The Xiaomi Mi Band is not just a gadget, it's a revolution in the world of wearable electronics. Launched in 2014, this compact fitness bracelet has become synonymous with the word "affordable activity tracker" in a few years. Today, the Mi Band is a whole line of devices that can do much more than just count steps. They monitor sleep, measure heart rate, notify calls and even allow contactless payment of purchases. But how did this small device on the wrist cope with a task that was previously solved only by bulky smart watches?
In this article, we’ll explore what the Xiaomi Mi Band really is, from specs to hidden features that many users don’t even know about. You’ll learn how the new models differ from the old ones, how the bracelet integrates with the Xiaomi ecosystem, and why millions of people around the world choose it – despite the advent of more expensive alternatives.
What is Xiaomi Mi Band: A Brief History and Evolution
The first Mi Band was released in July 2014 and was a hit for its price tag — just $15 for a device that could count steps, track sleep and vibrate when incoming calls. Compared to the 5-10 times the price of similar trackers from Fitbit or Jawbone. Chinese Lei Jun, founder of Xiaomi, set out to make wearable electronics mass — and he succeeded.
Since then, the bracelet has come a long way in evolution:
- 📅 Mi Band 1 (2014) – basic features, monochrome screen with one LED, 30 days of autonomy.
- 🔄 Mi Band 1S (2015 – Pulseometer added, but screen remains the same.
- 📱 Mi Band 2 (2016) – The First OLED-display, touchpad, notifications.
- 💡 Mi Band 3 (2018) – touch screen, waterproof 50 m, NFC Chinese-language.
- 🌍 Mi Band 4/5/6/7/8 (2019–2023) — coloured AMOLED-screen, SpO₂, 150+ training regimes, voice assistant.
Today, the Mi Band is not just a fitness bracelet, but a full-fledged smart assistant that integrates with Mi Home, Google Fit and can even control the camera of a smartphone.
The main functions of Xiaomi Mi Band: what does the bracelet
At first glance, the Mi Band looks like a simple step tracker, but in fact it has a much wider range of features, which make it indispensable for sports, health and everyday life:
1. Monitoring activity and health
- 🚶 Stepmer – accurate tracking of steps taken taking into account the length of the step (configured manually).
- 🏃 150+ Exercise regimes – from running and cycling to yoga and swimming (in new models).
- ❤️ Pulsemeter – continuous monitoring of heart rate with warnings about high / low pulse.
- 😴 Sleep analysis – phase separation (deep, light, REM), rest-quality.
- 🩺 SpO₂ — Measurement of blood oxygen saturation (important for breath control and endurance).
2.Smart Notifications and Management
- 📞 Alerts – Vibration and text of call notifications, SMS, messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).
- 🔊 Music management – switching tracks straight from the bracelet.
- 📸 Remote shutter release – you can take photos from your smartphone without touching it.
- 🔒 Unlocking the phone – the bracelet can serve as the key to unlock Xiaomi smartphones.
3. Additional opportunities
- 💳 NFC — Contactless payments (in Chinese and some global versions).
- 🌧️ Weather forecast – display of temperature and humidity.
- 🔋 Charge control – notification of low battery level of the smartphone.
- 🧘 Breathing and Meditation – A Guide to Relaxation with Screen Visualization.
💡
To enable notifications from specific applications to be displayed, go to Settings → Notifications in the Mi Fitness app and select the desired messengers.
| Function | Mi Band 6 | Mi Band 7 | Mi Band 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen. | 1.56" AMOLED | 1.62" AMOLED | 1.62 AMOLED (always on) |
| SpO₂ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (better-sensor) |
| NFC | ❌ (except for the Chinese version) | ✅ (in some regions) | ✅ (global) |
| Autonomy | 14 days | 15 days | 16 days |
| Voice assistant | ❌ | ✅ (only in China) | ✅ (Alexa support) |
How Xiaomi Mi Band works: technical features
The Mi Band is based on a combination of hardware sensors and software algorithms, and let's look at how the device collects and processes data.
Sensors and sensors
- 📊 Accelerometer – tracks the movement of 3D-planes (steps, gestures, sleep).
- ❤️ Optical Pulsemeter – Measurs heart rate through the skin using green LEDs.
- 🌡️ Sensor. SpO₂ — Analyzes the level of oxygen in the blood by absorbing light.
- 💧 Gyroscope – helps to more accurately identify activities (for example, swimming).
Synchronization and annex
All data from the bracelet is transmitted to the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The application is available for Android and iOS and allows:
- 📈 View activity statistics for the day/week/month.
- 🛠️ Set up notifications and dials.
- 🤝 Sync data with Google Fit, Apple Health, Strava.
- 🔄 Update the bracelet firmware.
3. Autonomy and charging
One of the key features of the Mi Band is long work without recharging, such as the Mi Band 8 holds a charge for up to 16 days in standard use. Charging takes about 2 hours (via a magnetic cable).
- 🔌 Use only the original cable – unoriginal cables can damage your contacts.
- 💧 Do not charge the bracelet in high humidity conditions (for example, immediately after showering).
- 🔋 Avoid full discharge – this shortens battery life.
What to do if the bracelet is not synchronized?
The difference between Xiaomi Mi Band and smart watches
Many people ask themselves, why buy a Mi Band when you can use a smart watch? The answer is price-to-function. Let's compare:
| Criteria | Xiaomi Mi Band 8 | Smartwatches (such as Apple Watch) SE) |
|---|---|---|
| Price. | ~50$ | ~250$ |
| Autonomy | 16 days | 1-2 days |
| Screen. | 1.62" AMOLED | 1.78" OLED (sensory) |
| Annexes | Limited (only built-in) | Installation of third-party applications |
| Calls. | Notifications only | Full phone calls in hours |
When to choose Mi Band:
- 💰 You need a budget tracker with basic health features.
- 🔋 Long-term autonomy (weeks without charging).
- 🏃 You play sports, but you don’t need advanced metrics.
- 📱 You want to be notified, but you’re not willing to pay for smartwatches.
When to choose a smart watch:
- 📱 You need full-fledged apps (such as maps or music).
- 📞 You want to call and answer messages right from your wrist.
- 🎮 Support for games or complex widgets is important.
- 💎 You are willing to pay for premium design and materials.
💡
The Mi Band is the perfect choice for those who need basic health features and notifications without unnecessary bells and whistles. Smartwatches are only justified if you are willing to pay for advanced functionality that you will actually use.
How to choose a model Xiaomi Mi Band: comparison of generations
The current models for 2026 are the Mi Band 6, 7 and 8. Which bracelet to choose?
1.The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is the best budget option.
- ✅ Pros: price (~30$), 30 training regimens, SpO₂, flash-screen.
- ❌ Cons: There is no always on screen, NFC Only in the Chinese version.
⚠️ If you want maximum autonomy (up to 20 days), look for the Mi Band 6. NFC — It has a 125mAh battery versus the standard 100mAh battery.
2. Xiaomi Mi Band 7 is a balanced solution.
- ✅ Pros: 120 training regimes, improved heart rate sensor, support AOD (screen-on).
- ❌ Cons: price higher (~40$), Autonomy is slightly lower due to AOD.
3.The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is the flagship with premium chips.
- ✅ Pros: full screen display, voice assistant Alexa, improved SpO₂, metal-frame.
- ❌ Cons: price (~50$), Some features (e.g. Alexa) don’t work in all regions.
If you are a beginner or want to save money, take the Mi Band 6. for sports and health, the Mi Band 7 is optimal. And if you want premium design and maximum functionality, choose the Mi Band 8.
Make sure the model supports your region (NFC, Alexa et al.)
Check compatibility with your smartphone (Android) 5.0+/iOS 10+)
Pay attention to the size of the strap (standard - 155-216 mm)
Check out the reviews of a particular model in forums (e.g, 4PDA)-->
Hidden features Xiaomi Mi Band, which few people know
Even experienced Mi Band users are not always aware of the full range of the bracelet, but here are some hidden features that will make your use even more convenient:
1. Controlling the smartphone camera
- Open the camera on your phone. → Swipe down on the bracelet screen → Select Camera Control.
- Now you can take pictures by pressing the bracelet screen!
2. Phone search
- If you lose your smartphone, swipe down on your bracelet and select Find the phone.
- The phone will start ringing at full volume, even if it was in silent mode.
3. Quick responses to messages (Android)
- In the Mi Fitness app, you can configure Quick Answers – template messages that are sent directly from the bracelet.
- Example: "I'm on my way," "I'll be back later", "OK".
4.Do not disturb mode
- Activated in bracelet settings (Profile) → Don't disturb).
- Disables all notifications and vibrations for a given time (useful in meetings or during sleep).
5. Measurement of stress
- In new models (Mi Band) 7/8) There's a stress sensor that analyzes heart rate variability.
- If the stress level is high, the bracelet will suggest doing breathing exercises.
How to turn on the screen (AOD) always on?
Frequent problems and their solution
Even a reliable device like the Mi Band sometimes fails, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
1.The bracelet is not synchronized with the phone
- 🔄 Reset the bracelet (hold the 10 sec button).
- 📱 Reinstall the Mi Fitness app.
- 🔌 Check if Bluetooth and geolocation are enabled on your phone.
2. Incorrect number of steps
- 👟 Make sure the bracelet fits tightly to the wrist (no more than 1 cm gap).
- 📏 Manually specify the step length in the application settings.
- 🚶 Reset calibration data (Settings) → Resetting steps).
3. The battery goes down fast.
- 🔋 Turn off the screen always on (AOD).
- ❄️ Reduce your pulse rate (e.g., every 10 minutes instead of 1 minute).
- 📵 Turn off unnecessary notifications.
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet discharges within 1-2 days even after these actions, check it for moisture inside the case.
4. The pulse meter is not working.
- ❤️ Make sure the bracelet is placed 2-3 fingers above the wrist bone.
- 💦 Wipe the sensor on the back of the bracelet (sweat or dirt may interfere with measurements).
- 🔄 Update the firmware through the Mi Fitness app.
5.The bracelet does not vibrate at notifications
- 🔊 Check the notification settings in the app (Profile) → Notifications).
- 📴 Make sure the phone does not turn on the "Do Not Disturb" mode".
- 🔄 Reconnect the bracelet to the phone.