Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets have long been one of the most popular gadgets for tracking activity, but even such compact devices have "consumers." The strap is the first part that wears out or just gets annoying. Want to change it to a new color, material or just clean the capsule from dust? Then you have to face the task of how to remove the strap from the Mi Band without damaging the bracelet itself.
At first glance, the process seems simple, but many users face problems: jammed latches, scratches on the body or even broken mounts. 4/5/6/7, We're going to look at all the ways that you can remove the strap, from standard to emergency if the latch is jammed, and we're going to talk about what tools you can use, and we're going to warn you about the common mistakes that can make the bracelet go down.
Types of strap mounts on Xiaomi Mi Band: what are the differences between the models
Before you start dismantling, it's important to understand what type of mount you're dealing with. Xiaomi has changed the strap design in almost every new version of the Mi Band, and that affects how you remove it. Here are the main options:
- πΉ Mi Band 1/2/3: The strap is fixed by using plastic pins that are inserted into the holes on the body, and you can remove it only with effort by pulling it to the sides.
- πΉ Mi Band 4/5/6: This is a metal latch with a lock button, and you have to press it from the side, not from the top, as many people think.
- πΉ Mi Band 7/8: fastening has become more reliable - the latch is hidden inside the groove and requires simultaneous pressing on both sides.
- πΉ Special straps (leather, metal): often have unique adapters that are not compatible with standard instructions.
If you are not sure about your bracelet model, look at the back of the capsule β it usually has the name (e.g., the name, M2129B1 You can also tell the type of attachment by the look of the latch:
| Model | Latch type | Features of withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 4 | Spring button | Press the side with a thin object (clip, toothpick) |
| Mi Band 5/6 | Double latch. | You need to press two ears simultaneously from the sides. |
| Mi Band 7 | Hidden latch | It takes a strong push inside the groove. |
| Special straps | Individual | Often you need a key or a screwdriver. |
Important: The Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 5 straps are similar in appearance, but not interchangeable due to the different groove widths! If you are buying a new strap, check compatibility with your model.
Preparing for the removal of the strap: tools and precautions
Even if you think that the strap is removed with your bare hands, you should prepare in advance.
- π Plastic spatula (from the kit for repairing phones) - will help gently fit the latch.
- π Toothpick or paperclip - to press the retainer button in narrow models.
- π Tweezers β if the latch is jammed and you need to hold it.
- π Soft fabric β to put the bracelet and not scratch the screen.
Also, take into account a few rules:
β οΈ Warning: Do not use metal screwdrivers or knives, they can leave scratches on the body of the Mi Band. If the latch does not lend itself, do not apply excessive force: better understand the mechanism.
Before starting work:
Turn off the bracelet from charging (if it was connected)
Place it on a flat surface with the screen upwards
Prepare the tools (clip, shoulder blade)
Take a picture of the original position of the strap (to properly put on the new one)-->
If you're taking the strap off for the first time, watch the video manual for your model to help you avoid errors, like in the Mi Band 7, many users break the latch because they're pressing it from the top, not the sides.
Step-by-step: how to remove the strap from Xiaomi Mi Band 4/5/6
These are the most common models, so let's start with them. It's a similar process, but there are nuances.
For Mi Band 4:
- Put the bracelet down on the table.
- Find a small locker button on the back of the strap (it is located closer to the edge).
- Take a paperclip or toothpick and press the button gently while pulling the strap to the side.
- Repeat the same thing for the other side.
For the Mi Band 5/6:
- Press both ears at the same time (tweezers can be used).
If the strap is not removed:
- π§ Check if the latch is clogged with dust (you can blow or clean with alcohol).
- π§ Try pressing harder, but without bigotry - plastic can crack.
- π§ If the button is drowned too deep, use a plastic shoulder blade to poke it.
π‘
If the strap is still not removed, try to heat the latch with a hairdryer (no more than 30 seconds), the plastic will expand, and the mechanism can unlock.
Features of removing the strap on the Mi Band 7/8: lens
In the new models, Xiaomi has made the mounting mechanism more complicated so that the strap does not accidentally fly off, so you can not just press a button - you need to know the exact sequence of actions.
Instructions for Mi Band 7:
- Put the bracelet on the table with the screen up.
- Find on the back of the strap two small slots on the sides of the latch.
- Take two clips and simultaneously press inside the slots (pressurize strongly, but carefully).
- Without letting go of the paper clips, pull the strap up and on yourself.
The Mi Band 8 is a similar process, but the latch is even tougher.
- π οΈ Try using plastic blades instead of paper clips β they spread pressure more widely and evenly.
- π οΈ Press the latch at an angle, not strictly perpendicular.
- π οΈ If the strap is new and tight, let it βspoilΒ» 1-2 In the day, plastic will become softer.
β οΈ Attention: In the Mi Band 7/8 The latch is made of more fragile plastic than previous models. If you hear a crack, stop trying immediately and contact the service.
What to do if the latch breaks?
How to remove special straps (leather, metal, silicone with lock)
If you use a custom strap, the removal process can be radically different.
1 Leather straps
They're usually attached with metal pins or rivets to remove:
- π Find a small button or lever on the back of the strap.
- π Press it with a screwdriver or nail and pull the strap aside.
- π If the button is not, perhaps the strap is glued - in this case it is better not to remove it without the need to.
Metal bracelets (type Milanese)
These straps often have a clamping mechanism with a screw.
- π© Small cross screwdriver (usually included).
- π© Unscrew the screw on the back of the adapter.
- π© Remove the strap by pulling it up.
3. Silicone lock straps
Some manufacturers make butterfly latch straps, like on a watch, to remove:
- Press the side lock buttons.
- Pull the strap to the sides - it will separate.
- To install a new strap, repeat the actions in reverse order.
If you are not sure about the type of attachment, look at the instructions from the manufacturer of the strap or look for a video with a parsing of your model.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when removing the strap, which leads to the breakage of the bracelet.
- π« Too much pressure on the latch β The plastic cracks and the strap is no longer fixed.
- π« Use of sharp objects (knives, scissors) β scratches on the body or screen.
- π« Attempt to remove the strap with the connected charging cable β Circuit damage.
- π« Incorrect position of the bracelet when removing β latch can jam.
- π« Ignoring dust in the mechanism β Eventually, the strap stops being removed.
How to avoid problems:
- β Always disconnect the bracelet from charging before removing the strap.
- β Use only plastic or wooden tools.
- β If the strap is not removed, do not pull it - understand the mechanism.
- β After removal, clean the latch from the dust with a cotton swab.
π‘
If you hear a squeak or feel resistance when you remove the strap, stop trying and check if there is any sand or dirt in the mechanism. Often, you just need to blow the latch with compressed air (for example, a can of cans to clean the keyboard).
What to do if the strap is jammed: emergency methods
Sometimes the latch is so tight that standard methods don't work, and in these cases, you can try alternative methods, but be careful, they can damage the bracelet.
Method 1: Heating
Plastic becomes softer when heated. Put the bracelet under warm water (not boiling water!) on top of it. 1-2 Take a minute or blow on the latch with a hairdryer (keep at a distance). 10 Then try to remove the strap again.
Method 2: WD-40 alcohol
If the mechanism is rusted or clogged with dirt, drop a little WD-40 Or medical alcohol in the latch slot. Wait 5 minutes and try to remove the strap.
Method 3: Disassembly of the hull
If the latch breaks and the strap doesn't come off, you can gently stick the back of the bracelet with a plastic blade and take the capsule out of the strap.
β οΈ Warning: When you disassemble the body, you risk damaging the tightness of the bracelet, and it will lose water resistance.
If none of the methods did not help, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center or buy a new strap with an adapter.