Replacement of the strap on Xiaomi Mi Band 9: full instructions with photos and tips

The Xiaomi Mi Band 9 fitness bracelet has become one of the most popular activity tracking gadgets due to its combination of functionality, compactness and affordable price. However, even the highest quality device requires periodic maintenance — and replacing the strap is one of the procedures that every owner sooner or later faces. The reasons can be different: wear and tear of the original strap, desire to change color or material, break the buckle or simply desire to personalize.

Unlike previous models, the Mi Band 9 has an updated capsule mounting mechanism, which changed the strap change process a little. If you've never done this before, it may seem like you'll need special tools or skills to operate. In fact, it's much simpler: just know a few key things to avoid damaging the device or a new accessory. In this article, we'll look at all the steps of replacing the strap, from choosing a compatible model to finishing the check, and give tips on how to care for the bracelet after installing a new strap.

What is the best band for Xiaomi Mi Band 9: types and compatibility

Before you start replacing, make sure the strap you choose is compatible with your bracelet model.The Mi Band 9 uses a versatile mounting mechanism, but there are nuances that are important to consider:

• 🔹 Original Xiaomi straps – are available in several colors (black, white, green, orange, etc.) and are made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPU). They are fully compatible, but can quickly get dirty or stretched when used intensively.
• 🔹 Third-party straps are often cheaper than the original ones, but the quality varies.
• 🔹 Metal bracelets are suitable for those who prefer a premium look, but they are heavier and can rub the skin with prolonged wear.
• 🔹 Silicone straps with patterns - popular with users who want to stand out.Make sure the pattern doesn't interfere with the capsule's attachment.

Important: Mi Band 9 is not compatible with the bands from Mi Band 8 or older models due to the modified mounting! Even if they look similar visually, the locks may not fit. Always look for straps marked "For Mi Band 9" or "Mi Smart Band 9."

If you doubt compatibility, pay attention to the size of the mount: the Mi Band 9 distance between the locks is 18 mm, and the width of the strap is 12 mm.

Tools and preparation: what will be needed to replace

Replacing the strap on the Xiaomi Mi Band 9 doesn’t require complex hardware, but some tools will make it much easier:

Warning: Do not use metal tools (screwdrivers, knives), as they can scratch the capsule body or damage the strap locks. A plastic blade is the best option, as it is strong enough to fit the latch, but will not damage the gadget.

Before starting work, turn off the bracelet (if possible) or put it into flight mode via the Mi Fitness app, which will prevent accidental touch of the sensor during replacement, and it is recommended to take a picture of the current position of the strap and capsules, which will help you to correctly navigate when you reverse assemble.

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If you do not have a plastic shoulder blade, you can use an old bank card or plastic packaging from the bank. SIM-The key is to make the edge thin and smooth.

How to remove the old strap from Mi Band 9

The process of removing the strap consists of a few simple steps, the main thing is to act carefully so as not to break the locks.

1. Put the bracelet on a flat surface with the screen upwards, which will help avoid scratching the display.
2. Find a slot to detach on the back of the strap (on the side of the fastener) and it is located next to the metal pin.
3. Put the plastic blade in the groove and gently push away from the capsule, and a slight click should be heard, which means that the lock is released.
4. Repeat the action for the second side of the strap, and then the capsule will easily exit the slots.

If the strap is worn or deformed, the braces can get stuck. In this case, don't put too much effort into it, you better sway the blade slightly left-right to loosen the mount. If you feel resistance, check if dirt has entered the mechanism.

Note that on some straps, the braces may be hidden under decorative pads. If you can't see the groove, try to bend the edge of the strap slightly with your fingers, sometimes helping to detect the hidden mount.

⚠️ Warning: Do not pull the capsule over if the locks are not yet released! this can cause the latches to break or damage the charging contacts.

Installation of a new strap: nuances and possible errors

Installing a new strap is easier than removing the old one, but it also has its own subtleties.

1. Match the capsule with the grooves on the new strap, make sure the metal pins on the capsule match the holes on the strap.
2. Press the capsule before you click. The locks should be snapped on both sides. If one side is not fixed, check if there is something in the groove.
3. Check the reliability of the mount by slightly pulling the capsule upwards. It should not fall out or dangle.

A common mistake is to incompletely snap one side, which can cause the bracelet to fall out of the strap while wearing, so to avoid this, press the capsule evenly rather than from one edge.

If you're mounting a metal or leather strap, consider that they can be stiffer than silicone straps, in which case you can do a little bit more effort, but not fanaticism. Some metal bracelets have extra screws to fix, and you have to screw them up with a screwdriver (usually included).

Important: After you install the new strap, check the heart rate sensor and charging contact, and sometimes the tight fit of the strap can block the sensors.

Cleaning and care of the strap and capsule after replacement

Replacing the strap is a great way to clean the capsule and the bracelet contacts, and over time, sweat, dust and fat accumulate under the strap, which can affect the accuracy of the sensors or the quality of charging.

• 🧼 Cleaning the capsule: wipe the body and contacts with an alcohol wipe. Do not use abrasives or wet wipes with aggressive chemicals.
• 💧 Strap washing: Silicone straps can be washed with warm water and soap, metal straps can be washed with a wet cloth. Leather straps can be cleaned with special means.
• 🔋 Contact check: make sure that the charging contacts (on the back of the capsule) are not oxidized.

For silicone straps, it is useful to treat them once a month with an antibacterial spray (for example, for shoes), this will prevent unpleasant odor. Metal bracelets can be polished with soft cloth to return their shine.

It is better to store spare straps in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Silicone can deform over time if it is in a compressed state (for example, in a narrow box), It is optimal to store them in the original packaging or on a special stand.

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Regular cleaning of the strap and capsule prolongs the life of the bracelet and improves the accuracy of the sensors. Pay special attention to the contacts for charging - their contamination often causes connection problems.

Frequent problems with changing the strap and their solutions

Even if you change the strap carefully, you can have problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

If the bracelet does not turn on or glitch after replacing the strap, try rebooting it through the Mi Fitness app.

1. Open the application and go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 9.
2. Select Reboot the device.
3. Wait until the process is completed (about 30 seconds).

If the problem persists, check if the contacts on the capsule are damaged. In rare cases, if the strap is not neatly removed, the plumes inside the device may move away - in which case repairs will be required at the service center.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet starts to reset or shut off on its own after the strap has been replaced, this may indicate poor contact between the capsule and the locks. Check if the capsule in the strap is lufty, and if necessary, replace the accessory.

Where to buy a high-quality strap for Mi Band 9: a review of proven options

The choice of where to buy the strap is as important as the replacement itself, because cheap fakes can quickly fail or damage the bracelet.

• 🛒 Xiaomi official store (Mi Store) – guarantee of originality, but limited choice of colors.
• 🌍 AliExpress is a large range, but check the sellers' ratings (it is better to choose with a score of 98%+).
• 🏬 Electronics stores (Svyaznoy, M. Video, Citilink) - you can touch the strap before buying.
• 🔧 Xiaomi Service Centers – Sometimes Sell Original Parts at Wholesale Prices.

When buying, pay attention to:

• Material – the original straps are made of hypoallergenic TPU.
• Reviews - especially about the strength of the buckle and durability.
• Guarantee – Some vendors offer replacements when married.

The cost of straps varies:

• Original silicone - from 300 to 600 rubles.
• Third-party silicone - from 150 to 400 rubles.
• Metal bracelets - from 800 to 2000 rubles.
• Leather straps - from 500 to 1500 rubles.

If you want to save money but not risk quality, look for “Premium” or “Enhanced” straps – they are usually stronger than budget counterparts.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about replacing the Mi Band 9 strap