The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet has become one of the most popular activity-tracking gadgets thanks to its combination of functionality and affordable price. However, the standard silicone strap that comes with the kit wears out over time: cracks appear, elasticity is lost, and color fades from sweat and sunlight. Fortunately, replacing the strap with the Mi Band 5 is a simple procedure that requires no special skills or tools.
In this article, we will not only look at the step-by-step replacement process, but also how to choose a compatible strap (including non-original third-party versions), which materials are best suited for different use cases, and how to avoid typical errors. We will focus on the nuances of attachment that are often missed in standard instructions, such as how to fix the latch correctly so that the strap does not fly off during training.
If you’ve never changed your strap on a smartwatch or fitness bracelet before, don’t worry: the Mi Band 5 design provides a quick replacement without the risk of damaging the body.
What straps are suitable for Xiaomi Mi Band 5: originals and analogues
Before buying a new strap, it is important to make sure it is compatible with the Mi Band 5. The original straps from Xiaomi are guaranteed to work, but their range is limited to basic colors (black, blue, orange, pink, etc.). Third-party manufacturers offer a wider range of materials and designs, from leather straps to metal bracelets.
The main thing to look at is the width of the mount, which is 18 mm in the Mi Band 5 (unlike the Mi Band 6/7, where it is already 22 mm wide), which means that the straps from the newer models will not work! Also note the type of fixation: the Mi Band 5 uses a spring mechanism with two guide pins, not a magnetic mount, as some smart watches.
- 🔹 Original straps: Silicone, standard fastener. Made by Xiaomi, sold in branded stores. Pros: perfect fit, durability. Cons: limited design.
- 🔹 Silicone analogues: Cheaper than the originals, often with unusual colors (camouflage, gradient). It is important to check the reviews about the quality of the material - cheap silicone can irritate the skin.
- 🔹 Leather straps: Suitable for office style, but require careful care (do not like moisture.
- 🔹 Metal bracelets: Give the gadget a premium look, but weigh the design.
- 🔹 Fabric straps: Comfortable for everyday wear, but quickly get dirty and wear out.
When buying, pay attention to the length of the strap. The standard size is suitable for the wrist 15-21 cm, but there are elongated options (up to 23 cm) for users with a large wrist. If you buy a strap online, check with the seller whether the model supports a quick replacement (some cheap counterparts require a full disassembly of the bracelet).
Tools and preparation: what will be needed to replace
The Mi Band 5 does not require screwdrivers or special devices to replace the strap, but some users find that the strap sticks to the body, especially if the gadget has been in use for a long time without removing it.
- 🔧 Plastic spatula (for example, a mediator or opener for SIM-cards) - will help to gently put on the strap without scratching the body.
- 🔧 Tweezers – convenient for pressing the fixtures if the fingers do not climb.
- 🔧 Alcohol wipes – to clean contacts and body of dirt after removing the strap.
- 🔧 Hair dryer (optional) – if the strap is “jammed”, light heating will make the silicone more elastic.
Before starting work, turn off the bracelet (press the touch button for 5 seconds) or put it into flight mode, this will prevent accidental touching of the screen and resetting settings, and we recommend removing the bracelet from your hand and placing it on a soft surface (for example, a towel) so that the screen does not scratch.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal tools (knives, screwdrivers) to remove the strap! They can damage the plastic mount or leave scratches on the body. If the strap does not respond, do not force - better check again if you pressed the locks correctly.
If you plan to clean the contacts of the bracelet, avoid aggressive solvents (acetone, gasoline). Just wipe them with an alcohol napkin or a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Do not immerse the body in water - despite the 5 ATM moisture protection, prolonged contact with the liquid can damage electronic components.
Step-by-step: how to remove the old strap from the Mi Band 5
The stripping process takes less than a minute if you know where the locks are, and the key is to be careful not to break the plastic latches.
- Put the bracelet down on a flat surface, and that prevents you from accidentally pressing the touch button.
- Find a small hole on the back of the strap next to the mount to the body, and it has a hold that holds the strap.
- Insert a plastic blade or nail into the hole and slightly press towards the body, you should feel the lock "drowned" in.
- Without letting go of the lock, pull the strap away from the body (along its length, not up!).
- Repeat the same steps for the second side of the strap.
If the strap fails, check:
- 🔍 Is the locker completely drowned? Sometimes you have to press harder.
- 🔍 Are you confused? There's only one side of each lock.
- 🔍 If so, clean them with an alcohol napkin.
☑️ Checklist before stripping
After removing the strap, check the charging contacts on the bracelet body. If they are oxidized or contaminated, clean them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, which will improve the quality of charging and prolong the life of the gadget.
Installation of a new strap: nuances and typical errors
It's even easier to install a new strap than to remove the old one, but it has its pitfalls. The rule is, don't force it. If it doesn't fit, you're doing something wrong. Here's a step-by-step algorithm.
- Combine the guide pins on the strap with the slots on the bracelet body. They must enter without resistance.
- Press the strap lightly until you click it, which means that the lock is in place.
- Check the reliability of the mount by pulling the strap slightly over yourself. It should not hang out or fall out.
Typical errors in installation:
- ❌ The strap is asymmetrical, there's a lock on one side, there's no lock on the other side. If you flip it over on the wrong side, it won't lock.
- ❌ Insufficient force: The locker must click. If there was no click, the strap will fly off the first move.
- ❌ Mud in the grooves: Dust or sweat can interfere with the tight fit.
If you are installing a leather or metal strap, consider that they can be heavier than silicone straps, which will affect the comfort of wearing, especially during sleep, and check whether the new strap covers the touch button or infrared sensor (some models with wide bracelets do this).
⚠️ Warning: After you change the strap, check if the bracelet settings are wrong. Sometimes when you press the body hard, the touch button may trigger and, for example, the workout mode will turn on. If the screen does not respond to touch, reset the bracelet (press the button for 10 seconds).
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 care. Silicone straps lose elasticity over time due to sweat, sunlight and detergents. Here are some tips to help extend the life of your accessory:
- 💧 Regular cleaning: Wash the strap with a wet wipe after exercise. You can use a soap solution for silicone, you can use a soap solution for the skin - special products.
- ☀️ Avoid direct sun: Ultraviolet makes silicone brittle. Don't leave the bracelet on the windowsill or in the car.
- 🧴 Skin moisturizing: If the strap rubs the wrist, use a cream or talc. This will also prevent the appearance of an unpleasant smell.
- 🔄 Alternate straps: If you have multiple straps, change them every 2-3 days, which gives the material a rest and prolongs the life of the material.
For silicone straps, it is useful to treat them once a month with baking soda (dilute them with water to a state of gruel, apply for 10 minutes, then rinse), this removes bacteria and unpleasant odor. Leather straps can not be wet - they can be wiped with a wet cloth and periodically treated with skin conditioner.
If the strap starts to layer or crack, don't pull it with a replacement. Microcracks accumulate dirt and bacteria, which can cause skin irritation. Also note the fastener: if it doesn't hold well, the strap can unbutton while you're moving.
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To silicone strap does not smell, after cleaning, dry it with a dryer in cold mode or leave it overnight in a bowl of rice (drawing substances absorb moisture).
Frequent problems after changing the strap and their solution
Even if you did everything right, you might have problems after you changed the strap, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The strap flies off when you're moving. | The locker didn't click all the way. | Remove the strap and install again, making sure you click. |
| Bracelet not charging | Dirt on the contacts or displacement of the module | Clean the contacts with alcohol, check the density of the strap fitting |
| The screen doesn't respond to touch. | The touch button is blocked by the strap | Check if the sensor is blocked. |
| I smelled the strap. | Bacteria accumulate in microcracks | Treat the strap with soda solution or replace it |
| The strap rubs the skin | Incorrectly sized or incorrectly sized | Adjust the length or replace it with a softer strap |
If the bracelet doesn't turn on or sync with the smartphone after the strap is replaced, the problem may not be in the strap, but in the device itself.
- Reset the bracelet (click the button for 10 seconds).
- Reset the settings to factory (Settings → About bracelet → Reset).
- Reinstall the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app on your phone.
If none of these methods worked, it is possible that the display plume was damaged when the strap was replaced (for example, if you pressed the body too hard), in which case professional repairs will be required.
What to do if the lock is broken?
Where to buy a band for Mi Band 5: proven options
Original straps for Mi Band 5 can be bought in official Xiaomi stores (including Mi Store), on AliExpress, Wildberries or Ozon. The cost of the original silicone strap is from 300 to 600 rubles, depending on the color. Third-party manufacturers offer analogues cheaper (from 150 rubles), but the quality can vary greatly.
When buying, pay attention to:
- 🛒 Compatibility: The description should indicate that the strap is suitable for the Mi Band 5 (Not for the Mi Band. 6/7).
- 🛒 Natural leather, medical silicone or stainless steel will last longer than cheap plastic counterparts.
- 🛒 Check if there are any complaints that the strap quickly breaks or is poorly fixed.
- 🛒 Warranty: Reliable sellers offer refunds within 14-30 days.
If you are looking for a unique design, look for the straps from brands:
- 🔹 Amazfit – compatible with Mi Band 5, a wide range of colors.
- 🔹 Huawei – some models are suitable for the size of the mounting.
- 🔹 No-name with AliExpress – cheap, but require careful choice.
Important: some of the Mi Band 4 straps are suitable for the Mi Band 5, but not vice versa! Mi Band 4 has the same width (18 mm), but the shape of the lock may vary.