Xiaomi fitness bracelets are some of the most popular wearables on the market, thanks to a combination of price, functionality and design. However, even such compact gadgets sometimes require disassembly: to replace the battery, repair the display, clean the moisture or modify. But before you take on the screwdriver, it is important to understand that disassembling the Mi Band or Smart Band bracelet is not a designer's assembly. There are no standard screws, and the body is sealed, which makes the process risky for the untrained user.
In this article, we'll look at how to properly open the bracelet from different generations -- from the Mi Band 4 to the Smart Band 8 Pro, what tools you'll need, and what errors can turn into failures, and you'll also learn where you can trust the service center to disassemble, and when you can do it yourself. If you've never held a soldering iron or dealt with microelectronics, some steps will seem difficult -- but with our instructions, even a beginner can gently get to the insides of the device.
β οΈ Warning: Disassembling the Xiaomi bracelet will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and the manufacturer does not provide for custom repairs - all models are designed as non-dismountable. In 90% of cases, after opening, the tightness of the case is violated, which can lead to moisture and corrosion of the boards.
What Xiaomi models can be disassembled independently?
Not all Xiaomi fitness bracelets are equally repairable. 1/2/3 They have a simple design with latches, whereas the Smart Band 8 Pro is equipped with adhesive joint and fragile AMOLED-Below is a table evaluating the complexity of disassembly for popular models:
| Model | Difficulty disassembling (1-10) | Principal risks | Frequent reasons for disassembly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 4 | 4/10 | Damage to the display plume, separation of battery contacts | Battery replacement, moisture cleaning |
| Mi Band 5/6 | 6/10 | Rupture of flexible cable, damage to heart rate sensor | Replacement of the display, button repair |
| Mi Band 7 | 7/10 | Breakage of the hull latch, damage NFC-antennae | Replacement of the battery, recovery after falling |
| Smart Band 8 Pro | 9/10 | Cracks AMOLED-screen, touchpad detachment | Display repair, vibration motor replacement |
| Mi Band 8 (standard) | 5/10 | Damage to sealed gaskets | Cleaning contacts, replacing batteries |
If your model is not listed in the table, be generation-oriented: the newer the bracelet, the more complex its construction. For example, the Mi Band 3 can be disassembled even with a knife, whereas the Smart Band 8 Pro will require specialized tool and experience with microelectronics.
π§ Tip: Before disassembling, check if your problem is software malfunctions. Often the bracelet "does not turn on" due to a discharged battery or a glitch of firmware. Try charging the device during the course of the test. 1-2 Reset your settings through the Mi Fitness app.
Tools required: what will be needed for disassembly
Without the right tools, itβs almost impossible to disassemble a Xiaomi bracelet β youβll either damage the body or break the internal components.
- π¨ Plastic mediators or shoulder blades (to unscrap the body) are suitable for smartphone repair tools.
- π₯ Hair dryer or thermo-air station (for softening the glue in Mi Band 7 models)+). Temperature - no higher than 80Β°C so as not to damage the fee.
- π§ Screwdriver. T3 or T4 (For spinning screws in the Smart Band 8 Pro. Most Mi Bands don't have screws - the body is held on latches.
- π§² Magnetic screwdriver or tweezers (to keep the small parts from being lost) The screws in the bracelets are tiny and easy to drop.
- π¦ Part container (e.g., LEGO tray) The broken bracelet consists of 15-20 small-scale.
- π§΄ Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) (Do not use acetone, it will damage plastic!
For models with adhesive connection (for example, Smart Band 8 Pro) additionally require:
- π§΄ Clay. B-7000 Or similar (for reverse assembly) Normal superglue is not good, it's too fragile.
- π Thin plastic card (for neat tweaking of the case) Metal tools leave scratches.
β οΈ Note: If you disassemble a waterproof bracelet (5) ATM), After assembly, the leakage will be broken. To restore water resistance, you will need professional equipment (ultrasonic bath, sealant).
Turn off the bracelet from charging and let it cool (if it is heated)
Remove the strap (in most models it unfastens)
Prepare a workplace with good lighting
Take a picture of the bracelet from all sides (in handy when assembling)
Charge the battery on. 30-50% (discharged battery can swell when heated)-->
Step-by-step: how to disassemble the Mi Band 5/6/7
The Mi Band 5, 6 and 7 are similarly designed, so the instructions are suitable for all three generations. NFC-module that is attached to the board by a separate plume.
Step 1: Removal of the strap and preparation
Unplug the strap from the bracelet body. Most models have it on the latches, pull the strap away from the body with effort. ~1-2 If the strap is glued (rarely, but it happens), gently apply it with a plastic blade.
Step 2: Separation of the body
Mi Band Corps 5/6/7 It's made up of two parts, clamped together with glue and latches, to separate them:
- Place the bracelet with the screen down on a soft surface (such as a napkin).
- Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the front and back of the case (start with the corner next to the button).
- Carefully drive the mediator along the seam, alternately snapping the clamps. Apply a moderate force - if the body does not yield, do not press harder, and heat it with a hairdryer (temperature). ~60Β°C).
Step 3: Extracting the fee
After the separation of the body, you will see:
- π Battery (stick to the back cover).
- π± Basic board with display and sensors.
- π Vibromotor (small black cylinder).
To get the pay:
- Disconnect the display plume (it is fastened by a latch - put it with a plastic spatula).
- Carefully unfurl the contacts of the battery (if you plan to replace it) or disconnect the connector (in some models).
- Remove the board by holding it by the edges - don't touch the chips!
π‘ A useful tip: If you're disassembling a battery replacement bracelet, the new one should have the same capacity and size. 6 battery will do 125 mAh sized 35Γ20Γ3.5 The use of a larger battery capacity can lead to overheating.
What to do if the body does not separate?
Features of disassembly Smart Band 8 Pro
The Smart Band 8 Pro is the most difficult model in Xiaomiβs lineup to disassemble.
- π© 4 screws T3 under the back cover (hidden under the sticker).
- π§΄ Glue around the perimeter (heating required).
- π± AMOLED-display with brittle glass (risk of cracks in a careless opening).
Step-by-step process:
- Remove the sticker from the back cover (it hides the screws).Use a hair dryer to soften the sticker glue.
- Unscrew 4 screws with a screwdriver T3. Donβt put too much effort into it β the thread is soft.
- Heat the body with a hairdryer (70-80Β°C) during 2-3 minutes, evenly walking around the perimeter.
- Put a plastic blade on the back cover, and start at the corner next to the button, and there's less risk of damaging the plumes.
- Disconnect the plumes: π Display plume (latch at the top). π Battery connector (unsold or disconnected depending on the revision). πΆ antenna NFC (squirt).
β οΈ Warning: The Smart Band 8 Pro uses a dual-layer board, if you don't pull it out, you can tear the top layer off of the sensors, and if you're not sure about your skills, you'd better go to the service.
The critical detail is that in this model, the battery is soldered to the board, not connected through a connector.Β°C and experience with SMD-component.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Xiaomi bracelets, and here are the most common problems and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Use of metal tools | Scratches on the body, short circuit on the board | Use only plastic or wooden mediators |
| Hydrogen overheating | Deformation of plastic, detachment of the display | Keep the temperature not above 80Β°C, heat evenly |
| Sharp disconnection of the display plume | Breaking contacts, vertical stripes on the screen | Click the clamp of the plume, rather than pulling the plume itself. |
| Getting glue on contacts | Short circuit, unstable operation of sensors | Apply glue only to the edge of the body, use B-7000 |
| Incorrect battery installation | Bloating, overheating, quick discharge | Check the polarity, use the original battery |
π§ Expert advice: If the bracelet is not turned on after assembly, check:
- π Battery connection (contact often leaves).
- π± Integrity of the display plume (if damaged, the screen will remain black).
- π Charging contacts (clean them with alcohol).
π‘
The most common cause of breakdown after disassembly is damage to the flexible plume of the display. 80% of the time, a "broken pixel" or vertical stripes on the screen appear precisely because of the sloppy disconnection of the plume.
How to put the bracelet back together: sealing tips
The bracelet assembly after disassembly is no less responsible than the autopsy itself.
- Restore tightness (if it is important to you).
- Secure all the plumes and contacts.
- Monitor all sensors.
Step-by-step assembly process:
- Clean the contacts with isopropyl alcohol (especially battery and charging).
- Apply the glue to the edge of the body (thin layer).For the Mi Band 5/6/7 enough glue around the perimeter, for a Smart Band 8 Pro will require a sealant for waterproof devices.
- Connect the plumes in reverse order: First, the display plume (click the lock), then the battery (solder or plug the connector). Last β NFC-antenna (if any).
Combine the latches of the body
Twisting the screws.
Smart Band 8 Pro
β οΈ Warning: Don't turn on the bracelet immediately after assembly. Let the glue dry during assembly. 1-2 If you've used a waterproof sealant, the drying time increases to 12 hours.
π§ Pressurization test: To check if water resistance is broken after assembly, follow the following steps:
- Place the bracelet in a silica gel bag for 24 hours (to remove moisture).
- Put a soap solution on the body and squeeze the bracelet slightly, and if bubbles appear, the leakage is broken.
- Do not immerse the bracelet in water for inspection! this can lead to short circuit.
π° Cost of repair in the service: If you are not confident in their abilities, here are the approximate prices for repairs in official and unofficial services:
| Type of repair | Official service (β½) | Informal service (β½) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery replacement | 1500-2500 | 800-1500 |
| Replacement of display | 2000-3500 | 1200-2000 |
| Repairs after moisture | 2500-4000 | 1500-2500 |
| Replacement of vibrator | 1200-2000 | 600-1200 |
π‘
If the cost of repair exceeds 50% of the price of a new bracelet, it is more cost-effective to buy a new model.β½ It is not appropriate if the new bracelet costs $5,000.β½.