How to carefully remove the watch from the bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band 3: instructions with photos and videos

Why Xiaomi Mi Band 3 owners have to take out a watch module?

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet, released in 2018, is still popular with users due to its reliability and functionality. However, over time, many people face the need to remove the electronic module from the strap - whether it is to replace the battery, clean contacts or install it in a new bracelet. Unlike later models (for example, the Mi Band 4/5), where the capsule is fixed with magnets, it uses a mechanical lock that requires caution when disassembling.

The main reasons why users are looking for a way to take the watch out of the bracelet:

• 🔋 Battery discharge - through 3-4 The battery capacity drops to 30-50%, And its replacement becomes relevant.
• 🧼 Contamination of contacts – sweat, dust, or moisture can cause corrosion or poor contact with the charger.
• 🔄 Replacement of the strap – the original Xiaomi straps wear out, and the module can be transferred to a new one.
• 🛠️ Repair after falling – cracks in the body or a broken display often require opening.

It is important to understand that the Mi Band 3 design does not involve easy disassembly, the manufacturer does not provide official instructions for removing the module, as this will void the warranty (if it is still valid), but with the right approach, the risk of damage is minimal.

What tools will you need to remove the module?

Before you start disassembling, prepare everything you need, and the use of inappropriate tools is the main reason for the latches or scratches on the body to break, and here is the minimum set:

• 🔧 Plastic blades are required for safe tweaking. Metal screwdrivers will leave traces!
• 🧲 Thin screwdriver with a flat tip (1.5-2 mm) - for careful pressing on the fixtures.
• 🔍 Lupe or magnifying glass - will help to see the small details of the fastening.
• 📸 Smartphone with camera - to fix the stages of disassembly (useful when Assembly).
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (70%+) — cleaning contacts after removal.

If you don’t have a plastic shoulder blade at hand, you can use a guitar mediator or even a plastic card (for example, a discount card), the main thing is that the instrument is thin (not thicker than 0.5 mm) and does not bend when pressed.

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Before disassembly, completely discharge the bracelet - this will reduce the risk of short circuit in case of accidental contact with the board.

Step-by-step: how to remove the module from the bracelet

The process of removing the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 module consists of 3 stages: preparation, unlocking the locks and removing the capsule. Follow the instructions carefully - error at any step can lead to breakage.

1. Step 1: Remove the strap from your hand and prepare. Unfasten the bracelet by hand, put it on a flat surface with the display upwards. Look at the ends of the module, there are two lockers (one on each side) that look like little bumps on the body.
2. Step 2. Unlock the first lock. Take a plastic blade and gently insert it between the module body and the strap on the side of the button (right side if the display is on top). Press down while shifting the blade towards the center of the bracelet. You should feel a slight click - this lock is out of the groove. What to do if the lock slips? If the blade slips, try to heat the bracelet slightly with a hairdryer (not above 50°C) - the plastic will become softer. Do not use force: if excessive pressure is applied, the lock can break forever.
3. Step 3: Unlock the second lock. Repeat the action on the other side of the module (from the heart rate sensor side). Here the locker can sit tighter — take your time. If the blade does not help, use a thin screwdriver, but wrap its tip with tape so that you do not scratch the body.
4. Step 4: Remove the module. Once both locks are unlocked, gently pull the module upwards (perpendicular to the strap). Don't make any effort if it doesn't respond, check if all latches are snapped. If the module is tight, swing it slightly from side to side.

⚠️ Warning: If you hear a crack when you remove the module, stop the process immediately! This is a sign of a break in the lock or the housing.

Cleaning contacts and preparing for reverse assembly

After removing the module, inspect it for contaminants, most often due to:

• 🔋 Oxidized contacts – green or white coating on metal sites.
• 🧂 Dust and dirt - accumulates under the sealing ring.
• 💧 Moisture – even if the bracelet has not sunk, condensation can cause corrosion.

For cleaning:

1. Soak the cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and clean the contacts gently. Don't use water or household chemicals!
2. To remove persistent contaminants, use a toothpick wrapped in soft cloth.
3. Blow the module with compressed air (such as a canister to clean machinery) to remove dust from the slits.
4. Allow the parts to dry completely (at least 30 minutes) before assembly.

Pay special attention to the sealing ring (rubber gasket around the module) If it is torn or deformed, the bracelet will lose moisture protection, in which case the ring should be replaced - you can buy it on AliExpress or at Xiaomi service centers.

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Never use abrasive materials (sandpaper, hard brushes) for cleaning - they will damage the protective coating of contacts.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with careful disassembly, users often make mistakes that lead to breakdowns.

One of the most dangerous mistakes is to try to remove the module without breaking both locks, in which case the plastic guides break down and the capsule gets stuck inside the strap, and if that happens, don't try to pull it out by force, you better gently saw the strap along the seam (like a stationery knife) and replace it with a new one.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet is not turned on or charged after assembly, check: Is the sealing ring correctly installed (it should not press the contacts); Is there any alcohol or dirt on the contacts; Is the module tightly sat down in the slots (the click should be heard).

Replacement of the battery: when is it necessary?

The main reason Xiaomi Mi Band 3 disassembly is battery wear. Over time, the lithium polymer battery loses capacity and the bracelet starts to run out in a few hours.

• 🔋 The bracelet keeps the charge less than 12 hours (at the initial 20 days).
• 📉 The percentage of charge drops abruptly (for example, from 50% to 10% per hour).
• 🔌 Charging is slow or interrupted.
• 🔥 The body of the module swelled (see by the curvature of the cover).

Replacing the battery in the Mi Band 3 is possible, but requires soldering skills:

1. The battery is soldered to the board with two contacts.
2. The new battery should have the same parameters: 3.7V, capacity of 110 mAh.
3. After replacement, you need to recalibrate the charge controller (discharge to 0% and charge to 100% 2-3 times).

If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact the service. The cost of replacing the battery in the workshops is 800-1,500 rubles (depending on the region), the battery itself on AliExpress will cost 300-500 rubles.

Alternative methods: if the module is not removed

If the standard method didn't work and the module got stuck in the strap, you can try alternative methods, and importantly, these methods are more risky and can damage the bracelet.

• 🔥 Heated with a hair dryer. Give warm air (not above 50).°C!) on the end of the bracelet for 1-2 minutes, the plastic will expand, and the locks can be released!
• ❄️ Freeze. Put the bracelet in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. The plastic will become more brittle, and the latches will more easily snap. After removal, allow the bracelet to heat up to room temperature before assembly.
• 🔪 If the module is of no value (for example, broken), carefully cut the strap with a stationery knife along the seam. A new strap costs 200-400 rubles.

If none of these methods worked, the bracelets may have broken inside the strap, in which case the only way out is to replace the entire bracelet (you can transfer it to a new one), and the original straps for the Mi Band 3 are still on sale, but they're getting harder to find, an alternative: universal straps with an adapter.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the dismantling of Xiaomi Mi Band 3