you to change the accessories in seconds, turning the tracker into a full-fledged watch or suspension.

There are several types of mounts for this model:

• 🔄 Standard silicone mount with rotary mechanism.
• 🔗 Metal bracelets-milanesis with a similar fixation system.
• 👟 Shoe Buckle, which turns a tracker into a jogging sensor.

When buying new straps for the Mi Band 8 and newer, it is critical to pay attention to the presence of the appropriate mounting mechanism in the kit. Old straps are physically impossible to wear on the new body without adapters, which, however, can violate the tightness or reliability of the fixation.

Table of strap compatibility

To avoid confusion when buying accessories, use the compatibility table, which will help you quickly determine which models use the same capsules and which require a personalized approach.

As you can see from the table, the 3rd and 4th generation models show the greatest compatibility, which allows users to easily update the device while retaining their favorite straps.

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Buying a strap strictly according to the model of the device is the only way to guarantee reliable fixation and safety of the gadget during training.

Strap care and frequent problems

After a successful bracelet replacement, it is important to ensure that the new accessory is properly cared for: Silicone, although it is a wear-resistant material, is exposed to sweat, ultraviolet light and household chemicals. Regular cleaning will help avoid skin irritation and unpleasant odor.

Rub the strap with a wet wipe after each workout, once a week it is recommended to wash it with warm water with soft soap, thoroughly drying before putting on, do not use aggressive solvents, pure alcohol or abrasive sponges, as they destroy the structure of the material.

A common problem is stretching the seat, and over time, the silicone loses its elasticity and the capsule starts to fall out, and in such cases, you can try to warm the strap slightly (not with boiling water!) to return the material to shape, but it is more effective to replace it with a new one.

⚠️ Warning: If you notice that the strap has started to crack at the base of the capsule, replace it immediately.Operation of the damaged accessory leads to guaranteed loss of an expensive tracker.

Users also often experience allergic reactions to new materials. If the bracelet changes, try fabric or hypoallergenic fluoro rubber models, and it is important to let the skin breathe by removing the device at night or while showering, if moisture protection allows.

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To make the silicone strap less attract dust and villi, periodically wipe it with an antistatic wipe for screens.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions