The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet is one of the most popular wearables due to its combination of functionality and affordable price. However, over time, even such a reliable device may require disassembly to replace the battery, clean contacts or repair after moisture. Unlike newer models (such as the Mi Band 6 or Mi Band 7), the fifth version is somewhat easier to disassemble, but there are some nuances here.
This article will help you gently dismantle the bracelet body without damaging the board or display, and we will cover the necessary tools, step-by-step process, and give recommendations for handling fragile elements. Note: disassembly is not warranty, so only resort to it if absolutely necessary or if the warranty period has already expired.
If you've never disassembled electronic devices, start by learning the structure of the Mi Band 5, which has two parts: a basic module with a screen and a removable strap, the main challenge is to carefully separate the front panel from the back cover, where the screws and latches are hidden, and then you'll learn how to do this without the risk of breaking the clamps or tearing the plumes.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and precautions
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need, and without the right tools, you're at risk of scratching the body, breaking plastic latches, or damaging flexible plumes.
- ๐ง Plastic mediator or guitar mediator (to separate the body without scratches).
- โ๏ธ A set of screwdrivers with bats T3 and T4 (bracelet-wire).
- ๐งฒ Magnetic substrate or small magnet (to avoid losing small details).
- ๐ Lupus or magnifying glass (to work with tiny elements).
- ๐งด Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) Cotton swabs (to clean contacts).
Also prepare the workplace: a table with good lighting, a lilac-free napkin and screw sorting containers.The screws in the Mi Band 5 are of different lengths - confusing them when assembled, you risk damaging the board or display.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not use metal tools to disengage the body! Even a small force can leave scratches on the plastic or damage the thin plume of the display.
If you are planning to replace the battery, pre-order a compatible battery. The original has a capacity of 125 mAh and dimensions of 30ร15ร3 mm. Counterfeiting often does not meet these parameters, which can lead to problems with the density of fit or the operation of the sensors.
Step 1: Removal of the strap and separation of the front panel
The first step is to dismantle the silicone strap.
- Turn the bracelet down.
- Find a small recess on the back side next to the latch of the strap.
- Carefully press the latch with a screwdriver or nail, while pulling the strap to the side.
When you remove the strap, you'll see the main module of the bracelet, and now you have to separate the front panel (with the screen) from the back cover, and the main thing is to take your time.
- ๐ฅ Heat the edge of the bracelet with a hair dryer (temperature) ~50ยฐC) for 1-2 minutes to soften the glue.
- ๐ฑ Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the front and back (start with the corner next to the button).
- ๐ Carefully lead the mediator around the perimeter, alternately cracking the fixers.
If the body doesn't respond, don't put too much effort into it -- you better warm up the glue again. A common mistake is to try to uncouple the body from a cold state, which causes the latches to break.
Remove the strap |Warm the case with a hairdryer |Prepare a plastic mediator |Prepare the latch location |Put the parts on the magnetic substrate-->
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not use a knife or metal screwdriver to split the body! The risk of scratching the screen or damaging the display plume is extremely high. Plastic tool is the only safe option.
Step 2: Removing the board and disconnecting the plumes
After the separation of the body, you will see the internal structure of the bracelet:
- Top part: display with touch panel and vibrator.
- Bottom: the main board with a battery, sensors and a charging connector.
First, unplug the display plume, and it's attached to the board with a small latched connector to free it up.
- Carefully tuck the latch with a plastic spatula (it is usually black or white).
- Pull the plume up perpendicular to the board - not sideways!
- Make sure the contacts are not bent.
Next, unscrew the circuit board screws. In the Mi Band 5, there are usually 4-5 of them. Use the T3 screwdriver and make sure that the screws don't fall out. Place them on the magnetic substrate in order of extraction.
| Element | Number of screws | Type of screwdriver. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic fee | 4โ5 | T3 | Wheels of different lengths - do not confuse! |
| Vibromotor | 1 | T3 | Fixed to the hull, not to the board |
| Heart rate sensor | 0 | โ | Sticked to the board, does not require dismantling |
| Battery | 0 | โ | Pluted, removed after the unpicking of contacts |
Once you remove the board, you'll see the battery, it's glued to the body with double-sided tape, and to remove it, gently tuck the edge with a plastic blade and slowly separate it. Don't pull the wires, they're very fragile!
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If the battery is swelling, don't try to prick it! It can cause fire. It's better to dispose of it at a special reception center right away.
Step 3: Replace the battery (if necessary)
The battery in the Mi Band 5 is one of the most vulnerable places, and over time, it loses capacity, and the bracelet starts to run out in a few hours, and if you notice that the device holds a charge for less than a day, it's time to think about replacing it.
To install a new battery:
- Solder off the old battery with a soldering iron (power no more than 30 watts) or gently cut off the contacts if you do not plan to restore it.
- Clean the contact areas on the board with isopropyl alcohol.
- Salt a new battery, observing the polarity (+ and โ).
- Secure the battery with double-sided tape (use thin tape to avoid putting pressure on the case).
After replacement, check the voltage at the contacts with a multimeter - it should be in the range of 3.7-4.2 V. If the voltage is below 3.5 V, the battery may not be charged.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not overheat the board when soldering! Keep the soldering iron no longer than 2-3 seconds on each contact, otherwise you risk damaging the chips or peeling off the tracks.
What if the bracelet is not turned on after replacing the battery?
Step 4: Cleaning Contacts and Sensors
If the bracelet is buggy, not synced with the smartphone or shows incorrect data (for example, a pulse of 220 beats / min at rest), the problem may lie in contaminated contacts, cleaning will help return the device to work.
For this:
- ๐งฝ Wet the cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol (do not use water or acetone!).
- ๐ Carefully wipe the charging contacts, heart rate sensor and display plume connector.
- ๐ฌ๏ธ Allow the parts to dry for 10-15 minutes before assembly.
Pay special attention to the heart rate sensor, which is often contaminated with sweat and dust. If there is a noticeable plaque on it, clean it with a soft brush (for example, for drawing), Do not use abrasive materials, they will scratch the glass of the sensor.
Also check the condition of the sealing gums (if any) over time, they lose elasticity, which can lead to moisture, replace them with new ones if necessary (you can cut out of thin silicone film).
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Alcohol cleaning is the safest way to remove oxidation. Do not use wet wipes or household chemicals, they leave a film that impairs conductivity.
Step 5: Build the bracelet and check the performance
The Mi Band 5 is assembled in reverse order, but there are some nuances:
- Make sure all plumes are tightly connected and the connector latches are fixed.
- Check the screws' location, they should be coming in effortlessly. If the screw doesn't go, don't push it, you're probably in the wrong place.
- When docking the body, start from the side of the button, then gently click the remaining edges.
- After assembly, check the tightness by pressing the screen slightly. If you hear a creak or backlash, disassemble the bracelet and check the assembly again.
Before final assembly, turn on the bracelet and check:
- ๐ฑ Sensor operation (touching must be recorded).
- ๐ Charging (connect to the charger).
- ๐ Pulse sensor (start measurement in the bracelet menu).
If everything works, put the strap back in place, put it in the slots before you click, make sure the latch holds the strap securely, or it can slip off when you wear it.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Once dismantled, the bracelet may lose water resistance. Do not immerse it in water and avoid moisture, even if the device was protected to standard 5 before repair. ATM.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Mi Band 5, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- ๐ง Screwing: Use a high-quality magnetic-tipped screwdriver. The screws in the bracelet are very soft, and the wrong tool can easily lick them".
- ๐ฑ Display plume damage: Never pull the plume sideways, only perpendicular to the board. If the connector fails, check if the latch is snapped.
- ๐ฅ Overheating board when soldering: Use a soldering iron with a power of no more than 30 watts and solder with flux. solder quickly so as not to damage the chips.
- ๐ง Moisture intake after assembly: Before sealing, make sure all parts are dry. moisture under the screen can lead to corrosion of contacts.
If the bracelet doesn't turn on after assembly, don't panic. 90% of the time, the problem is:
- Unconnected display plume.
- Bad battery contact.
- A forgotten screw that's pressing on the board.
Disassemble the device again and carefully check each stage, and if the problem persists, the board may be damaged, in which case repairs may not be cost-effective.