Owners of popular wearable electronics often face a situation where the device stops holding a charge or the screen is covered with cracks. The dismantling of the Xiaomi Mi Band is a process that requires not only accuracy, but also an understanding of the internal architecture of the gadget. Unlike a classic watch, there are no familiar screws or easily open covers, which makes the procedure difficult for beginners.
The manufacturer does not initially provide for self-repair using adhesive base and dense fit of components. However, with the right points of impact and with a specialized tool at hand, you can successfully remove the tracker from the case, which will replace a failed battery or restore a broken display, prolonging the life of the device for several years.
In this guide, we will take a closer look at the dismantling steps for different versions of the bracelet, ranging from the Mi Band 2 to the current models of the 7 and 8 series. Safety and sequence of actions are key factors in success, as careless movement can damage the plume or the battery itself.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Before any manipulations, you need to have a comfortable workspace with good lighting, fine details can easily get lost, and poor light will lead to errors when working with microscopic plumes, and you need a clean surface, preferably covered with an antistatic mat or ordinary white paper, so that the contrasting details are clearly visible.
The toolkit should be specialized, ordinary appliances will not work here and can cause harm, and the emphasis is on thin metal and plastic objects that allow you to penetrate narrow gaps without damaging the plastic.
- ๐ง Thin flat screwdriver or metal blade for initial opening.
- ๐ ๏ธ Plastic mediators or latch-clicking cards without scratches.
- ๐ก๏ธ A hair dryer or thermophen to soften the adhesive base (temperature up to 80 degrees).
- ๐งฒ Tweezers with thin straight or curved tips for working with small elements.
Special attention should be paid to the heat source, which helps soften the glue that holds the module inside the silicone strap, without preheating the risk of damage to the body or the tracker itself when removed increases many times, do not use open fire or too high temperatures that can melt the plastic.
Design features of various Mi Band models
The architecture of Xiaomi's fitness trackers has changed with each generation, and there's no universal disassembly method. Early models like the Mi Band 2 and Mi Band 3 had a capsule that was inserted into a strap and fixed with a tight fit. Here, the main enemy is friction and glue, but the design is relatively easy to understand.
Starting with the Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 5, engineers have changed the approach to make the module more streamlined, but retaining the principle of insertion. However, in the Mi Band 6 and later, there are changes in the location of the charging contact areas, which affects the accuracy of the extraction. It is important not to damage these contacts, otherwise the device will stop charging.
โ ๏ธ Note: Mi Band 7 and 8 models use a more aggressive adhesive compound. Attempting to remove the module without preheating is guaranteed to cause silicone to rupture or break the plastic frame.
Modern versions also feature a thinner profile and larger screen area, making the display module more vulnerable to pressures. Any careless finger or tool pressing on the front during disassembly can be fatal. Understanding the design features of your particular model is the first step to success.
Step-by-step: removal of the module from the strap
The most critical step is to separate the tracker from the silicone base, which requires patience and even distribution of forces, and if you feel strong resistance, don't use brute force, but go back to the stage of heating or changing the angle of impact of the tool.
First, heat the lower part of the bracelet, where the module is located, for 2-3 minutes. The heat will make the silicone more elastic and the glue less viscous. After that, place the device on a hard surface with a screen down and gently press the convex part of the capsule with your fingers, trying to squeeze it out.
โ๏ธ Module extraction algorithm
If you can't squeeze your hands out, use a thin plastic mediator, insert it between the silicone and the plastic frame of the tracker, slowly walking around the perimeter, the movements should be sweeping, from center to edge, and gradually increasing the gap, you can completely free the capsule.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Never use metal knives or blades to smack the module from the screen side, resulting in permanent damage to the display and depressurization of the body.
Once successfully removed, inspect the module for glue residues, carefully remove them so that the new strap or screen sits tightly, and clean surfaces are key to quality assembly.
Replacement of the battery and screen: technical nuances
Opening the module itself is a challenge, because the body is often sealed or glued around the perimeter. To access the insides of the Mi Band, you usually need to remove the back cover, which is held on the glue and thin latches, and a thin blade or a special knife to open the electronics will help.
Inside, you'll find a compact board and a lithium-polymer battery. Replacing the battery requires soldering skills, because the contacts are often welded with spot welding or soldered. Polarity must be observed: a mixed plus and minus can instantly disable the power controller.
| Model | Battery capacity (mAh) | Type of connection | Difficulty replacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 2 | 70mAh | Wire soldering | Tall. |
| Mi Band 4 | 135mAh | Connector + glue | Medium |
| Mi Band 6 | 125 mAh | Contact soldering | Very high. |
| Mi Band 7 | 180mAh | Shore + Clay | Expert |
When replacing the screen module, it is important not to damage the plume connecting the matrix to the main board. It is very thin and easily breaks when stretched. Carefully disconnect the connector using a plastic blade, and install a new part, checking the integrity of the contacts before final assembly.
Where can I find compatible batteries?
Assembly of the device and checking leakage
Reverse assembly requires even more care than disassembly. All components must fall into place without skewing. If you've changed the battery, make sure the wires are not clamped by the body, as this may lead to short circuits in the future.
A new layer of glue is often required to fix the module in the strap. Use a special B-7000 adhesive or similar adhesive for electronics that remains elastic after drying. Apply a thin layer around the perimeter of the seat and press the module tightly.
Once assembled, the body must be checked for leakproofness, especially if the device is waterproof. Although it is difficult to fully restore the factory level of IP68 protection at home, a quality glue of the seams will allow the device to survive the accidental hit of splashes or sweat during training.
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Use rubber bands or stationery gums to tightly lock the module in the strap during the drying of the adhesive (about 12-24 hours), which will ensure uniform adhesion of the surfaces.
The final step is to test the performance, connect the tracker to the charger, and if the light comes on and the device vibrates, the electrical circuit is intact, so don't rush to put the bracelet on your hand, let the glue finally polymerize.
Typical errors and precautions
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the heating of the case. Cold glue holds very tightly, and trying to remove the module by force causes the plastic frame to crack. Patience and warming up are your main allies.
Another common problem is that the plume is damaged when you work the tool sloppy. Metal objects can easily cut thin tracks. Always use dielectric plastic tools to work near the board.
โ ๏ธ Warning: A billowing battery cannot be pierced or bent, it can cause fire, if the battery is swelling, remove it with utmost care and dispose of it according to safety regulations.
Remember static electricity. Before working with an open board, it is advisable to touch a grounded metal object or use an antistatic bracelet. A static discharge can imperceptibly damage the controllers, and the device will stop working in a week.
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The main key to successful disassembly is the lack of haste and the use of the right tools for each stage of the process.