The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is one of the most popular fitness bracelets on the market, combining affordability, stylish design and rich functionality. Launched in 2019, it is still a hot choice for those who want to control health, athletic achievement and daily activities at no extra cost.
In this article, we will analyze all the functions of Xiaomi Mi Band 4 – from basic (stepmer, sleep monitoring) to hidden (control smartphone camera, phone search, setting alarm clocks through the bracelet). Also, we will find out how to set up the device to work as efficiently as possible, and compare it with the newer models of Mi Band 5 and 6. If you are just planning to buy or already own, but do not use the bracelet to the full – this guide is for you.
Technical specifications and configuration
Before diving into the features, it is worth dealing with the "iron." Mi Band 4 It has been updated significantly over the third version: the color version. AMOLED-display (0.95 inch, 120×240 pixels), improved touch screen and increased battery capacity (up to) 135 The bracelet weighs everything. 22.1 gram and has a degree of protection IP68, This allows you to use it in the rain or in the pool (but not for diving!).
In the box with the bracelet you will find:
- 📦 The fitness bracelet Mi Band 4 (black or colored case)
- 🔋 Charging cable (magnetic, without charge) USB-plug)
- 📄 Short instructions in several languages (Russian included)
- 🔄 Spare strap (in some configurations)
Note that the bracelet is compatible with Android 4.4+ and iOS 9.0+, but it requires the Mi Fit app (or alternatives like Notify & Fitness for iPhone) to work properly.
Basic functions: pedometer, pulse and sleep monitoring
The Mi Band 4 is designed to track physical activity, automatically counting steps, miles traveled and calories burned, and recognizes activities such as walking, running, cycling, swimming (in the pool), and even an elliptical trainer, and the accuracy of the measurement depends on the correct adjustment of height, weight and gender in the Mi Fit profile.
Heart rate monitoring is particularly noteworthy. The wristband measures your heart rate every 5 to 30 minutes (set up in the app) and can warn you if your heart rate is too high or too low. However, the data from the Mi Band 4 is not a substitute for medical measurements, they are only for general monitoring. Use a tonometer or a pulse oximeter for accurate diagnosis.
The sleep tracking feature analyzes deep, shallow sleep and wakefulness, and records wakefulness. Based on this data, the app gives recommendations for improving your rest, for example, if you wake up often at night, the bracelet may advise you to go to bed earlier or avoid caffeine after 15:00.
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To improve your pulse measurement accuracy, wear a wristband 2-3 fingers above your wrist and tighten your strap. Avoid measuring immediately after intense exercise - give your body 5-10 minutes to recover.
Smart Notifications and Smartphone Management
Mi Band 4 can show notifications from your phone: calls, SMS, messages from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber), mail and social networks. To configure this feature, in the Mi Fit app, go to Profile → Mi Band 4 → Notifications and select the desired applications. Note: on the iPhone, the list of supported messengers is limited due to Apple policy.
In addition to viewing notifications, the bracelet allows:
- 📞 Reject incoming calls (swip left on screen)
- 🎵 Managing music (play/pause, Next track – works with Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and the standard player
- 🔍 Find your phone (if your smartphone is in Bluetooth range, the bracelet will make it vibrate)
- 📸 Control the camera of the smartphone (start timer or take a selfie)
To control the music and camera requires pre-setting in Mi Fit. For example, in order for the bracelet to take pictures, the application needs to enable the option to control the camera and give all the necessary permissions.
How to enable camera control on Android?
Sporting regimes and training
Mi Band 4 supports 6 sports modes:
- 🏃 Running outside
- 🚶 Walking
- 🚴 Cycling
- 🏊 Swimming in the pool
- 🏋️ The gym (strength training)
- 🤸 General training (for yoga, Pilates, etc.)
For each mode, the bracelet records the time, pulse, calories burned and other metrics, for example, when running, it tracks the pace and length of the step, and when swimming, the number of strokes and style (crib, breaststroke, etc.).
To start a workout, click on the bracelet screen, select Training, and specify the activity type. Once completed, the data is synchronized with Mi Fit, where you can analyze progress. By the way, the app has a competition feature, so you can compete with your friends on the number of steps or training time.
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To accurately track swimming in the pool, be sure to specify the length of the track (25 or 50 meters) in the bracelet settings.
Additional features: alarm clocks, weather, phone search
In addition to sporting features, the Mi Band 4 offers a few useful “chips” for everyday life:
| Function | Description | How to turn it on |
|---|---|---|
| 🔔 Alarm clocks | Up to 10 vibration alarms, you can set up a repeat on the days of the week. | In Mi Fit: Profile → Alarms |
| 🌤️ Weather. | Shows temperature, humidity and forecast for 3 days (data taken from the phone). | It is automatically activated when synchronized with Mi Fit. |
| 🔍 Phone search | The bracelet makes the phone vibrate if it is within a Bluetooth radius (up to 10m). | Swipe down on the bracelet screen → phone icon |
| 🔋 Charge level | Shows the battery percentage of the bracelet and phone (if supported). | Swipe up on the main screen |
Especially useful is the "Raise your hand to activate the screen" function - the bracelet is turned on when you move your wrist, which saves battery power. To set it up, go to the display settings → Raising your hand.
1. Open the Mi Fit app and select your bracelet.
2. Go to the Alarms section.
3.Push Add the alarm and specify the time.
4. Select the days of the week to repeat.
5.Save and sync with the bracelet.-->
Hidden functions and life hacks
Many users don’t know that the Mi Band 4 has much more to do than the manual says.
- 🔄 Changing dial: Mi Fit can download alternative dials (including animated ones) some showing weather, calendar or even stress levels.
- 🔇 Silent mode: If you turn on Do Not Disturb in the bracelet settings, it will stop vibrating at notifications (useful at meetings or at night).
- 📊 Data export: in Mi Fit you can upload activity history in the format CSV For analysis in Excel or Google Sheets.
- 🔋 Saving charge: Turn off automatic pulse measurement (leave only manual mode) - this will extend the bracelet to 20 days.
Another life hack: if the bracelet is no longer synced, try resetting it to factory settings. To do this, in Mi Fit, select Settings → Disable the device, then reconnect it. This often helps with glitch notifications or training data.
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To quickly switch between the screens of the bracelet, use swipes: up/down - the main metrics, left/right - notifications and menus.
Mi Band 5 and 6: Should I Upgrade?
If you are thinking about buying the Mi Band 4 or are already using it, but are considering an upgrade, it’s worth comparing it to the newer models:
| Function | Mi Band 4 | Mi Band 5 | Mi Band 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display. | 0.95" AMOLED | 1.1" AMOLED | 1.56" AMOLED |
| Sporting regimes | 6 | 11 | 30 |
| Measurement SpO₂ | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Autonomy | Up to 20 days. | Up to 14 days. | Up to 14 days. |
| NFC (for payment) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes, in the version. NFC) | ✅ Yes, in the version. NFC) |
Should I upgrade? If you want to measure oxygen in your blood (SpO₂), More sports modes or a big screen – yes, Mi Band 5/6 But if the basic functions of the Mi Band are the best choice. 4 (Pedometer, pulse, notifications) you're fine, and the price matters -- no upgrade required. 4 It is still getting firmware updates.
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The Mi Band 4 remains the best choice for price/quality for basic activity tracking. SpO₂ and NFC, Paying for new models makes no sense.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Like any device, the Mi Band 4 can malfunction, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet doesn't turn on after it's completely discharged, plug it into charging and wait 10-15 minutes. Sometimes it takes several attempts to wake the battery up».
- 📵 Not synced with your phone: check if Bluetooth is on, reboot both devices and reconnect the bracelet to Mi Fit.
- 🔋 Battery goes down quickly: turn off the constant pulse measurement and reduce the brightness of the screen. Also check if background processes are running in the Mi Fit.
- 🚫 No notifications: In your phone settings, give Mi Fit permission to show notifications and turn off battery optimization for this app.
- 🌡️ Inaccurate pulse/sleep data: Wear the bracelet tighter and update the firmware.
If none of these methods worked, try resetting the bracelet to factory settings. To do this, in Mi Fit, select Settings → Disable the device, then reconnect it.
⚠️ Note: When resetting, all data on the bracelet will be deleted, but it will be saved in the Mi Fit account if the device was synchronized.