What Xiaomi Mi Band 3 can do in 2026: all the functions from A to Z

Why is Mi Band 3 still relevant?

Launched in 2018, the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is still one of the most popular gadgets in the Mi Band lineup. Despite the emergence of new models (Mi Band 7/8), the third version continues to be in demand due to the optimal combination of price, functionality and reliability. In this article, we will analyze all the features of the device – from basic (stepmeter, pulsemeter) to hidden (training modes, music management).

It is important to understand: Mi Band 3 does not support modern chips like SpO₂ (It's oxygenated, stress-tested, but it's a little bit too powerful to use on a daily basis, and if you're looking for a budget tracker for sports, sleep, and notifications, it's perfect, and if you want advanced metrics, you should look at the Mi Band 6 or something newer.

The article will be useful:

• 🏃‍♂️ Newcomers who just bought Mi Band 3 and want to understand the features.
• 🔍 Owners who use a “20 percent” bracelet and are unaware of the hidden possibilities.
• 💰 For those who choose between Mi Band 3 and new models, compare them in key parameters.

1. Technical specifications: what is under the hood?

Before we dive into the functions, we will disassemble the Mi Band 3 hardware.

• 📱 0.78-inch OLED-resolution-screen 128×80 and touch button (no full touch screen!).
• 🔋 Battery capacity of 110 mAh, which lasts up to 20 days with moderate use (real - 10-14 days).
• 🩺 Optical pulse sensor PPG (precision ±5 beats/min compared to medical devices).
• 🌙 3-axis accelerometer for tracking movements and sleep.
• 📶 Support for Bluetooth 4.2 LE (compatible with Android 4.4+ iOS 9.0+).

The dimensions of the bracelet are 46.9 × 17.9 × 12 mm, weighing only 20 grams (with a strap). The body has an IP68 protection degree, which means resistance to dust and immersion to a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. However, it is not recommended to swim with the bracelet in a pool with chlorinated water - this can damage the seals.

⚠️ Note: The bracelet does not have a built-in GPS. To track the route of running / cycling, he uses GPS Smartphones that increase the battery consumption of the phone.

2. Health monitoring: pulse, sleep and activity

The main task of the Mi Band 3 is to monitor the health of the bracelet.

• 😴 Analyze sleep (deep, light and phase) REM). Xiaomi algorithms can recognize even short awakenings (from 5 minutes), but can be wrong with irregular schedules.

The Mi Band 3 feature is the lack of a sensor SpO₂, And if you want to track your blood oxygen levels (which is relevant for climbers or people with apnea), you have to choose a more modern model.

The bracelet uses a combination of data from an accelerometer (movement) and a pulsemeter (heart rate) to analyze sleep, and the results are displayed in the Mi Fit app as a phased graph, for example, if you wake up in the middle of the night, the bracelet will record this as a waking period.

⚠️ Warning: If the wristband shows an unrealistically low pulse (for example, 30-40 beats per minute) check the density of the fitting. A common mistake: users wear the gadget too loosely, and the sensor reads the pulse from the air, not from the skin.

Notifications and smart features: what does a bracelet do besides sports?

Mi Band 3 is not only a fitness tracker, but also a smart assistant, which syncs with a smartphone and shows:

• 📱 Notifications from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber), social networks (Instagram, Facebook) and calls. The screen displays the name of the contact and the first lines of the message (up to 120 characters).
• 🔔 Alarm clocks (up to 10, adjustable in the app) The vibration of the bracelet will wake you up without disturbing others.
• 🎵 Music control: you can switch tracks and adjust volume (works with Spotify, Apple Music, Yandex Music and standard player).
• 🔍 Phone search: If your smartphone is lost within Bluetooth range, the bracelet will help you find it with vibration and sound.

To set up notifications:

1. Open the Mi Fit app.
2. Go to Profile. → Mi Band 3 → Notifications.
3. Turn on the Call Notification and Notifications from the apps switch.
4. Select the applications you want to see on the bracelet.

Turn on Bluetooth on your phone

Update the bracelet firmware

Allow Mi Fit to access notifications in Android/iOS settings

Select the necessary applications in the "Notifications" section"-->

Limitation: Mi Band 3 does not support text responses (this appeared in Mi Band 5) and does not show emojis, and the bracelet does not sync directly with Google Fit or Apple Health - data is transmitted only through Mi Fit.

1. Is Bluetooth on the phone?

2. Is not allowed to access notifications for the Mi Fit app (on Android: Settings → Applications → Mi Fit → Notifications).

3. Whether the phone is in power saving mode (it can block background work Mi Fit).-->

Sports modes: what training is supported?

Mi Band 3 offers 5 built-in sports modes:

• 🏃 Running outside (calculating pace, distance and calories burned).
• 🚴 Bicycle (connection to the GPS Smartphone for accurate route tracking).
• 🏊 Swimming (bracelet waterproof, but does not track swimming style or number of strokes).
• 🏋️ Gym (records training time and pulse, but does not recognize specific exercises).
• 🚶 Walking (a simple mode to track steps and distance).

To start training:

1. On the bracelet, flip through the menu to the icon. 🏃 (sport-regime).
2. Select the desired type of activity by pressing the touch button.
3. Confirm the start of the training (the bracelet vibrates).
4. At the end, press the button and select Complete.

Training data (time, pulse, calories) is stored in the Mi Fit app and can be exported to GPX or TCX for analysis in third-party services like Strava.

⚠️ Note: When running or cycling, the bracelet is used GPS It's a smartphone that consumes a lot of battery, and if you care about the autonomy of the phone, turn it off. GPS in the training settings (but then the distance will be calculated approximately in steps).

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For accurate tracking of running or cycling, hold your phone in your hand or chest pocket, so the GPS signal will be more stable.

5. Battery and charging: how to extend the life of the battery?

Officially, the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 holds a charge of up to 20 days, but in practice this value varies from 7 to 14 days depending on use.

• 📶 The frequency of synchronization with the phone (the more often – the more expense).
• 🔍 Continuous monitoring of the pulse (if the mode is switched on) 24/7, battery 2 faster).
• 🔔 Number of notifications (each vibration is spent) ~1% charge).
• 🌙 Backlighting of the screen (the brighter and longer the display burns - the faster the bracelet discharges).

To charge the bracelet:

1. Remove the capsule from the strap (pull it towards the screen).
2. Connect to the charging cable (includes) - the magnetic contacts must match.
3. Connect the cable to USB-port (computer, charge from phone or power bank).
4. Full charging takes ~2 hours (the indicator on the screen will show 100%).

⚠️ Warning: Do not leave the bracelet on charge for more than 3 hours - this can shorten the battery life. Also avoid using unoriginal cables: they can damage the contacts.

6. Hidden features and life hacks for Mi Band 3

Many users don't know that the Mi Band 3 is more than the instructions say.

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings: If the bracelet is buggy, press and hold the touch button for 10 seconds until the vibration appears.
• 🌓 Night mode: in screen settings (Mi Fit) → Display) can be enabled automatic blackout of the bracelet from 22:00 to 6:00.
• 🔒 Screen lock: If the bracelet is often activated accidentally (such as while sleeping), turn on the lock in Mi Fit → Screen. → Screen locking.
• 📲 Camera Control: Some firmwares have a remote shutter release feature (must be enabled in Mi Fit) → Laboratory).
• 🌡️ Screen weather: if you sync the bracelet with the Mi Fit app, it will show the air temperature (updated every 6 hours).

Another life hack: if you don't have enough built-in dials, you can install custom dials through third-party apps like Notify & Fitness for Mi Band or Mi Band Master, which also allow you to:

• Set up vibrations for different types of notifications.
• Turn on the display of the phone battery on the bracelet screen.
• Activate the "Do Not Disturb" mode on schedule.

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To save your wristband, turn off automatic pulse measurements at night (if you don’t need sleep monitoring) and reduce screen brightness by up to 50%.

7. Comparison with new models: should we update?

If you’re thinking about moving to a newer model, compare the Mi Band 3 to the current Xiaomi bracelets:

Should we upgrade?

• ✅ Yes, if you need it: Color screen and always on display. Measurement SpO₂ More sports modes (up to 30 in Mi Band 8).
• ❌ Not if you're happy: Autonomy and basic features (steps, pulse, sleep), simplicity of interface and no need for bells and whistles. Budget - Mi Band 3 is 2-3 times cheaper than new models.

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If your Mi Band 3 is working properly and covers your needs, you don't have to upgrade for new features. The main improvements in new models are the screen and additional sensors, not revolutionary changes.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions