How to reduce the metal strap for Xiaomi Mi Band 4: a detailed guide with photos and videos

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 metal strap looks stylish and presentable, but often faces one problem: the standard length is not suitable for everyone. If the bracelet hangs on the wrist, clings to clothes or just interferes with training, it must be adjusted to an individual size. Unlike silicone counterparts, metal straps are not regulated on the fly - they need to be physically shortened, removing unnecessary links.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to reduce the metal strap without damaging the Mi Band 4, including tools, step-by-step instructions and alternative solutions for those who do not want to take risks. We will focus on the types of locks (spring pins, screw mounts), safety of the procedure and how to avoid common errors. You will also find a comparative table of methods for complexity and reliability, and at the end - answers to frequent questions.

Why should the metal band be reduced?

The main reason is the inconvenience of wearing.

• 🔄 Wrapping around the wrist, shifting the heart rate sensor.
• 👕 Clinging to clothes sleeves, especially during sports.
• ⚠️ Risks getting lost if the lock accidentally unfastens.
• 💧 It accumulates moisture under the excess links, which leads to skin irritation.

In addition, the wrong size can distort the tracker data. For example, if the bracelet dangles, the PPG pulse sensor will read the indicators with interruptions, and the pedometer will record false movements. Metal strap manufacturers (for example, Milano Loop or Barton) usually deliver them in a “universal” size, designed for the wrist 18-22 cm, but not all users have such parameters.

⚠️ If you wear the Mi Band 4 on your hand with a thin wrist (less than 16 cm), a standard metal strap without shortening will not only be uncomfortable, but also dangerous - the bracelet can jump off when moving sharply and break.

Types of metal straps for Mi Band 4: what do you have?

Before you start shortening, determine the type of attachment of the links of your strap, which determines the choice of tools and methods:

To determine the type, look inside the strap: if you see small holes on the sides of the links, these are spring pins; if you have screw screw screw screw screw screws, the most common spring pins for the Mi Band 4 are 1.0-1.2 mm in diameter.

Method 1: Shortening of a strap with spring pins (Step-by-step)

This is the most common method, suitable for 80% of the metal bands of the Mi Band 4.

• 🔧 Pusher for pins (or a thin needle) + hammer).
• 🔍 Loop or magnifying glass (tiny pins!).
• 🧲 Magnet (to avoid losing the pins).
• 🧴 butter or WD-40 (pins tight).

Step-by-step:

1. Place the strap on a soft surface (such as a towel) to avoid scratching.
2. Find arrows on the inside of the links - they indicate the direction in which you need to push the pin.
3. Put the pusher in the hole and press it gently until the pin pops out. If you use a needle, put a hard surface under the link and tap the hammer lightly.
4. Remove the extra links and collect the strap back by inserting the pins in place (tweezers can be used).

Make sure all pins are in place | Check the mobility of the links | Clean the strap of oil/WD-40| Secure the lock on the bracelet-->

If the pin doesn't come out, don't use excessive force -- you better drop the oil and wait 5-10 minutes. Don't use pliers -- they can deform the links.

⚠️ Attention: Some straps have one-way sharpening. When you reassemble, put them with a pointed end in the direction of the arrow at the link, or they won't lock!

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If you lose a pin, you can temporarily replace it with a toothpick, trimming it to the desired length, but at the earliest opportunity buy spare ones (sold on AliExpress in sets of 10-20 pieces).

Method 2: Shortening of screw straps

Screw straps are less common, but they have the advantage of being easy to disassemble, and you only need a screwdriver for the watch (0.8-1.2 mm).

Algorithm of action:

1. Put the strap on the table and find miniature cogs on the inside of the links (usually 2 pieces for each removable link).
2. Carefully unscrew the screws counterclockwise. Don't press the screwdriver too hard, the thread may break.
3. Remove the extra links and collect the strap back, twisting the screws with moderate effort.

If the screws are boiling, use WD-40 or heat them with a hairdryer (not higher than 60 ° C, so as not to damage the coating of the strap).

Method 3: Alternative methods without disassembling the strap

If you don’t want to take risks and disassemble the strap, there are a few workarounds:

• 🔗 Use an adjustable lock. Some metal straps (such as the Barton Elite) come with locks that allow you to adjust the length without removing the links.
• 🧲 Add a magnetic adapter. We sell special magnetic inserts that are attached to the strap and allow you to "curl" the excess length into the loop (for example, MiBand Magnetic Loop).
• 👗 Wearing a strap over your sleeve, if the size difference is small (1-2 links), you can wear a bracelet over a thin T-shirt or a long plum, which visually hides the excess length.

These methods don't give you a perfect fit, but they keep the strap intact and are suitable for those who are afraid of damaging it.

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If you plan to remove/wear the bracelet frequently (for example, for charging), alternative methods without disassembling the strap will be less convenient than classic shortening.

Method 4: Contacting the workshop (pros and cons)

If you are not sure of your abilities, you can take the strap to the watch workshop or service for repairing gadgets. the cost of the service is from 200 to 500 rubles (depending on the region).

Advantages:

• ✅ Guarantee that the strap will not be damaged.
• ✅ The master will choose the optimal length, taking into account the anatomy of your wrist.
• ✅ Some workshops offer free check of fasteners after shortening.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It takes time to go to the workshop (especially if it’s not nearby).
• ❌ The risk of running into an unscrupulous master who will damage the coating of the strap.
• ❌ The cost may exceed the price of the strap itself (if it is budgetary).

Before you give the strap, take a picture of it from all sides and check whether the workshop gives a guarantee for the work.

Method 5: Replace the strap with an adjustable one (if shortening is not possible)

If your strap is solid (without removable links) or you are afraid of damaging it, consider buying a new one.

• 🔄 Adjustable metal straps with micro-adjustment (for example, Xiaomi Milanese Loop) are adjusted under the wrist with a slider, like a classic watch.
• 🧩 Hybrid straps (metal) + Combines the stylish appearance of the metal and the flexibility of silicone (for example, Barton Canvas).
• 💎 Premium fast-change straps (like Catalyst) can be shortened without tools by simply snapping off the extra segments.

When choosing, pay attention to:

• 📏 Adjustment range (indicated in the description, for example, 15-21 cm).
• 🔌 Type of mount to the tracker (for Mi Band 4 only 22 mm with latches for the original module is suitable).
• 🛡️ Coating material (ionic coating) IP or PVD retains its luster).

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Before buying, measure the circumference of the wrist with a centimeter tape. For accuracy, measure in two places: at the base of the palm and in the thinnest place (usually 1-2 cm higher).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with careful shortening, you can make mistakes that will cause your strap or tracker to break, and these are the most common ones.

1. Too much pressure on the pins, it causes the links to deform or break the pusher, so use the oil and give it time to act.
2. Losing pins or screws, without them, the strap will hang around, so you can work on a table with high sides or use a magnet.
3. Incorrect assembly (e.g., mixed sides of links) Solution: take a picture of the original position of the links before disassembling.
4. Damage to the strap coating with tools, solution: Wrap the pliers' sponges with tape or use a plastic pusher.

⚠️ Warning: If the strap is tightened on your wrist, you have removed too many links, in which case you will have to buy new links (sold on AliExpress) or stretch the strap by hand (carefully pulling the ends).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions