Xiaomi Mi Band 5
step-by-step
If you've tried to put protection on your smartphone, don't think it's the same with the bracelet. The Mi Band 5 has a deep display, a small area and round edges, which makes it harder. And it's more expensive to make a mistake here: improperly installed glass can interfere with the touch sensor or even tear off the original oleophobic film, and we'll figure out how to avoid these problems, what tools will come in handy, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Bonus: At the end of the article is a list of proven manufacturers of protective glass for the Mi Band 5 and answers to frequent questions, such as whether it is possible to glue the protection on an already scratched screen.
Why the Mi Band 5βs safety glass is not a luxury, but a necessity
The screen of Xiaomi Mi Band 5 It's covered in soft plastic that scratches even when you're in a little contact with keys or coins in your pocket, and the manufacturer puts a thin oleophobic film on it, but it's erased by a small amount of time. 2-3 Without protection, the display will quickly become covered with micro scratches, which will make the image cloudy and the sensor less responsive.
The protective glass solves several tasks:
- π‘οΈ Mechanical protection against scratches, bumps and scuffs, even if you hit the bracelet on the door joint, the glass will take the hit.
- π Keeping sensors sensitive, and quality glass doesn't degrade screen response, unlike cheap film.
- π Easy replacement. If the glass cracks, you can take it off and put a new one on it, whereas the scratches on the original screen are forever.
- π§ Hydrophobic coating (in some models) Drops of water or sweat roll down without leaving any divorces.
But not all glasses are equally useful. Cheap Chinese versions often have inaccurate logging, which shuts down the pulse sensor or interferes with charging. And some glasses are actually hard films that turn yellow over time. How to choose the right one is read on.
What kind of protective glass is suitable for Xiaomi Mi Band 5: selection criteria
Not all windows are compatible with the Mi Band 5 because of its unique screen shape.
1. Accuracy of cutting. Glass should perfectly repeat the contours of the display without closing:
- π Pulse sensor (lower part of the screen).
- β‘ Charging contacts (if the glass is too large, the bracelet will not charge).
- π Sensor button (some glasses have a cutout under it).
The best option is 0.1-0.2 mm. thicker glasses (0.3 mm and higher) can:
- π Deteriorate sensor sensitivity.
- π Create a βstepβ on the edges, which clings to the clothes.
- π Interfering with the tight fit of the charging cable.
3. Material: Better to choose tempered glass with oleophobic coating (repels fingerprints).
- β "Liquid glass β it does not provide mechanical protection.
- β Flexible films β they quickly scratch and turn yellow.
- β Glasses without adhesive layer - they are difficult to install without bubbles.
4.Compact. The set must include:
- π§΄ Screen cleaning wipe (preferably lilaless).
- π§ Alcohol solution or wet wipe.
- π Dust collector (sticker for dust removal).
- π Positioning sticker (helps to position the glass evenly).
If you don't have at least half of this list, you'd better look for another one, and cheap kits often save on the little things that determine the success of the installation.
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Before buying, check the reviews on photos: if other users glass does not close the pulse sensor or interferes with charging, take another model.
Preparation for installation: what you need and how to avoid errors
A successful glass sticker is 90% pre-production-dependent, and many people skip this stage and wonder why bubbles or moulds have appeared under the glass.
Tools and materials:
- π§΄ Wormless napkin (microfibra).
- π§ Isopropyl alcohol 70%+ or wet wipes for electronics.
- π§² Scotch or paint tape (for bracelet fixation).
- π―οΈ Bright lamp or flashlight (to see dust).
- π§ Cold air (you can use a can of compressed air or just breathe on the screen).
Preparation of the workplace:
- Choose a room without drafts (dust is the main enemy!).
- Wipe the table with a wet and then dry cloth.
- Wash your hands with soap and dry them.
- If you have pets, close the door (wool and dust will stick to the glass).
Preparation of the bracelet:
- Remove the band from Mi Band 5 (it is easier to work with).
- If you already have an old film on the screen, carefully remove it with a plastic card (not a knife!).
- Wipe the display with an alcohol napkin, then a dry lilaless fabric.
- Check the screen under bright light: if scratches are visible, they can be masked with plastic polyrele (but this is a temporary solution).
Critically, if you have any traces of glue on the screen from the old protection, remove them with alcohol, otherwise the new glass will not stick flat.
Band off the bracelet|The screen is cleared of old protection|Dust-free workplace|All the tools are at hand.|Bracelet battery charged (to check sensor after installation)-->
Step-by-step: how to glue glass without bubbles
Now, to the most critical stage, follow the instructions slowly, because even one mistake can ruin the result.
Step 1: Positioning the glass
- Take the glass out of the package behind the edges (without touching the glue side!).
- If you have a positioning sticker in the kit, stick it onto the bracelet screen, and it helps you to position the glass evenly.
- Carefully place the glass on the sticker and check if all the cutouts match (for sensor, charging contacts).
- If there is no sticker, keep the bracelet on weight and apply the glass without pressing it.
Step 2: Dust removal
- Remove the positioning sticker along with the glass.
- Once again wipe the screen with a dust collector (sticker from the kit).
- Breathe on the screen, and the condensate will collect the remaining dust.
- Check under bright light: if you see the motifs, repeat the cleaning.
Step 3: Glass sticker
- Remove the protective film from the glue side of the glass.
- Carefully apply the glass to the screen, starting at the top edge (where the button is).
- Lightly press the center of the glass and let it βspreadβ to the edges.
- Donβt press hard β bubbles are squeezed from center to edges in a gentle movement.
Step 4: Removing bubbles
- If you have small bubbles left, leave the bracelet for 10 to 12 hours, and many of them will disappear on their own.
- Large bubbles can be squeezed out with a plastic map, leading from the center to the edge.
- If the bubble does not go away, gently pull the glass from the edge and glue it again (only in the first 5 minutes!).
Step 5: Checking
- Make sure that the glass does not interfere with the pulse sensor (attach your finger - a green LED should light up).
- Check the sensor sensitivity (please click the menu).
- Connect the charging cable β contacts should not be closed.
If it works, congratulations! Now your Mi Band 5 is secure. If it doesn't, read the section on typical bugs.
What to do if the glass is crooked?
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with a careful installation, you can make mistakes that will ruin the result, and here are the most common problems and solutions.
1.Bubbles under glass
- Cause: dust, hair or uneven pressing.
- Solution: Small bubbles (up to 1 mm) often disappear after 12 to 24 hours; large bubbles can be squeezed out with a map or needle (carefully!). If there are many bubbles, glue the glass.
2. Glass shall not be glued at the edges
- Reason: greasy marks on the screen or not enough glue on the edges of the glass.
- Solution: Rub the screen with alcohol and repeat the installation, and if the problem recurs, it may be defective glass (the glue was applied unevenly).
3 Sensor sensitivity deteriorated
- Reason: too thick glass or improper installation.
- Solution: Check if the glass covers the edges of the screen (should be 0.1-0.2 mm gap). If the glass is thicker than 0.2 mm, replace it with a thinner one. Recalibrate the sensor in the bracelet settings (Settings) β Display. β Sensor calibration).
4.The glass interferes with charging
- Reason: inaccurate cutting or offsetting when stickered.
- Solution: Check if the charging contacts are closed (they should be fully open). If the glass is in the way, carefully saw its edge with fine sandpaper (P1000βP1200).
5. Under the glass, dirt or hair is visible
- Reason: insufficient screen cleaning before installation.
- Solution: If the mottle is small, try to move it to the edge with the map. If it doesn't work, glue the glass over with alcohol and a dust collector.
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If the glass is left at the edges after a few days, it's a sign of poor-quality glue, and it doesn't last long, and it's better to replace it.
Comparison of protective glass for Xiaomi Mi Band 5: which is better?
Not all the glass is the same. We tested some of the popular models and we made a comparison table.
| Model | Thickness | Oleophobic coating | Accuracy of cutting | Sensor sensitivity | Price (roughly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spigen Glas.tR | 0.15 mm | Yes. | Perfect. | Not worse. | 400β500 β½ |
| Nillkin H+ Pro | 0.2 mm | Yes. | Good (does not interfere with charging) | Minor deterioration | 300β400 β½ |
| Orzly Tempered Glass | 0.1 mm | Yes. | Perfect. | Not worse. | 500β600 β½ |
| No-name (AliExpress) | 0.2-0.3 mm | No/weak. | Often inaccurate | It often gets worse. | 100β200 β½ |
| Belkin UltraGlass | 0.18 mm | Yes. | Perfect. | Not worse. | 600β700 β½ |
It is better to choose the Nillkin H from the budget options.+ Pro is thin and doesn't interfere with charging. If you want maximum protection and perfect sensitivity, go with Spigen Glas.tR or Orzly.
Beware of fakes! AliExpress often sells glass with photos of branded models, but in fact sends a cheap fake. Check the reviews with the photos and the rating of the seller.
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If you buy glass on AliExpress, choose a seller with a rating of at least 98% and a number of orders from 1000.
Care for the protective glass: how to extend its service life
Even the strongest glass will last longer if properly cared for.
1. Screen cleaning
- π§Ό Use a microfiber wipe and some water (without detergents!).
- π« Do not rub the screen with paper napkins or clothing β they scratch the oleophobic coating.
- π§ For severe pollution, you can use an alcohol napkin, but not more often than 1 time a month.
Protection against mechanical damage
- π‘οΈ Remove the bracelet when playing sports, where punches are possible (boxing, football).
- π Donβt wear the Mi Band 5 on one hand with a watch or bracelets β they can scratch glass.
- π§³ When transporting, put the bracelet in a case or a separate pocket.
3. Restoration of the oleophobic coating
- If the glass has ceased to repel the prints, it can be treated with polyrene for glasses (for example, Displex).
- Apply the polymer on a napkin and rub it in the glass with circular movements.
- Avoid products with abrasives (such as toothpaste) - they scratch the surface.
4. Glass replacement
- π Change the glass if it has deep scratches or cracks.
- ποΈ If the glass is cracked, remove it carefully so that the fragments do not fall under the screen of the bracelet.
- β»οΈ Old glass can be used as a stencil to cut new from a universal sheet.
Important: If there is dust or moisture under the glass, do not try to clean it by putting a knife on the glass, it is better to remove the protection completely and put a new one on.