Owners of the popular tracker Xiaomi Mi Band 4 often face an unpleasant problem: on the surface of the capsule or strap appear scuffling. Active use of the gadget, contact with keys in your pocket or accidental blows to door jambs leave traces. These damage not only spoil the aesthetics of the device, but can interfere with the operation of the sensor or cause discomfort when wearing.
Fortunately, most of the damage can be repaired without going to the service center, and there are proven methods to return the glossy shine to the screen and the matte structure of the strap, and it is important to be careful not to damage the moisture-resistance properties of the tracker during the restoration process.
Before work begins, you need to determine the type of damage: a small grid of microcracks ("web") is easier to remove than deep furrows, and you should also consider the coating material: the screen is protected by oleophobic glass, and the strap is made of thermopolyurethane (TPU), the wrong tool can permanently spoil the surface.
Diagnosis of damage and choice of method
The first step is to inspect the device thoroughly in good lighting. Rub the screen with a soft fibre to remove dust that can distort the perception of scratch depth. If the nail does not cling to damage, it is likely a superficial defect of the upper layer.
Deep chips that reach the display matrix require a more serious approach, in which cases polishing can be ineffective or even dangerous to the integrity of the module, visual evaluation helps to choose the right algorithm of actions and not waste time on deliberately useless procedures.
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Before polishing, be sure to remove the tracker capsule from the strap so as not to damage the elastic material with abrasive substances.
It's also worth checking if it's a factory defect or an oleophobic layer that's "scratched" -- in the latter case, mechanical action will only make things worse. The Mi Band 4 is characterized by high glass strength, but the side faces of the capsule are more vulnerable.
Screen polishing: proven ways
The most effective way to eliminate small scratches is to polish with special pastes, and for smartphone and tracker screens, cerium oxide or specialized polishes like Displex are most often used, and these substances have abrasiveness sufficient to smooth out micronervousities.
It takes patience. Apply a small amount of paste on the microfiber and circle the damaged area. Movements should be light, without strong pressure, so as not to overheat the glass. Periodically wipe the surface to assess the result.
⚠️ Warning: Don't use toothpaste or soda to polish your screen! these products have unpredictable abrasiveness and can leave new, more noticeable scratches on Xiaomi glass.
If you don't have professional chemistry, you can try the method with polishing paste for headlights or metal, but only as a last resort, the main thing is not to overdo it. Excessive friction can thin the protective layer or disrupt the touch screen.
☑️ Screen polishing process
Recovery of the TPU strap
The Mi Band 4 strap is made of soft thermopolyurethane, which eventually tarnishes and becomes covered with a network of small scratches. It's a great hair dryer to repair. Short-term heating allows you to "melt" the microcracks, returning the material smoothness.
Heat the damaged area with a jet of hot air from 10-15 cm. Keep the hair dryer in motion so that the silicone does not melt completely. Once heated, the surface will become glossy and minor defects will disappear. This is a temporary solution, but it prolongs the life of the accessory.
To make it more durable, you can use special sprays to plastic the car interior, create a protective film that hides the scuffs, apply it to a dry clean surface and rub it with a soft cloth until dry.
| Method | Efficiency | Risks. | Implementation time | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heating with a hair dryer | High (for small scratches) | Overheating deformity | 5-10 minutes | ||||
| Paste polish | Medium | Erase of texture | 15-20 minutes. | Plastic sprays | Low (cloaking) | Fat shine | 2-3 minutes |
Can I paint the strap?
Protective films and hydrogels
If the scratches are too deep and the polishing doesn't work, the best solution is to install a protective film. Hydrogel films have the property of self-healing: small damage on them lasts by themselves during the day.
Not only will the film hide existing defects, it will also prevent new ones from appearing, and the hydrogel's adhesive layer can fill in small bumps, making them visually invisible, cheaper and safer than replacing glass or the entire capsule.
When you stick it is important to carefully degrease the surface. Use an alcohol-containing wipe from the kit or a cotton pad moistened with alcohol. Air bubbles, if they remain, usually disappear on their own within 24 hours.
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Hydrogel film is the best solution for masking deep scratches on the screen, as it fills the depressions with its adhesive layer.
Comparison of scratch elimination methods
The choice of method depends on the depth of the damage and the availability of tools. Mechanical polishing gives long-term results, but requires skills. Heat treatment of the strap is quick, but the effect can be temporary. Protective films are a compromise option.
Consider that aggressive polishing can remove the oleophobic coating of the screen, resulting in a worse thumb slide and more prints on the display, so it is often recommended to apply a new coating after polishing.
For owners who don't want to take risks, the best way to do this is to use bumper covers, which completely cover the edges of the capsule, taking the punches on themselves, which is especially true for active users and athletes.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid using acetone or aggressive solvents to clean the strap.They can break down the structure of the polymer, making it sticky or brittle.
Prevention of new damage
To forget about the problem of scratches, you must follow the rules of operation. Take off the tracker before working with heavy loads or building materials. Contact with concrete dust or metal shavings is guaranteed to leave traces.
Regularly wipe the device with a soft cloth. Mud and sand caught between the strap and the skin act as an abrasive, gradually erasing the surface of the capsule. Cleanliness is the key to the long service of the gadget.
Use security accessories immediately after you buy them, stick them on the first day, and they'll keep the product factory-like for the rest of its life, and it's cheaper to spend a small amount on protection than to look for repairs.