How to accurately determine the model of the Xiaomi bracelet: from Mi Band 1 to Smart Band 8 Pro

Xiaomi fitness bracelets have long been one of the most popular gadgets for tracking activity, but their appearance often puts users at a loss: how to distinguish the Mi Band 5 from the Smart Band 7 or understand what version you have in your hands? This is especially true when buying a used device, when the box and documents are long lost, and the seller can not accurately name the model. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways of identification – from visual differences to hidden technical data that will help determine the model even without the original packaging.

Compounding the problem, Xiaomi regularly releases new versions of the bracelets with minimal design changes but significant improvements to the β€œstuffing” (for example, the Mi Band 6 and Smart Band 7 are almost identical in appearance, but the second has always on the screen and advanced health features. Misiding the model can lead to the purchase of incompatible accessories (straps, charging cables) or firmware errors. So it is important to know what to pay attention to.

1. Visual differences: how to determine the model by appearance

The fastest way is to look carefully at the bracelet for unique design elements. Xiaomi gradually changed the shape of the case, the location of the buttons and even the material of the strap.

  • πŸ”Ή Mi Band 1/1S (2014–2015): It's a miniature oval case with no screen, just an LED light, a soft plastic strap with a metal clasp.
  • πŸ”Ή Mi Band 2 (2016) – The first bracelet with a OLED-It's a physical button under the display, it's rectangular, but it's rounded.
  • πŸ”Ή Mi Band 3 (2018): touch screen (0.78) with no physical button, the body is flatter.
  • πŸ”Ή Mi Band 4 (2019): Colored AMOLED-screen (0.95) and control button moved under the display.
  • πŸ”Ή Smart Band 7 / 7 Pro (2022–2023): screen-up 1.62", The body got thinner, and there was an aluminum frame β€” GPS microphone.

Pay special attention to the size and shape of the screen: the older models (before the Mi Band 4) it is small and monochrome, and starting with the Mi Band 5 – color and occupies almost the entire front panel. Also look at the material of the case: the budget versions it is plastic, premium (for example, Smart Band 8 Pro) – metal.

πŸ“Š What kind of bracelet Xiaomi you have?
Mi Band 3 or older
Mi Band 4/5
Smart Band 6/7
Smart Band 8/8 Pro
I don't know.

2. Labeling on the case and packaging: where to look for model number

Each Xiaomi bracelet has a unique serial number and model code that can be used to pinpoint the version, which is usually marked with:

  • πŸ“Œ On the back of the case (under the strap) - look for a line of view M2129B1 (for Smart Band 7 or XMSH15HM (For the Mi Band 5).
  • πŸ“Œ On the charging cable – sometimes there is a duplicate model (for example, Mi Band 6 Charging Cable).
  • πŸ“Œ On the box - if it is preserved, look for the article of the form BHR4305GL (Smart Band 8 Pro).

Decoding of popular model codes:

Model codeThe name of the braceletYear of release
XMSH08HMMi Band 42019
XMSH15HMMi Band 52020
M2129B1Smart Band 72022
M2229B1Smart Band 7 Pro2022
M2330B1Smart Band 8 Pro2023

If the body is not marked, try flashlighting β€” sometimes very fine or worn from the socks. Also check the charging connector: the old models (before the Mi Band 4) it was round, and the new ones β€” magnetic with flat contacts.

3. Model definition via Mi Fit/Zepp Life app

Xiaomi’s official apps automatically recognize the bracelet and display it in the device profile.

  1. Install the Mi Fit app (for older models) or Zepp Life (for newer ones).
  2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
  3. Connect the bracelet via Bluetooth (enable device search in the gadget settings).
  4. After synchronization, go to Profile β†’ My Devices – there will be the name of the model.

If the bracelet is not detected, check:

  • πŸ”‹ Charge level (discharged device is not synchronized).
  • πŸ“± Smartphone compatibility (for Mi Band) 1/2 Android required 4.4+ iOS 9+).
  • πŸ”„ App version (update it via App Store or Google Play).

Check the battery charge|Reset the bracelet (hold the button) 10 sack)|Update the Mi app Fit/Zepp Life|Reinstall the app|Try another smartphone.-->

Attention! Some clones of bracelets (like Haylou or Amazfit) may masquerade as Xiaomi in apps. If the model is defined as an Unknown device, chances are you have a non-original gadget.

4. Technical characteristics: how to distinguish by "stuffing"

If it is difficult to visually distinguish models, pay attention to the functionality:

  • πŸ“Š Screen: Mi Band 1–2: No screen/monochrome OLED 0.42." Mi Band 3-4: colored AMOLED 0.78"–0.95". Smart Band 6–8 Pro: AMOLED 1.1"-1.74", always on display.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery: Mi Band 1-3: 70-110 mAh (up to 20 days) Smart Band 7 Pro: 235 mAh (up to 15 days from) GPS).
  • πŸ“ Sensors: Since the Mi Band 5, a sensor has appeared SpOβ‚‚ (Only the Smart Band 7 Pro and later have built-in GPS.

Check the presence of sensors through the bracelet menu:

  1. Scroll through the screen to Status or Settings.
  2. Find the Sensors or Equipment section.
  3. See the list of available sensors (e.g., Frequencymeter, SpOβ‚‚, GPS).
How to check the GPS performance of Smart Band 7 Pro
Open the bracelet menu β†’ select Training β†’ Running Outdoors β†’ wait for the GPS icon to appear. If the icon flashes for more than 2 minutes, the GPS is faulty or missing (you don't have a Pro version).

Another reliable way is firmware, and each model has a unique version number, which you can see in the bracelet settings (About the device β†’ firmware version).

  • Mi Band 6: The version starts with 1.0.6.xx.
  • Smart Band 8 Pro: 1.15.0.xx.

5. Comparison with other bracelets: how not to confuse with Amazfit or Haylou

Xiaomi bracelets are often forged or confused with devices from other brands of the Huami/Zepp group (such as Amazfit or Haylou).

Sign.Xiaomi Mi/Smart BandAmazfit (e.g. GTS 2)Haylou (e.g. Solar)
Logo.Mi or Xiaomi on the strap/bodyThe Amazfit logo (stylized letter "A")Haylou's inscription on charging
AnnexMi Fit / Zepp LifeZepp (formerly Mi Fit)Haylou Fun
Charging cableMagnetic connector with 2-4 contactsPin-connector (like smartphones)USB Type-C or MicroUSB

⚠️ Warning: Some sellers are re-fishing Haylou bracelets under Xiaomi to sell for more. check originality through the serial number on the site mi.com/verify (enter the code from the body).

6. Alternative methods: when nothing helps

If the bracelet is not switched on, not synchronized or badly damaged, try these methods:

  • πŸ” Disassembly (for power users): Carefully remove the strap and open the case (need a mediator or plastic card, BHR4305 Smart Band 8 Pro.
  • πŸ›’ Directory comparison: Take a photo of the bracelet from different angles and compare it with the official images on the Xiaomi Wearables website.
  • πŸ’¬ Communities and forums: Upload photos to 4PDA or Reddit/r/miband β€” Experienced users will help identify the model.

⚠️ Warning: When disassembling the bracelet, you risk damaging the dust protection (IP68). If the gadget is still on warranty, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center.

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet does not respond to charging, try to clean the contacts with alcohol or a soft brush - oxidation often blocks the supply of power.

7. Frequent errors in model definition

Many users confuse Xiaomi bracelets because of similar names or appearance.

  • ❌ "Mi Band 6 and Smart Band 6 are the same. No! Smart Band 6 is a rebranded version for the global market (in China it was called Mi Band 6). Functionally identical, but firmware may differ.
  • ❌ "All the bracelets with color screen are Mi Band 5 Mi Band 4 also had color. AMOLED-The screen is smaller (0.95" vs. 1.1" for the Mi Band 5).
  • ❌ "Smart Band 7 Pro is just a Pro version of Smart Band 7. GPS, Call microphone and metal body, and the usual Smart Band 7 – only basic functions.

Another common mistake is to confuse Xiaomi with the Honor Band or Huawei Band, which usually have a square screen and Huawei Health firmware.

Can I determine the model of the bracelet by IMEI?
No, Xiaomi fitness bracelets don't. IMEI β€” This identifier is used only in devices with SIM-with a card (smartphones, tablets). IMEI Look for the serial number or model code on the case.
How to distinguish the original Xiaomi from a fake?
The original bracelets have: Clear labeling on the case and charge (no typos); high-quality packaging with a Xiaomi hologram; support for official applications (Mi Fit or Zepp Life); a serial number that is checked on the mi.com/verify website. Counterfeiting often gives cheap plastic, curved font on the screen and no branded animation when turned on.
My bracelet is defined as an β€œUnknown device” – what do I do?
This means that: You have a clone (e.g. Haylou or Xiaomi Mijia for the Chinese market); the firmware of the bracelet is damaged (try resetting via Settings β†’ Reset); you are using an outdated version of the app (update Mi Fit or Zepp Life); try connecting the bracelet through the Notify & Fitness for Mi Band app.
Where can I find the firmware for my model?
Official firmware is downloaded automatically via Mi Fit or Zepp Life. For manual installation: Find out the exact model (according to this instruction). XDA Developers (look for your model theme). Use Mi Band Tools or Gadgetbridge to install. ⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can "brick" the bracelet! Make sure the firmware file matches your model.
How to reset Xiaomi bracelet to factory settings?
The instructions vary depending on the model: Mi Band 1-4: Press the touch button (or touchpad) for 10-15 seconds until the vibration appears. Smart Band 5-8 Pro: Go to Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset. Once reset, the bracelet will automatically reset and be ready for new synchronization.

πŸ’‘

If none of these methods helped, contact Xiaomi via the chat on the site mi.com/support – send a photo of the bracelet and serial number for identification.