How to remove the strap on Xiaomi watch: a step-by-step guide

Many activity tracker owners are faced with the need to replace the standard bracelet with a more stylish or functional counterpart. Changing the accessory is the easiest way to personalize the Xiaomi Mi Band, making it a unique element of everyday image. However, the dismantling process has its own nuances, which depend on the specific model of the device and the type of attachment.

Incorrect actions when trying to unfasten the strap can lead to breakage of plastic locks or damage to the capsule module. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to remove the strap on the Xiaomi watch of different generations using the right technique and a minimum set of tools. You will learn to avoid common mistakes and change accessories in seconds without risk to the gadget.

Features of the design of the Mi Band bracelets

The Chinese giant's fitness bracelet design has been changed with each new model, which has a direct impact on the way it is dismantled. Older versions, such as the Mi Band 1 and Mi Band 2, had a classic mechanism where the capsule was removed from the silicone base by being pushed out. Modern models, starting with the Mi Band 3 and above, have moved to a more reliable system of hidden locks that requires careful handling.

The key to the attachment is a special snapper on the inside of the strap, which holds the tracker in the silicone frame by the tightness and elasticity of the material, and understanding how it works is key to successful replacement without the use of brute force that can be fatal to plastic.

It is important to note that the silicone used in the original straps is highly elastic, but can become stiffer at low temperatures. The optimal temperature for replacing the strap is room temperature (20-25°C), because in the cold, the plastic of the retainers becomes brittle. If you just came from the cold, let the device warm up before you start manipulating.

⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to remove the capsule using sharp metal objects like knives or screwdrivers without first protecting it, guaranteed to cause scratches on the tracker body or silicone to rupture.

Tools and workplace preparation required

You don't need complex industrial equipment to do this successfully, and in most cases, you'll need your hands and a minimum of tools, but having the right tools makes it much easier and reduces the risk of accidental breakage, especially if the strap is very tight.

It is recommended to prepare a flat surface with good lighting, so that small details do not get lost in the case of slipping, it is also worth taking care of clean hands, as fat and dust can make it difficult to capture slippery silicone.

• 🧤 Thin rubber gloves for better grip with a smooth silicone surface.
• 🔦 Desktop lamp or bright light source for visual inspection of latch.
• 🪑 A stable table with a soft surface (mouse mat or towel) to protect the device when falling.

In some cases, when the old strap has "stammered" or deformed from time to time, it may be necessary to use a thin plastic spatula (spooger), which often comes complete with phone repair kits.Metal tools should be used with extreme caution, having previously wrapped their edge with tape or tape.

Instructions: how to remove the strap on the Mi Band 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Since the fourth generation, the manufacturer has introduced a unified mounting system that remains relevant to the latest models, including the Mi Band 8. The main difference is the location of the locking protrusions, which must be simultaneously squeezed to release the capsule.

Turn the bracelet over with the inside of it, and you'll see two small protrusions or ears at the edges of the capsule attachment, and your task is to use your thumbs to push those protrusions simultaneously from the center to the edges or downwards (depending on the specific strap modification) by pushing the tracker out of the silicone frame.

The movement should be sure, but not sharp. If the capsule does not come out immediately, do not pull it with force. Try to sway slightly from side to side, continuing to press on the locks. The Mi Band 6 and newer models are characterized by a denser fit, so the force may require more than for previous versions.

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If you can't use your fingers to push the locks because of calluses or slippery surfaces, use two coins of the same diameter, and then you can put them on the protrusions and squeeze them, and you can get a uniform pressure and leverage.

Once one edge of the capsule is free, carefully remove the rest of the device. It's important not to pull the screen or buttons, but to take the tracker by the side edges. If you plan to install a new strap, insert the capsule into it in the reverse sequence: first one edge before clicking, then gently push the second.

Dismounting of the bracelet on Mi Band 1 and Mi Band 2

The first generation of fitness trackers had a fundamentally different design, where the capsule was a separate element inserted into the through hole of a wide silicone strap. There were no complex hidden latches, but the density of the landing often required considerable effort to extract.

To remove the strap on the Mi Band 1 or Mi Band 2, you need to push the tracker out of the silicone base. To do this, flip the bracelet so that the convex side of the screen looks down, and the concave part of the capsule faces up. Press the thumbs on the bottom of the capsule (from the charging contacts side), pushing it out.

Often, owners find that the capsule sits very tightly, and in this case, you can use the "twisting" method: take the strap with both hands on either side of the tracker and twist it in opposite directions, while squeezing the module, which helps to ease the tension of the silicone.

When working with older models, there is a particular risk of damaging the silicone strap itself by stretching the hole. If you plan to use the old bracelet further, act as delicately as possible by using lubrication (such as a little soapy water) to facilitate slipping.

Common mistakes when replacing a belt

Inexperienced users often make a number of mistakes that can lead to damage to the accessory, the most common of which is trying to remove the capsule by acting on only one side, which creates a skew that causes the plastic body of the tracker to crack, and the silicone to break at the place of least resistance.

Another common mistake is to use excessive force without understanding the mechanics of the latches. If you push hard and the strap is not removed, you are acting on the wrong parts of the mount. Carefully examine the inside of the bracelet in good light to locate pressure points.

• ❌ Ignoring the direction of pressure: Pressure must be strictly perpendicular to the surface or in the direction indicated by the design.
• ❌ Teeth use: Some try to hold the strap with their teeth, which is unhygienic and dangerous for enamel, and also does not give the necessary control of the effort.
• ❌ Haste: sudden movements often cause the slipped tracker to fly to the floor or hard surface.

⚠️ Warning: If you feel that the plastic is producing a characteristic crackle or creak when deformed, stop immediately. Continued efforts will lead to irreversible destruction of the mounting ("ears") on the strap.

Compatibility and choice of alternative straps

Xiaomi wearable electronics accessories market is huge, and users often wonder about interchangeability. It is important to know that despite the appearance of similarities, the straps of different generations are not always compatible. For example, the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4 mounts are identical, which allows you to use the accessories interchangeably.

However, since the fifth version, the shape of the capsule and the location of the locking elements have changed. The strap from the Mi Band 4 will not physically fit the Mi Band 5 due to the different geometry of the seat. When buying a new bracelet, always specify which model it is intended for.

When choosing an alternative, pay attention to the material. Silicone is good for sports, but leather or metal may be more appropriate in the office. Remember that heavy metal bracelets can put additional strain on the mounting mechanism, so check the quality of the fixation regularly.

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The rule of compatibility is always to buy a strap that has your particular Mi Band model in its name. Experiments with similar versions almost always end in the inability to install or drop the tracker.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)