Replacement of the strap on Xiaomi Mi Band 4: how to remove and install a new one without damage

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular activity-tracking gadgets, despite the release of new models, and its reliability and functionality are time-tested, but even such a device has a “weak spot” – a strap that wears out over time, loses elasticity or simply ceases to like externally, and fortunately, you can replace it yourself without going to the service center and without the risk of damaging the electronic filling.

In this article, we will learn how to remove the old strap from the Mi Band 4, find the right new one (original or third-party), and install it so that the bracelet will last for a long time. We will pay special attention to typical errors that lead to failure of latches or loss of warranty. If you have never done such repairs, don’t worry: the process is easier than it seems, and our step-by-step photos and video instructions will help to avoid complications.

Why You Might Need to Replace Your Strap

The strap on the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a material that combines strength and flexibility, but even that doesn't last forever. Here are the most common reasons to replace it:

• 🔹 Physical wear: The strap stretches, cracks, or tears after 1-2 years of active use.
• 🔹 Loss of appearance: the material becomes dim, spots from sweat or cosmetics appear that cannot be washed off.
• 🔹 Allergic reactions: some users TPU causes skin irritation (in this case, you should choose a hypoallergenic silicone or fabric strap).
• 🔹 The desire to change style: the original Mi Band 4 straps were produced in a limited color range, and there are hundreds of designs on the market - from metal to leather.
• 🔹 Latch breakage: plastic fastening mechanism can break if the bracelet is neatly removed or dropped.

It is important to understand that not all straps are universal. For example, the Mi Band 5/6/7 bracelets are of a different capsule size and their accessories will not be suitable for the fourth model. It is also worth considering the width of the strap: the Mi Band 4 is 18 mm, and the length is adjustable within 155-210 mm.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use the bracelet while swimming, make sure the new strap is water resistant. Some cheap ones can warp or lose color when in contact with chlorinated water.

What are the best bands for Xiaomi Mi Band 4?

There are three types of bands available on the market for the Mi Band 4:

When choosing a mount, consider the way you attach. The Mi Band 4 has two side slots, so the strap has to have the right notches, and some cheap ones have inaccurate geometry, which can cause the bracelet to fall out or hang out.

If you are in doubt about compatibility, check the article of the strap. Original accessories from Xiaomi are marked as MBR04 (for Mi Band 4).

Preparing for replacement: tools and precautions

To replace the strap on Xiaomi Mi Band 4 you do not need special tools, but some fixtures will simplify the process:

• 🔧 Plastic blade or mediator - will help gently to fit the latch without scratching the body.
• 🔧 Tweezers - convenient for removing the capsule from the grooves.
• 🔧 Soft fabric – to put the bracelet and avoid scratches on the screen.
• 🔧 Alcohol wipes - to clean the capsule contacts before installing a new strap.

Before starting work, turn off the bracelet (press the touch button for 5 seconds until the switch-off menu appears) This will prevent accidental pressing and save battery power. It is also recommended to take a picture of the current position of the strap, this will help to correctly orient the new one when installing.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal tools (knives, screwdrivers) to remove the strap! They can damage plastic latches or leave scratches on the capsule body. If the latch does not lend itself, try heating the strap with a hairdryer (temperature to 50).°C) — TPU will become more elastic.

New strap compatible with Mi Band 4 (width 18 mm)| Tools at hand (scapula, tweezers)| Bracelet off and lies on soft surface |Photographed original position of strap-->

Step-by-step: how to remove the old strap

The process of removing the strap consists of three steps: release the latch, remove the capsule and disconnect the second part of the strap. Follow the instructions carefully so that the mounts do not break.

Step 1: Release the first latch

Put the bracelet down, and on the back of the strap you'll see a little plastic tongue, and you'll see it gently tucked in with a plastic blade or a nail, pulling it away from the body (not up!), and you'll hear a slight click, which means that one side of the strap is free.

Step 2: Remove the capsule

Once the first latch is released, the capsule will only be held by the second side. Take the bracelet so that the freed part of the strap hangs down, and gently pull the capsule over itself. It should slip out of the slots without effort. If you feel resistance, don't pull harder, check if the latch is fully freed.

Step 3: Remove the second part of the strap

Turn the capsule over and do the same thing on the other side, and the latch can sit tighter here, so use tweezers to get better grip, and once both latches are released, the strap will be completely separated from the electronic part.

Critically, do not apply force to the capsule itself – its body is fragile, and when bending, internal contacts or the screen can be damaged.

Installation of a new strap: nuances and typical errors

Installing a new strap seems simple, but there are a few key points here that are often overlooked:

1. Check the orientation of the strap

The strap has the top and bottom (with and without a latch), the top (with a metal clip) should be on the side of the bracelet screen, and the bottom should be on the side of the touch button, and if you confuse it, the bracelet will sit crooked or not lock.

2. Combine the capsule slots with strap notches

Before inserting the capsule, make sure that the side protrusions on its body match the slots in the strap. If they do not match, the strap may dangle or fall out when moving.

3. Secure the latches before the click.

Once the capsule is installed, press the latches until the characteristic click. If there is no sound, check if the latches have entered the groove completely. An insufficiently fixed strap can spontaneously detach.

• ❌ Mistake. 1: Use of the band from Mi Band 3/5. It may look similar in appearance, but has a different width of grooves.
• ❌ Mistake 2: Use of force in installation. If the strap doesn't fit easily, it doesn't fit.
• ❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring the direction of the strap (top/bottom) leads to uncomfortable wearing.

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If the new strap is rigid and doesn't bend well, hold it in warm water for 10 minutes before installation (not boiling water!) to make the material more malleable.

How to care for a strap so it lasts longer

The life of the strap depends not only on the quality of the material, but also on the maintenance. Here are some tips to help keep it in good condition:

• 🧼 Regular cleaning: Wash the strap with a wet wipe after exercise. TPU/silicone can be used soap solution, for the skin - special means.
• 🌞 Avoid direct sunlight: Ultraviolet makes materials brittle. Don't leave the bracelet on the windowsill or in the car.
• 🚫 Do not use harsh chemicals: Acetone, high concentration alcohol or bleach destroys the structure TPU silicone.
• 💧 Dry after contact with water: Even if the strap is water resistant, moisture can accumulate under the capsule, causing skin irritation.

For metal straps, it is important to check the tightening of the screws every 2-3 months - they can unwind from vibrations. Cloth straps are better washed by hand in cool water with a soft detergent.

If you swim, rinse the strap with fresh water after each pool visit, chlorine and salt accelerate the wear of the materials. For added protection, you can apply a thin layer of silicone lubricant to the inside of the strap (where it comes into contact with the skin).

Frequent problems after changing the strap and their solution

Even if you did everything right, you might have problems after you changed the strap.

If the Mi Band 4 strap has stopped turning on or the screen is not responding to touch, the problem is probably not the accessory, but the damage to the capsule contacts.

1. Remove the capsule and examine it for scratches or dents.
2. Check if the contact springs are bent (they are under the charging port cover).
3. If visually everything is fine, connect the bracelet to charge for 30 minutes - sometimes the failure occurs due to battery discharge.

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If the bracelet doesn't work after you replace the strap, check the capsule for mechanical damage first. In 90% of cases, the problem lies in the sloppy removal, not in the strap itself.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions