Xiaomi Mi Band 4: how to use a fitness bracelet from A to Z

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular activity tracking gadgets even years after its release. Its combination of affordable price, reliability and rich functionality makes the device relevant for beginners and experienced users. However, many owners use only 20-30% of the bracelet’s capabilities, unaware of hidden settings, training regimes and synchronization subtleties.

In this article, we’ll look at all aspects of working with the Mi Band 4, from basic setup to advanced features like music management or screen settings, and focus on common bugs (such as why the bracelet doesn’t sync with your phone) and life hacks that save battery life, and if you’ve just unpacked your device or want to unlock its potential 100%, this guide is for you.

1. First Entry and Basic Setup

Before first using the Mi Band 4, you need to charge it to 100% (even if the indicator shows a partial charge).

  • πŸ”Œ Connect the bracelet to the charging cable (magnetic contacts should fit tightly).
  • πŸ“± Install the Mi Fit app (Android/iOS) Zepp Life (a new name for some regions).
  • πŸ”„ Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and allow the app to access notifications, geolocation, and physical activity.

After charging, click on the touch button of the bracelet - the Mi logo will appear on the screen. Next, follow the instructions in the application:

  1. Create a Xiaomi account (or sign in to an existing one).
  2. Select Add Device β†’ Bracelet β†’ Mi Smart Band 4
  3. Bring the bracelet to the phone for automatic synchronization (distance not more than 10 cm).
  4. Update the firmware if the app offers (this will fix bugs and add new features).

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet doesn't find the phone, restart both devices and try again. Sometimes it helps to turn off the VPN or change the Wi-Fi network to 2.4 GHz (5 GHz can cause problems.

After synchronization, set the main parameters:

  • ⏰ Time zone (must coincide with the phone).
  • πŸ“ Units of measurement (meters/feet, kg/pounds).
  • πŸ”’ Password to unlock the screen (optional, but recommended for data protection).

2. Screen and gesture control

Mi Band 4 sensory AMOLED-resolution-screen 120Γ—240 It's a pixel that supports swipes and touches. Here's how to use it effectively:

Gesture.Action.Note
Single touchSelecting a menu item or confirming an actionIt works on the main screen and in the submenu.
Swipe up/downScrolling through menus or notificationsIn the main menu, swipe up opens the list of functions
Swipe left/rightSwitching between screens (time, steps, pulse, etc.)On the main screen, the swipe to the right shows statistics.
Long pressingReturn to the main screen or turn off the backlightIt is useful if the bracelet "hangs"

By default, the screen is turned on when lifting your hand, but you can turn this function off in the application settings (Device Profile β†’ Display β†’ Raising your hand).

  • 🧼 Wipe the screen with a dry wipe (sweat or dirt interferes with the sensor).
  • πŸ”‹ Check the charge level (at <10% sensitivity drops).
  • πŸ”„ Reset the bracelet by holding the 10 second button.
πŸ“Š How often do you use gestures on Mi Band 4?
Constantly.
Sometimes.
Rarely.
Turned them off.

3. Tracking activity and training

The Mi Band 4 automatically records steps, distance traveled and calories burned, but to accurately record your workouts, you need to start the modes manually.

  • πŸƒ Running (outside/pathway)
  • 🚢 Walking
  • 🚴 Cycling
  • 🏊 Swimming (bracelet waterproof up to 50 meters)
  • πŸ‹οΈ Gym room
  • ⚽ Other types (yoga, ellipsoid, etc.)

To start training:

  1. Swipe down on the main screen to the point of Training.
  2. Choose the type of activity (e.g., running).
  3. Press the screen to start. During exercise, the bracelet will show time, pulse and distance traveled.
  4. To pause/end, click on the screen and select the appropriate item.
How to enable automatic running recognition?
In the Mi Fit app, go to Device Profile β†’ Workout Settings β†’ Running Autodetection and activate the option. The bracelet will vibrate if it detects running for longer than 5 minutes.

After training, the data is synchronized with the application, where you can see:

  • πŸ“Š Graphic pulse by intensity zones.
  • πŸ”₯ Evaluation of the effectiveness of training (based on heart rate and time).
  • πŸ† Achievements (e.g. β€œSteps recordΒ»).

πŸ’‘

For accurate tracking of your running or bike, connect the Mi Band 4 to your phone's GPS. In your workout settings, select Use your phone's GPS to add a route map to your statistics.

4. Monitoring of sleep and health

Mi Band 4 analyzes sleep automatically, but follow the rules for maximum accuracy.

  • πŸ›οΈ Wear the bracelet over the non-working arm (usually the left hand) and tighter to the wrist.
  • πŸ“΅ Turn off notifications overnight (device profile) β†’ Notifications β†’ Don't disturb).
  • πŸ”‹ The charge should be >30% (otherwise, tracking may be interrupted).

In the morning, a report will appear in the appendix with:

  • ⏱️ Total sleep duration.
  • πŸŒ™ Deep/light sleep and awakenings.
  • πŸ’€ Recommendations for improvement (e.g., β€œgo to bed before 23:00Β»).

For manually starting sleep mode:

  1. Swipe down to the point Still β†’ Sleep.
  2. Select a Sleep Record and confirm the beginning.
  3. In the morning, stop the recording in the same way.

Charge the bracelet to 50% |

Put on the non-working hand|

Turn off notifications |

Make sure the firmware is updated-->

In addition to sleep, the bracelet tracks:

  • 🩺 Pulse in real time (measured each time) 5-30 minutes, depending on the settings).
  • πŸ˜“ Stress level (assessed by heart rate variability).
  • 🩸 SpOβ‚‚ (oxygen saturation, available in the latest firmware).

⚠️ Attention: pulse data and SpOβ‚‚ They are informative and do not replace medical measurements. If you suspect a health problem, consult a doctor.

Notifications and calls

Mi Band 4 can display notifications from instant messengers, social networks and other applications to configure them:

  1. In Mi Fit, go to Device Profile β†’ Notifications.
  2. Activate the Notification Switch.
  3. Select the apps you want to see on your bracelet (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
  4. Configure the display style: only vibration, text or text + vibration.

Features of the notifications:

  • πŸ“± Android requires permission to access notifications (manually enable in phone settings).
  • 🍎 On iPhone, notifications come with a delay (iOS restriction).
  • πŸ”• In Do Not Disturb mode, the vibration is turned off, but notifications are stored in the memory of the bracelet.

To manage calls:

  • πŸ“ž When incoming, the bracelet vibrates and shows the contact number/name.
  • ️ Attention: If notifications do not arrive, check:
  • - Is Bluetooth on the phone?
  • Is there an energy-saving mode that blocks the background work of Mi Fit?
  • - Is the application and firmware of the bracelet updated?