Why Mi Band 6 owners change their straps and when they really need to
The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 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 doesn’t always suit users: Some want to add personality, some face skin irritation from prolonged wear, and some have a strap that just wears out over time.
According to surveys of Mi Band owners, up to 40 percent of users change their straps in the first 6 months of use, for reasons ranging from aesthetic preferences to practical problems, such as a standard strap that can stretch after intense training or lose color under the influence of sweat and sun, and some just want to choose an accessory for a style of clothing - a metal bracelet for a business look or a bright silicone for sports.
But how do you know if it's time to change the strap?
- 🔍 Visible cracks or tears on the surface - especially dangerous in places of attachment to the body.
- 🧴 Persistent smell that does not clear up even after washing - a signal of deep penetration of bacteria.
- 🩹 Skin irritation after wearing - possible allergy to the material or accumulation of dirt in microcracks.
- 🔄 Constant scrolling of the strap in the lock - indicates the wear of the fixing mechanism.
Importantly, if you notice that the bracelet has started to unbutton itself while moving, this is a direct reason to replace it. Falling a gadget from your hand is fraught with not only loss of data, but also mechanical damage to the body.
What straps are suitable for Xiaomi Mi Band 6: compatibility and materials
Before buying a new strap, make sure it is compatible with your model.The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 uses a universal 18mm wide mount, but there are nuances:
- 🔗 The original Xiaomi straps are guaranteed to fit but often overpriced.The lineup features silicone, leather and metal variants.
- 🛒 Third-party manufacturers (e.g. Amazfit, Huawei, or nameless brands with AliExpress) – most are suitable, but may differ in rigidity or way of attachment.
- ⚠️ Mi Band 5 straps are not suitable without an adapter, as they have a different lock shape, despite the same width.
Let’s look at popular materials and their features:
| Materials | Pluses | Cons | Price (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| silicone | Light, water resistant, hypoallergenic | It accumulates smells, stretches over time | 200–500 ₽ |
| TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) | Stronger than silicone, resistant to abrasion | Less elastic, can be rigid | 400–800 ₽ |
| Skin (natural/artificial) | Stylish view, suitable for the office | Fear of water, needs care | 600–1500 ₽ |
| Metal (stainless steel) | Long-lasting, premium look | Heavy, can rub the skin. | 1000–2500 ₽ |
| Fabric (nylon) | Breathing, light, stylish | It's dusty, hard to clean. | 500–1200 ₽ |
Tip: If you swim or wash your hands frequently, choose silicone or a silicone. TPU — They don't absorb water or deform. A leather strap is fine for office wear, but remember, you can't wet it.
⚠️ Note: Some metal straps have a magnetic fastener, which can affect the accuracy of the bracelet sensors (for example, measuring heart rate.
Preparing for replacement: tools and precautions
Replacing the strap with the Mi Band 6 doesn’t require special skills, but to avoid damage to the body or a new accessory, prepare yourself in advance.
- 🔧 Flat screwdriver (or plastic mediator) - for careful grazing of latches.
- 🧴 Alcohol wipes – to clean the bracelet body of dirt before installation.
- 📦 New strap - check the complete set (sometimes there are spare springs in the set).
- 🔦 Good lighting – small details are easy to lose.
If you bought a strap without springs, you can carefully remove them from the old strap with tweezers. Be careful: the springs are very small and can pop out when pressed.
The new strap is compatible with the Mi Band 6 (18mm wide)
There are spare springs (if not included)
Bracelet body clean and dry
The workplace is well lit
There's a tool at hand to snap the latches.-->
Warning: Do not use knives or sharp objects to extract springs - this can scratch the body of the bracelet or damage the sealing rubbers responsible for moisture protection.
⚠️ Note: If your Mi Band 6 has damaged glass or cracks in the body, it is best to replace the strap at a service center.
Step-by-step: how to remove the old strap from the Mi Band 6
The strap removal process consists of three steps: releasing the springs, removing the strap from the slots, and checking the integrity of the parts. Follow the instructions carefully so that you do not lose small elements.
Step 1. Find a spring slot.
Turn the bracelet over with the back side to you, and you'll see a little groove in the strap and the body, which is a spring slot, and it's closer to the edge of the body.
Step 2. Put the spring in.
Put a flat screwdriver or a mediator into the groove and gently push the strap towards the strap, and you feel the spring compressing, and then you can move the strap to the side. Repeat the action for the second spring.
What to do if the spring does not lend itself?
Step 3. Remove the strap
After both springs are freed, pull the strap to the side (along the body) - it should easily slip out of the slots. If the strap does not move, check if one of the springs is still fixed.
Step 4. Check the springs.
Check the extracted springs for deformation. If they're bent or rusty, replace them with new ones. Some of the straps come with spare springs -- don't lose them!
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If you are afraid of losing springs, put them on the sticky side of the scotch or in a small container with a lid.
Installation of a new strap: nuances and typical errors
It's easier to install a strap than to remove it, but it has its pitfalls. The rule is that the springs must enter the grooves of the body before you click, and if that doesn't happen, the strap can spontaneously detach.
Step 1. Put the springs in the new strap
If the springs are not installed, carefully insert them into the holes on the strap. Make sure that the projections of the springs look outwards - they should cling to the slots of the body.
Step 2. Combine the strap with the body
Hold the strap to the bracelet so that the springs are opposite the grooves. Start on one side: press the spring slightly and move the strap into the groove until you click.
Step 3. Secure the other side
Repeat the action for the second spring. Make sure the strap is tight and doesn't hang. If it's scrolling around the body, it means the springs aren't fixed properly.
Typical errors in installation:
- ❌ The skewed springs - the strap will sit crooked.
- ❌ Weak fixation – if you do not wait for the click, the strap will fly off at the first sharp movement.
- ❌ Dirt in the grooves - interferes with tight fit.
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If the strap is scrolling around the body after installation, the springs haven't entered the grooves until the end, repeat the process by pressing the springs harder.
How to care for a strap so it lasts longer
The life of the strap depends not only on 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 and TPU-strap:
- 🧼 Wash with warm water and soap 1-2 times a week. Avoid aggressive detergents.
- 🌞 Dry outdoors, but not in direct sunlight – they make silicone brittle.
- 🧴 Once a month, treat with antibacterial wipes to remove potassium fat deposits.
For leather straps:
- 🚫 Do not wet! Use wet cloth and special skin products to clean.
- 🧴 Apply skin conditioning every 2-3 months to prevent cracking.
- 🌧️ Take off the strap before showering or swimming.
For metal straps:
- 🔧 Check the tightening of links once a month - they may weaken.
- 🧴 Clean with a toothbrush with toothpaste to remove oxidation.
- ⚠️ Avoid contact with salt (sea water, sweat) – it accelerates corrosion.
A general rule for all types of straps is to remove the bracelet overnight to allow the skin to rest and prevent the material from deforming, and don’t wear the strap too tight, which impairs blood circulation and can distort sensor data.
⚠️ Warning: If you use gels or hand creams, apply them 10-15 minutes before wearing the bracelet. Fats and silicones in the product can destroy the strap structure, especially silicone straps.
Frequent problems after changing the strap and their solution
Even if you do everything according to the instructions, there may be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The strap scrolls around the body | The springs are not fixed until the end. | Remove the strap and set again, pressing on the springs until the click |
| The bracelet spontaneously unbuttons itself. | Coated springs or grooves of the body | Replace the springs or contact the service for the diagnosis of the body |
| The heart rate sensor is not working properly. | The strap is too tight or metallic (affects the signal) | Reduce the strap or replace it with a non-magnetic material |
| There was an irritation on the skin. | Allergy to material or dirt buildup | Change the strap to hypoallergenic and wash the bracelet more often. |
If the Mi Band 6 band has stopped syncing with the phone after the change, check:
- Density of the body to the skin – sensors may not work if the bracelet dangles.
- Bluetooth settings on your phone – sometimes you need to reconnect the device.
- Firmware updates – in rare cases, software bugs interfere with the correct operation.
If the problem is not solved, try resetting the bracelet to factory settings through the Mi Fit app:
Open Mi Fit → Profile → Xiaomi Mi Band 6 → Additional → Reset