How to change the strap on Xiaomi Mi Band 6: full instruction

Owners of smart trackers often face the need to replace the bracelet, whether it is wear and tear of the old, the desire to diversify the style or the need for a more reliable material for sports. Xiaomi Mi Band 6 has retained the classic design of its predecessors, but made small changes to the geometry of the body, which makes the compatibility of straps from the fifth version incomplete. The replacement process is elemental and does not require special tools, however, knowledge of the nuances of the mounting will help to avoid damage to the ears or tracker itself.

In this article, we will take a look at how to remove the capsule from the old strap and fit it into the new one. You will learn about the types of mounts available for this model and what to look for when buying accessories. Following simple rules of mechanical action ensures that your gadget will last a long time and will look neat.

Types of fasteners and compatibility of straps

Before buying a new accessory, it is important to understand that the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 uses a hidden mounting system, where the capsule is inserted into special slots of silicone or leather base. Unlike a classic watch, there are no spring stitches that need to be tweaked with a screwdriver. The main attention should be paid to compatibility: although the 5 and 6 versions are visually similar, the screen of the sixth model has become larger and the frames are thinner.

The Mi Band 5 straps will physically fit in, but the Mi Band 6 capsule will protrude over the edges or, conversely, dangle, which can cause the device to fall out when active. Accessories manufacturers often label their products as "for 5/6", but it is better to choose specific for the sixth version of the model to ensure a tight fit.

There are several basic materials that affect the ease of wearing:

• 🧶 silicone (TPU) — The most popular option, does not absorb sweat, is easy to wash and is suitable for sports.
• 🧵 Nylon braids – provides better ventilation for the skin, but can stretch over time.
• 👔 Leather and metal – classic options for office style, requiring careful handling of moisture.

⚠️ Warning: When buying metal bracelets, make sure the inner frame holder is made of a quality alloy.The cheap metal can oxidize from contact with sweat, causing skin irritation or a green plaque on the wrist.

Tools and preparation for replacement

You don't need a lot of tools to do the replacement, and it takes only a minute and is done with your bare hands, but if you're changing your strap for the first time or you have shaking hands, it's recommended that you prepare your workplace, and it's best to do the soft surface manipulations, like the sofa, the bed, the carpet.

This safety requirement is dictated by the fact that the capsule tracker slippery and if you move carelessly can fly out of your hands. Falling on a hard floor (tiles, laminate) can damage the screen or back cover with sensors, and it is also worth making sure that there are no pets or small children at hand who may be interested in a small detail.

The only tool you may need in rare cases is a thin plastic card or nail. No metal objects such as a knife or screwdriver should be used, as they can easily scratch the body of the gadget or damage the charging contacts.

Step-by-step: how to remove the capsule

The process of removing the tracker from an old bracelet requires precision, but not excessive effort. The main task is to release one side of the capsule so that you can remove it. Keep the device with the screen to yourself to control the position of your fingers.

First, you take the tracker and find a place where the silicone fits tightly around the body. With the thumb of one hand, hold the top of the strap, and with the thumb of the other hand, press the bottom of the silicone, pushing the capsule outwards. The movement should not be upwards, but sideways and slightly outwards, as if turning the silicone inside out.

Once one edge of the capsule appears from the groove, hold it with your fingers. Don't pull it sharply so as not to tear the silicone if it's old and has lost its elasticity. Smoothly swing motions remove the device completely. If the strap is new and very tight, you can help yourself with your nail by putting up the edge of the silicone, but without fanaticism.

Follow the algorithm further:

• 💪 Place your thumb on the inside of the strap right under the edge of the tracker.
• 🔄 With effort, push the capsule in the direction opposite to the direction of the clasp.
• 👐 Grab the drop-down device with the second hand so it doesn’t fly away.
• 👀 Examine the slots of the new strap for burrs or casting marriage.

⚠️ Warning: Never use sharp objects (knife, scissors) to pick through the slots of the strap.You risk piercing silicone through or, worse, scratching the touch screen or breaking glass.

Installation of the tracker in a new strap

Installing in a new bracelet often requires slightly more effort than removing, especially if the accessory is of high quality and sits tightly.Put one edge of the Mi Band 6 into the appropriate slot of the strap all the way up.Make sure it's fixed and doesn't hang.

Then, holding the side already inserted, press the opposite edge of the capsule and push it into the silicone bed. A characteristic click or a feeling of a tight landing will indicate that the device has stopped in place. It is important that the pulse sensor on the back cover is not blocked by the strap material.

In some strap models, especially metal or double-weave, you may need to insert the bottom first and then gently spread the top of the bracelet around the body. The main thing is not to use force if you feel a clear obstacle; it is better to double-check the orientation of the device.

💡

A properly installed capsule should not stagger in the grooves, and the sensors on the back cover should be fully open for the correct operation of the pulsemeter.

Comparison of materials: what to choose for sports and office

The choice of strap material directly affects the comfort of wearing a smart bracelet in different conditions. Silicone options are versatile, but for marathon runs or swimming, it is better to choose models with perforation for ventilation. Leather straps give the device the look of a classic watch, but they are afraid of water and intense sweating.

Metal bracelets (Milanian braiding or chains) look stylish, but they have their drawbacks: they are heavier, can pinch the hairs on the arm and often interfere with the optical pulse sensor if they fit tightly to the wrist. Metal is not the best choice for accurate measurements during training.

The comparison table will help to determine the choice:

Frequent errors and troubleshooting

When you replace it yourself, users often make common mistakes that can shorten the life of the accessory. One of the most common is trying to insert the capsule upside down. The sensor has to look at the wrist and the screen has to look outwards. If you mix the sides up, the tracker will not fit into the grooves correctly.

Another mistake is ignoring the contamination. Before installing a new strap, it is recommended to wipe the Mi Band 6 capsule with an alcohol napkin. Dirt and skin fat stuck between the body and the new strap can irritate the skin or worsen the grip.

Also avoid:

• 🚫 Stretching the strap behind the edges of the screen when installed (display damage risk).
• 🚫 Use of lubricants or oils to facilitate insertion (silicone may corrode).
• 🚫 Buying too cheap analogues with sharp edges inside the groove.

⚠️ Warning: If the tracker has stopped responding to touch or charging after installing the strap, check if the new bracelet is clamping the charging contacts or buttons (if any). In the Mi Band 6, the button is hidden, but the pressure on the side edge can block the sensor.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions