Fitness trackers often need to replace the strap, which may be due to a desire to diversify the appearance of the device or the need to replace a damaged accessory. Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is no exception, and its design makes it easy to change the mounting elements. Understanding the right sequence of actions will help avoid breakage of plastic locks.
The dismantling process requires care, as the mounting mechanism is quite miniaturized. Incorrect force can lead to deformation of the ears of the capsule or the silicone belt itself. In this article, we will discuss all the details so that you can safely remove the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 bracelet and install a new one.
The main element that we're going to be extracting is a capsule, and it's the one that contains all the electronics, the screen, the sensors, and the rest is just a removable strap that's used to hold the device on the wrist, and it's important to understand the difference between removing the belt and removing the module itself.
Before any manipulations are initiated, it is recommended to turn off the device screen or simply remove it from charging. Although the risk of damage to electronics is minimal, calmness and lack of haste are the master's main tools. Let's take a closer look at the preparatory stage.
Preparation for withdrawal and necessary tools
Before you start the active phase, you need to prepare the workplace, you need a flat, light surface, preferably a soft surface, so that if you fall, the small capsule does not scratch, your thumb will be the main tool, but in some cases you may need helpers.
If you have rough skin of your hands or a new, tight strap, silicone can be bad, so you can use a thin plastic card or a special blade to open the cases. Metal tools such as a knife or screwdriver are highly undesirable, because they can easily damage the soft silicone or scratch the glossy surface of the tracker.
- ๐ ๏ธ Clean workspace with good lighting for visual control of fine details.
- ๐งค Dry hands or thin gloves so that the device does not slip out during operation.
- ๐ฑ Smartphone with Zepp Life or Mi Fitness app installed for later health check.
Make sure your hands are dry and fat-free. If you just came from the street or exercised, it is best to wash your hands first with soap, which will ensure a secure grip and prevent your fingers from slipping off the smooth surface of the tracker at the crucial moment.
Design features of the Mi Band 4 fastening
To understand how to remove the bracelet, you need to understand how it works. Unlike a classic watch with removable studs, the Mi Band 4 uses a system of hidden locks. The tracker capsule is inserted into a silicone base with tension and is held there due to the elasticity of the material.
On the back of the capsule, you'll see two small bumps that go into the strap's special slots, and these are the key points of contact, because of the friction and the shape of the seat, and on one side, the strap has a neckline that allows you to grab your finger comfortably, which makes it easier to extract.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not attempt to remove the capsule by pulling the touch screen, which may cause cracks in the display or impair the tightness of the body.
The silicone used in the original straps is quite strong, but it can stretch over time. If your bracelet has been worn for a long time, it will be easier to remove the module. However, with new accessories, it often takes more effort to overcome the strength of the material's elasticity.
It is important to note that the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 design is identical to the previous third version, which means that the straps from the Mi Band 3 are fully compatible with the fourth model, and if you have an old trio belt, you can use it for experiments on training the skill of removing and installing.
Step-by-step: how to remove the capsule
Now, the most important thing is the action algorithm: take the tracker in your left hand (if you're right-handed) so that the screen is looking at you, and the inside of the strap is facing upwards, and find a characteristic tongue or neckline on the belt that is designed to hold the finger.
Put your right thumb on this neckline on the inside of the strap, right under the capsule. Put your finger on the silicone and start squeezing the tracker outwards, away from your wrist, and hold the capsule with your other hand, so it doesn't fly far.
โ๏ธ Checklist for capsule removal
The movement should be sure, but not sharp. You'll feel the capsule start to come out of the groove. When one side is free, tilt the module slightly and pull the other side out. Don't be afraid to put in the effort, the silicone is designed for such loads, but avoid jerks.
If_capsula_ It's sitting very tightly, you can try to loosen it from side to side, gradually increasing the amplitude, the main thing is not to use sharp objects, so as not to pierce the strap through.
Replacement of the strap and installation of a new one
After successfully dismantling the old belt, the new one is reset in reverse order, but has its own characteristics. First insert one side of the capsule into the slot of the strap. Make sure it sits tightly and all the way, then press on the opposite edge to snap the other side.
The characteristic click may not be present when you install it, because the fixation is soft. So visually make sure that the edges of the capsule are aligned with the silicone on all sides. If you see gaps or skews, then the module is inserted incorrectly and may fall out when you are moving actively.
- ๐ Insert the capsule first on the side where the pulse sensor is located for better position control.
- ๐๏ธ Visually make sure that the edges of the module do not protrude beyond the silicone frame.
- ๐ช After installation, slightly pull the edges of the belt in different directions, checking the reliability of the fixation.
Third-party straps can have varying degrees of stiffness. Metal or leather counterparts require more careful installation, since their grooves may be less elastic than the original silicone, and in such cases it is better to act slowly, warming the material with the warmth of the hands.
What to do if the capsule is hanging?
Compatibility table and strap types
The market for accessories for Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is huge. In addition to classic silicone, there are options in metal, leather, fabric and even ceramics. However, not all of them are equally comfortable in everyday wear and can differ in the mechanism of attachment of the buckle itself, although the fit of the capsule remains the same.
When choosing a new strap, pay attention to the quality of the mounting holes. They should be smooth, without barbs that could damage the skin of the hand or the capsule itself. Below is a table that helps you navigate the types of accessories available.
| Type of material | Compatibility | Features of care | Difficulty replacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| The original silicone | 100% (Mi Band 3/4) | Wash with water and soap | Low. |
| Metal bracelet | 100% (Mi Band 3/4) | Wash with dry cloth | Medium |
| Natural skin. | 100% (Mi Band 3/4) | Keep moisture out | Medium |
| Nylon loop | 100% (Mi Band 3/4) | 30 degree laundry | Low. |
It's worth noting that metal bracelets often have their own fastener system, which may differ from the standard silicone comb, which does not affect the process of removing the capsule, but changes the way the wrist is fixed. Leather straps can stretch over time, so they need to be checked periodically for the density of fit.
Strap care and prevention of breakdowns
Regular care prolongs the life of the accessory. Silicone tends to accumulate dust and sweat, which can cause skin irritation. It is recommended to remove the bracelet once a week and wash it with warm water with soft soap, thoroughly drying before re-installing the capsule.
Avoid contact with aggressive chemicals, solvents or cosmetics (varnishes, perfumes), as they can destroy the structure of the polymer, make it sticky or brittle. If you notice that the material began to crumble in the places of the fold, it must be replaced.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause colored straps to fade and lose material elasticity.Try not to leave the tracker on the windowsill.
Also, keep an eye on the fastener ears on the capsule itself. If you change the straps often, the plastic can become thinner. If you find microcracks, be careful the next time you replace them, so you don't break the lock permanently. In extreme cases, you can glue the capsule neatly, but this is a temporary solution.
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To clean hard-to-reach areas in the strap, use a soft toothbrush, which perfectly removes contamination from the texture of silicone without damaging it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
In conclusion, we will answer the most popular questions that users have when working with Mi Band 4 straps. These answers will help to avoid common mistakes and dispel doubts.
Can I wash the Mi Band 4 with a strap under the tap?
Will the Mi Band 4 be a good fit for the Mi Band 5?
What to do if the ear of the mount on the capsule is broken?
How to remove the strap if it is very tight and the finger slides?
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Proper and accurate replacement of the strap not only improves the appearance of the device, but also prolongs the life of the capsule itself, preventing mechanical damage from falling out.