Owners of the popular fitness tracker often face the need to replace the accessory, whether it is the wear of an old strap or the desire to update the appearance of the gadget.The question of how to remove the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 bracelet becomes especially relevant, since the design of the device requires careful handling of mounts. Wrong actions can lead to breakage of plastic ears or even damage to the tracker itself, so it is important to know the exact algorithm of actions before starting the procedure.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the nuances of dismantling and installing the strap, and consider compatible accessories models, which tools may be needed to work safely and how to avoid common mistakes that beginners make when first replacing.
It's worth noting that the Mi Band 3 is different from previous versions in having stronger, but also tighter mounts. Understanding the way latches work will help you save time and nerves, and extend the life of your smart device. Let's start exploring the technical features.
Features of the design of the Mi Band 3
The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet consists of two main parts: a removable tracker (capsule) and a silicone strap. Unlike a classic watch, there are no standard pins, and the capsule is held in the padlock due to a tight fit and special plastic ears. These ears are part of the strap itself and cover the ends of the tracker, fixing it in a horizontal plane.
The material used to make the standard strap is a flexible but durable silicone that can stretch or lose flexibility over time, especially with frequent contact with water or sweat, which is why periodic replacement of the accessory is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also a hygienic necessity for your wrist.
It's important to understand that the Mi Band 3 mounts don't have mechanical locks or screws, and the whole system is based on friction and material elasticity, which makes the structure lightweight and moisture-resistant, but requires some skill when dismantled, and a strong jerking effect can cause the ears to break off from the main belt of the strap.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to remove the tracker using sharp metal objects (knives, screwdrivers) as you may damage the moisture-retarding membrane or scratch the screen.
For safe work, it is best to use your own fingers or special plastic shoulder blades, which often come with third-party straps. If you plan to change accessories often, it makes sense to purchase a set of such tools in advance.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Before you start removing the bracelet, you need to prepare the workspace, and the ideal option would be a flat table with good lighting, covered with a soft cloth or towel, which will prevent the device from slipping and protect it from accidental scratches in the event of a fall.
While most of the time, no special tools are needed to replace the strap with the Xiaomi Mi Band 3, the availability of auxiliary tools can make the process much easier, especially if the strap is new and not yet developed, or, conversely, very old and sulky.
- 🧤 Thin rubber gloves – improve finger grip with the smooth surface of silicone and tracker.
- 🔧 Plastic blade - used to carefully flex the ears of the strap without the risk of damage to the body.
- 🧼 Alcohol wipes – necessary to clean the tracker body from contamination before installing a new strap.
If you use a plastic spatula, make sure that its edges are barbed. Roughly treating the edges of the tool can cause microcracks on the plastic capsule body. In extreme cases, you can use a thumbnail, but this requires caution not to break the nail plate.
It is also recommended to prepare a new strap in advance to immediately install the tracker in it. Prolonged exposure to the capsule without protection increases the risk of loss or mechanical damage. Hand cleanliness is another important factor: wash your hands with soap and wipe them dry before starting work.
☑️ Preparation for bracelet removal
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the tracker from the strap
The process of removing the tracker from the strap requires consistent action, and the main rule is not to use excessive force, and if the capsule does not come out, then you have violated the angle of inclination or not bent the latching eye enough.
First, hold the bracelet in your hand so that the screen is downwards and the inside of the strap is looking at you. Find a notch on the bottom of the strap where the tracker is located. Hold the strap firmly in the ears with one hand, and start working with the capsule with the other.
Then you bend one of the strap's ears. With your thumb, push the tracker's end at the mounting point, while pushing it upwards. Once one edge of the capsule is free, carefully remove it from the slug. Then repeat the procedure on the other side to completely release the device.
What to do if the strap is too tight?
Once the tracker is removed, inspect the inside of the strap for cracks or tears in the ears, often where microcracks occur, which eventually lead to breakage, and if you notice damage, you should stop using the strap.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid sudden jerks when removing the tracker.A sharp movement can cause the device to slip out of its hands and fall onto a hard surface, which can lead to a screen breakup.
To install the tracker in the new strap, act in reverse. First insert one side of the capsule into the ear, then gently press the other side into the characteristic click or tight fit. Make sure the tracker sits flat and does not dangle.
Compatibility of straps and choice of accessories
The market for accessories for Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is huge and offers hundreds of strap options of various colors, materials and designs. However, not all of them are of the same quality. When choosing a new bracelet, you should pay attention to the stiffness of the ears, as too soft silicone can not hold the tracker well.
There are several basic types of straps: classic silin, leather, metal Milanese loops and sports nylons. Each has its own setup features. Metal bracelets, for example, often have a more rigid mounting design that requires more effort in mounting.
It is important to note that the Mi Band 2 straps are not suitable for the third version due to the differences in the shape of the capsule and the location of the charging contacts, but the straps from the Mi Band 3 are fully compatible with the Mi Band 4, since the dimensions of the trackers are identical in these models.
When buying, pay attention to the presence of ventilation holes on the inside of the strap, which ensure air circulation and reduce the risk of skin irritation when worn for long periods, especially during the summer or during sports.
Comparative table of characteristics of straps
To help you decide on your choice, we have prepared a comparative table of the main types of straps available for Xiaomi Mi Band 3. It will help you assess the pros and cons of each option depending on your needs.
| Band type | Materials | Moisture resistance | Difficulty replacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staffed | Silicon TPU | Tall. | Low. |
| Leathery | Natural skin. | Low. | Medium |
| Metallic | Stainless steel | Tall. | Tall. |
| Nylon | Wrapped nylon | Medium | Medium |
As you can see from the table, the regular silicone option remains the most versatile solution for everyday use and sports, leather straps are better suited for office style, but require more gentle care and protection from water.
Metal bracelets give the device a more solid look, but can be heavier and colder to the touch in winter.Nylon variants are valued for ease and the ability to dry quickly, however, they can accumulate the smell of sweat during intense training.
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Choose the material of the strap based on the operating conditions: silicone for sports, leather for the office, metal for style.
Strap care and extension of service life
To make the new strap last, it must be properly cared for; regular cleaning of sweat, dirt and cosmetics will help to maintain the elasticity of the material and neat appearance; wipe the bracelet with a wet wipe after each workout.
Once a week, a deeper cleaning is recommended using a mild soap solution. Take the tracker off the strap, rinse the silicone tape under running water, rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Don't dry the strap on batteries or under direct sunlight.
- 🚿 Avoid contact with aggressive chemicals, solvents and insect repellents.
- ☀️ Protect from UV light, as prolonged exposure to the sun leads to color fading and destruction of the polymer structure.
- 💧 Let the skin rest, removing the bracelet at night or while charging, so that the material can straighten and dry.
If you notice that the strap has begun to darken or stick to the hands, this is a sign of degradation of the material, in which case it is better not to risk and replace the accessory with a new one to avoid allergic skin reactions.
Can I wash my Mi Band 3 in the washing machine?
Why does the Mi Band 3 strap cause skin irritation?
Are the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4 compatible?
How to remove a metal bracelet-Milanian loop?
In conclusion, the correct and accurate replacement of the strap on Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is a simple process that is within the power of each user.Adhering to safety and care recommendations will allow you to enjoy the functionality of the tracker and the stylish appearance of the device for a long time.
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When buying a cheap third-party strap, check the stiffness of your ears immediately. If they are too soft, the tracker may fall out when you are moving actively. It is better to bend your ears slightly inward before installing for tighter fixation.