Replacement of the strap on Xiaomi Mi Band 5: how to remove and install a new one in 5 minutes

The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet has become one of the most popular activity-tracking gadgets due to its functionality, accuracy and affordable price. However, even the highest-quality device requires periodic updates of accessories — especially the strap, which eventually wears out, loses its presentable appearance or simply ceases to suit the owner by design. Replacing the strap with the Mi Band 5 is a simple procedure, but requires care to avoid damaging the body or mount.

Many users are afraid to disassemble the gadget themselves, afraid of breaking the latch or losing small parts. In fact, the bracelet design provides an easy replacement of the strap without special tools. In this article, we will discuss not only the step-by-step process of replacing the device, but also how to choose the right strap, which materials to prefer for different use scenarios, and give tips for extending the life of the accessory.

If you’ve never changed your strap on a smartwatch or fitness bracelet before, don’t worry: the Mi Band 5 is designed with user experience in mind, and the key is to follow the instructions and avoid common mistakes, which we’ll mention.

Why You Might Need to Replace Your Strap

The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 strap is not just an accessory, but an important part of the device that determines wear comfort and even measurement accuracy.

• 🔹 Physical wear: Over time, the strap stretches, cracks or tears, especially if made from silicone or low-quality plastic, which not only spoils the appearance, but can also lead to the loss of the bracelet.
• 🔹 Loss of elasticity: Silicone straps lose elasticity, begin to slide from the hand or, conversely, squeeze the wrist too much, causing discomfort.
• 🔹 Change of style: you want to fit a new look, a new color, or even a new mood, and manufacturers offer hundreds of options, from classic black to bright neon shades.
• 🔹 Allergic reactions: Some users may experience skin irritation to cheap silicone or plastic, and consider hypoallergenic materials such as fabric or leather straps.
• 🔹 Damage to fastening: If the latch or latch for fixing is broken, the strap can detach at the most inopportune moment.

In addition, the bands from the Mi Band 4 are not compatible with the fifth generation – models have different mounting systems, which is important to consider when buying a new accessory, so as not to face the problem of incompatibility.

If you are actively engaged in sports, the strap wears out even faster due to sweat, friction and mechanical stress, in this case, you should purchase a backup option in advance, so as not to be left without a gadget at a critical time.

What are the best bands for Xiaomi Mi Band 5?

The choice of a strap is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also of practicality, and there are dozens of options on the market that vary in material, color, way of attachment, and even functionality, and let's look at the main types to make it easier for you to decide.

The original Xiaomi straps are guaranteed to fit in size and mounting, but their range is limited to standard colors (black, blue, orange, pink). If you prefer something more unusual, you will have to turn to third-party manufacturers.

• 🟢 Silicone straps are the most popular because of their low price, lightness and moisture resistance, and are suitable for sports, but can cause sweating when worn for long periods of time.
• 🟤 Cloth straps are breathable, hypoallergenic, often with a metal or plastic clasp, ideal for everyday use, but require careful care (washing).
• 🟣 Leather straps are a premium option for business style, not suitable for sports (fear moisture), but look solid and durable with proper care.
• 🔵 Metal bracelets are stylish, but heavy and expensive, suitable for official events, but can rub the skin when you move actively.
• ⚪ Straps with additional functions - for example, with a pocket for SIM-cards or a hole to attach to a backpack, useful for tourists or athletes.

When choosing, pay attention to the width of the strap - the Mi Band 5 it is 18 mm. Also check the compatibility of the mounting: the original straps are fixed using a spring mechanism, and some universal ones may require adapters.

If you're buying a non-original strap, check out the reviews about the quality of the material and the reliability of the mount, and cheap fakes often break down after a few weeks of use.

💡

Before buying a strap, measure the circumference of the wrist and choose a size with a margin. 1-2 So the bracelet will not press on the skin, but will not slide from the hand.

Preparing for a belt replacement: tools and precautions

Replacing the strap with the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 does not require professional skills or special equipment, but to avoid damage, prepare in advance.

You'll need:

• 🔧 New strap compatible with Mi Band 5.
• 📱 Clean soft fabric (such as microfibre) to clean the bracelet body.
• 🔍 Tweezers or a thin screwdriver (optional, if the latch is tightly unfastened).
• 💡 Good lighting – this will help you see the small details of the fastening.

Before you start, unplug the bracelet from the charger (if it was connected) and remove it from your hand. It is also recommended to take a photo of the current strap mounting - this will help to properly collect everything back if you are first engaged in replacing.

⚠️ Note: Do not use sharp metal objects (knives, scissors) to unfasten the strap - this can scratch the body of the bracelet or break the spring-loaded mounting mechanism.

If you replace the strap because of contamination, clean the grooves of the bracelet from dust and sweat before installing the new one. You can use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to do this, but avoid getting liquid onto electronic components.

Disconnect the bracelet from charging|Remove the bracelet from your hand|Prepare a new strap and tools|Clean the grooves of the mountings of dirt|Take a picture of the current mount (for beginners)-->

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

The process of removing the strap with Xiaomi Mi Band 5 no more 1-2 If you know where the locks are, the key is not to make too much effort to keep the locks from breaking.

Step 1. Find the latch on the back of the strap.

Turn over the bracelet and look at where the strap connects to the body, and you'll see a little button or protrusion, which is the lock that holds the strap in the slots, and the original Xiaomi straps have the latch closer to the center of the bracelet.

Step 2. Press the lock and pull the strap.

Carefully press the latch with a thin object (such as a plastic card or tweezers) and simultaneously pull the strap away from the body. If the lock fails, try pressing harder or swaying the strap slightly left-right.

Step 3. Repeat for the other side.

Similarly, remove the second part of the strap. Note that some non-original straps may have latches symmetrically or have a different locking mechanism.

If the strap is not removed despite all the efforts, check if the mount is jammed due to dirt or deformation, in which case you can carefully clean the grooves with a toothpick.

⚠️ Attention: If you feel that the strap is stuck and does not respond, do not pull it by force - this can lead to breakage of the plastic mount on the body of the bracelet.

Installation of a new strap: nuances and possible errors

Installing a new strap on the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is even easier than removing the old one, but there are subtleties to it that will help avoid problems in the future.

Step 1. Combine the strap with the grooves on the body.

Insert the end of the strap into the groove on the bracelet body before the characteristic click. Make sure the lock hits the recess intended for it. The original Xiaomi straps usually have a small arrow or tag indicating the correct direction of installation.

Step 2. Check the reliability of the attachment.

With a light movement, pull the strap over you -- if it doesn't slip, it means the latch has worked. Repeat the procedure for the other side.

Step 3. Adjust the length of the strap.

If the strap is too long, bend it and lock it in one of the holes with a pin (on silicone and leather models). Make sure the bracelet sits tightly but does not squeeze the wrist - this is important for the accuracy of the pulse measurement.

One common mistake is to incompletely fix the strap when it seems fixed, but when it moves quickly, it flies out of the slots, and to avoid that, shake the bracelet slightly after installation, or move your hand, and if the strap doesn't slide, it's okay.

💡

Always check the reliability of the strap attachment after installation - this will save the bracelet from falling and damage.

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, and even the most expensive accessory will quickly become useless if you do not follow simple rules.

For silicone straps:

• 🧼 Wash regularly with warm water and soap (without abrasives!).
• 🚫 Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight – silicone may lose elasticity.
• 💧 After exercising, wipe the strap with a wet wipe to remove sweat.

For leather straps:

• 🧴 Use special skin creams to prevent cracking.
• 🚿 Do not wet the strap - if moisture is ingested immediately soak with a dry cloth.
• 🔥 Keep away from heat sources (batteries, heaters).

For fabric straps:

• 🧺 Wash by hand in cool water with a mild detergent.
• 🚫 Do not press or dry in the washing machine or in the sun.
• 🧼 When contaminated, use a toothbrush to clean the joints.

If you notice that the strap began to smell unpleasant, soak it on 10-15 minutes in a solution of water with vinegar (1:1), Then rinse and dry. This will help kill the bacteria.

It is also necessary to periodically remove the strap and clean the slots on the body of the bracelet from accumulated dirt, this will prevent jamming of the mounting mechanism and prolong the life of both the strap and the device itself.

Frequent problems after changing the strap and their solution

Even if you've done everything right, sometimes you get a problem after you change the strap, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The bracelet is not fixed on the arm.

If the strap is constantly slipping, check:

• Is it right to be in the grooves (should be heard clicking).
• Does the size of the strap match the girth of your wrist?
• Are there any holes in the pin (if the strap is adjustable) worn?

Problem 2: The skin is irritated under the bracelet.

This may be caused by:

• Allergy to the material of the strap (try the hypoallergenic version).
• Sweat and bacteria (wash your strap more often).
• Too tight fixation (release the strap).

Problem 3: The bracelet is not measuring the pulse correctly.

If the sensors become worse after the belt is replaced, make sure that:

• The bracelet fits tightly to the skin (but does not clasp the hand).
• The strap does not close the sensor on the back of the body.
• There is no dirt between the body and the skin.

If the problem persists, try rebooting the bracelet or resetting it to factory settings through the Mi Fit app.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet stops turning on or does not respond to touch after the strap has been replaced, check if moisture has entered the body during the procedure.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about replacing a strap