Fitness bracelet Xiaomi: a full guide to the capabilities and hidden functions

Xiaomi fitness bracelets have long been synonymous with affordable yet functional health electronics. Since the release of the first Mi Band in 2014, the lineup has evolved from a simple pedometer to a full-fledged tracker with a high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance electronics product. SpO₂, ECG even support NFC Today, Xiaomi bracelets compete with devices from Huawei and Samsung, offering comparable functionality for half the price.

But what exactly does Xiaomi’s modern fitness bracelet do? Should you overpay for the Mi Band 8 Pro or the basic version is enough? In this guide, we’ll look at all the key features, from standard sleep monitoring to rarely mentioned features like controlling your smartphone camera or paying for purchases by hand. And compare the current models of 2023-2026 on 10 criteria to make it easier for you to choose.

1. Health monitoring: what Xiaomi fitness bracelet measures

The main task of any fitness bracelet is to monitor the physical condition. Xiaomi devices are equipped with sensors that monitor around the clock:

• 🩺 Heart rate (HR) - with the ability to adjust notifications about the outlier of the norm (for example, with tachycardia). 7/8 add-on PPG more accurate.
• 🛌 Quality of sleep – dividing it into phases (deep, light, REM) And by analyzing breathing while resting, Mi Fitness makes available recommendations for better sleep.
• 🩸 Blood oxygen levels (SpO₂) — critical for the assessment of respiratory function, especially relevant for athletes and people with chronic diseases.
• 📉 Stress level – based on heart rate variability (HRV). The bracelet will tell you when to take a break.

The Mi Band 8 Pro has an ECG sensor that can detect arrhythmia and other heart rhythm disorders, the only one in the line that is certified for medical use in the EU and China, and can be shown to a doctor, but this feature is not officially supported in Russia.

It's important to understand that a fitness bracelet is not a substitute for professional diagnostics. SpO₂ They can be distorted by arm movement or bad strap fit, but they can be accurate enough to monitor trends on a daily basis (like heart rate growth after exercise.

2.Sports and activity: what training is supported

All current Xiaomi models (starting with the Mi Band 6) recognize more than 150 types of activity, including:

• 🏃 Running (outside, on a treadmill, with calorie rate and expenditure analysis).
• 🚴 Cycling – automatically determines the trip and fixes the route through the GPS smartphone.
• 🏊 Swimming – bracelets have 5 protections ATM, So, you can stand up to 50 meters of immersion. Mi Band 8 can recognize styles (brass, crawl) and count strokes.
• 🧘 Yoga and Pilates – counting calories burned and time in poses.

For accurate distance and pace tracking, it is better to use the Mi Band 8 Pro – it has a built-in GPS-The module (in the basic models it works only through a smartphone) and the pro version also includes a post-workout recovery analysis: the bracelet will tell you when you can exercise again without the risk of overtraining.

Hidden chip: if you turn on the "endurance training" mode in the settings, the bracelet will analyze VO₂ max is an oxygen capacity indicator that is important for runners and cyclists, and it helps to measure progress in cardio workload.

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To make the bracelet count steps more accurately, calibrate it: walk 20 steps with your phone in your hand, then confirm the data in the Mi Fitness app.

3.Smart features: notifications, payment and gadget management

In addition to health, Xiaomi fitness bracelets act as a mini-companion for a smartphone:

• 📱 Notifications - shows incoming calls, SMS In Mi Band 8, you can respond with quick templates (e.g., "I'll call you back later").
• 💳 Contactless payment in models with NFC (For example, Mi Band 7 NFC) Mir and Mastercard cards are supported via Mi Pay, and works in Metro, supermarkets and other terminals.
• 📷 Camera control – you can take pictures remotely from your smartphone (useful for selfies or group photos).
• 🔊 Music control – switching tracks and adjusting volume directly from the bracelet.

The Mi Band 8 features a "Quick Reply" feature, which allows you to respond to messages with your voice (recognition occurs on a smartphone), and the bracelet can lock your phone when you move away from it (useful if you forget the gadget in a cafe).

⚠️ Note: Contactless payment through NFC It only works in models with the appropriate label in the name (for example, Mi Band 7). NFC). In the basic versions of the chip is missing.

4. Design and Ergonomics: What to Consider When Choosing

Xiaomi bracelets have changed little over the years, but the details matter:

• 📏 Screen size: Mi Band 6/7 — 1.56" (AMOLED), Mi Band 8 — 1.62" (with increased display area, Mi Band 8 Pro — 1.74" (Supported by Always-On Display).
• 🔋 Battery: In the basic models, it lasts for 10–14 days, in the Pro version – up to 7 days (due to energy consumption). GPS).
• 🔄 Replacement straps: All bracelets are compatible with 20 mm wide straps (you can choose silicone, leather or metal bands).
• 💧 Water protection: 5 ATM all models - you can swim, but it is not recommended to take a hot shower (vapor can damage seals).

The Mi Band 8 has magnetic charging, so you don't have to take the capsule out of the strap, and the Pro version has aluminum, which gives you a more premium look, but the weight has gone from 10.5 g (Mi Band 7) to 22.5 g (Mi Band 8 Pro).

⚠️ Note: If you are allergic to silicone, choose models with straps made of hypoallergenic materials (for example, TPU) Or buy a replacement from the skin/tissue immediately.

5. Hidden functions that few people know about

Even experienced users are not always aware of these features:

• 🔍 Phone search – if the smartphone is lost at home, you can start the signal from the bracelet (works via Bluetooth).
• 🌙 Do Not Disturb – Disables notifications for a predetermined time (useful for sleep or appointments).
• 🎵 Presentation management – the bracelet can be used as a remote to flip slides in PowerPoint or Google Slides.
• 🔄 Automatic change of dial – in Mi Band 8 you can adjust the screen design depending on the time of day or activity.

Another useful feature is menstrual tracking, where you can enter cycle data in the Mi Fitness app, and the bracelet will remind you of the approach of critical days and analyze changes in well-being.

The Mi Band 8 Pro features an AI Fitness Coach, which analyzes your workouts and gives personalized exercise recommendations, such as increasing weight in strength exercise or slowing down your running pace for better endurance.

Enable Do Not Disturb |Configure automatic dial change |Connect the bracelet to PowerPoint |Activate cycle tracking-->

6.Model comparison: which Xiaomi fitness bracelet to choose in 2026

The current models on the market are the Mi Band 7, Mi Band 8 and Mi Band 8 Pro.

Who's gonna do it?

• Mi Band 7 is a budget option for basic tracking (steps, sleep, notifications).
• Mi Band 8 is the best choice for most: large screen, magnetic charging, voice responses.
• Mi Band 8 Pro is for athletes and those who need GPS and ECG.

If you don't need ECG and autonomous GPS, it doesn't make sense to overpay for the Pro version, but the difference between the Mi Band 7 and the 8 is already noticeable - the latter is faster, has a better screen and has voice features.

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To pay for purchases with the bracelet, choose models with NFC. Mir and Mastercard cards are supported in Russia, but before buying, check the list of Mi Pay partner banks.

7. Frequent problems and how to solve them

Even the devices we've tested have failures, and here are the typical situations and ways to fix them:

• 🔋 Battery goes down quickly: Turn off Always-On Display (if any), reduce the heart rate (in the app settings) and check if the bracelet is hanging in the search GPS (pro-version).
• 📵 Out of sync with smartphone: Restart both devices, update the Mi Fitness app and check if Bluetooth and notification permissions are enabled.
• 🩹 Skin irritation: Rinse the bracelet and strap with soap, dry it. If the problem persists, replace the strap with a hypoallergenic one.
• 📊 Inaccurate steps/sleep data: Calibrate the bracelet (walk 20 steps with your phone) and wear it on your non-working hand (usually left hand for right-handers).

If the bracelet stops turning on, try holding the 10-15 second button to reset, which helps 90% of the time, and if not, check the charger (especially for the Mi Band 8 with a magnetic connector).

⚠️ Note: When updating the firmware, do not turn off the bracelet from charging and do not interrupt the process. In the event of a failure, the device can turn into a "brick" (you will need to flash through the flashing device). PC).

8.Alternatives: Should Other Brands Be Considered

If you are in doubt about Xiaomi, compare it to the competitors:

• 🍎 Apple Watch is the best screen and ecosystem, but the price is 5-10 times higher, and autonomy is 1-2 days.
• 🤖 Huawei Band – comparable in features, but worse supported in Russia (problems with Huawei Mobile Services).
• ⚡ Amazfit – battery life longer, but design less versatile.
• 📱 Samsung Galaxy Fit is good for Samsung smartphone owners, but more expensive.

When to choose Xiaomi:

• Maximum autonomy (from 7 days) is required.
• Balance of price and function is important.
• NFC is needed for payment (in Russia, it works more stable than Huawei).

If you want apps (like the Apple Watch) or a full ecosystem (like Mac or iPhone integration), Xiaomi loses, but for Android users, it’s one of the best options.

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Xiaomi fitness bracelets are the best choice for price/function ratio for Android smartphones. For iPhone, it is better to consider the Apple Watch SE or Fitbit.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions