Xiaomi smartwatches and fitness bracelets have become an integral part of the daily lives of millions of users, but even simple operations such as changing a strap or cleaning the case can be difficult — especially if you have never removed the bracelet from a device before.
In this article, we will understand how to safely remove the strap from different Xiaomi models - from the budget Mi Band to the premium Xiaomi Watch S3.
- 🔧 Types of fastenings of straps and their features
- ⚙️ Step-by-step instructions for popular models
- ⚠️ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- 🛠️ Tips for caring for contacts after withdrawal
Plus – we will answer frequent questions, for example, can you replace the strap yourself or when you should contact the service center.
Types of strap fasteners on Xiaomi watches
Before you start removing the bracelet, it is important to determine what type of mount is used in your model, which not only determines the process of dismantling, but also the choice of a new strap. Xiaomi uses three main types:
- 🔗 Spring pins (the most common variant) are metal or plastic rods that are fixed in the grooves of the case. 3/4/5/6, Xiaomi Watch S1.
- 🔄 Quick removable latches are plastic or silicone lock button movements used in Mi Band 7 Pro, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro.
- 🧲 Magnetic mounts are a rare type, characteristic of some limited series (for example, Xiaomi Mi Band Luxury Edition).
To determine exactly what type of attachment you need to look at the back of the strap at the junction to the body, if you see a small protrusion or a hole, it's a spring pin, if you have a button or a lever, it's a quick-removal latch, and magnetic mounts usually don't have any visible mechanisms.
Preparing for bracelet removal: tools and precautions
Even a simple operation like this requires preparation.
- 🔩 Flat screwdriver (for spring pins) or special key for straps (sold with some models).
- 🧴 Silicone lubricant (if the latch is tight).
- 📸 Loop or flashlight – to inspect small details.
- 🧤 Soft fabric – to put down the watch and avoid scratches.
⚠️ Note: Do not use sharp objects (knives, scissors) to remove pins - this can damage the body or strap. If the mounting does not lend itself, do not make excessive efforts: you should contact the service.
Before you start, turn off the device (if possible) or put it in flight mode, this will prevent accidental tapping on the screen and resetting settings, and it is also recommended to remove rings or bracelets from your hands - they can scratch the body of the watch.
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If you are planning to replace the strap, take a picture of its mount before removing it. This will help you install the new accessory correctly.
Step-by-step: how to remove the strap from the Mi Band (models 3-7)
The Mi Band fitness bracelets (except for the 7 Pro) use spring pins. The removal process is the same for all generations, but there are nuances:
- Place the bracelet on a flat surface with the screen down.
- Find on the back of the strap a small hole next to the body - this is the pin locker.
- Put a flat screwdriver or strap key into the hole and press gently towards the body. The pin should slip out.
- Repeat the action for the second pin, and then the strap will be easily removed.
If the pin fails:
- 🔧 Try to push on the other side.
- 💧 Apply a drop of silicone lubricant into the hole.
- 🔄 Swing the pin left-right without applying strong pressure.
☑️ Preparation for the removal of the Mi Band strap
⚠️ Note: Mi Band 7 Pro uses a quick-removal latch - don't try to pull the pins out.
Features of removing the strap from the Xiaomi Watch (S1, S2, 2 Pro)
The Xiaomi Watch has a more complex mounting design, using either spring pins (in the S1) or quick-removal latches (in the S2 and 2 Pro).
Models with spring pins (Xiaomi Watch S1)
The algorithm is similar to the Mi Band, but the pins are thinner and longer, and the main difficulty is that they are easy to lose, so we suggest you work on a table with white paper on it to see if the pin has fallen out.
Models with quick latches (Xiaomi Watch S2, 2 Pro)
It's easier here.
- Find a small locker button on the back of the strap (usually indicated by the arrow).
- Press the button and pull the strap away from the body. It should be easy to separate.
- Repeat for the other side.
| Model clock | Type of attachment | Tools | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 3–7 | Spring pins | Screwdriver/key | ⭐⭐ |
| Mi Band 7 Pro | Quick-removal latch | Not required | ⭐ |
| Xiaomi Watch S1 | Spring pins (thin) | Screwdriver/tweezers | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Xiaomi Watch S2 / 2 Pro | Quick-removal latch | Not required | ⭐ |
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On models with quick-removal latches (for example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) do not use screwdrivers - this will lead to a breakdown of the mechanism.
What to do if the strap is not removed?
Sometimes even with the right actions, the strap doesn't work, and here are the possible causes and solutions.
- 🔧 A jammed pin - try digging into the hole WD-40 or alcohol, then gently swing the pin.
- 🔄 Deformed latch — if the button is not pressed, the mechanism may have broken.
- 🧲 Severe pollution - dust and sweat can glue together parts.
- 🛠️ Non-original strap - some third-party accessories have non-standard mounts.
If nothing helps, don’t risk it – heavy pressure can damage the body, especially on touchscreen models (like the Xiaomi Watch S3). Xiaomi service centers have special tools for such cases.
What happens if you break the mount?
Care for contacts after removing the strap
Once the strap is removed, the watch body is left with sensor contacts (such as pulse or charging) that can cause the device to malfunction.
- Wipe the contacts with a dry soft cloth (microfibre).
- If there is a lot of pollution, use isopropyl alcohol (70%) and cotton swab.
- Don’t blow on the contacts – saliva can oxidize metal.
- Allow the device to dry for 10-15 minutes before installing the new strap.
If you notice oxidation (green or white coating on the contacts), clean them carefully with a pencil eraser. Do not use abrasive materials!
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Before installing a new strap, check if it has sharp edges or burrs that can scratch the body or damage the rubber sealing rings (if any).
How to choose a replacement: compatibility of straps
Not all straps fit all Xiaomi models, but here are the key points when choosing:
- 📏 mount size – Mi Band and Xiaomi Watch have different widths (usually 18-22 mm.
- 🔗 Type of fastening – spring pins are not compatible with quick-removal latches.
- 💧 Waterproof – if you swim with a watch, choose straps with sealing rings (for example, the original from Xiaomi).
- 🎨 Material – silicone is suitable for sports, leather or metal – for everyday wear.
For models with quick-removal latches (for example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) straps from other brands will suit, if they have a similar mechanism, but for the Mi Band 7 Pro, it is better to take original accessories - third-party ones may not fit tightly.