If you own a Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet and you notice a mysterious Alipay option in the settings, don't be surprised - this is not a firmware error. Despite the fact that the device is positioned as a global one, it retains features originally intended for the Chinese market. Alipay is the largest payment system in China, analogous to Apple Pay or Google Pay, but with a number of nuances when used outside of China.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what Alipay is on Mi Band 4, whether it can be used in Russia, Ukraine or Europe, and what pitfalls await the owners of the bracelet, and how to turn off this feature if it interferes with, and how it can be replaced for contactless payments. Spoiler: No Chinese bank account and phone number +86 will be extremely limited, but there are workarounds.
What is Alipay and why is it in Mi Band 4?
Alipay (or in Chinese) is not just a payment system, but an ecosystem of financial services from Ant Group, which is part of Alibaba, and is used in China to:
- π³ Contactless payments in stores (through the QR-code NFC)
- π± Online shopping on AliExpress, Taobao and other sites
- π Taxi, utilities and even medical bills
- π Money transfers between users (analogue "send to the card")
In Mi Band 4, Alipay feature appeared thanks to built-in NFC-The chip is in the Chinese version of the bracelet (Mi Band 4). NFC) It allows you to link a virtual card and pay by simply holding your hand to the terminal:
- The feature was originally tailored to Chinese banks and phone numbers (+86).
- In the global firmware Mi Band 4 NFC-The chip is often switched off software (except for certain regions, for example, Russia in some batches).
- Even if NFC Alipay requires a Chinese Alipay account with verification by passport of the PRC.
In fact, for most people outside of China, Alipay on Mi Band 4 is a dead section of the menu that takes up space and can cause confusion, but there are ways to adapt the bracelet to local payment systems, and we'll talk about that later.
How to check if your Mi Band 4 supports Alipay NFC
Before you try to set up Alipay, make sure your bracelet is physically equipped. NFC-Here's how to do it:
- Look at the box: if there is an inscription on the package NFC or contactless payment logo β the chip is present.
- Check the model in the settings: Open the Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life for newer versions). β Mi Band 4 β If there's a item on the list. NFC β There is a chip if not, there is no chip.
- Visual inspection: on the back cover of the bracelet under the sensors can be applied logo NFC (arm-wave).
If NFC There is, but there is no Alipay item in the bracelet menu, this could mean:
- π± You have a global firmware where the function is hidden (often found in European and Russian versions).
- π The bracelet requires an update via Mi Fit (sometimes Alipay appears after the update).
- π¨π³ The device is originally intended for the Chinese market, but is sold as an "international" version (in which case Alipay will be available, but will not work without a Chinese account).
How to distinguish the Chinese version of the Mi Band 4 from the global version?
Alipay can be used on Mi Band 4 outside of China
Technically, yes, but practically, with very limited limits, and here's what you'll need to get a full-time job.
| Requirement | How to get around (if possible) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese phone number (+86) | Buy a virtual number or use a friendβs number from China | ββββ |
| Chinese bank account | Open an account with UnionPay or use intermediary services (risky) | βββββ |
| Identity verification (PRC passport) | It's impossible to get around legally. | βββββ |
| Chinese IP-address | Use it. VPN servers in China (e.g. ExpressVPN) | ββ |
Even if you manage to go through all these stages, there will be other problems:
- πΈ Foreign Exchange Commission: Alipay is in yuan (CNY), If you pay in another currency, the bank will take a percentage.
- π Limited geography: terminals outside China rarely support Alipay (except for some stores accepting AliExpress Pay).
- π Alipay can block an account if it is suspected of being used VPN or a non-Chinese number.
In Russia: link the card to Mir Pay or SberPay (if your bank supports wearable devices).
In Europe/USA: Use Google Pay or Apple Pay on your smartphone and keep the bracelet for fitness features.
- For AliExpress: Pay via the app on your phone β so more reliable and without unnecessary commissions.-->
How to set up Alipay on Mi Band 4 (if you are in China)
If you are in China or have all the necessary data, follow this guide. For other users, this section is for information.
Make sure you have a Chinese phone number (+86)|Download the Alipay app on your smartphone (App) Store/Google Play)|Connect your Chinese bank card to Alipay|Update the firmware of the Mi Band 4 last-minute-->
- Download and install Alipay: The app is available on the App Store and Google Play, but you will need a Chinese number to register. After installation: Select language (there is English option). Enter the phone number with the code +86.Confirm registration through SMS.
- Link your bank card: Go to Me β Bank Cards and add a Chinese bank card (e.g., a bank card, ICBC, China Construction Bank to enter passport details.
- Set up Alipay on your bracelet: Open Mi Fit, go to Profile β Mi Band 4 β Alipay and follow the instructions. The bracelet will suggest bringing it to your phone for sync.
- Activate payments: A new Alipay item will appear in the bracelet menu. Go there, select the linked card and install PIN-proof-of-payment.
After setting up, you can pay with a bracelet in stores that support Alipay. NFC. For that:
- Wake up the Mi Band 4 screen.
- Select Alipay from the menu.
- Bring the bracelet to the terminal (distance not more than 5 cm).
- Confirm payment PIN-bracelet-code.
π‘
Alipay on Mi Band 4 only works with terminals that support the standard PBOC 3.0 (Chinese equivalent) EMV). In most countries, such terminals are not installed, so the function is difficult to use outside of China.
How to Disable or Hide Alipay in Mi Band 4
If you don't need Alipay, you can turn it off or remove it from the wristband menu. Here are a few ways to do this:
Method 1: Disconnecting with Mi Fit
- Open the Mi Fit app.
- Go to Profile. β Mi Band 4 β Alipay.
- Click Disable (or Delete the card if it is tied).
- Reset the bracelet (press the button for 10 seconds).
Method 2: Reset the bracelet to factory settings
This is a radical method that will delete all data, including Alipay:
- In Mi Fit go to Profile β Mi Band 4 β Untie the device.
- Confirm the uncoupling.
- Press the button for 20 seconds until vibration appears.
- Reconnect the bracelet as a new device.
Method 3: Installation of custom firmware
For advanced users, there is an option to flash the bracelet with alternative firmware (for example, Mi Band 4 Custom Firmware), where the Alipay function is removed.
- π§ Requires unlocking the loader.
- π¨ Deprives you of security.
- π It can lead to unstable operation of the device.
Risks of custom firmware
If you still decide on firmware, look for relevant instructions on the forums. 4PDA or XDA Developers, but remember: Xiaomi does not provide support for modified devices.
Alipay Alternatives for Contactless Payments on Mi Band 4
If your bracelet is fitted NFC, But Alipay is not suitable, consider these options:
| Service | Support for Mi Band 4 | Region | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pay | β No (required Wear) OS) | Worldwide | Android smartphone + NFC |
| SberPay / Mir Pay | β οΈ Partially (only in Russian versions with the NFC) | Russia | Map of the World or Sberbank |
| Apple Pay | β No, only for the Apple Watch) | Worldwide | iPhone + Apple Watch |
| Samsung Pay | β No. | Worldwide | Samsung Smartphone |
| Banking applications (Tinkoff, Alpha-Click) | β οΈ Only if the bank supports wearable devices | Russia/CIS | Bank card + NFC bracelet |
The most reliable way is to use a smartphone with NFC If you really need hand-held payments, consider buying a smartwatch with support:
- π± Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro (supports Alipay and some local services).
- π Apple Watch: Apple Pay is everywhere).
- βοΈ Huawei Watch GT 3 (Huawei Pay support is available).
π‘
The Mi Band 4 is a fitness bracelet, not a payment device, and if you want full contactless payments, youβd better opt for a smartwatch that supports Google Pay or Apple Pay.
Alipay Frequent Problems on Mi Band 4 and Their Solutions
Even if you manage to set up Alipay, you may have errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
Problem 1: Alipay is not displayed in the bracelet menu
Causes and solutions:
- π± Global firmware: try reflashing the bracelet to the Chinese version (risky).
- π Previous PostPrevious Update Mi Band 4 with Mi Fit.
- π¨π³ Regional restrictions: if the bracelet is purchased in Europe, NFC Maybe the hardware is off.
Problem 2: You can't tie the map.
What to do:
- π³ Make sure that the Chinese bank card supports contactless payments.
- π± Check that Alipay has already added and verified the card.
- π If you have a βUnsupported Cardβ error, try another card (e.g. UnionPay).
Problem 3: Payments do not pass at the terminal
Possible causes:
- π¦ Terminal doesn't support PBOC 3.0 (Chinese standard) NFC).
- π There is not enough charge on the bracelet (for the NFC Minimum 20% battery requirement).
- πΆ No phone connection (Alipay requires constant sync).
- Whether it's on NFC on the bracelet (in the Settings menu) β Connections β NFC).
Does the store support Alipay (usually there is a sticker with a logo).
- Is there enough money in the account (sometimes the transaction is blocked due to limits).-->
Problem 4: Alipay is asking for a reauthorization
This happens if:
- π You have not used the service in a long time (re-entry is required). PIN).
- π± Alipay app on the phone has been updated or reinstalled.
- π Account blocked due to suspicious activity (e.g., change of account) IP).
Solution: Open Alipay on your phone, log in and sync the bracelet again.
FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Alipay on Mi Band 4
β You can use Alipay on Mi Band 4 without a Chinese phone number?
β Why my Mi Band 4 doesn't have an Alipay item, though NFC eat?
β Can I tie a Sberbank or Tinkoff card to Mi Band 4?
β Will Alipay work for the Mi Band? 5/6/7?
β Can I get my money back if I donβt make a payment via Alipay on Mi Band 4?
If your question is not covered in FAQ, Check the official sources:
- π Support for Xiaomi (Mi Band 4).
- π¬ Mi Community Forum (there are Russian-language branches).
- π Alipay official website (information for foreign users).
π‘
Alipay on Mi Band 4 is a feature for the Chinese market, which is either impossible or impractical in most countries due to registration difficulties and limited terminal support, and if you need contactless payments, consider alternative devices or use a smartphone.