How to activate the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet: from unpacking to the first synchronization

Xiaomi Mi Band 3

step-by-step

Mi Band 3

If you've just unpacked the bracelet or pulled it out after a long downtime, don't panic at the first setback. Most of the mistakes are due to incorrect sequences or outdated firmware. We'll show you how to avoid common pitfalls and get the Mi Band 3 to run at full capacity from day one.

Important: The instruction is relevant for the original Xiaomi Mi Band 3 bracelets (XMSH07HM model).If you have a clone or a modified version (for example, with NFC), some steps may differ.

Preparation of the bracelet for the first inclusion

Before you start setting up, make sure the bracelet is fully charged. Mi Band 3 comes with a minimum battery charge, which is only enough for a few minutes of operation. Don't miss this step - a discharged bracelet may not respond to pressing or not turn on at all.

Use the original cable (includes) to charge. USB-computer port or power adapter (5V/1A). The bracelet only starts charging after the charger is properly fixed -- you should hear a slight click. The charger (three dots on the screen) should blink. Full charge takes about 2 hours.

• 🔋 Charging: Use only the original cable. Cheap analogues can damage contacts.
• 🕒 Time: Do not interrupt charging to 100%.The first charge must be full.
• 🚫 Prohibited: Do not use Quick Charges – this reduces battery life.

After charging, press the touch button under the bracelet screen. If it doesn't respond, try a long press (5-7 seconds) - this will force the device to turn on. The boot animation should appear on the screen, followed by the main menu with time (if the bracelet has already been paired) or a welcome message (if this is the first activation).

2. Installation and configuration of the Mi Fit application

For the full operation of Xiaomi Mi Band 3, you need the official Mi Fit app (developer – Xiaomi Inc.), it can be downloaded for free on Google Play or the App Store. Make sure you have the latest version installed – outdated releases may not support Mi Band 3.

After installation, start Mi Fit and follow the following steps:

1. Create a Xiaomi account (or log in to an existing one). Without an account, data synchronization is impossible.
2. Click Profile → Add Device → Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 3.
3. Allow the application to access geolocation, notifications and contacts (necessary for proper operation).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to start pairing.

If the app does not find the bracelet, check:

• 📱 Bluetooth: It should be enabled on a smartphone.
• 🔄 Reboot: Reboot the bracelet (long button press) and smartphone.
• 📶 Distance: The bracelet should be no further than 1 meter from the phone.

3. Bracelet pairing with smartphone

The pairing process is usually automatic, but sometimes requires manual intervention. Once you have selected the Mi Band 3 in the app, the bracelet will display a 4-digit code, which you must enter into Mi Fit to confirm the connection.

1. Touch the bracelet screen to wake it up.
2. Swipe the menu up/down until the code appears.
3. If the screen does not respond, reset the bracelet (long press of the button).

Once paired successfully, the app will suggest updating the bracelet firmware. Always agree to an update, which will fix bugs and add new features. The update takes 5-10 minutes. Don't interrupt the process or turn off Bluetooth.

⚠️ Warning: If the firmware updates for longer than 20 minutes, restart the bracelet and smartphone, then try again. If the error repeats, remove the bracelet from Mi Fit (profile) → Mi Band 3 → Remove the device) and start pairing again.

Compatibility table for Mi Band 3 with operating systems:

4.Initial bracelet setting

After pairing, the app will suggest adjusting the main parameters of the bracelet.

1. Language and time

The bracelet will automatically tighten the tongue and time zone from the smartphone.

• Check the date and time settings on the phone (automatic sync should be enabled).
• In Mi Fit, go to Profile → Mi Band 3 → More → Time and update the data.

Notifications

To have the bracelet show incoming calls and messages:

1. In Mi Fit, select Notifications → Notification Management.
2. Turn on the switch for the desired applications (WhatsApp, SMS, Telegram, etc.).
3. On Android, allow Mi Fit to access notifications in your system settings.

Monitoring of activity

By default, the bracelet tracks steps, sleep and pulse.

• 👟 Stepmer: Calibrate the bracelet to Profile → Mi Band 3 → Steps (walk 20 steps with your phone in your hand).
• 💤 Sleep: Wear a bracelet on an unworking hand (usually left for right-handed people).
• ❤️ Pulse: Sit down and don't move for 5 minutes.

💡

If the bracelet is not counting steps correctly, check the strap's density. Too loose a strap will cause the motion sensor to falsely act.

5. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right setup, users face problems.

1. The bracelet is not switched on

• 🔌 Check the charge: connect to charge for 30 minutes, even if the indicator does not burn.
• 🔄 Reboot: Press and hold the button 10-15 seconds.
• 🛠️ If the bracelet is wet, dry it for 24 hours - moisture can block contacts.

2. is not synchronized with the phone

• 📱 Reinstall Mi Fit and remove the app cache.
• 🔄 Turn off Bluetooth, restart both devices, then re-pair pairing.
• 🚫 If you use custom firmware on your phone, go back to stock – modified OS often blocks background work Mi Fit.

3.The screen does not respond to touch

• 🧼 Wipe the screen with an alcohol wipe - fat and sweat interfere with the sensor.
• 🔋 Charge the bracelet to 100% – at low charge, the sensor can turn off.
• 🛠️ If the screen cracks, contact the service - damage to the matrix cannot be repaired independently.

6. Optimization of work and extension of service life

To make the Mi Band 3 last longer and work consistently, follow these tips:

1. Battery charge savings

• 🔋 Turn off constant pulse monitoring (in Profile) → Mi Band 3 → Monitoring of heart rate → Turn it on for measurements only.
• 📴 Reduce the frequency of data synchronization to 1 time per hour.
• 🌙 Turn on sleep during rest – this turns off unnecessary functions.

2. Care for the bracelet

• 🚿 Remove the bracelet before showering or swimming despite the declared waterproofing IP68. Chlorinated or salt water damages seals.
• 🧼 Clean the strap with soap solution 1 time a week.Silicon accumulates sweat and bacteria.
• ☀️ Do not leave the bracelet under direct sunlight - overheating spoils the battery.

3. Firmware update

Xiaomi regularly releases updates for Mi Band 3, fixing bugs and adding features, to check the relevance of the firmware:

1. Open Mi Fit and go to Profile → Mi Band 3 → Firmware Update.
2. If an update is available, plug the bracelet into charging and wait for the process to complete.
3. After the update, restart the bracelet.

💡

Regular firmware updates not only add new features, but also close security vulnerabilities, and older versions can be targeted by hacker attacks over Bluetooth.

7. Resetting the bracelet to factory settings

If the bracelet is unstable or you transfer it to another user, reset it, which will delete all data and return the settings to the state "out of the box".

Method 1: Through the Mi Fit application

1. Open Profile → Mi Band 3 → Additional → Reset.
2. Confirm the action.
3. After resetting, the bracelet will reset and be ready for a new setup.

Method 2: Hardware reset (if the bracelet is not synchronized)

1. Turn off the bracelet from charging.
2. Press and hold the touch button for 15-20 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the button - the bracelet will reset and reset.

⚠️ Warning: After hardware reset, the bracelet may not display the pairing code. In this case, plug it into charging for 5 minutes, then try again.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi Band 3