How to carefully pull the smart watch from the Xiaomi bracelet: instructions with photos and videos

Disassembling Xiaomi’s smartwatch bracelet is a challenge that owners face when changing the strap, repairing or cleaning the device. Despite its apparent simplicity, doing the wrong thing can damage the latches, scratch the body, or even break the charging contacts. In this article, we’ll look at how to safely disassemble the Mi Band 3/4/5/6/7, Xiaomi Watch S1/S2 and other models using improvised tools and specialized devices.

Xiaomi's design is not easy to replace by a user - most models have hidden locks that require careful exposure. We have analyzed the experience of service center masters and collected proven methods to avoid typical errors. Importantly, the procedure may vary depending on the generation of the device and the type of attachment (classic strap or metal bracelet).

If you're planning to replace your strap with a non-original one or repair your own, this guide will be your step-by-step guide, and we'll also tell you what tools you'll need, how to avoid damaging your waterproof pads, and what to do if the latch is jammed.

Preparation: What tools will be needed

Before you start disassembling, prepare the necessary tools, which depend on the bracelet model and type of mounting. For most Xiaomi devices, a minimum set is enough:

• 🔧 Plastic blade or mediator - for careful grazing of latches (metallic objects can scratch the body).
• 📏 Thin screwdriver (cross or flat, 1.0-1.5 mm size) – suitable for models with screw mounts (for example, Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro).
• 🧲 Magnet - helps to hold small parts (cogs, springs) during disassembly.
• 🔍 Loop or magnifying glass - for inspection of small fixtures, especially in Mi Band models 5/6.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (70%+) - for cleaning contacts and removing glue residues (relevant for adhesive bracelets).

Metal bracelet models (such as the Xiaomi Watch Color 2) may require a special key to remove the links — you can buy it from watch stores or order it from AliExpress. If you plan to change the straps often, you should buy a smartwatch disassembly kit that includes all the necessary devices.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use knives, scissors or other sharp metal objects, which can damage plastic guides or waterproof seals. If the latch does not lend itself, do not apply excessive force: this often leads to breakage of the mount.

Also, prepare a soft cloth or napkin to put the device on during disassembly, which will prevent scratches on the screen. If you are working with a model that has waterproof (5 ATM), after disassembly you will need to check the integrity of the sealing gums.

Design analysis: how the mounting is arranged in different models

The design of fastening smart watches in Xiaomi bracelets has evolved with each generation, let’s understand what types of locks are used in popular models and how they differ:

The Mi Band 5 and later use a system of double locks that lock when pressed unevenly, which is the main cause of breakage when disassembling yourself. If you feel resistance, do not try to "tear" the body by force: most likely, one of the latches did not unlock.

Xiaomi Watch devices often have a problem with the oxidation of contacts after disassembly, which is due to the fact that when you unscrew the screws, the leakage is broken, and moisture penetrates into the inside. If you are disassembling a watch for repair, after assembly, it is recommended to check the performance of the sensors and charging.

Step-by-step: how to pull a smart watch from the bracelet Mi Band

Consider the universal algorithm for the Mi Band 3-7 models. Importantly, the procedure may vary slightly by generation, but the general principle remains.

1. Put the bracelet on a flat surface with the screen down, which will protect the display from scratches and facilitate access to the latches.
2. Look at the ends of the body and you'll see two small lock buttons (usually marked with arrows or dots) hidden under small ledges on the Mi Band 5/6.
3. Take a plastic blade or a mediator, and carefully insert it between the body and the strap on the side of one of the latches.
4. Press the lock with a blade, while easily pulling the body up, and you should hear a click, which means that the latch has unlocked.
5. Repeat the action for the second latch. If the case does not come out, check if both latches have snapped.
6. After extraction, inspect the charging contacts and sealing gums. Clean them with alcohol if necessary.

If the latches don't lend themselves, try to heat the strap with a hair dryer (temperature no higher than 50°C) - this will make the plastic more elastic. Do not use open fire or boiling water!

⚠️ Warning: The Mi Band 7 and later models use reinforced mounting with additional guides. When disassembling, do not force the screen, this can cause the display to detach from the body.

For a visual understanding of the process, we recommend watching the video instructions on YouTube (see "Xiaomi Mi Band [your model] disassembly"). Pay attention to the moments where the authors show the angle of the shoulder blade tilt - the wrong position of the tool often causes breakage.

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If you're afraid of damaging the bracelet, practice on an old or faulty strap, which will help you feel the necessary force to press the latches.

Features of dismantling Xiaomi Watch: metal bracelets and screws

Smart watches in the Xiaomi Watch series (e.g. S1, S2, Color 2) have a more complex mounting design, often combining screw joints and spring latches, which requires special care.

To disassemble, follow the following steps:

1. Turn the clock over and find two or four screws on the back of the case (usually under a cross screwdriver). In some models, the screws are hidden under decorative plugs.
2. Carefully unscrew the screws, placing them on a magnet so as not to lose. Do not apply excessive force - threads in the case can be fragile.
3. After removing the screws, try to pull the body up slightly. If it does not lend itself, look for hidden latches on the sides (you can use a spatula to slap them).
4. Metal bracelet devices (Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro) may need a special key to remove the links, without which it is almost impossible to disassemble the bracelet.

Pay special attention to the plume of the screen – it is often attached to the main board and can come off if you sloppy extraction. If you are disassembling a watch for battery replacement or display repair, it is recommended to pre-examine the layout of the plumes for your model.

After disassembly, check the condition of the waterproof gaskets. If they are damaged or deformed, replace them before assembly. For a leakproofness test after assembly, you can use an ultrasonic bath (no immersion!) or a special pressure tester.

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When you disassemble the Xiaomi Watch, all the screws are unscrewed, then the latches are unlocked. Never pull the case if you feel resistance, which is a sign of an unclashed lock.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with careful disassembly, users often make mistakes that cause the device to break down, and here are the most common problems and ways to prevent them:

• 🔨 Pressing the latches too hard causes the plastic latches to break down. Solution: use two blades simultaneously to distribute the force evenly.
• 🔥 Overheating the strap -- plastic can warp. Solution: heat it for no more than 30 seconds with a hair dryer at minimum power.
• 💧 Moisture on contacts after disassembly Solution: Store the device in a dry place and use silica gel.
• 🔩 Losing screws when disassembling metal bracelets. Solution: work on white fabric or use a magnetic mat.
• 📱 Screen plume damage when the housing is removed. Solution: Before disassembling, examine the location of the plumes on the circuit.

One of the most dangerous mistakes is using metal tools to slap the latches, which leads to scratches on the body and, worse, to closure of contacts, so if you don't have a plastic blade at hand, you can use a credit card or even dense paper folded several times.

Another common problem is that the latches are not fully unlocked, and in Mi Band 6, for example, one of the latches can remain locked if it's not pressed hard enough, so the body comes out halfway and jams, so don't try to pull it out by force, so you can put it back in its original position and try again.

⚠️ Warning: If the device stops charging after disassembly, check the integrity of the contacts on the housing and in the charging cable. Often they bend or oxidize. Use eraser or alcohol to clean, but not abrasive materials!

How to reassemble the bracelet: Assembly tips

Building a wristband after removing a smartwatch requires as much care as disassembling it. Here are the key points to pay attention to:

1. Before assembly, clean all contacts of dust and fat. Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
2. Make sure that sealing gums (if any) are in their places, and if they are damaged, they will cause you to lose water resistance.
3. When you install the body in the strap, point it vertically, without distortion, which is especially important for models with magnetic locks (Xiaomi Watch S2).
4. For models with screw mounts tighten the screws cross-cross to avoid skewing the body.
5. Once assembled, check the health: sync with the phone, charging, sensors. If something doesn't work, disassemble the device again and check the connections.

If you've replaced the band with a non-original one, make sure that the width and type of strap are completely consistent with the original. For example, the straps for the Mi Band 5 are not suitable for the Mi Band 6 due to the different shapes of the locks. Using an incompatible strap can lead to loss of skin contact and incorrect operation of the heart rate sensor.

For adhesive-mounted models (such as some Xiaomi Watch Color modifications), new adhesive may be required to be applied when assembled.Use double-sided 3M tape or special electronics adhesive (such as LOCTITE 406).Put it in a thin layer, avoiding contact.

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After assembly, leave the bracelet off for 1-2 hours, allowing the glue (if used) to grab and sealers to take the correct position.

What to do if the bracelet is not understood: alternative methods

If standard methods don't work, and the body doesn't come out of the strap, you can try alternative methods, and importantly, these methods are more risky and can damage the device.

• 🧊 Freezing: Put the bracelet in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes, the plastic becomes more brittle, and the latches can more easily respond. Risk: possible condensation of moisture inside the case.
• 🔥 Dryer heating: warm the strap evenly around the perimeter (temperature to 60°C). Plastic will widen and gaps will widen. Risk: overheating can deform the body.
• 🪚 Strap cutting: If the bracelet is already faulty, you can gently cut the strap with a stationery knife along the seam. Risk: the strap will be damaged.
• 🧲 Magnet use: For models with metal latchers (Xiaomi Watch), a strong magnet can move the latches. Risk: demagnetization of the sensors is possible.

If neither method worked, it's possible that the locks are jammed due to dirt or corrosion, and in this case, ultrasonic cleaning (available in electronics repair shops) will help. Don't try WD-40 or other lubricants, because they can damage plastic and rubber seals.

As a last resort, if the bracelet is not disassembled, and repair is necessary, contact the Xiaomi service center. 500–1000 But you will avoid the risk of finally breaking the device. mi.com/ru/service.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions