The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular trackers even years after its release, thanks to its combination of functionality, compactness and affordable price. However, new owners often have questions about how to turn the device on correctly, what to do if it does not respond to presses, and how to avoid typical errors when you first set up, this guide will help you understand everything from charging to syncing with the Mi Fit application.
Unlike the current models with color screens, the Mi Band 3 has a monochrome color. OLED-It's a display, and it's controlled by a single touch button, which makes it easier to interact, but it requires basic gestures. We will describe each step in detail, from unpacking to the first days of use, and give recommendations for eliminating common problems, such as lack of response to touch or connection errors to a smartphone.
Preparing for the first turn on: what to do before launch
Before you turn on the Xiaomi Mi Band 3, make sure you follow all the preliminary steps, which will eliminate problems with charging, synchronization and sensors.
First, check the package. The box should have:
- 📦 The fitness bracelet Mi Band 3 with a strap
- 🔋 Charging cable (module with contacts) + USB-port)
- 📄 Short instructions in several languages (Russian may not be available)
Pay special attention to the charging cable – it has a unique shape and is not compatible with other Mi Band models. If contacts are contaminated or deformed, the bracelet may not charge. Also make sure you have a smartphone on Android 4.4+ or iOS 9.0+ with the Mi Fit app installed (you can download from Google Play or the App Store).
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If you bought a used bracelet, reset it to the factory settings before first turning on. To do this, hold the touch button pressed 10-15 seconds until the vibration and the Mi logo appear.
Bracelet charging: how long it takes and how to check the battery level
Xiaomi Mi Band 3 comes with a discharged battery, so the first turn on is possible only after recharging.
- Remove the capsule from the bracelet by pulling it from the strap.
- Insert the capsule into the charging module so that the contacts match (click should be heard).
- Connect the module to USB-port of the computer, charger (5V/1A) power bank.
The charging indicator will turn red and change to green when the battery is full, the full charge time is about 1.5-2 hours, and the battery level can be checked:
- 🔋 On the bracelet screen (swipe down the swipe)
- 📱 In the Mi Fit application (section "Device profile»)
Critical error: If the indicator doesn’t light up when connecting to charging, check the integrity of the contacts and try another one USB-In 30% of cases, the problem is solved by cleaning contacts with alcohol.
How to turn on Xiaomi Mi Band 3: step-by-step instructions
After charging, you can start turning on. The process takes no more than a minute:
☑️ Inclusion of Mi Band 3
If the bracelet does not respond to touch, perform a hard reboot:
- Connect the bracelet to the charger.
- Hold the touch button for 10-15 seconds until you feel the vibration.
- Release the button and the Mi logo will appear on the screen.
Once turned on, the bracelet will suggest you choose a language. Swipe the menu up/down and confirm the choice by pressing a button. Russian is supported in Mi Band 3, but some menu items can be displayed in English.
What to do if the bracelet is not turned on?
Synchronization with the Mi Fit application: connecting to a smartphone
Without a smartphone connection, the Mi Band 3 will only work as a clock and pedometer.
- Install the Mi Fit app and sign up (you can use your Xiaomi, Google or Facebook account).
- Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone.
- In the app, click Add Device → Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 3.
- Follow the instructions on the screen (you will need to confirm the connection on the bracelet).
After synchronization, update the bracelet firmware (if an update is available). This will fix bugs and add new features. Path in the application: Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Firmware update.
1. Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone.
2. Remove the device from the list of conjugated in the Bluetooth settings and reconnect.
3. Update the Mi Fit app to the latest version.-->
In the Mi Fit application, you can configure:
- 🔔 Call and Message Notifications (WhatsApp, SMS, postage)
- 🏃♂️ Activity targets (steps, calories, sleep)
- 🔒 Unlocking the phone on the bracelet (only for Xiaomi-smartphones)
- 🌙 Do Not Disturb (disables vibrations for specified time)
Basic settings and bracelet management
Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is controlled by swiping and touch button pressing.
| Gesture. | Action. |
|---|---|
| Single tap | Selecting a menu item/returning to the main screen |
| Swipe up/down | Scrolling through menus or notifications |
| Swipe left | Return to the previous screen |
| Double-push | Screen wake-up (if enabled in settings) |
| Long press (3 seconds) | Disabling the bracelet or resetting the settings |
To set up the display of information on the main screen:
- In the Mi Fit app, go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Screen settings.
- Select the order of the displayed elements (time, steps, pulse, weather, etc.).
- Activate the “Raise your hand to wake up” option if you want the screen to turn on when you move.
The bracelet supports 5 dials (themes) that can be changed in the app, but third-party dials are only installed through informal applications (for example, Notify & Fitness for Mi Band), which can lead to crashes.
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To save battery power, turn off automatic pulse measurement (in the Mi Fit settings) and reduce the brightness of the screen.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Even when enabled correctly, users are faced with common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
⚠️ Note: If the bracelet has stopped syncing data with the application, check if the background mode for Mi Fit is turned off in the phone settings (on Android: Settings) → Annexes → Mi Fit → Battery → Background activity).
Problem 1: The bracelet doesn’t vibrate when notified.
- Check the notification settings in Mi Fit (Notifications section).
- Make sure that notifications are enabled on the phone for the right apps.
- Reset the bracelet (hold the button for 10 seconds).
Problem 2: Misrepresentation of time or date.
- Sync time manually in Mi Fit (Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Time Synchronization).
- Check the time zone on your smartphone.
Problem 3: The bracelet is rapidly discharged.
- Turn off constant heart rate monitoring.
- Reduce the brightness of the screen and the backlight time.
- Update the bracelet firmware.
How to reset Mi Band 3 to factory settings?
Tips for operation: how to prolong the life of a bracelet
Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is designed for 2-3 years of active use, but if used improperly can fail sooner.
- 🚿 Waterproof: The bracelet has protection IP68, It's not designed to swim in chlorinated or sea water, and after contact with water, rinse it with fresh water and wipe it dry.
- 🔋 Charging: Don't leave the bracelet on charge for more than 3 hours - this shortens battery life.Use only the original cable.
- 🌡️ Temperature: Avoid overheating (e.g., leaving in the car under the sun) and hypothermia (below -10).°C).
- 🧼 Clean: Clean the bracelet and strap with a soft cloth soaked in soapy solution.Do not use alcohol or abrasives.
If you exercise, remove the bracelet during high-load exercises (such as pull-ups or dumbbells) to avoid mechanical damage to the screen.
To accurately measure your pulse, wear a bracelet 2-3 cm above your wrist and tighten the strap so that it fits tightly but does not override your hand.