The Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite has become popular thanks to a combination of functionality and affordable price. But even such reliable devices require maintenance, such as changing the strap. The reasons can vary from banal wear to wanting to update the look. However, removing the strap often causes difficulties for users. Unlike a classic watch, it uses a quick-removal mechanism with spring pins, which requires accuracy.
Many people are afraid of damaging the body or the strap itself, especially if they are doing it for the first time. Indeed, the wrong actions can lead to the loss of a pin inside the body or scratches on the plastic. But the good news is that the process is much easier than it seems! In this article, we will discuss three proven ways to remove the strap, discuss the nuances for different types of fasteners and give recommendations for choosing a replacement.
If you've never done this before, don't worry, 90 percent of your success depends on the right tool, and you can find it even at home, and the key is to take your time and follow the instructions.
Before you start, make sure your watch is turned off or put into flight mode.This will prevent accidental button pressing while you're working. Also prepare a flat surface with good lighting - fine details are easily lost!
1.Preparation: What tools will be needed
You don't need professional kits to remove the strap from the Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite, but you don't need a minimum of tools. The main task is to push out the spring pin that holds the strap in the grooves of the case.
- 🔧 A thin screwdriver with a flat tip (1.5-2 mm) is ideal for pressing a pin. You can use a screwdriver for glasses.
- 📍 A toothpick or paperclip is an alternative to a screwdriver if you don't have one at hand.
- 🔍 A magnifying glass or magnifying glass will help you see the small details of the attachment, especially if you have vision problems.
- 🧲 Magnet (optional) – convenient for holding the pin if it pops out unexpectedly.
- 📦 Soft cloth or napkin – to put down the watch and not scratch the screen.
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Warning: Do not use knives, scissors or other sharp objects! They can scratch the body or damage the spring mechanism. Also avoid metal objects with serrated ones - they can catch on the strap.
If you plan to change your straps often, you should buy a special smartwatch straps remover (costs about 200-300 rubles), which is a plastic or metal fork with two teeth that evenly presses the pin on both sides. This is the safest option, but you can do it with improvised means for a single replacement.
Before you start, check the strap mount. The Mi Watch Lite uses a standard 20mm wide quick-removal mount, but the pins may vary in length. Pay attention to the direction of the arrows on the back of the strap, which indicate which direction to press to remove.
2. Method 1: removal of the strap with a screwdriver (classical method)
This is the most common method that is suitable for most Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite straps. The main advantage is the minimum risk of damage to the body, if you act carefully.
- Put the watch down on the soft surface, and it'll protect the display from scratching.
- Find a small recess on the back of the strap next to the mount to the body, and that's where the spring pin is hidden.
- Insert the tip of the screwdriver into the recess and gently press the strap side (not down!) You should feel a slight resistance - this is the spring of the pin.
- Continue to press until the pin is extended so that the strap can be pulled to the side. Usually 1-2 mm is enough.
- Holding the screwdriver, pull the strap in the direction of the clock (follow the arrows on the strap!).It should easily come out of the groove.
- Repeat the procedure for the second side of the strap.
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Attention: If the pin fails, don't put too much effort into it! You may be pressing the wrong way. Check the direction of the arrows on the strap - they point in the right direction to remove. Also make sure that the screwdriver doesn't slip or scratch the body.
If the pin pops out completely, don't be afraid -- it's easy to put it back in. Just put it in the groove and push it a little bit until you click. You can use tweezers for convenience.
Switched off or switched to flight mode|
A soft surface is prepared for the work|
Checked the direction of the arrows on the strap|
There is a magnet at hand in case of a pin departure.|
Lighting bright enough to work with small details-->
3. Method 2: Using a toothpick or paper clip (if there is no screwdriver)
Not everyone has a thin screwdriver on hand, but that's not a problem! A toothpick or an unburdened paperclip can be a great alternative. The main thing is to sharpen the tip so that it is smooth and does not split.
1. Take a toothpick and carefully sharpen its tip with a knife or sandpaper.It should be sharp, but not stabbing - flat enough to press.
2. Insert the sharpened end into the recess next to the strap mounting. The angle of inclination should be about 30-45 degrees relative to the watch body.
3. Press the strap sideways (not down!), while slightly swaying the toothpick from side to side, which will help overcome the spring resistance.
4. Once the pin is moved 1-2 mm, pull the strap away from the clock. If it does not yield, repeat the press.
✅ Plus, toothpicking is softer than metal, so there's less risk of scratching the body, but it can break if you put too much effort into it.
🔹 Tip: If a toothpick slips, wrap its tip in thin tape or tape, which will increase the grip on the pin.
The algorithm is similar for the paper clip, but you have to unbend it to get a straight stick, and the key is to make sure there are no burrs at the end that can grab onto the strap.
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If the toothpick is too soft, you can strengthen the tip by dipping it in superglue and letting it dry, which will make it stronger, but remember that the glue can leave marks on the watch body!
Method 3: Special strip strip strip strip strips (professional approach)
If you plan to change your straps often or are afraid of damaging your watch, you should buy a special renter, which is inexpensive (from 200 rubles), but greatly simplifies the process.
- 🔧 Plastic – soft, do not scratch the body, but less durable.
- 🔨 Metal – stronger, but require accuracy, so as not to scratch the clock.
Instructions for the use of the removable:
1. Insert two teeth of the removable into the slots on the sides of the strap attachment. They should fit tightly to the body of the watch.
2. Carefully squeeze the handles of the tenant. The teeth will begin to converge by pressing the spring pin on both sides.
3. As soon as the pin is extended enough for the strap to be pulled, release the skipper and remove the strap.
4. Repeat the procedure for the second party.
✅ Advantages of the Remover:
- Equal pressure distribution on the pin.
- Minimum risk of damage to the body.
- Speed – the process takes less than a minute.
If you're looking for a metal shooter, look at models with silicone prong nozzles, which prevent scratches and slips.
| Type of filmmaker | Advantages | Deficiencies | Price, ₽ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic | Not scratching the body, lightweight | Less durable, it can break. | 150–300 |
| Metal without nozzles | Strong, durable. | Could scratch the body. | 250–500 |
| Metallic with silicone nozzles | Strong. + case-safe | More expensive than analogues | 400–700 |
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The renter pays off after 2-3 replacements of straps, taking into account the risk of damage to the watch when using improvised means.
5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Even with the seemingly simple process, many users make mistakes that can cause a pin to break or damage the case, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- 🔨 Pressing the pin too much, it can deform or fly inside the case. Solution: press smoothly, increasing the force gradually.
- 🔄 Pushing the wrong way -- if you push down instead of towards the strap, the pin won't move. Solution: Watch the arrows on the strap -- they point in the right direction.
- 🧲 Losing the pin -- if it pops out and flies away, it's going to be hard to find. Solution: Work on the table and use the magnet to hold the pin.
- 🔍 Ignoring the guide arrows -- there are tags on the strap that show you how to remove it. Solution: Always check them before you start working.
- 🛠️ Using inappropriate tools - knives, scissors or thick screwdrivers can damage the mechanism.Solution: use only thin and smooth objects.
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Warning: If the pin is jammed and it doesn't move despite your best efforts, don't try to pull it out by force! This can damage the spring mechanism inside the case, which will require repairs at the service center.
Another common problem is that the pin is not fully extended, and if it's moved by only 0.5 mm, the strap may not come out of the groove, so you don't have to pull it by force, just press it again until the pin is pulled out enough.
If you do lose the pin, don’t despair! It can be replaced with a similar remake for the watch (sold in accessories stores) or even a cropped part of a clip of the appropriate diameter (about 1.5 mm).
6. How to choose a new strap for Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite
When the old strap is removed, it's time to think about replacing.The Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite supports 20mm-wide straps with quick-removal mounts, but not all models will work perfectly.
- 📏 Width - should be exactly 20 mm. straps 18 or 22 mm will not fit.
- 🔗 The type of attachment is a quick-removal mechanism with spring pins. Make sure the new strap supports the same type of strap.
- 🧬 Material: Silicone is the most popular option. Lightweight, waterproof, non-allergic. Skin looks presentable but afraid of water and requires care. Nylon/cloth is durable, breathable, but can accumulate dirt. Metal (Milanese weaving) is stylish but heavier and can rub the wrist.
- 🎨 Color and design: strap to suit style or outfit. Sport is better with bright silicone options, office leather.
- 💧 Waterproof – if you swim with a watch, choose silicone or special waterproof materials.
🔹 Buying tip: Original straps from Xiaomi are guaranteed to fit, but cost more (from 1000 rubles). Analogues from third-party manufacturers (for example, AmBand or UmiBand) can be found for 300-600 rubles. Pay attention to reviews - sometimes cheap straps quickly stretch or lose color.
If you want to save money, you can order straps on AliExpress or Wildberries, and the main thing is to check the description for compatibility with the Mi Watch Lite. Some sellers indicate the wrong width, so always check this point.
How to verify the authenticity of a silicone strap?
7. Installation of a new strap: step-by-step instructions
Putting the strap back or putting on a new one is even easier than taking off the old one, and the key is to fit the grooves right and make sure the pins are in place.
- Check that the spring pins on the new strap are in compressed condition (recessed inside).If they protrude, gently press them in with a screwdriver or toothpick.
- Combine the slots of the strap with the guides on the watch body. Pay attention to the arrows - they should indicate from the clock (the direction of installation).
- With a light press, insert one end of the strap into the groove before you click. You should hear or feel the pin fixing.
- Repeat the same for the second end of the strap.
- Pull the strap to the sides to make sure it's securely secured. If it slips out, repeat the installation.
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Warning: If the strap sits too loose or doesn't fit in until the end, check if the pins are deformed. Also make sure you don't mix the sides of the strap up - sometimes the left and right sides are different shapes.
If you're installing a leather or fabric strap, wear it carefully for the first couple of days -- new materials can stretch. Silicone straps don't usually require running.
After installation, check if the strap interferes with the heart rate sensor (if you have one on your model), sometimes too thick or rigid straps can lift the watch above the wrist, which will affect the accuracy of the measurements.
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If the strap creaks or rubs against the body after installation, remove it and check if there are any burrs on the pins or grooves. These can be carefully removed with sandpaper (grain content 1000).+).