How to activate the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet: from unpacking to the first steps

Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is one of the most popular fitness bracelets on the market due to its combination of affordable price, wide functionality and long autonomy. However, even such a simple device requires the right activation to unleash its full potential. Many users face difficulties already at the stage of pairing with the phone or setting basic parameters. In this article, we will analyze the activation process by steps, pay attention to typical errors and give recommendations for optimizing the bracelet.

It’s important to understand that the Mi Band 4 works in conjunction with your smartphone through the official Mi Fit app (or its alternatives like Zepp Life). Without the right setup, the bracelet will not be able to synchronize steps, sleep or pulse. In addition, some features (such as call notifications) require additional permissions on Android or iOS. If you just unpacked the device, don’t rush to put it on your hand: first prepare everything you need.

Preparation for activation: what to do before turning on the bracelet

Before you start pairing, make sure you have everything you need. Here are the minimum requirements for successful activation of Mi Band 4:

• 📱 Smartphone on Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+ (The bracelet does not support older versions)
• 🔋 Charger (Combined with bracelet; use only original cable)
• 📲 Mi Fit app (download from App Store or Google Play; alternative is Zepp Life)
• 🔄 Stable Internet connection (for downloading firmware and synchronizing data)

Pay special attention to the charge of the bracelet. Even if the indicator shows the battery level, connect the device to charge for 10-15 minutes before the first turn on, this will help to avoid crashes when updating the firmware. Also check that your smartphone is enabled Bluetooth and allowed access to geodata (this is required for the correct operation of certain functions, such as counting kilometers traveled).

⚠️ Warning: If you use Android, turn off the power saving modes for the Mi Fit app in your phone settings. Otherwise, the bracelet may disconnect from the smartphone in the background.

Another nuance is compatibility with other devices. The Mi Band 4 can only be connected to one smartphone at a time. If you have previously used another Xiaomi bracelet (such as the Mi Band 3), remove it from the Mi Fit app to avoid conflicts. Also note that some features (such as music management) may not work on an iPhone due to Apple restrictions.

Step-by-step: how to turn on and connect Mi Band 4 with your phone

Now, let's get to the activation process itself. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid errors:

1. Charge the bracelet. Connect the Mi Band 4 to the charger. The charge indicator will appear on the screen (if the battery is completely discharged, it may take 1-2 minutes for the bracelet to turn on).
2. Install the application. Download and install Mi Fit on your smartphone. When you first start, the program will prompt you to register or log in through your Xiaomi/Google/Apple ID account.
3. Add a device. In the main menu of the application, click Profile → Add a device → Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 4. If your model is not listed, update the application.
4. Bluetooth pairing. Make sure the bracelet is on a white indicator (meaning it's ready to connect). In the app, tap Hide and confirm the connection on the phone.
5. Update the firmware. Once paired, Mi Fit will suggest updating the firmware of the bracelet. Don't interrupt the upgrade process, it can cause the device to crash. Wait until it's finished (usually takes 2-5 minutes).

If an error occurs at some stage (for example, the bracelet is not located or the firmware is not installed), try the following steps:

• 🔄 Reset the bracelet. To do this, hold the touch button on the Mi Band 4 screen for 10 seconds until the device vibrates.
• 📱 Reinstall Mi Fit. Sometimes the app cache interferes with the correct operation. Delete the program, clear the cache and install again.
• 🔌 Check Bluetooth. Turn off and re-enable Bluetooth on your phone, and also make sure the bracelet is within 10 meters of the smartphone.

Set up the main parameters: time, notifications, activity goals

Once you pair successfully, you need to customize the bracelet to suit your needs. Open the Mi Fit app, select your Mi Band 4 and go to the Device Profile section, and the following key settings are available:

Pay special attention to setting up notifications. In the Notifications section, you can choose which apps will send alerts to the bracelet (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail). On the iPhone, notification functionality is limited - the bracelet will only show incoming calls and SMS. It is also useful to set up alarms: in Mi Band 4 you can create up to 10 smart alarm clocks that will vibrate at a given time.

⚠️ Note: If notifications don't arrive on the bracelet, check your power saving settings on Android.Some manufacturers (e.g. Xiaomi, Huawei) aggressively close background processes.Add Mi Fit to the exclusion list.

Don’t forget to personalize the screen. You can install one of the 77+ dials (including animated ones) in the Mi Band 4. Go to Device Profile → Display → Dials. Some themes are paid, but most are free. You can also download custom dials through third-party apps (such as Amazfit Watchfaces), but this requires caution – unofficial files may contain malicious code.

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To save battery power, turn off the "Raise your hand for lighting" function and reduce the brightness of the screen to 2-3 divisions, this will extend the autonomy of the bracelet for 1-2 days.

Firmware Update: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right

The Mi Band 4 firmware is responsible for stability, bug fixing and adding new features. Xiaomi regularly releases updates, so after activating the bracelet, be sure to check the relevance of the software.

1. Through Mi Fit. Open the app, go to Device Profile → Firmware Update. If a new version is available, click Update.
2. Download the latest firmware from Xiaomi’s official website (support section) and install it via Mi Fit or Zepp Life.

The update process usually takes 2-5 minutes, but may be delayed if:

• 📶 Weak Bluetooth signal. Make sure the bracelet is near the phone.
• 🔋 Low battery power. If the charge level is below 20%, the upgrade may be interrupted.
• 📱 Background processes: Close all unnecessary apps on your phone to avoid crashes.

After updating the firmware, the bracelet will automatically restart. Do not remove it from the charger and press the buttons at this point - this can lead to a software failure. If after the update you notice that some functions have stopped working (for example, the pulse does not show), try resetting the bracelet settings or reinstall the Mi Fit.

Synchronization of data: how to transfer information to Mi Fit

Mi Band 4 collects data about your activity (steps, sleep, pulse), but without synchronization with your phone, they will only be stored in the bracelet memory (usually up to 7 days).

1. Open Mi Fit and go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Data Sync.
2. Enable Auto Sync and set the interval (recommended 1 hour).
3. Make sure that the phone settings for Mi Fit allow background and auto-start.

If the data is not synchronized, check:

• 🔗 Bluetooth connection. The bracelet must be connected to the phone.
• 📶 Internet. Network access is required for synchronization with the cloud Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Mi Fit version. Update the app to the latest version.

It’s also helpful to know that the Mi Band 4 can sync with other services, such as Google Fit or Apple Health. Go to Profile → Accounts → Connect apps and select the service you want to use in Mi Fit to combine data from other devices (such as Xiaomi scales or smartphones) in one place.

⚠️ Note: If you use an iPhone, sync with Apple Health may not work smoothly due to iOS restrictions.In this case, try manually exporting data through Profile → Exporting data to Mi Fit.

Solving Typical Problems When Activating Mi Band 4

Even when you set it up properly, users sometimes encounter errors, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the bracelet to factory settings.

1. Open Mi Fit and go to Device Profile → Reset.
2. Confirm the action - the bracelet vibrates and reboots.
3. Reset the device as you did when you first set it up.

In extreme cases, the problem may be a hardware failure (for example, damaged battery or Bluetooth module). If the bracelet does not respond to charging or does not turn on after reset, contact the service center Xiaomi. Note that the warranty is valid only if there is a check and intact seal on the case.

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If the bracelet does not respond to touch, check if moisture or dirt has been hit under the screen. Rub the surface with an alcohol wipe and restart the device.

What else can you do with the Mi Band 4?

In addition to basic features (tracking steps, sleep, pulse), Mi Band 4 supports a number of hidden features that many users are unaware of:

• 🎵 Music control. You can switch tracks and adjust volume on the bracelet (works with Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music).
• 🔍 Phone search. If the smartphone is lost, you can activate the beep in the bracelet (Find the phone in the menu).
• 🏃 Training regimens. 6 sports modes are supported: running, cycling, gym, swimming, walking, yoga.
• 🌧️ Weather forecast: The screen displays temperature, humidity and the likelihood of precipitation (data taken from the phone).
• 🔋 Charge savings: In the settings, you can turn off vibration, backlight and notifications to extend autonomy for up to 20 days.

To activate these functions:

1. Open Mi Fit and select Mi Band 4.
2. Go to the Device Profile section → Functions.
3. Enable the options you want and configure their settings (for example, select music management apps).

The swim tracking feature is particularly useful. The Mi Band 4 has 5 ATM water protection, which allows it to be used in the pool or in the rain.

1. On the bracelet, swipe up the screen to open the menu.
2. Select the swimming icon (pictured pool).
3. Click on the screen to start recording the workout, and then the data is synced to the Mi Fit.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Mi Band 4 Activation