How to activate the fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band 4: full instructions with photos and tips

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular trackers even years after its release, thanks to its combination of affordable price, reliability and wide functionality. However, new users often have questions about how to properly turn the device on, connect it to a smartphone and adjust basic parameters. In this article, we will analyze the activation process by steps, from unpacking to first synchronization, and also consider typical errors and how to fix them.

It’s important to understand that the Mi Band 4 works in conjunction with the smartphone through the official Mi Fitness app, without which the bracelet will not be able to reach its full potential: sleep tracking, call notifications, heart rate monitoring and other functions will not be available, and the activation process itself takes no more than 10-15 minutes, if you follow the instructions and take into account several key nuances.

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

Before you start setting up the Xiaomi Mi Band 4, make sure you have everything you need, which will eliminate unnecessary problems such as incompatibility of the smartphone or lack of the right cable.

First, check your phone's compatibility. The bracelet works with Android 5.0 devices.+ or iOS 10.0+. If your smartphone is older, the Mi Fitness app may not install or function with errors. Second, prepare the charger: complete with the Mi Band 4 comes a special cable with a special device. USB-You can't plug the bracelet directly into the socket, just through an adapter or a computer.

• 📱 Smartphone on Android/iOS current-only
• 🔌 Charging cable from the set (or compatible analogue)
• 📲 Mi Fitness app (download in advance from Google Play or App Store)
• 🔋 Charge at least 20% on the bracelet (at first switching on)

Also worth considering that Mi Band 4 was released in several versions: standard (XMSH08HM) and NFC-version (XMSH09HM). The latter supports contactless payments, but requires additional configuration in the bank application. If you purchased a bracelet with NFC, check whether your bank supports this function (for example, in Russia works with Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, etc.).

⚠️ Warning: If you bought a used bracelet, reset to factory settings before activation. To do this, press the touch button on the Mi Band 4 screen for 10-15 seconds until the vibration and the Mi logo appear.

Step 1: Charging the bracelet before first switching on

The new Xiaomi Mi Band 4 usually has a minimum battery charge, which is only enough for the first turn on.To avoid a sudden shutdown during setup, it is recommended to fully charge the device before use.

For this:

1. Remove the bracelet from the package and remove the protective film from the screen (if any).
2. Connect the magnetic charging cable connector to the back of the Mi Band 4 body. Contacts should match - you will hear a slight click.
3. Connect the cable to USB-computer port, charger (5V/1A) power bank.

The charge indicator will appear on the bracelet screen, a battery icon with animation. Full charging takes about 1-1.5 hours. The optimal level to start setting is at least 50%, but it is better to wait for 100%. If the bracelet does not respond to the cable connection, check:

• 🔌 Clean contacts (wipe them with a dry wipe)
• 🔄 Correct connection (magnet must fit tightly)
• 🔋 Possibility of work USB-port

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If the bracelet is discharged "to zero" and does not turn on after connecting to charging, hold it on the cable for 10-15 minutes - sometimes it takes time to "wake up" the power controller.

Step 2: Enable the bracelet and basic setting

After charging, you can start turning on the Mi Band 4.

1. Press the touch button under the bracelet screen and hold it for 2-3 seconds.
2. Wait for the Mi logo to appear and the short vibration.
3. The screen will display a welcome message in Chinese (or English) – that’s fine.

Now the bracelet is on, but to work properly, you need to link it to your Xiaomi account. Sans of this step, you can only use the basic functions: time, pedometer and alarm clock.

Install the Mi Fitness app on your smartphone |

Register a Xiaomi account (or sign in to an existing one)|

Turn on Bluetooth and GPS on your phone |

Place the bracelet next to your smartphone (up to 10 cm away)-->

If the bracelet screen does not respond to touch, check:

• 🔋 Charge level (at a charge below 5% the sensor may not work)
• 🧴 Screen cleanliness (fat spots or moisture interfere with the operation)
• 🔄 Reboot (hold the 10 seconds button for forced reboot)

Step 3: Sync with the Mi Fitness app

This is the most important stage, where many users experience errors.

1. Open the Mi Fitness app and sign in to your Xiaomi account (or create a new one).
2. Click on the Profile icon (in the lower right corner) → Add Device.
3. Select from the list of "Mi Smart Band 4" (not to be confused with Mi Band 5/6/7!).
4. Allow the app to access notifications, contacts, and geolocation (this is necessary for the tracker to function properly).
5. Wait for the smartphone to find the bracelet. The Mi Band 4 will have a 4-digit code on the screen, and you can confirm it in the app.

If the synchronization fails, try:

Important: If you're using Mi Band 4 NFC, the next step after synchronization is to link your credit card.

1. In the app, go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Contactless payments.
2. Select the bank from the list of supported banks.
3. Follow the instructions for linking the card (confirmation via SMS will be required).

Step 4: Set up the basic parameters

Once synchronized successfully, you can begin to personalize the bracelet. Open the Mi Fitness section of your Mi Band 4 app and set up:

• 🕒 Time and date (automatically synced to smartphone)
• 🏃 Activity goals (steps, calories, sleep time)
• 🔔 Notifications (calls, SMS, messengers)
• 💤 Alarms (up to 10 pieces with vibration)
• 🔍 Display notifications (full text or only icon)

Pay special attention to the Display and Brightness section:

• Set up auto-lighting (turning on the screen when lifting your hand).
• Select the dial (more than 50 options are available, including animated ones).
• Adjust the brightness (recommended 3-4 divisions to save battery).

For users of Mi Band 4 NFC, an additional contactless payment setting is available:

• 💳 Linking the main card for payment.
• 🔒 Installation PIN-Code for confirming payments (optional).
• 📊 Viewing the history of transactions.

Step 5: Update the firmware (if required)

The manufacturer periodically releases firmware updates for Mi Band 4, correcting errors and adding new features.

1. Open Mi Fitness. → Choose your bracelet.
2. Go to the device settings → Update the firmware.
3. If a new version is available, click "Update".

It takes 5-10 minutes. Don't turn off Bluetooth or move the bracelet far from the phone during the upgrade. If the firmware is interrupted, the device may stop turning on - in this case, only a forced reset will help (hold the button for 20 seconds).

⚠️ Note: After updating the firmware, some settings (such as dials or alarm clocks) may reset.

If the update is not available, check:

• 🌍 Region in profile (must be Russia or Global).
• 📶 Internet connection stability (better to use Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 Mi Fitness version (update it in the store).

Step 6: Checking the performance and troubleshooting

After setting up, check the basic features of Mi Band 4:

• 🕒 Correct display of time and date.
• 🏃 Step count (take 10-20 steps and check the data in the app).
• 🔋 Battery level (must match the data in Mi Fitness).
• 🔔 Notifications arrive (ask someone to send you a message).

If something is not working properly, use the fault table:

If the bracelet has stopped responding to touch or does not turn on, perform a hard reset:

1. Connect the Mi Band 4 to the charger.
2. Hold the touch button for 20 to 25 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. After restarting, repeat the synchronization process.

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If the bracelet does not turn on after reset, check the battery power - sometimes you need to hold it on charge for 30-40 minutes to restore the minimum energy level.

FAQ: Frequent questions about activation of Xiaomi Mi Band 4