How to change the bracelet on Xiaomi smart watches: full instructions

Changing the look of wearable electronics is the easiest way to refresh a gadget without buying a new device. Owners of activity trackers from the Chinese giant often face the desire to change the style when the standard black silicone stops pleasing the eye or begins to wear out. The replacement procedure in most cases takes no more than a minute and requires no special tools if you know the correct sequence of actions. However, mishandling the fasteners can lead to breakage of plastic ears or even damage to the tracker itself.

In this article, we will discuss how to safely remove the old strap and install the new one on different models of the Mi Band and Smart Band line. You will learn about the design features of different generations, understand how the mounting systems differ, and get valuable tips on how to care for accessories. It is important to understand that, despite the appearance of the similarity, the fixation mechanisms can vary dramatically depending on the year of release of the device.

A misfit or installed accessory can cause a costly capsule to be lost during exercise or swimming, so before you start any manipulations, you need to make sure you work at a clean, soft-coated table, and that prevents scratches on the screen and the loss of small parts that can bounce off when you move abruptly. Let's look at the main types of mounts that the company's engineers have used over the years of production.

Design features of fastenings of different generations

Xiaomi's fitness bracelets evolved to make it easier to replace accessories, but each step made its own adjustments. Early models such as the Mi Band 2 and Mi Band 3 used a system where the tracker itself was removed from the silin base. This was not always convenient, as it required physical effort and could lead to the device slipping out of their hands. Users had to literally push the plastic module out of the elastic material, which over time stretched the landing place.

With the fourth generation, the situation changed: the capsule became removable, but the strap mount remained integrated into the bracelet design itself. This meant that to change the style, you either had to buy the whole design or use special adapters. The Mi Band 6 and subsequent versions, which introduced a quick removable system, now the strap can be unfastened without touching the tracker itself, which greatly increased the usability and expanded the market for compatible accessories.

⚠️ Warning: Never force the capsule out of the model strap 2-5 The plastic becomes brittle in the cold and excessive pressure can split the tracker's body, depriving you of warranty.

Modern models, including the Mi Band 7 and Mi Band 8, have moved to universal mounts that resemble the standard smartwatch. In the Smart Band 8, engineers have implemented a rapid-turn system that allows you to change the straps in seconds without using additional adapters to wear around the neck or as a brooch. Understanding what type of device is a key factor in successful replacement.

Instructions for Mi Band 2, 3, 4 and 5 models

If you own a past-generation device, you're going to have to deal with the task of removing the tracker. For the Mi Band 2 and Mi Band 3, the process is this: flip the bracelet over the inside of your wristband and find a notch under the tracker. Gently press the convex part of the capsule on the back, pushing it out of the silicone. It's important here not to use sharp objects like a knife or screwdriver, so as not to damage the sensor's sealed membrane.

For the Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 5, the design has become more streamlined, but the principle has remained the same. The tracker must be removed from the "bed" of the strap. To do this painlessly, it is recommended to slightly stretch the silicone in your hands, especially if the bracelet is new or was in the cold. Once the capsule is removed, the installation in the new strap is done by inserting one edge into the groove, and then gently pressing the second side until a characteristic click or a tight fit.

• 🔹 Heat silicone with friction against fabric or warm water to make it more elastic.
• 🔹 Squeeze the capsule with your thumb, holding the bracelet with the second hand.
• 🔹 Insert the tracker at a 45 degree angle, then align it.
• 🔹 Check the density of the fit so that the pulse sensor does not dangle.

There's a life hack that makes life easier for these models. If you plan to change your straps often, it makes sense to buy a special metal adapter (holder frame) you insert a tracker into this frame once, and then the frame slides easily into various textile or leather bracelets, which eliminates the constant mechanical load on the device body.

Replacement of the band with Mi Band 6 and Mi Band 7

The sixth and seventh generations are the transition to a more civilized method of replacement, using a system of hidden locks on the inside of the bracelet, so you don't have to take the tracker out, you just have to find small indentations or levers on the inside of the belt, press them and pull part of the bracelet to the side, and the separation mechanism works almost silently.

When installing a new accessory, it is important to observe the direction. On the inside of the straps, there is often a marking or just a shape indicating which end should adjacent to the tracker. Insert the pin into the groove to the end. You should hear a slight click or feel that the lock is hooked. After that, slightly pull the strap to make sure that the connection is reliable. Weak contact can cause the bracelet to unfasten and get lost during active movement.

Special attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the mounting area, which often fills the grooves with dust, pile from clothing and skin fat, which makes it difficult to fix the new strap, use a toothpick or compressed air to clean the mechanism before installing a new element, which will ensure a tight fit and prolong the life of plastic latches.

Features of installation on Xiaomi Smart Band 8

The eighth model of the series, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8, has a completely new mount concept. Engineers have abandoned the classic scheme in favor of rotary mechanisms resembling the fasteners on some models of Garmin or Huawei watches. The strap here is not just inserted into the groove, it is twisted and fixed by a special lock. This allows you to use the device not only on the wrist, but also to attach it to runners sneakers or wear it like a pendant.

To replace, you have to rotate the lower part of the anticlockwise mount (usually there's a pointer) to unlock the mechanism. After that, the old part is easily removed. The new part is inserted into the slots and rolled before the click. The system is designed to minimize the risk of accidental unbuttoning, but requires precise hitting of the guides. If you feel strong resistance, then the angle of entry is wrong.

The Smart Band 8 is also unique in having a display mode that automatically rotates the interface when the bracelet is reoriented. When you install a new strap (like a running strap that is mounted vertically), the screen itself adapts. This makes the device a versatile tool for sports. Remember to check that the lock mechanism is closed completely, otherwise the bracelet can unbutton when you touch the sleeve of clothes.

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Buy spare locks for the Smart Band 8 separately. These are small plastic parts that wear out or get lost over time, and without them, you can't use the original running belts.

Material choice: silicone, nylon or leather?

The Xiaomi accessories market offers a huge variety of materials, and the choice depends on your goals. Standard silicone or TPU is ideal for sports and swimming pools: it does not absorb moisture, is easy to wash and hypoallergenic. However, in hot weather, skin can sweat under it, and cheap silicone quickly collects dust and pile.

Nylon wicker straps (often called Milanese or just wicker) provide excellent ventilation. They are soft, do not rub and look more elegant in everyday wear. But they have a disadvantage: they absorb sweat and smells, so they need to be washed regularly. Leather options are suitable for office and meetings, giving the gadget the look of a classic watch, but are categorically not suitable for intensive training for fear of moisture.

• 🏃 For sports, choose perforated silicone or fluorelastomer.
• 👔 For the office is perfect leather or high-quality imitation.
• 🌬 For hot climate and everyday life, nylon is ideal.
• 💎 For the evening, you can consider metal chains (bracelets).

When buying third-party accessories, pay attention to the quality of the casting of plastic at the mounting site. Cheap counterparts often have burrs that can scratch the tracker body. It is also important that the thickness of the material at the junction is consistent with the original, otherwise the lock may not snap to the end.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap metal bracelets may have weak links or sharp edges. Before wearing long wear, carefully examine the inner surface of the metal so as not to hurt the wrist and scratch the watch screen against the table.

Strap care and prevention of breakdowns

Even the best accessory requires care, especially if you wear it around the clock. Salt sweat and cosmetics are aggressive to materials. Silicone can darken or become sticky over time, and skin can crack. Regular cleaning will prolong the life of your bracelet. Silicone belts are enough to wash with warm water and soap and dry. Leather products should be wiped with wet (not wet!) fabric and occasionally treated with special conditioners.

Special attention is required to the place of attachment. The gaps between the strap and the body often get dirt, which works as an abrasive. Once a week, it is recommended to remove the bracelet and walk with a soft brush (for example, an old toothbrush) along the joints, this will prevent the accumulation of dirt, which can make it difficult to re-install or damage the sealing rings.

If you notice that the strap has begun to stretch, there are microcracks at the openings for the fastener or it has become too rigid, replace it immediately.Wearing a damaged accessory increases the risk that the tracker will slip and break on the asphalt.The savings on the new strap is not worth the risk of losing an expensive gadget.

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Regular cleaning of the mounting sites and checking the integrity of the strap ears is the best prevention of loss of activity tracker.