Xiaomi fitness bracelets have long ceased to be simple pedometers – modern Mi Band and Smart Band models have turned into multifunctional gadgets for health, sports and everyday life. But even experienced users often do not know about half the capabilities of their devices. This article will reveal all the features of Xiaomi bracelets, including hidden settings, professional modes and nuances of working with different smartphones.
We’ve analyzed the latest models (including the Mi Band 8 and Smart Band Pro 2), reviewed official documentation and user reviews to provide the most comprehensive guide, and here you’ll find not only basic features like heart rate measurements, but also unique features that the manufacturer doesn’t mention – such as how to use the bracelet as a remote for presentations or set up automatic sleep tracking without recharging for 2 weeks.
Important: Features may vary depending on the bracelet model and firmware version.All screenshots and instructions are relevant for the latest Mi updates Fitness/Zepp Life in the moment 2026 year-end.
1. Health monitoring: what really works and what marketing
The main thing about Xiaomi bracelets is medical functions, but not all of them are equally useful, so let's look at which metrics to consider when training, and which are more of an introductory nature.
Pulse measurement (24/7) work-based PPG-The sensors are generally accurate at rest, but under intense stress (running, cycling) the error can reach the level of the resting state. ±10-15 Impact/min is the norm for optical sensors:
- 🩺 Wear the bracelet on 2-3 finger-bone
- 🚫 Avoid tattoos at the point of contact with the sensor
- 🔄 Restart the measurement if you see a clear jump (e.g., 50). → 120 beats per second)
Blood oxygen levels (SpO₂) — A useful feature for assessing general health, but does not replace medical equipment. Xiaomi bracelets show the result with an error of up to ±2%, pay attention:
- 🛌 Measure. SpO₂ morning fasting for objective data
- 🧊 Cold hands can distort the readings – warm them before measuring
- 📊 In the application Zepp Life can configure automatic measurement in a dream
Sleep tracking is one of the most sophisticated features.
- 🌙 Sleep phases (deep, light, REM)
- 😴 Awakenings and their causes (according to the accelerometer)
- 📉 Stress levels at night (in new models)
For maximum accuracy:
☑️ Preparation for sleep monitoring
| Indicator. | precision | How to improve | When useful |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pulse at rest. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Wearing above the wrist bone | Tracking Stress, Recovery |
| SpO₂ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Measure in a warm room | Control for colds, apnea |
| Sleep phases | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Wear on the non-working hand | Optimization of the day |
| Stress (on VSD) | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | Calibration in the annex | General assessment of well-being |
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi bracelets are not certified as medical devices. If you suspect arrhythmia, apnea or other serious conditions, be sure to consult your doctor - the data from the bracelet can only be used as supporting information.
Sporting functions: from pedometer to professional modes
Xiaomi bracelets can count steps and calories, but the latest models are the Mi Band. 7/8, Smart Band Pro 2) support 150+ So we're going to look at which ones are really useful and which ones are really overlapping.
Basic functions (available in all models):
- 🚶♂️ Stepper with correction by GPS (if the smartphone is connected)
- 🏃♂️ Automatic Walking/Running Recognition (starting with Mi Band 5)
- 🔥 Calorie burn count (algorithm takes into account weight, height, age)
- 📈 Weekly/monthly activity statistics
Professional modes (only in Pro-versions and new models):
- 🏊♂️ Swimming in pool/open water (water resistance 5) ATM)
- 🚴♂️ Cycling with pace and power tracking (requires external sensors)
- 🧘♀️ Yoga and Pilates with analysis of the correctness of performing asanas (experimental function)
- ⛷️ Winter sports (skiing, snowboarding – only in Smart Band Pro 2)
Particularly interesting function VO₂ Max (maximum oxygen intake) — it rates your cardio form on a scale of 1 to 100:
☑️ How to improve accuracy VO₂ Max
Running Coach (available in Zepp Life for Mi Band) 7/8). She's analyzing:
- 📏 Step length and pace
- 🏃♂️ Footh fitting (heel/toe)
- 📉 Recovery after exercise
⚠️ Note: When swimming in open water GPS-The track is recorded only if the bracelet is connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth. GPS It is available only in Smart Band Pro. 2 (margin of error 5-10 meters).
Hidden Opportunity: In the Mi Band 8, you can activate the Endurance Sport mode, which optimizes battery consumption during marathons.
- Open the Zepp Life app
- Go to Profile. → Settings of the device → Sport regimes
- Activate the option Long-term training
3. Smart Notifications and Smartphone Management
Xiaomi bracelets can be a full-fledged assistant for working with a smartphone – if you configure them correctly. By default, only basic notifications are turned on, but the possibilities are much wider.
What does a notification bracelet do:
- 📱 Show incoming calls (with the ability to reset)
- 💬 Notifications from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)
- ✉️ Email and calendar (Gmail, Outlook, Yandex supported)
- 🎵 Music control (pause, next track, volume)
To set up:
- In Zepp Life, go to Profile → Notifications
- Enable the option to Show the content of notifications (otherwise only icons)
- In the Applications section, select which programs to show notifications from.
- Activate Vibration at Notifications and adjust its intensity
Hidden feature: in the Mi Band 7/8 You can quickly respond to messages (up to the end). 5 For this purpose:
Zepp Life → Profile → Quick Answers → Add a New OneControl of camera and presentations:
- 📸 Remote shutter shutter of the smartphone camera (works with Mi Camera and the standard camera app)
- 🖥️ Presentation management (PowerPoint, Google Slides) – flip through slides from the bracelet
For activation:
- In Zepp Life, go to Profile → Additionally. → Device control
- Enable Camera Management and Presentation Management options
- Synchronize the bracelet with your smartphone
💡
If notifications come with a delay, try in your smartphone settings to turn off battery optimization for the Zepp Life app (on Android: Settings) → Annexes → Zepp Life → Battery → No restrictions).
4.Autonomy and battery: how to extend work to 20 days
Official data on autonomy is often overstated — the actual life of the battery depends on the intensity of use.
| Model | Official autonomy | Real (with active use) | How to extend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 6 | 14 days | 5-7 days | Turn off the permanent pulse |
| Mi Band 7 | 15 days | 7-10 days | Reduce the brightness of the screen |
| Mi Band 8 | 16 days | 8-12 days | Shut down. AOD (Always On Display) |
| Smart Band Pro 2 | 14 days | 4-6 days | Use the energy saving mode |
Top.-5 Ways to save money:
- 🔋 Turn off continuous pulse measurement (leave only night or on schedule)
- 🌙 Set the time to automatically turn off the screen for 5 seconds
- 📵 Disable notifications from unnecessary applications
- 🔄 Use the Power Saving Mode (in bracelet settings)
- 🌡️ Turn off automatic measurement SpO₂ (enough 1-2 once-day)
Hidden feature: The Mi Band 8 has a "Long-Term Autonomous" mode that shuts down all sensors except pedometer and time.
On the bracelet: Settings → Battery → Energy saving mode → Long-term autonomyThis allows you to extend the work to 20.+ days, but with limited functionality.
⚠️ Note: If the bracelet is discharged 1-2 Check the background processes in Zepp Life. Frequently: Constant sync with Google Fit or Apple Health. Disable unnecessary integrations in Profile → Connected services.
5. Hidden functions and life hacks
The manufacturer does not advertise some of the features of Xiaomi bracelets, here are the most useful ones:
1. Sleep phase alarm clock
The bracelet can wake you up in the optimal sleep phase 30 minutes before the set time.
- In Zepp Life, go to Son → Smart alarm clock
- Set a time and turn on the option to wake up in the easy phase
- Activate vibration (you can combine with the sound on your phone)
2. Phone search
If you lose your smartphone, you can make it ring from the bracelet:
- Swipe down on the main screen of the bracelet
- Click on the icon. 📱 ("Find the phone")
- The phone will start ringing at maximum volume (even if it was silent)
3.The screen is always on (AOD)
In Mi Band. 7/8 You can turn on the time display without lighting:
On the bracelet: Settings → Display → Always On DisplayThis reduces the autonomy of the ~15%, but convenient for checking time at night.
4.Secret dials
Besides the standard dials, Zepp Life has hidden themes to see.
- In the app, go to Profile → Dials
- Scroll to the bottom and press 3 more times in a row
- A menu with additional styles (including animations) will appear.
5.Do Not Disturb on schedule
You can set up automatic disabling of notifications:
Zepp Life → Profile → Do not disturb →It is useful for sleep or important meetings.
How to reset Xiaomi bracelet to factory settings?
6. Model comparison: which Xiaomi bracelet to choose in 2026
Xiaomi’s range of bracelets is wide, and it can be difficult to make sense of the differences. Here’s a relevant comparison of the key parameters:
| Parameter | Mi Band 6 | Mi Band 7 | Mi Band 8 | Smart Band Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen. | AMOLED 1.56" | AMOLED 1.62" | AMOLED 1.62” (full screen) | AMOLED 1.74” (retina) |
| GPS | No. | No. | No. | Built-in |
| SpO₂ | Yes. | Yeah (enhanced sensor) | Yes (with warnings) | Yes (medical grade) |
| Autonomy | 5-7 days | 7-10 days | 8-12 days | 4-6 days |
| Price (2026) | ~2 500 ₽ | ~3 500 ₽ | ~4 500 ₽ | ~7 000 ₽ |
Who's gonna do it?
- 🏃♂️ Mi Band 6 – budget option for basic tracking
- 💪 Mi Band 7/8 — Best choice for sports and health
- 🏔️ Smart Band Pro 2 for professional athletes (GPS, analytics)
Should you overpay for the Pro version? Only if you need a standalone version. GPS For running/biking without a phone, the difference in functionality is minimal in all other cases.
💡
For most users, the best choice is the Mi Band 8 – it offers 90% of the flagship’s features for half the price.
7. Frequent problems and their solutions
Even Xiaomi’s reliable wristbands sometimes fail, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
1. The bracelet is not synchronized with the smartphone
- 📱 Reboot both devices
- 🔄 In Zepp Life, remove the bracelet and add it again.
- 📶 Check if Bluetooth and geolocation are enabled on your phone
- 🔋 Make sure the bracelet is at least 20 times charged%
2. Inaccurate pulse/step readings
- 🩺 Check the density of the bracelet fit (should sit tightly, but not crushed)
- 📏 Enter exact height/weight data in your profile
- 🔄 Reset the pedometer calibration (Zepp Life) → Profile → Settings of the device → Pedometer data reset)
3. The battery goes down fast.
- 🔋 Turn off unnecessary notifications
- 🌙 Reduce screen brightness and backlight time
- 📵 Turn off the permanent measurement SpO₂
- 🔄 Update the bracelet firmware
4.The bracelet does not vibrate at notifications
- 🔊 Check the settings in Zepp Life → Profile → Notifications
- 📱 Make sure that notifications are allowed for Zepp Life in your phone settings
- 🔄 Reset the bracelet (press the button for 10 seconds)
5.The screen does not respond to touch
- 🧼 Wipe the screen with a wet wipe (sweat or dirt can block the sensor)
- 🔋 Charge the bracelet (at low charge, the touchpad may turn off)
- 🔄 Reset the settings (Settings) → System system → Data resetting)
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet stops turning on after falling or getting water, don't try to charge it. This may cause a short circuit. Leave the device in rice for 24 hours, then try turning it on.