Modern wearables have become an integral part of the lives of millions of users who want to monitor health and activity. Xiaomi fitness bracelet deserves to take a leading position in the market due to its combination of affordable prices, stylish design and wide functionality. However, after the purchase, many owners are faced with the question of how to properly perform the initial setup and synchronize the device with the smartphone.
The process of pairing can seem confusing due to the constant changes in software and the brand’s transition to new ecosystems. Mi Fit was the main application, but now the current standard has become Xiaomi Wear (or Mi Fitness). It is the choice of the right software and sequence of actions that determines the stability of the tracker in the future. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of connection so that you can start using the device immediately after unpacking.
It is worth noting that the procedure may vary slightly depending on the model of your tracker, whether it is Mi Band 6, Mi Band 7 or the latest Mi Smart Band 8. Also important is the operating system of your phone - Android or iOS, as system restrictions affect the operation of notifications and background processes.
Preparation for device synchronization
Before you go to software settings, you need to make sure that the device itself is ready to go. Usually new bracelets come with a minimum battery charge, so the first step is to put the gadget on charge. This will not only provide energy for the pairing process, but also activate the screen on which it can appear. QR-code.
It is important to check whether your smartphone is compatible with the version of the operating system that a particular tracker model supports. Most modern models require Android 6.0 or iOS 12.0 and higher. Also make sure that the phone has the necessary communication modules, in particular Bluetooth and geolocation (GPS), as without them, device search is impossible.
⚠️ Warning: Before setting up, delete old Bluetooth device profiles from your phone if you’ve tried to connect the bracelet before. Having junk entries in the list of connected devices often blocks reconnection.
Stable operation will also require a stable Internet connection, as the application will need to download current data packets and register the device in the cloud. Without access to the network, the process can hang during the stage of creating an account or updating the firmware.
Selecting and installing the right application
A key element in Xiaomi’s ecosystem is the choice of a management app. Mi Fit (now Zepp Life) has long been the de facto standard, but the company is actively promoting a new Mi Fitness app (or Xiaomi Wear for the global market), depending on the model of your bracelet and the region it’s released for.
For the latest models, such as Mi Band 7 and Mi Band 8, it is strongly recommended to use Mi Fitness, since older versions of the software may not support all functionality or dials.
- 📱 Zepp Life – Suitable for Older Models (Mi Band) 1-5) Those who are used to the classic interface.
- ⌚ Mi Fitness – a modern application with an updated design, required for new devices.
- 🏃 Xiaomi Wear – the analogue of Mi Fitness for the global market, often used in Chinese versions of gadgets.
Once you install the app, you need to create an account or log in through an existing profile (Google, Apple ID, WeChat) This is a mandatory procedure, since without authorization, data synchronization is impossible. It is important to correctly specify height, weight and date of birth in the profile settings, since these parameters depend on the accuracy of calculating calories and steps.
Step-by-step instruction for connecting the bracelet
The process of pairing the device with the smartphone requires care, but it is done quickly enough. The main thing is not to try to connect the bracelet through the standard Bluetooth menu in the phone settings, as this will lead to an error. All actions must be performed strictly within the interface of the installed application.
☑️ Checklist of connection
After you start the app, go to the profile section or the home page and find the add button. The system will start scanning space. When your tracker name appears on the screen (for example, Mi Smart Band 7), click on it.
The bracelet will be asked to confirm the pairing, usually in the form of vibration and flashing icons, press the confirmation button on the tracker itself (if there is a touch button) or touch the screen, after a successful connection, the process of synchronizing time and data will begin, and a firmware update may be required.
⚠️ Note: During the Firmware Update, you should not interrupt the connection or discharge the devices. This can lead to a software failure, after which the bracelet will cease to respond to commands.
If the automatic search didn't work, you can try manual mode, and for this, the application often has the option "Add manually", where you need to select the exact model from the list. QR-code displayed on the bracelet screen in the "Add" or "Bind" menu".
Set up notifications and permissions
One of the main functions of the fitness tracker is to display notifications from the smartphone. In order for messages from messengers, social networks and calls to come to the wrist, you must give the application the appropriate permissions in the Android or iOS system. Without this, the bracelet will only work as a pedometer and clock.
In the app menu, find the Notifications or Application Management section, where you activate the switches in front of the desired programs: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, phone calls and SMS. Once you turn on each item, the system can request confirmation of access to notifications - it must be allowed.
| Function | Permission required | Where to set up |
|---|---|---|
| Calls. | Contact and telephone | Application settings |
| Communications | Access to notifications | Android system settings |
| Pulse/Sleep | Fitness tracker | Health section in the annex |
| Weather. | Geolocation (GPS) | Phone settings |
Special attention should be paid to the power saving settings on Android smartphones. The system can automatically "kill" the background process of the application to save charge, which will cause the bracelet to lose communication. You need to find the application in the list of working programs and set the "No restrictions" or "Out-run" mode.
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For stable Android work, add the Mi Fitness app to the battery exception list and fix it in memory (Recent Apps) so that the system does not close the synchronization process.
Addressing common problems
Even with all the instructions, there are sometimes technical difficulties, and most often users are faced with a situation where the phone sees the bracelet but cannot complete (mating), in which case a complete reset of the Bluetooth settings on the phone and a repeated attempt helps.
If the bracelet is displayed in the list of Bluetooth paired devices, but the application says "Device is occupied", then it is already connected to another phone or account. You need to break the connection in the old device or reset the tracker through the settings menu on the screen of the gadget.
- 🔄 Reboot – Turn off and turn on Bluetooth on your phone.
- 🗑️ Remove – Remove the device from the Bluetooth list in your phone settings.
- 🔋 Charge – Make sure the bracelet is charged at least 20 times%.
In cases where notifications don’t arrive, check to see if the phone is running Do Not Disturb or On the Plane. Also make sure the phone screen is unlocked at least once after the message arrives, as some Android security systems block the notification from being transmitted to external devices until then.
What to do if the bracelet does not respond to touch?
Personalization and basic settings
Once connected successfully, you can start a personalization world, you can replace the standard strap, change the dial, or customize the widgets you see on display, and the app offers hundreds of customization options that you can download for free or purchase in the store.
In the Device Profile section, you can customize the order of the cards you display, such as putting a pulsemeter, weather or stress level forward, and hiding unnecessary functions, which makes interaction with the gadget more convenient and faster.
It's important to set activity goals. The default daily step goal is usually 10,000, but you can change that value depending on your fitness, and it's also worth activating sedentary reminders if you spend a lot of time at the computer.
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Correct setting of notifications and exceptions in the Android system is the key to stable operation of the bracelet without constant connection breaks.