What Xiaomi Mi Band 3 can do: a full guide to functions and hidden features

Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is one of the most popular fitness bracelets in the world, combining affordable prices and wide functionality. Launched in 2018, it is still a hot choice for those who want to monitor health without overpaying for unnecessary options.

In this article, we will look at all the features of the Mi Band 3, from the obvious (stepmeter, pulsemeter) to the little-known (music control, phone search), learn how to set up the bracelet for maximum efficiency, what unique features are hidden in the firmware, and how to avoid typical errors in operation, and compare the Mi Band 3 with newer models to see if it is worth updating.

Technical characteristics: what is under the hood of the Mi Band 3

Before diving into the features, it is worth to deal with the "hardware". Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is equipped with:

• 📱 0.78-inch OLED-resolution-screen 128×80 pixels and touch control (swipe and tap).
• 🔋 Battery capacity of 110 mAh, which lasts up to 20 days with moderate use.
• 💓 Optical heart rate sensor PPG pulse-measuring.
• 🌡️ 3-axis accelerometer and gyroscope for tracking movements.
• 📶 Support for Bluetooth 4.2 LE for communication with a smartphone (compatible with Android 4.4)+ iOS 9.0+).
• 🔒 Protection against dust and water according to the standard IP68 (withstands immersion for 1.5 meters to 30 minutes).

Important: Despite being waterproof, the manufacturer does not recommend using the bracelet in hot water (bath, sauna) or when jumping into water - this can damage the seals, and avoid contact with salt, chlorine and soap - they reduce the life of the strap.

⚠️ Note: If your Mi Band 3 is rapidly discharged (less than 5 days), check your sync settings with Mi Fit. Frequent data updates (every 5 minutes) eat up to 30% of the charge per day. Optimal interval is 1 time per hour.

Activity tracking: pedometer, calories and exercise

The main task of any fitness bracelet is to monitor physical activity.

• 👟 Count steps, distance and calories burned (including weight, height and sex).
• 🏃 Track 5 types of training: walking, running, cycling, gym, swimming (in the pool).
• 🛌 Automatically recognize sleep (deep, superficial, awakening) and wake up in the optimal phase.
• 📊 Build weekly/monthly reports in the Mi Fit app with a comparison by day.

To accurately calculate the steps, you need to calibrate the bracelet.

1. Open Mi Fit. → Profile → Mi Band 3 → Step settings.
2. Choose the step length (or take 20 steps to automatically calculate).
3. Save settings and synchronize data.

⚠️ Attention: The bracelet may overstep if you wave your arms frequently (e.g. while cleaning or driving).To reduce the error, turn off the Hand Motion Account option in the pedometer settings.

Heart Rate Monitoring: How to Properly Measure Your Pulse

The Mi Band 3 is equipped with an optical pulse sensor (HR) that works like this. PPG (Photoplethysmography: LEDs illuminate the skin, and the sensor detects changes in blood flow:

• 🩹 The correct position of the bracelet (tightly, but not compressing, on the 2-3 wrist-wise).
• 🧴 Sensor cleanliness (sweat, dirt, or cream may distort data).
• 🚫 No movement during measurement (it is better to sit or stand still).

The pulse can be measured in two ways:

1. Manual: Swipe down on the bracelet screen and select the icon ❤️. The result will appear through 10-15 seconds.
2. Automatically: In the Mi Fit settings, enable Continuous Heart rate Monitoring (interval: every 1, 5, 10 or 30 minutes).

Normal heart rate:

• 😴 In a dream: 40-60 min.
• 🧘 At peace: 60-80 min.
• 🏃 Under load: 120-180 min/min (depending on intensity).

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If the bracelet shows an abnormally high or low pulse (for example, 220 or 30 beats / min), wipe the sensor with an alcohol wipe and repeat the measurement. If the problem persists, check the density of the fit or restart the device.

Smart Notifications: Calls, Messages, and Phone Management

Mi Band 3 can replace the smartphone for basic tasks:

• 📞 Show incoming calls (with the ability to swipe to the left).
• 📱 Display notifications from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, etc.).
• 🎵 Manage music (play/pause, next track) – works with most players.
• 🔍 Search for the phone on command (bracelet vibrates and smartphone makes sound).

To set up notifications:

1. In Mi Fit go to Profile → Mi Band 3 → Notifications.
2. Enable the option to "Show notifications".
3. Select the applications from which you want to receive alerts.
4. Set up the vibration (short/long) and repeat notifications.

⚠️ Note: On iPhone, notifications only work for calls and SMS. For instant messengers, an additional app is required (for example, Notify for Mi Band), as Apple restricts access to the app. API.

Hidden features: what Mi Band 3 can do, but not everyone knows

In addition to the standard options, the bracelet has non-obvious chips:

• 🔄 Quick unlocking of your phone: if your smartphone is on Android 5.0+, You can set up automatic unlocking at the proximity of the bracelet (in Mi Fit). → Unlocking the phone).
• 🌙 Night mode: the screen will not turn on when you move your hand from 22:00 to 8:00 (configurable in Mi Fit) → Screen. → Night mode).
• 🔋 Savings: Turn off the “Raise your hand to activate” feature if you don’t use it – it consumes up to 15% of the battery per day.
• 📱 Changing the dial: 5 is available in Mi Fit+ built-in themes, and through third-party applications (for example, Amazfit) you can install custom.

How to update firmware:

1. Open Mi Fit. → Profile → Mi Band 3 → Firmware update.
2. If a new version is available, click "Update".
3. Wait until the bracelet is completed (reboot automatically).

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Regular firmware updates improve sensor accuracy and add new features (e.g. support for new languages or bug fixes).

Comparison with new models: should we update?

Mi Band 3 is still relevant, but the new versions have advantages:

When it makes sense to update:

• 🩺 You need monitoring. SpO₂ (essential for controlling sleep and breathing).
• 🎨 I want a color screen with animated dials.
• 🗣️ Voice assistance is needed (for example, to manage a smart home).

When Mi Band 3 is enough:

• 💰Budget decision: bracelet in 2-3 cheaper than new models.
• 🔋Long autonomy: if you do not need "bells and whistles", 20 days without recharging - a significant plus.
• 🏋️Basic fitness tracker: pedometer, pulse and sleep device tracks no worse than flagships.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even such a reliable device can fail, and let's look at the frequent errors and how to fix them:

1.The bracelet is not synchronized with the phone

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📱 Make sure your phone has Bluetooth and geolocation enabled (required for initial setup).
• 🗑️ Clear the Mi Fit app cache in your phone settings.
• 🔄 Reset the bracelet to factory settings (in Mi Fit) → Profile → Mi Band 3 → Untie the device).

2.The battery goes down fast.

• ⚡ Turn off Continuous Heart rate Monitoring (leave only manual mode).
• 📴 Reduce the synchronization frequency to 1 time per hour.
• 🌙 Turn on "Night Mode" for the screen.
• 🔋 Check the strap: if it is worn out, charging contacts may not fit well.

3. Inaccurate pedometer or pulse data

• 🧼 Wipe the sensor with alcohol and make sure the bracelet fits tightly to the wrist.
• 📏 Recalibrate the pedometer (see instructions above).
• 🚶 When walking, keep your hand relaxed – so the sensors work more accurately.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet stopped turning on after charging, check the cable and power supply.Mi Band 3 sensitive to voltage changes – use only the original adapter or certified USB-port 5V/1A.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions