How to remove a watch from a Xiaomi bracelet: disassemble all models from Mi Band 3 to Watch 3 Active

Removing the smartwatch module from the Xiaomi bracelet is a task that every owner of a fitness tracker or smart watch faces. Whether you want to change the strap to a more stylish one, clean the contacts from sweat or simply remove the gadget for storage, the process requires accuracy. In this article, we will analyze all the official ways to extract watches from Mi Band bracelets. 3/4/5/6/7/8, Xiaomi Watch S1/S2/S3, Watch 2 Pro and other popular models, including rare modifications like the Mi Band 1S Amazfit Bip U Pro (which is often confused with Xiaomi devices).

The main problem is the diversity of attachment mechanisms. 1-2) The module was simply pushed out of the slots, then in new devices (Mi Band). 8, Watch 3 Active) hidden latches or even screws are used. We will show you how to determine the type of attachment of your model, select tools (from a plastic card to specialized keys) and warn against a common error - damage to contacts during careless extraction, which leads to loss of water resistance.

Important: If you're planning to replace the strap with a non-original one, check the mount compatibility. For example, the Mi Band 6 straps won't fit the Mi Band 7 because of the altered connector, although visually they're similar.

1. How to determine the type of mounting of your Xiaomi model

Before you try to take your watch out of your wristband, you need to understand what locking mechanism your device uses. Xiaomi has used 4 basic types of mounts over the past 10 years:

• 🔹 Pushing (pushing) - used in Mi Band 1-5, Amazfit Bip. The module is held by the elasticity of the plastic guides and removed by pressing the back side.
• 🔹 Latches with side buttons - typical for Mi Band 6/7/8, Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro. Requires simultaneous pressing of two buttons on the sides of the module.
• 🔹 Screw – found in Xiaomi Watch S1/S2, Watch 2 Pro. Fixing is carried out by microprops under a special screwdriver.
• 🔹 Magnetic + Latch – a new solution for Xiaomi Watch 3 Active and Smart Band 8 Pro. Combines magnets for fixation and plastic latch for reliability.

To accurately identify the type, examine the bracelet from the back:

• 🔍 If you see two small holes on the sides of the module, these are latches (type 2).
• 🔍 If there are metal inserts with slots on the strap, it is a screw fastener (type 3).
• 🔍 If the module sits tightly, but when pressed from the back side slightly "plays" - this is a groove mount (type 1).

2. Step-by-step instructions for models with groove fastening (Mi Band) 1-5, Amazfit Bip)

It's the simplest type of attachment, but there's a nuance here, and you don't need tools, but if you do something sloppy, you can damage the plastic guides.

Algorithm of action:

1. Place the bracelet on a flat surface with the screen down.
2. Lock the strap with one hand so it doesn’t move.
3. With the thumb of the other hand, press the back of the module (where the heart rate sensor is) in the direction from the strap.
4. The module should slip out of the grooves. If it doesn't work, try pushing closer to the edge.

If the watch is not taken out:

• ❄️ Try to cool the bracelet in the refrigerator. 10-15 minutes - plastic will become less elastic and the module will be lighter.
• 💧 Apply a drop of alcohol or soap solution to the joint of the module and strap - this will reduce friction.
• 📏 Use a plastic card (bank or discount) to gently tuck the module on the side.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal objects (knives, screwdrivers) to smear the module! This can scratch the body or damage the contacts for charging, which will lead to loss of water resistance (protection class) IP68 will be violated).

The Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 5 have a special feature: not only are the grooves fixed, but you also have a small protrusion on the strap. If you feel resistance when you push, pull the strap slightly in the direction opposite to the module to release the protrusion.

3. Removal of the module with side latches (Mi Band) 6/7/8, Smart Band 7 Pro)

This mechanism is more reliable than the groove mechanism, but it's also more difficult to handle, and the main mistake users make is to try to pull the module out by force without pressing the latches, and this causes the plastic latches to break.

Step-by-step:

1. Put the bracelet on the table with the screen up.
2. With your nails or a thin plastic tool, press two buttons on the sides of the module at the same time (they are located closer to the screen).
3. Holding the buttons, pull the module upwards (from the strap).
4. If the module doesn’t come out, check to see if the buttons are completely recessed – sometimes more effort is required.

Visually, the buttons are blurred into the body. On the Mi Band 6, these are small round holes, and in the Mi Band 8, there are barely noticeable slots. For convenience, use your phone flashlight to highlight the sides of the module.

⚠️ Note: On the Smart Band 7 Pro and Mi Band 8 models, the latches are blocked with an additional latch from the bottom. If you press the side buttons but the module doesn't come out, try sliding it sideways slightly before pulling it up.

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If you have long nails, wrap them in tape so as not to scratch the module screen when you press the latches.

4. Screw mount: Xiaomi Watch S1/S2, Watch 2 Pro and others

Xiaomi premium watches (for example, Watch) S1 The Watch 2 Pro uses a screw strap mount, which is the most reliable solution, but it will require special tools to replace the strap:

• 🔧 Screwdriver with tip T2 or T3 (model-wise).
• 🧲 Magnetic substrate (so as not to lose the screws).
• 🛠️ Plastic tweezers for careful removal of the strap.

How to remove the strap:

1. Turn the clock over and find two screws on the back of the strap (usually hidden under stubs).
2. Carefully unscrew the screws counterclockwise. Don't apply excessive force - the thread in the aluminum case easily breaks!
3. After you unscrew the screws, pull the strap away from the body. It should come out of the grooves.
4. To install a new strap, repeat the actions in reverse order, but do not tighten the screws too tightly - this can deform the body.

Important: in Xiaomi Watch models S2 They use left-handed screws (clockwise!) to prevent the screws from unscrewing when you wear them.

5.Magnetic mount: Xiaomi Watch 3 Active and Smart Band 8 Pro

New Xiaomi models are equipped with a hybrid mounting system: magnets + It makes it easier to replace the strap, but it requires a lot of nuance, like in the Watch 3 Active, magnets hold the module in the slots, and the latch prevents accidental fallout.

Instructions for extraction:

1. Put the clock on the table with the screen down.
2. Find a plastic latch on the back of the module (usually located closer to one of the edges).
3. With a nail or plastic card, push the latch aside (it will move with a characteristic click).
4. After clicking, the module can be gently pulled upwards - the magnets will loosen their grip.

The Smart Band 8 Pro is similar, but the latch is hidden deeper. If you can't move it with your nail, use a toothpick or a toothpick. SIM-map.

When installing a new strap:

• 🧲 First, attach the module to the magnets – it will be fixed in the correct position.
• 🔒 Then push the latch to the click (it should stand flush with the body).

⚠️ Warning: If the latch does not fall into place after installing the module, do not wear the watch, this will lead to moisture and dust entering the housing.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with the seemingly simple process, users often make mistakes that lead to breakdowns. TOP-5 Problems and ways to prevent them:

1. Breaking the latch (in Mi Band models) 6-8). It happens if you press the buttons at the same time or use metal objects. Solution: use two toothpicks to press evenly.
2. Scratches on the screen, caused by careless removal of the module with your nails or a screwdriver, so you wrap the tool in a soft cloth or use a plastic card.
3. Loss of screws in Xiaomi Watch S1/S2). The screws are small and easily lost. Solution: work on white fabric or use a magnetic substrate.
4. Damage to the charging contacts. If you pull the module at an angle, you can bend the contacts. Solution: remove the module strictly perpendicular to the strap.
5. Strap incompatibility: Buying a strap from a "similar" model often leads to it not being suitable. Solution: check the article of the original strap before buying.

If you damage the latch or contacts, don't try to fix the device yourself - Xiaomi uses ultrasonic welding and a sealant to protect against moisture. Any unqualified intervention will void the warranty.

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If the module is not removed despite all the effort, do not use force. Contact the Xiaomi service center: some models (for example, the Mi Band 8 Pro) use additional glue for fixation.

7. How to clean contacts after removing the module

After removing the watch from the bracelet, it is recommended to clean the charging contacts and the heart rate sensor, which will prolong the life of the device and improve the accuracy of measurements.

What you need:

• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) or wet wipes for electronics.
• 🧻 Cotton swabs (better with a plastic rod so that fibers do not remain).
• 💨 Compressed air canister (optional, for dust removal).

Cleaning process:

1. Wet the cotton swab in alcohol and gently wipe the gold contacts on the back of the module.
2. To clean the heart rate sensor, use a dry cotton swab - alcohol can damage the coating.
3. If dirt accumulates between the body and the strap, blow the joint with compressed air.
4. Let the device dry. 10-15 minutes before installing back.

Do not use for cleaning:

• ❌ Acetone or solvents – they will destroy plastic.
• ❌ Abrasive materials (sandpaper, hard brushes).
• ❌ Water – even if the device is waterproof, getting moisture into the contacts can cause corrosion.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions