Scratches on the screen of the Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelet are a problem that almost every owner faces.Even when used carefully, microscopic damage occurs from contact with clothes, keys or other items. Unlike smartphones, bracelets do not have Gorilla Glass, so they are not designed to protect the glass. AMOLED- or TFT-displays are particularly vulnerable.
In this article, we will discuss 7 effective ways to remove scratches, from home methods with improvised tools to professional polishing. Importantly, not all damage can be completely repaired, but in 80% of cases, the scratch depth is reduced by 60-90%, and visibility is reduced to a minimum, we will also explain what actions are strictly prohibited (for example, the use of abrasive pastes for metal) and how to prevent new damage.
1. Damage assessment: what scratches can be removed on your own
Before you start repairing, determine the type of scratches on the screen of your Xiaomi Mi Band (models 3-8 series).
- π Microdamages are subtle lines that are only visible from a certain angle, they come from dust or soft tissue. They're eliminated by polishing.
- π Medium scratches (up to 0.1 mm deep) - palpable with a finger, but not disturbing the sensor.
- β Deep damage -- it affects the interior of the display, it can cause artifacts in the image.
To check the depth, swipe the nail on the scratch:
If the nail is βlockedβ β the damage is deep (replacement of the screen is needed).
If it slides smoothly, the scratch is superficial (can be polished).
β οΈ Note: Mi Band 7 Pro and Mi Band 8 Pro models with full color AMOLED-Deep scratches can cause pixels to burn out.Do not use aggressive methods on these devices!
| Type of scratch | Xiaomi Mi Band models | Recommended method | Cost (β½) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro-scratched. | 3, 4, 5, 6 | Paste polish GOI ortoothpaste | 50β200 |
| Medium (up to 0.1 mm) | 5, 6, 7 | Displex polymer + shield-film | 300β600 |
| Deep (with a hook) | Anybody. | Replacement of the screen in the service | 1500β3000 |
| Scratches on oleophobic coating | 7 Pro, 8 Pro | Liquid glass coating re-establishment | 400β800 |
If your bracelet is from the Mi Band Lite series (without screen), all the methods in this article do not apply β it uses a plastic panel that can only be replaced.
Available means: toothpaste, soda and petroleum petroleum
Small scratches are suitable for household compounds that are found in every home, and their advantage is low cost and minimal risk of damage to the screen, but the effect will be temporary (1-3 months), since these products do not restore the protective coating.
Method 1: Toothpaste (without abrasives!)
Use a pelletless whitening paste (such as Colgate Total 12 or Splat Whitening).Abrasive particles in "lightening" pastes can aggravate damage.
Make sure the bracelet is off and disconnected from charging.|Apply the paste on a soft microfiber (not on screen!)|Polish in circular movements for 2-3 minutes|Remove the remains with a wet wipe without alcohol
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- Apply a pasta pea to a microfiber wipe (not on screen!).
- Polish the screen in circular motions without pressing 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the remains with a wet wipe, then wipe with a dry cloth.
Effect: scratches become less noticeable by 40-60%. To consolidate the result, repeat the procedure after 2 days.
Method 2: Baking soda + water
Soda acts as a soft abrasive, but it needs to be diluted to a gruel state (1:1 with water). Don't use dry powder!
- π§ Mix soda with water to the consistency of thick sour cream.
- π§» Apply the mixture on a napkin, polish 1-2 minutes.
- π§ Wash the remains with a wet cloth, dry.
β οΈ Attention: On Mi Band models 7/8 Pro with oleophobic soda coating can remove this coating! After polishing, the screen will get more dirty.
Method 3: Vaseline or baby oil
These tools do not remove scratches, but mask them by filling in microcracks, the effect lasts 3-7 days, then the procedure must be repeated.
Put a drop of Vaseline on the screen, spread it evenly with a napkin, remove the excess with a dry cloth, a method suitable for a temporary solution before selling the bracelet.
π‘
After polishing with household products, apply a drop of silicone lubricant (for example, for bicycle chains) to the screen - this will prolong the effect of masking scratches up to 2 weeks.
3. Special polishes: Displex, GOI and liquid glass
For a lasting result, use professional formulations. They cost more than household products, but remove scratches by 70-90% and restore the protective coating.
| Remedy. | Composition | Suitable for | Cost (β½) | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Displex | Polymer paste | All Mi Band models | 300β500 | 85β90% |
| pasta GOI (green) | Chromium oxide | Mi Band 3-6 (not for the first time) AMOLED!) | 200β400 | 70β80% |
| Liquid glass | SiOβ + polymer | Mi Band 7/8 Pro | 400β800 | 60% (masking) + defence) |
Instructions for use of Displex
- Clean the screen of the bracelet with an alcohol napkin (at least 70% alcohol).
- Apply the Displex drop on the felt applicator (comes with the kit).
- Polish the screen in direct motions (not in a circle!) for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the remains with a dry napkin.
For Mi Band models 7 Pro/8 Pro after polishing is recommended to apply liquid glass (for example, Nano Liquid Glass) - it will restore the oleophobic coating and protect against new scratches.
What is dangerous pasta GOI for AMOLED-screen?
Liquid glass: step-by-step instructions
For the application of liquid glass:
- Treat the screen with a degreasing agent (e.g. Isopropyl Alcohol 99%).
- Apply 2-3 drops of liquid glass on the screen.
- Spread with a microfiber napkin without pressing.
- Let it dry for 12-24 hours (do not turn on the bracelet!).
The effect lasts 3-6 months, and the liquid glass also reduces the fingerprints on touch screens.
Mechanical polishing: risks and the right technique
Mechanical polishing is the most effective, but also the most dangerous method, and if done incorrectly, you can erase the oleophobic coating or damage the touch layer, and use this method only for Mi Band 3-6 (not for Pro versions!).
Materials required
- π§ Polishing machine (or drill with nozzle) at minimum speeds (up to 1000 rpm).
- π§΄ Polishing paste for plastic (for example, 3M PlastX).
- π§€ Gloves (to avoid leaving greasy traces).
- π Painted Scotch to protect the case.
Step-by-step instruction
- Glue the body of the bracelet with paint tape, leaving only the screen open.
- Apply a drop of pasta on the foam nozzle.
- Polish the screen with straight-line movements (not in a circle!) 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the leftovers of the paste with a napkin dipped in distilled water.
β οΈ Warning: If the bracelet screen stops responding to touch after polishing, you've damaged the touch layer.
π‘
Mechanical polishing can be carried out no more than 1 time a year. Frequent exposure thins the protective coating of the screen, making it more vulnerable to new scratches.
Replacement of protective glass: when necessary
If the scratches are deep or the polishing techniques have not helped, there are two options:
1. Replacement of protective glass (for models with removable screen).
2. Complete replacement of the display (for monolithic structures).
Xiaomi Mi Band 3β6 The screen is glued to the body, but it can be carefully separated using a plastic mediator and a hair dryer. 7/8 Pro display integrated into the case β here you will need a complete replacement module.
Cost of replacement in the service
| Model | Glass replacement (β½) | Replacement of display (β½) | Duration of repairs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 3/4 | 800β1200 | 1500β2000 | 1-2 days |
| Mi Band 5/6 | 1000β1500 | 2000β2500 | 2-3 days |
| Mi Band 7/7 Pro | β | 2500β3500 | 3-5 days |
| Mi Band 8/8 Pro | β | 3000β4000 | 5-7 days |
For self-replacement of glass will require:
New glass (for example, ordering from AliExpress).
- Clay. B-7000 or LOCA fixative.
- UV lamp for curing glue (if used) LOCA).
β οΈ Note: When replacing glass with Mi Band 5/6 If the sensor plume is often damaged, if the screen does not respond to touch after repair, check the integrity of the plume with a multimeter.
6.Prevention: How to protect the screen from new scratches
To avoid repeated damage, follow these guidelines:
- π‘οΈ Use a protective film (e.g. Spigen Tempered Glass for Mi Band) 6/7). The film reduces the risk of scratching on 90%, It can reduce the sensitivity of the sensor.
- 𧦠Wear the bracelet on the other hand if your activity is physical (such as working with tools).
- πΏ Remove the bracelet before the shower β water with soap destroys the oleophobic coating.
- π¦ Keep the bracelet in a case (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Band Protective Case) when transporting.
For Mi Band models 7 Pro/8 Pro AMOLED-screens are additionally recommended:
Apply a remedial formulation once a month (e.g. Liquid Oleophobic Coating).
Avoid exposure to ultraviolet light (do not leave it under direct sunlight).
π‘
If you're a sportsman, buy a silicone case with side-mounted sleeves (like the AmBand Case), which protects the screen from bumps and scratches when falling.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Many users make the problem worse by using inappropriate methods. TOP-5 errors and their consequences:
- Using sandpaper - even "zeroΒ» (P2000) leaves microcracks that over time lead to screen stratification.
- Dry cloth polishing β dust particles act as an abrasive, adding new scratches.
- Metal products (e.g. Autosol) β they contain harsh chemicals that corrode plastic.
- Heating the screen with a hairdryer can detach the touch layer on Mi Band 5-8 models.
- Ignoring depth test β polishing deep scratches results in a loss of screen transparency.
If you polished the screen and it got cloudy, it means you overdid the abrasive, and then you could just change the glass.