Xiaomi Mi Band 5: how to turn on the bracelet correctly - instructions with photos and videos

Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is one of the most popular fitness bracelets on the market, but even such a simple device can have questions when you first turn on, especially if you have never used a smartwatch or tracker before. In this article, we will discuss not only the basic steps to activate the Xiomi Bend 5 bracelet, but also nuances that the manufacturer often misses in official instructions.

Many users have problems like "no touch response," "no phone connection," or "no charge," and there are many reasons, from simple discharge to errors in the Mi Fit app. We've put together all the scenarios and solutions you can use so you can quickly launch the wristband and start using it. And if you've tried to turn on the Mi Band 5 and something went wrong, there's an FAQ at the end of this article that answers a lot of questions.

Preparing for the first turn on: what to do before activation

Before you press the power button, make sure you follow all the preliminary steps. This will save time and eliminate unnecessary problems.

First, check the package. The box with the Mi Band 5 should have:

  • πŸ“¦ The fitness bracelet itself (module with screen)
  • πŸ”‹ Charging cable (magnetic connector)
  • πŸ“„ Short instructions in several languages (including Russian)
  • πŸ”„ The band (if purchased in the set)

Second, get your smartphone ready. The Mi Band 5 bracelet only works with the official Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life for newer versions).

  • πŸ“± For Android: Google Play
  • 🍎 For iOS: App Store

Finally, make sure your phone meets the minimum requirements:

ParameterAndroidiOS
OS version5.0 and higher10.0 and higher
Bluetooth4.0 LE4.0 LE
Free seat100MB150 MB
Additionally.Geolocation authorizationAuthorization for notification

⚠️ Note: If you have a Huawei or other Chinese smartphone without Google services, the Mi Fit app may not work, in which case use alternative firmware or buy a bracelet with a global version of the software.

Step 1: Charging the bracelet - how to connect to the network correctly

The first thing you need to do is charge the Mi Band 5, and even if it's new, it could have run out of charge in storage, and it's a custom charger. USB-The connector uses a magnetic connector.

Charging instructions:

  1. Remove the bracelet module from the strap (pull towards the screen).
  2. Attach a magnetic cable to the back of the module, and it will attract automatically.
  3. Connect the other end of the cable to USB-port 5V/1A (You can use a charger from the phone).
  4. Wait for the battery icon to appear on the screen (usually takes 1-2 minutes).

It takes about 1.5-2 hours to fully charge, and you can check the battery level by the indicator on the bracelet screen or in the Mi Fit app after you connect.

  • πŸ”Œ Check the cable for damage.
  • πŸ”„ Try another one. USB-port.
  • 🧲 Make sure the magnetic connector fits tightly to the contacts.

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet is zero, hold it on charge for 10-15 minutes before first turning on. Sometimes the screen does not turn on immediately due to a deep discharge.

Step 2: Turn on the bracelet - button and touch screen

Once you charge, you can start to turn on. There's no physical power button in the Mi Band 5, it's controlled through touch screen and gestures. Here's how to do this:

  1. Put the bracelet on your hand or hold it in your hand with a screen up.
  2. Touch the screen once, the Mi logo should appear.
  3. If the screen is not responding, press and hold your finger on the display for 5-7 seconds until you feel the vibration.
  4. After vibration, release your finger and the bracelet will start loading.

If the bracelet is not activated:

  • πŸ”‹ Check the level of charge (it may not be enough).
  • πŸ”„ Reboot the bracelet: plug in to charge, wait for the battery icon to appear, then turn off and try to turn on again.
  • πŸ› οΈ If the screen is damaged or does not respond to touch, contact the service center.

Charging β‰₯ 20% | Screen clean (no dirt/fat) | Bracelet is on correctly (display up) |Bluetooth on phone on

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Once you're successful, you'll see the main menu with the clock, the steps, the other data, but the bracelet isn't ready to go yet, you'll have to link it to your phone.

Step 3: Sync with your phone via Mi Fit

Without a smartphone connection, the Mi Band 5 will only work as a clock and pedometer. To unlock all functions (notifications, sleep monitoring, pulsemeter), bind:

  1. Open the Mi Fit app on your phone.
  2. Click Profile β†’ Add the device.
  3. Choose a bracelet. β†’ Mi Smart Band 5.
  4. Allow the app to access Bluetooth, geolocation, and notifications.
  5. Wait for the phone to find the bracelet and confirm the connection on both devices.

If the bracelet is not present:

  • πŸ“± Reboot your phone and bracelet.
  • πŸ”„ Turn Bluetooth on/off.
  • πŸ“‘ Make sure that the distance between the devices is not more than 10 meters.
  • 🚫 Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugate devices in your phone’s Bluetooth settings and try again.
πŸ“Š What brand of fitness bracelet do you use?
Xiaomi
Huawei
Honor
Samsung
Apple
Other

After successful synchronization, update the bracelet firmware (if an update is available) to fix possible bugs and add new features.

Step 4: Set up the bracelet after turning on

Now that Mi Band 5 is on and connected to your phone, it's time to personalize. Go to the Mi Fit app and set it up:

  • πŸ•’ Time and date (automatically synced to phone).
  • πŸ”” Notifications: Select which apps will be displayed on the bracelet (calls, SMS, messengers).
  • πŸƒ Activity goals: steps, calories, sleep time.
  • 🎨 Dials: download additional themes from the store.
  • πŸ”’ Screen lock: turn on to avoid accidental taps.

We also recommend activating:

  • πŸ’€ Sleep monitoring (included in Profile) β†’ Mi Smart Band 5 β†’ Sleep monitoring).
  • ❀️ Measurement of pulse (automatic or on request).
  • 🚢 Reminder of inactivity (useful for office workers).

If some functions do not work, check:

  • πŸ“² Mi Fit version of the app (update in store).
  • πŸ“‘ Stability of Bluetooth connection.
  • πŸ”„ Reset the bracelet (Settings) β†’ Reboot on the bracelet menu).
How to reset the bracelet to factory settings?
If the bracelet is buggy or not synced, reset: go to the bracelet settings β†’ Additional β†’ Reset. After that, all data will be deleted, and you will have to re-assign to the phone.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after the right inclusion with the Mi Band 5 There may be problems. We've got a bunch of TOPs.-5 problems and ways of eliminating them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The bracelet does not vibrate when notified.Vibration turned off in the settingsGo to Profile β†’ Mi Band 5 β†’ Notifications β†’ Vibration and turn on
The screen doesn't respond to touch.Dirt, moisture or malfunction of the softwareWipe the screen, reset the bracelet or reset the settings
Data is not synchronizedPoor Bluetooth connectionReconnect the bracelet to Mi Fit and update the firmware
Battery discharges fastConstant monitoring of the pulse or outdated firmwareTurn off automatic pulse measurement or update the software
Not showing noticesNo permissions for the Mi Fit appGo to your phone settings and allow notifications for Mi Fit

If none of these methods worked, check the bracelet for physical damage (cracks, water intrusion) or contact the service center.The warranty on the Mi Band 5 is 12 months from the date of purchase.

⚠️ Note: Mi Band 5 bracelet has water protection according to standard 5 ATM, But that doesn't mean it can be used underwater indefinitely, and prolonged immersion (like in a pool) can damage the microphone or speaker.

What is the Mi Band 5: What is the Mi Band 5?

In addition to basic features (stepmeter, pulsemeter, alarm), the Mi Band 5 supports a number of hidden features that many are unaware of:

  • 🎡 Music management: You can switch tracks directly from the bracelet (works with Spotify, Apple Music and other players).
  • πŸ“Έ Remote camera shutter: connect the bracelet to your phone and use it as a selfie remote.
  • πŸ”¦ Flashlight: Swipe down the screen to turn on the backlight (useful in the dark).
  • πŸ‹οΈ 11 sports modes: running, cycling, swimming, yoga and other activities.
  • πŸ’§ Water Reminder: The bracelet will vibrate if you don’t drink for a long time.

To activate these functions:

  1. Open the Mi Fit and select your bracelet.
  2. Go to the Bracelet Functions section.
  3. Turn on the necessary options and set them up for yourself.

Some features (like PAI) require regular use of the wristband, and the longer you use it, the more accurate recommendations become.

πŸ’‘

Mi Band 5 supports contactless payments (NFC), but only in the Chinese version.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

πŸ”‹ How much does the Mi Band 5 charge?
In standard use (notifications, sleep monitoring, pulse measurement 1 time per hour), the bracelet works for 10–14 days. If you turn on constant pulse monitoring, the autonomy time is reduced to 5–7 days.
πŸ“± Can you connect Mi Band 5 to two phones at the same time?
Officially, no. The bracelet only remembers one device, and to connect to another phone, you first need to remove it from the Mi Fit on the first smartphone, and then do a new binding.
πŸ”„ How to update the firmware on Mi Band 5?
The update is automatically activated when you connect to Mi Fit. If the update doesn't come: Check the app version (update in store). Make sure the bracelet is at least 50% charged. Reboot the bracelet and phone.
πŸ’¦ Can I swim with the Mi Band 5?
Yes, the bracelet has 5 ATM protection, which allows you to swim in the pool or in the rain, but it is not recommended: Diving to a depth of more than 50 meters, using in hot water (sauna, bath), pressing buttons under water (moisture can get into).
πŸ”§ What to do if Mi Band 5 doesn’t turn on after falling?
If the bracelet has stopped responding after mechanical action: Try charging it (the contact may have disconnected); check the screen for cracks; if nothing works, contact the service center (the warranty covers production defects, but not mechanical damage).