Buying a new fitness tracker is always a pleasant thrill, but the first turn on often puts the user in question about the correctness of the actions.Activating the Xiaomi bracelet is not just about turning on the power, but a complex pairing process that requires installing specialized software on the smartphone.Without performing the initial setup correctly, the device will remain in demo mode or will display only time without transmitting health data.
Modern models, such as the Mi Band 7, Mi Band 8 or earlier, function as full-fledged wrist computers that require synchronization with the manufacturer’s servers. The setup process can seem confusing due to multiple permission requests and the need to choose the right application. In this article, we will discuss all the steps in detail so that you can start using the gadget as quickly as possible.
It is important to understand that Xiaomi’s ecosystem is constantly evolving, and old customization methods may not work with new firmware versions. Starting in 2023, most new gang models require the mandatory use of a Mi Account account for initial activation.
Preparation of the device and smartphone for setting
Before you start dancing with a diamond around the gadget, you need to make sure that all the components of the system are ready to go.Initial charging of the tracker is the first step, which is often ignored, relying on factory energy. However, lithium polymer batteries can run below a critical level when stored for long periods, making it difficult to turn on or upgrade.
Place the tracker capsule in the charger and connect it to a power source with a current of no more than 1 Amp. Using powerful fast charging units from modern smartphones can damage the power controller of the bracelet. Vibration indicator or the appearance of a logo on the screen (for models with a display) signals that the device has received power.
In parallel with charging the gadget, prepare the smartphone. You will need a stable Internet connection and communication modules turned on.
- 📡 Bluetooth – the main communication channel, must be enabled and visible for other devices.
- 🌍 Geolocation (GPS) — Android's mandatory scanning requirement BLE-device.
- 🔔 Notifications – permission to display pop-up messages from system services.
⚠️ Warning: If your smartphone is power-saving, the system can automatically block the Bluetooth scanner in the background.
Selecting and installing the right application
A key element of the ecosystem is software that acts as a bridge between wearer devices and cloud services. Mi Fit was the de facto standard for a long time, but the company’s policy has changed, and now requires the Zepp Life app (formerly known as Mi Fit) or the new Mi Fitness (formerly Xiaomi Wear) to activate most devices.
The choice of the specific app depends on the model of your bracelet and the region you are in. For older models such as Mi Band 2, Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4, it is preferable to use Zepp Life. Newer models, including the Mi Band 6, 7 and higher, often require Mi Fitness to work fully with all features, including the Mi Band. NFC-Payment and Advanced Sports Regimes.
Download apps only from official sources to avoid malicious code or stripped-down versions. Use Google Play Market for Android or App Store for iOS. After installation, take your time to open the program - you first need to register an account.
The process of registering a Mi Account is a mandatory step. Without a link to a cloud service, data synchronization is impossible. When registering, specify the correct region, since the list of available features and the server to which your health data will be sent depends on this.
The process of pairing and activation
Once you install the app and register your account, you can go to the direct device connection. Launch the app on your smartphone and log in to your profile. The home screen usually displays a new device add button, often marked with a plus or Profile in the bottom menu.
Press the add button and select the category "Bracelet" or "Mi Band." The application will start scanning the surrounding space. At this point, the bracelet screen may appear a pairing request or a Bluetooth symbol, which must be confirmed by touching the touch zone. If the bracelet screen is out, wake it by double tapping or raising the wrist.
The list of available devices may contain several entries with similar names. MAC-The address or model on the back of the capsule, and when you select the device, you start the pairing process, which takes 10 to 30 seconds, and don't move your smartphone far away from your wrist.
During pairing, the application will request several critical permissions: Denial of access rights to contacts, calls or location will lead to incorrect notifications, especially allowing access to Bluetooth and geolocation "Always" or "When using the application."
☑️ Checklist of successful pairing
Set up notifications and synchronization
Once activated successfully, the bracelet becomes a powerful monitoring tool, but only when the notifications are set up correctly. By default, many types of alerts can be disabled to avoid disturbing the user. Go to the Profile -> Notifications section in the app.
Here you'll see a list of all the apps you've installed on your smartphone. Include the ones you want to see on your wrist: messengers, email clients, social media. Remember, the wristband only displays the text of the notification, it doesn't allow you to respond to them (except for some models with the help of the phone). QWERTY-keyboard).
An important aspect is setting the Do Not Disturb schedule, which is a mode in which the bracelet stops vibrating when incoming calls and messages, and the screen does not light up when raising your hand, which is useful during sleep or meetings.
You also need to pay attention to time synchronization. Usually, time is automatically pulled up from the network, but if you're traveling and changing time zones, make sure that the app has an automatic update. You can't manually set time in the bracelet without resetting the sync with your phone.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Wrist lifting | Turning on the screen when moving your hand | Turn on for convenience, turn off for battery saving |
| Vibration. | The power of tactile response | Medium or High (for visibility) |
| Dial | Screen appearance | Select according to matrix type (AMOLED/OLED) |
| Activity targets | Step and calorie norms | Set realistic values for the start |
Hidden functions of dials
Solving common problems when connecting
Technique is technique, and sometimes the activation process goes wrong. The most common problem is that the phone doesn't see the bracelet. In this case, make sure the device isn't connected to another phone. The Xiaomi bracelet can only pair with one smartphone at a time. If you've used another phone before, you need to remove the device from the Bluetooth lists of the old gadget or reset it.
Another common error is “Device is busy” or endless rotation of the loading wheel when paired. This is often associated with the cache of Bluetooth Android services. Try rebooting your smartphone and bracelet (via the menu or before discharge), and cleaning the Zepp Life/Mi Fitness app cache in your phone settings also helps.
If the bracelet is stuck and does not respond to touch, use the Forced Reboot function. For models without buttons, this is usually done by mounting on the charger. For models with a button, (long press) for 15-20 seconds.
⚠️ Warning: When you reset the bracelet to factory settings, all accumulated training data not sent to the cloud will be permanently lost.
💡
If the bracelet is constantly losing touch with your phone, try finding the device in Bluetooth settings and selecting “Forget device”, and then pairing again through the application, rather than through the Bluetooth system menu.
Updating the firmware and calibrating the sensors
The final step in activation is a software update, and manufacturers routinely release patches that improve the accuracy of pulse and pedometer sensors, and add new dials, and the app usually prompts you to update when you first connect.
The firmware update process requires a stable connection. Put your phone and bracelet next to you, connect the charger to the tracker (preferably above 50% charge) and run the update. Interrupting the process can cause the device to "brickle up," so don't leave the app until it's done.
After the update, it is recommended to calibrate the pedometer. Walk a known distance (for example, 100 meters) and compare the data on the bracelet with reality. In the application settings, you can manually enter the step length to improve the accuracy of the distance calculation.
The accuracy of the pulse measurement depends on the density of the sensor to the skin. Wear the bracelet 2-3 centimeters above the wrist bone. Too weak fit leads to light and wrong readings, and too strong leads to discomfort and rubbing.
💡
Regular firmware updates are the only way to access new sports modes and improve device autonomy. Don't ignore update notifications.