The Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets are among the most popular wearables due to their combination of functionality and affordable price, but even when used carefully, scratches appear over time: accidental impacts, contact with keys in your pocket or friction on sports equipment, especially the models with glossy coatings (Mi Band) are especially vulnerable. 6/7/8) The metallic inserts (Mi Smart Band Pro).
In this article, we will discuss 7 effective ways to remove scratches - from home methods with improvised tools to professional recovery techniques. AMOLED-How to return the bracelet to its original appearance without risking damage to electronic components, and what to do if scratches are too deep, we will also give recommendations for prevention, so that your Xiaomi looks like a new one longer.
1. Damage assessment: what scratches can be removed on your own
Before you start repairing, it is important to determine the type and depth of scratches, and the choice of recovery method depends on this:
- 🔍 Microdamages are subtle bands that are only visible from a certain angle, usually from rubbing against fabric or paper, and can be repaired by polishing.
- 📏 Surface scratches (up to 0.1 mm deep) – feel with the nail, but do not touch the inner layers of the body, removed with abrasive pastes or special pencils.
- ⚠️ Deep scratches -- plastic or metal, can be seen in the light. Self-removal is risky, there is a possibility of damage to the touch layer or display module.
To check the depth, swipe the scratch with a plastic card (not metal!): if it does not catch, the damage is superficial. If the card "stuck" - the scratch is deep, and it is better to contact the service center. Especially be careful with models with sapphire glass (Mi Band 7 Pro), where improper polishing can spoil the protective coating.
⚠️ Note: Do not use metal objects (knives, coins) to assess damage - they can aggravate scratches or leave new ones.
2. Suitable means for the removal of small scratches
If the scratches are shallow, you can do without buying specialized products. Here are 3 safe methods using what is at home:
Toothpaste (without abrasives!)
Suitable for matte plastic cases (Mi Band 4/5). Use a bleaching paste without pellets (for example, Colgate Total 12 or Splat Whitening). Apply a small amount on soft fabric (microfibre), in circular movements polish the scratch for 2-3 minutes, then rinse with water. For best effect, repeat the procedure 2-3 times at 1 day interval.
Baking soda + water
Mix the soda with water to a thick paste. Apply to the scratch with a cotton swab, gently rub 1-2 minutes, then remove with a wet wipe. This method is suitable for plastic surfaces, but can not be used on the screen or metal inserts - soda can damage the coating.
2.3 Vegetable oil
Apply 1-2 drops of sunflower or olive oil on the scratch, rub it with a soft cloth. The oil will fill the microcracks, making them less noticeable. The effect is temporary (lasts 1-2 days), but the method is absolutely safe for all materials, including AMOLED-display.
Make sure the bracelet is off and disconnected from charging.|
Check that the product does not contain abrasives (for plastic / glass)|
Use only soft tissues (microfibra, flannel)|
Don't push hard - light circular motions are enough |
After polishing, wipe the bracelet with an alcohol napkin.
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3. Special means for recovery
If the methods at hand did not help, it is worth using professional compositions. They are inexpensive (from 100 to 500 rubles), but give a more durable result.
| Remedy. | Suitable for | Method of application | Cost, ₽ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Displex (polyre for plastic) | Plastic case, matte glass | Apply on a napkin, polish 3-5 minutes | 250–350 |
| PolyWatch (for watches) | Mineral/Sapphire Glass (Mi Band 7 Pro) | Apply to the applicator, rub 1-2 minutes | 400–600 |
| Turtle Wax (autopolyrene) | Glossy plastic, metal inserts | Apply a thin layer, polish with microfibre | 300–450 |
| A scratching pencil (like Fix It Pro) | Small scratches on plastic | Paint the scratch, remove the excess with a napkin. | 150–250 |
For models with oleophobic coating (Mi Band 6/7), after polishing, it is recommended to apply a protective spray (for example, Armour Shield IX) to restore the repulsive properties of the screen.
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If a scratch on the touch button (Mi Band 5), after polishing, check its sensitivity in the Settings menu → Screen → Sensor test.
4.Polishing deep scratches: step-by-step instruction
Removing deep scratches (but not through!) will require multi-step polishing with a gradual reduction in abrasiveness.
- 🧴 Abrasive paste (e.g., abrasive paste, 3M Finesse-it II, graininess 3000-5000)
- 🧽 Microfiber polishing wipe (2 pieces: for rough and finish polishing)
- 💧 Distilled water or alcohol for cleaning
- 🔍 Loop or magnifying glass to control the process
Step 1. Clean up.
Wipe the bracelet with isopropyl alcohol (70%) to remove fat and dirt.Do not use acetone or solvents - they can damage the plastic!
Step 2: Rough polishing
Apply a small amount of abrasive paste on a napkin, polish the scratch with straight-line movements (not in a circle!) for 5-7 minutes. Periodically wipe the surface with a wet wipe to assess progress.
Step 3. Finish polishing
After removing the scratch, use abrasive-free polyrene (such as Sonax Plastic Polish) to restore shine.Apply on a clean wipe, polish in circular motions until the matte spots disappear.
⚠️ Note: When polishing the Mi Band 7 Pro with sapphire glass, do not use pastes with a grain content above 3000 - this will lead to a clouding of the coating.
What to do if the polishing doesn’t help?
5.Recovering scratches on the bracelet screen
The fitness bracelet screen is the most vulnerable part, and you can't use abrasive pastes here because they're going to damage the oleophobic coating and the sensor layer.
Liquid glass (Nano Glass)
Put 1 drop of the product on the screen, evenly spread with a microfiber wipe. Liquid glass fills the microcracks and creates a protective layer. The effect lasts 2-3 months. Suitable for all models except the Mi Band 3 (it has too soft glass).
Ultrasonic cleaning
If the scratches are due to lime plaque or dirt, an ultrasonic bath will help. Place the bracelet (without strap!) in distilled water for 3-5 minutes at 40 kHz. After drying for 24 hours. The method is safe for waterproof models (Mi Band 5/6/7 with a rating of 5 ATM).
Replacement of glass
For the Mi Band 7 Pro and Mi Smart Band Pro with sapphire glass, self-recovery is almost impossible. The cost of replacement in the service is 1,200-1,800 ₽. Alternative: Buy a protective film (like Spigen Tempered Glass) that will hide scratches and prevent new ones.
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Never use silicone or wax-based tools for the bracelet screen – they clog the speaker and touch sensors, which leads to malfunctions in the pulsemeter.
6. Prevention of scratches: how to protect the bracelet
The best way to avoid scratches is to use them properly, and here are the key recommendations:
- 🛡️ Use protective covers. 6/7 Silicone bumpers are suitable (cost) 100–300 ₽), for the Mi Band 7 Pro – covers with a rigid back panel.
- 🔄 Remove the bracelet in active sports, especially when working with weights, bars or bicycle handles - metal leaves deep scratches.
- 🧼 Clean the case regularly. Mud and sand act as an abrasive. Use wet wipes for electronics or soap solution (no alcohol!).
- 💍 Wear the bracelet on your non-working hand. If you're right-handed, put it on your left hand, you'll have 40 fewer strokes and frictions%.
For models with sapphire glass (Mi Band 7 Pro), apply a protective coating (for example, Ceramic Shield) every 3 months, which reduces friction and prevents new scratches.
- 🔑 Metal objects (keys, coins, knives)
- 🧤 Rough clothing (jeans with rivets, wool sweaters)
- 🧴 Cosmetics (creams, lotions – they corrode plastic)
7.When to contact the service: signs of critical damage
Not all scratches can be repaired by yourself. Contact Xiaomi Service Center if you notice:
- 🔋 Cracks on the screen, especially if they diverge from the angle - this can damage the flexible plume.
- 💧 Moisture entering the glass (dilution or condensation) is a sign of leakage.
- 🔄 Failures in the sensor after polishing (button does not respond, screen spontaneously turns on).
- 🔥 Overheating of the case at the site of the scratch - possibly damaged internal board.
The cost of diagnostics in official Xiaomi services – 300-500 ₽. Repairs cost in:
- Glass replacement: 800–1,500 ₽
- Replacement of the hull - 500-1 200 ₽
- Restoration of tightness - 1000-2000 ₽
For warranty bracelets (bought less than 12 months ago), repairs can be free if the scratches are not the fault of the user (for example, due to a plastic manufacturing defect). → Devices → Guarantee.