Modern wearables from Xiaomi, such as the Mi Watch or Redmi Watch, have become an integral part of the active lifestyle of many users. However, over time, the standard silicone strap can wear out, lose color or simply stop conforming to your style. There is a natural desire to replace it with a better counterpart in leather, metal or fluoro rubber, but the process of dismantling is often fearful.
Many owners are afraid to damage the fragile mounting mechanisms or scratch the body of the gadget during the procedure. Indeed, the design of some models requires care, but in most cases, the replacement takes only a couple of minutes. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to remove the strap from the Xiaomi Mi Watch, consider the features of various types of mounts and give tips on choosing new accessories.
Before you start to act, you need to clearly define the model of your device, as the methods of attachment can vary significantly. Wrong effort or use of inappropriate tools can lead to breakage of latches, so it is important to follow the sequence of steps. We have prepared a universal guide that covers the main scenarios for replacing the bracelet for devices in the Mi line.
Determination of the type of strap attachment
The first and most important step is visual inspection of the bracelet’s connection to the watch body. The mechanism used in your model depends on the set of tools and safety. Xiaomi devices most often find three main types of mounts: classic spring bars, Quick Release rapid replacement system and integrated proprietary mounts.
Classic spring pins are spring-ended metal bars that are inserted into holes on the horns of the body. This is the most common variant, typical of many Mi Band models with metal bracelets or third-party straps. They usually require a special embroidery or a thin sting to sink the spring.
Quick Release makes it much easier, and in this case, there's a small lock lever on the inside of the strap, closer to the body, and pressing it releases the spring mechanism, allowing the strap to be removed without any additional tools, a more convenient option that's often found in the newer versions of the Redmi Watch and Mi Watch Lite.
⚠️ Warning: If you don't see any lever or obvious pin holes, your device may have an integrated mount.
The third type is proprietary mounts designed specifically for a particular model, in which cases the strap can be part of a complex system that requires the snapping of special locks or even partial disassembly of the rear cover. This is less common for Xiaomi models, but it is found in specialized sports versions.
Necessary tools for safe replacement
To successfully perform the procedure of replacing the strap on the Xiaomi Mi Watch, you need to prepare the workplace and the appropriate tools. The use of improvised tools such as knives or thick needles is highly discouraged, as they can slip and scratch the screen or damage the skin of the hands.
The basic toolkit depends on the type of attachment, but there is a standard list that you want to have on hand: Professionals use specialized kits, but for home use, a minimum kit is enough, it is important that the tools are in good condition and have no barbs.
- 🛠️ Strap cutout: a thin metal bar with a handle designed to squeeze out spring pins.
- 🔦 Light source: A good lamp or flashlight is necessary to illuminate the small details of the fastening mechanism.
- 🧤 Protective substrate: soft fabric or microfiber on which the clock will be placed to prevent scratches on the glass.
- 🔍 Lupa: Optional, but helps to consider small fixtures on models with miniature mechanisms.
If your strap is fastened to Quick Release, you may not need any special tools at all, but a thin tweezer or a plastic spudger can be useful if the lever is tight or hidden in the depths of the groove. Plastic is preferable to metal, since it leaves no traces on the body.
For screw-mounted models, which are sometimes found in premium versions or metal bracelets, a suitable screwdriver will be required. These are usually small cross or slash screwdrivers with a diameter of 1.0-1.5 mm. It is important to choose the tool exactly the size of the slit so as not to break the thread or screw head.
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Before starting work, wipe the tools with an alcohol napkin, which will remove the factory lubrication and dust, reducing the risk of contamination of the clock mechanism or the appearance of rust in the future.
Step-by-step: dismantling the classic fastening
Consider the most common and technically challenging scenario, the spring bar strip removal, which is the method used for most standard straps on the Mi Watch and compatible models, requiring concentration and a firm hand.
Place the watch on the prepared soft surface with the screen down. Make sure the light falls directly on the strap attachment. Take a squirt or a thin stinger into a comfortable hand. Your task is to find the gap between the horn of the case and the strap itself, where you can see the end of the spring pin.
☑️ Preparation for the stripping
Carefully insert the tool sting into the gap, resting on the movable part of the pin (usually the inside, closer to the body). Slightly press inwards, clutching the spring, and at the same time pull the strap away from the body. If done correctly, the pin will come out of the groove, and one side of the strap will be released.
⚠️ Attention: Don't put too much effort. If the strap doesn't lend itself, you may not be hitting the spring part of the pin, but the stationary flange. Change the angle of the tool.
Once one side is free, repeat the procedure on the other if the design requires the pin to be removed completely. In some cases, it is enough to free one end to remove the strap. Be careful: a compressed spring pin can fly out with force, so control its movement with your fingers or cover the work site with a cloth.
Keep the extracted pins in a safe place, preferably in a magnetic container or on a sticky tape, so as not to lose these tiny but critical details. To install a new strap, the actions are repeated in reverse order: first one side of the pin is inserted, then the spring is compressed and the second side is fixed.
Replacement of the belt with Quick Release system
Many of the modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartwatches come with a convenient fast-change system. This engineering solution allows you to change accessories in seconds without risking damage to the mechanism. If there is a small lever or button on the inside of your strap, you're in luck.
Take the watch off your wrist and flip it over so you can see the inside of the mount. Find a metal or plastic lever located at the junction of the strap and body. It can be recessed in a small groove to prevent accidental unfastening while wearing.
With your thumb or nail (access allows), press the lever towards the center of the strap. Holding the lock in the pressed state, slightly pull the strap down or in the direction opposite to the body. The spring will be released, and the bracelet will easily come out of the grooves.
This procedure is completely safe for the body, because it eliminates the use of metal tools, but even here it is worth taking care, sharp jerks can lead to the fact that the lever will jump off the finger and hit the glass or body, leaving a micro scratch.
What to do if the Quick Release lever is stuck?
Comparison of compatible strap materials
Choosing a new strap for the Xiaomi Mi Watch is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also of comfort and functionality. Different materials behave differently in use, require special care and are suitable for different use cases. Below is a comparative table of popular materials.
| Materials | Durability | Comfort. | Style. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone/Fluorokauchuchu | Tall. | High (hypoallergenic) | Sports, casual. | Waterproof, easy to wash |
| Natural skin. | Medium | High (dissipates over time) | Office, classics. | Fear of water, needs care |
| Stainless steel | Very high. | Medium (may pull hair) | Business, evening. | Harder, colder to the touch. |
| Nylon (NATO) | Tall. | Medium (can rub) | Militari, sport | Breathing, drying fast. |
Silicone and fluoro rubber straps remain the gold standard for Mi Watch sports models, do not absorb sweat, easily wash under the tap and do not cause irritation even with prolonged wear. For everyday wear and business meetings, leather or metal are often chosen, which give the device a more solid look.
When choosing a metal bracelet, pay attention to the quality of the lock and weight. Too heavy a strap can shift the pulse sensor on the back cover, which will lead to incorrect readings during training. Lightweight aluminum alloys or titanium are an excellent alternative to heavy steel.
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The material of the strap directly affects the accuracy of the sensor readings: too hard or heavy bracelet can violate the density of the sensor to the skin.
Frequent errors and precautions
The process of replacing the strap seems simple, but statistics service centers show that a significant part of damage to the case occurs when you replace the accessories yourself. To keep your Xiaomi Mi Watch lasting, avoid the typical mistakes that beginners make.
One of the most common mistakes is to use excessive force, and if the mechanism doesn't work, you're doing something wrong, don't try to squeeze or pull out the strap, you'd better stop, take a magnifying glass, and look at the mounting design again.
Another mistake is weight work, and many people try to remove the strap by holding the watch in one hand and the tool in the other, and this is fraught with the fact that when you slide the tool, you can seriously hurt your finger or drop the watch on a hard floor. Always work on the table with the device on a soft surface.
- ❌ Use of rusty tools: can cause oxides to enter the mechanism or scratches.
- ❌ Lack of fixation: attempt to remove the strap, not holding the body securely, leads to slippage.
- ❌ Ignoring direction: pins often have a certain orientation, and installing them “on the contrary” can block the mechanism.
⚠️ Warning: If you feel that the plastic of the case begins to deform or crack under the pressure of the tool, immediately stop the action. Further effort will lead to chipping or breakage of the horns of the mount, the repair of which is almost impossible.
Water resistance is also important to remember. Although replacing the strap does not in itself impair the tightness of the body (unless the body itself is damaged), frequent interference with the mounting units can shatter the seats. After installing the new strap, check if there are any backlashes that can allow moisture and dust to pass to the electronics.