How to change the strap on the Xiaomi Mi watch: a guide

Changing the wristband on a smartwatch is not just a way to update the appearance of the gadget, but also a need dictated by the wear of an old accessory or the desire to adapt the device to a particular sport. Owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem often face a situation where the standard silicone strap loses elasticity or simply ceases to harmonize with everyday style.

The process of replacing a construct usually does not require special tools or deep technical knowledge, but there are a number of nuances that can lead to damage to the activity tracker itself. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithms of actions for various models, including the popular Mi Band series and the Amazfit line, you will learn how to avoid common installation errors and which materials are now considered the most durable.

The modern accessories market offers thousands of options, from budget copies to premium solutions made of leather or titanium. Understanding the principles of attachment of a particular module will allow you to freely experiment with design without the risk of breaking fragile plastic latches. We will look at both standard extraction methods and the features of working with metal Milanese bracelets and textile loops.

Types of fasteners and model compatibility

The first thing to decide on before buying a new strap is the type of mount your watch model uses. Xiaomi devices and the Amazfit sub-brand use several fundamentally different tracker fixing mechanisms. The most common option for the Mi Band series (from version 4 to 8) is a system where the tracker capsule itself is removed from the silicone base, in which case you buy not just a strip of material, but a single bed with a built-in soft frame.

More advanced models, such as the Amazfit GTS, GTR or Xiaomi Watch S1, are very different, using standard mounts similar to those used in traditional watches in the industry, most often Quick Releases, which allow you to change the straps without the use of screwdrivers and needles. However, the size of the ears can vary: there are options with a width of 18 mm, 20 mm and 22 mm.

It is important to understand that there are no universal solutions, and trying to insert a tracker from the Mi Band 6 in the strap for the Mi Band 7 is doomed to failure due to differences in the geometry of the plastic case. Even a millimeter mismatch can lead to the fact that the pulse sensor will not work correctly or the capsule falls out when you are actively moving.

Below is a table that helps to orient in the compatibility of popular models and types of their attachment:

Tools and workplace preparation required

Before you start dismantling an old accessory, you need to organize the workspace correctly. The main danger when replacing straps is the loss of small parts or the tracker falls on a hard surface, which can lead to chipping of the screen or damage to the body. The ideal place to work is a soft-coated table, such as a towel or a mouse mat, which will mitigate the possible fall of the device.

In most cases, the straps on Xiaomi and Amazfit devices don’t require sophisticated tools. Quick Release models are enough for your fingers. However, if you’re faced with a design where the strap is fixed with screws or hard pins without comfortable levers, you may need a thin screwdriver (often PH00 or flat) or a special cutout.

Special attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the hands and the device itself. Fat spots and dust can make it difficult to slip the mechanisms or get inside the case when removing protection. Wipe the watch body with a soft, slightly wet wipe and wipe dry. If you change the strap on a Mi Band model where the tracker is removed, make sure that the contact pads on the back of the capsule are dry to avoid oxidation.

💡

Use a plastic card or mediator to tuck the strap if it sits tight.Metal tools can leave deep scratches on the tracker's glossy body.

Replacement of the strap on Mi Band trackers (4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

The Mi Band fitness bracelet series is the brand's most popular line of wearables, and the principle of replacing the belt has remained unchanged for several generations. The main goal is to remove the oval tracker from the silicone bed. This does not require excessive force, which can lead to a rupture of the silicone. The process begins with studying the inside of the bracelet, where special grooves or holes are located.

Take the bracelet in your hand and find a place where the tracker's plastic body is in contact with the silicone. Usually there's a notch on the inside that shows the edge of the capsule. Carefully press your finger on that edge, or use a blunt object (like the plastic edge of a toothbrush) to push the tracker out. Movement should be directed from the inside of the wrist to the outside, as if squeezing the capsule out of its nest.

Once the tracker is removed, the new belt is set in reverse order.Put one side of the capsule into the opening of the new bed, then gently press the other side until the characteristic click.Make sure the tracker sits tight and doesn't hang.If you install a strap made of a hard material, such as metal or hard plastic, be careful: a mismatch in geometry can cause the pulse sensor to not fit tightly to the skin.

⚠️ Note: When installing the tracker in a new strap, do not use sharp metal objects (knives, needles) to push. You risk damaging the airtight layer of the screen or scratching the sensor, which will lead to incorrect operation of the touch screen.

Importantly, for the Mi Band 8 and some special versions of previous models, there are latch straps that do not require the tracker to be removed, in which case the mechanism resembles a classic watch: press the hidden lock and unfasten part of the bracelet. Always carefully inspect the structure before starting actions.

Instructions for smart watches Amazfit and Xiaomi Watch

For full-fledged smartwatches like the Amazfit GTS, GTR, T-Rex or Xiaomi Watch, the strap replacement procedure looks more traditional, but has its own characteristics depending on the type of mechanism. Most modern models are equipped with Quick Release. On the inside of the belt, at the place of attachment to the body, you will find a small lever or slider.

To remove the strap, pull that lever with your finger or nail to the side while pulling the belt slightly from the watch body. The strap should go inwards, freeing up the mount. Don't make any effort if the lever isn't moving -- you may be pulling the wrong way. The mechanism should go easily. If the lever isn't, you have a fixed-pin model that requires a thin screwdriver or a pin to knock out the axle.

When you install a new Quick Release strap, first enter one side of the pin into the opening of the watch body. Then, after pulling the lever, insert the second side of the pin into the opposite hole and release the lock. There should be a slight click confirming that the pin has stood in place. After installation, be sure to pull the belt in different directions to make sure that the fixation is reliable.

💡

The rule of thumb when installing quick-removal belts is to lock one side of the pin in the case first, and then wind the other, and trying to insert both sides at the same time often results in damage to the mechanism.

For screw-mounted models (often found in the Amazfit T-Rex protected series), you'll need a small cross screwdriver. Carefully unscrew the screws holding the strap. When twisting back, don't tug the screws around so as not to tear the carvings in the plastic or soft metal housings. It's tight enough to stop them without fanaticism.

Material choice: silicone, leather, metal or nylon

The variety of strap materials on Xiaomi and Amazfit is huge, and each dictates its own operating conditions. Silicon remains the king of sports: it is not afraid of sweat, is easy to wash and hypoallergenic. However, cheap silicone can quickly stretch and collect dust and pile. Quality medical silicone or fluoro rubber (TPU) are devoid of these drawbacks and more pleasant to the touch.

Leather straps give the device status and look great in an office setting or in a meeting. Natural skin takes the shape of a wrist over time, but is afraid of water and intense sweating. Artificial leather (eco-leather) is more practical in this regard, but can crack on the folds faster. For everyday wear in temperate climates, this is a great choice.

• 🏃 Sport and outdoor activities: Choose perforated silicone, fluoro rubber or nylon loop (Velcro) which provide better ventilation and dry quickly.
• 💼 Office and business: classic leather, Milanese stainless steel netting or ceramic bracelets. They look strict and elegant.
• 🏠 Home and sleep: soft silicone or fabric straps, the main requirement is no skin irritation and lightness, so that the device does not interfere during sleep.

Metal bracelets (Milanese braiding or segmented) look spectacular, but they have their drawbacks. They are heavier, can freeze in the cold and sometimes pull out hairs on the arm. In addition, metal can scratch the watch body when active wear, if the design of the fastener suggests. Nylon straps (NATO) are a great compromise: they are lightweight, durable and allow the skin to breathe, but absorb smells and moisture, so they require frequent washing.

Strap care and elimination

Even the best-quality strap requires care, especially if you use a soapy device. Salt sweat and skin fat aggressively affect materials, causing unpleasant odor, color change and structure destruction. Silicone and rubber straps are enough to regularly wipe with a wet wipe with soapy solution and dry thoroughly. Once a week, it is recommended to remove the strap and wash it under running water.

Leather products can not be wet. To clean them, use special sprays or wet wipes for the skin. Periodically treat the skin with air conditioning so that it does not dry out or crack. Textile straps can be washed in warm water with a soft powder, but before drying, be sure to remove the metal attachment elements if they are not removable to avoid rust.

⚠️ Warning: If you notice that the strap has started to cause redness, itching or skin irritation, stop using it immediately.This may be a sign of an allergy to the material or, more often, a buildup of bacteria under the strap due to poor hygiene.

A common problem is stretching the holes or loosening the clasp. In the case of silicone, if the holes are stretched and the tracker starts to hang, it is easier to buy a new strap, because it is difficult to restore the shape of the material. Metal bracelets sometimes require a screw lift or a spring mechanism replacement. If the plastic latch on the Mi Band strap breaks, you can try to gently glue it with supergly (using the minimum amount), but this is a temporary solution.

Regularly checking the condition of the strap is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also of safety of your device. A weakened belt can cause expensive watches to fall on asphalt or into water. If you see cracks, holes scuffed or a strong color change, do not wait for a complete break and make a timely replacement.