Xiaomi fitness bracelets are some of the most popular wearables on the market due to the ratio of price, functionality and quality. However, even a simple device like the Mi Band bracelet can raise questions for a beginner: how to turn it on, connect it to the phone and set it up. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step activation for all current models, from Mi Band 4 to Smart Band 8 Pro, and also look at typical errors and ways to fix them.
It's important to understand that the activation process is slightly different depending on the firmware version of the bracelet, the smartphone model (Android/iOS) and even the region of purchase. For example, Chinese versions of devices may require additional language tuning, and we've taken into account all the nuances to make the instruction suitable for most users.
If youβve just unpacked the bracelet or reset it to factory settings, this article will help you avoid a common mistake: trying to connect without first charging the device, and many users miss this point, which makes the gadget not detectable in the app.
1. Preparation of Xiaomi fitness bracelet for activation
Before you start setting up, make sure your bracelet is ready to go. Here are the mandatory preparation steps:
- π± Install the app. You'll need the official Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) to activate it. Download it from Google Play or the App Store.
Pay special attention to charging: the bracelet should show a charge indicator on the screen (usually a battery icon).If the screen does not respond to touches after connecting to charging, try another one. USB-In rare cases, the problem may be a faulty battery, which is an excuse to contact a service center.
β οΈ Note: Do not use higher voltage adapters to charge the Xiaomi bracelet 5V/1A. This can lead to overheating of the battery and shorten its service life.
2. Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness application
Mi Fitness is the central tool for controlling the bracelet, and without it, activation is impossible. Here's how to set it up correctly:
- Download and install the app from the official store (links above). Avoid third-party APKs - they may contain viruses.
- Sign up or sign in to a Xiaomi account. If you don't have one, create it through an email or phone number. Without an account, data synchronization is impossible.
- Allow all requests: access to location, notifications, contacts (if necessary) and this is necessary for the bracelet functions to function properly.
- Select a region. China can be the default, change to your country in your profile settings.
After you log in, the app will suggest adding a new device. At this point, it is important not to miss the choice of the bracelet model. If your model is not on the list, update the application or check the compatibility of the device on the official Xiaomi website.
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If the Mi Fitness app doesn't see the bracelet, try turning on the Developer Mode on your phone and turning off battery optimization for that app. This often solves the Android connection problem.
3. Step-by-step activation of Xiaomi fitness bracelet
Now, to the activation process itself, follow the instructions carefully to avoid errors:
- In the Mi Fitness app, click "Add device" β "Breasure" β select your model.
- Wait for the synchronization. It can take up to 2-3 minutes. Don't interrupt the process.
Once activated successfully, the bracelet vibrates, and the app will display its main menu with settings, and you can now start personalizing: selecting a dial, setting notifications, activating sleep monitoring, etc.
The bracelet is on and shows the charge.|Bluetooth on the phone is active|Mi Fitness app updated|The device is added in the profile|Synchronization completed without errors-->
4.Setting up the bracelet after activation
Activation is just the first step, and to make the bracelet work as efficiently as possible, you have to set it up correctly. Here are the key parameters to look at:
- π Dials. To the device profile β Dials can be selected from one of the pre-installed or download new ones from the store.
- π Notifications, turn on call alerts, SMS and messages from messengers in Notices β Management of notifications.
- π€ Sleep monitoring. Activate to Status. β For accuracy, turn off Do Not Disturb mode while you sleep.
- π Activity tracker. Set goals by steps, calories and activity time in Profile β Goals.
Pay special attention to setting up automatic activity recognition. In newer models (Mi Band 7/8), this feature works better, but can give false positives (for example, taking house walking for a workout). Calibrate it manually in the Training β Settings section.
| Function | Recommended setting | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Raising your hand to turn on the screen | Included. | Saves battery power, but can be uncomfortable with active gestures |
| Heart rate measurement | Every 10 minutes. | More frequent measurements reduce working hours |
| Low activity notifications | Included (interval: 1 hour) | Helps to avoid long sitting in place |
| Do not disturb mode. | 23:00 to 7:00 | Adjusted individually to the sleep schedule |
5. Common mistakes and their solutions
Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:
- π΄ Check the charger, plug it in to another one. USB-If the screen is not responding, reset (press the button for 10-15 seconds).
- π΄ The app doesn't see the bracelet. Reboot the phone and bracelet, update Mi Fitness, check the Bluetooth permissions. On Android, cleaning the app's cache will also help.
- π΄ Synchronization error: Make sure your phone is on the Internet (the data is synced through the cloud). If the problem persists, reconnect the bracelet in Bluetooth settings.
- π΄ Chinese firmware. If the bracelet is purchased in China, in the application settings (Profile) β Region) select "Russia" or "Global" and then reset the bracelet.
If none of these methods worked, try installing alternative software, such as Notify & Fitness for Mi Band (Android-only), which supports more features but requires manual configuration.
β οΈ Note: When you reset your Xiaomi bracelet to factory settings, all data (steps, sleep, workouts) will be deleted from the device, but it will be saved in your Mi Fitness account if sync is enabled.
How to reset Xiaomi bracelet to factory settings?
6. Activation of the bracelet on the iPhone (features)
iPhone users often face additional difficulties when connecting Xiaomi bracelets.
- π± The Mi Fitness app requires iOS 12.0 or later. On older versions, sync may not work properly.
- π Background sync. iPhone bracelet syncs less often than Android. To update the data, open the application manually.
- π Notifications. To display notifications on the bracelet, you need to allow them in the iPhone Settings β Notifications β Mi Fitness.
- π Power saving: Turn off low power mode for the Mi Fitness app, otherwise communication with the bracelet will be interrupted.
If the bracelet is plugged in but doesnβt display notifications or sync data, try the following:
- Remove the bracelet from the list of devices in Mi Fitness.
- Forget the device in the Bluetooth iPhone settings.
- Reboot both devices.
- Repeat the connection process.
On the iPhone, resetting your network settings (Settings β Main β Reset β Reset network settings) can also help, but use this method as a last resort β it will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords.
7. Update of bracelet firmware after activation
After the first activation, it is recommended to update the firmware of the bracelet, which will fix possible bugs, add new features and improve stability.
- Open Mi Fitness and go to your bracelet profile.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Firmware Update".
- If a new version is available, click Update and wait until the process is complete. Don't unplug the bracelet from your phone during the update!
- After the upgrade, the bracelet will reboot automatically.
The update can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the version and the speed of the Internet.
- Internet connection stability (better to use Wi-Fi).
- Bracelet charge (must be at least 50%).
- No background tasks on your phone (close other apps).
β οΈ Note: If during the firmware update the bracelet disconnects from the phone or discharges, it may stop turning on. In this case, you will need to force flashing through the PC using the Mi Band Tool utility (for power users only).
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Updating the firmware of Xiaomi bracelet through the official Mi Fitness app is the safest way. Avoid third-party firmware if you are not sure of its origin.
8 Additional features and hidden capabilities
Once activated and set up, you can unlock the bracelet's hidden potential, and here are some useful features that many people don't know about:
- π΅ Music control, on the Mi Band. 7/8 Smart Band 8 Pro can switch tracks and adjust volume directly from the bracelet (included in the application settings).
- π¦ On some models (e.g. Mi Band 6), you can activate the backlight to maximum brightness for use in the dark.
- πΈ Camera control. The bracelet can serve as a selfie remote (set up in Mi Fitness). β Notifications β Camera control).
- π¨ SOS-You can send a signal in an emergency. SOS-message with coordinates to a pre-saved number (configured in the profile of the bracelet).
For the Smart Band 8 Pro models, advanced features are available, such as:
- π Stress analysis (measuring stress levels by heart rate variability).
- π©Ί Measurement SpO2 (oxygenation of the blood by hand or automatically during sleep.
- π Swimming tracking (water resistance up to 5) ATM).
To activate these features, go to Device Profile β Health and enable the options you need. Some may require manual calibration (e.g. SpO2 measurement is best done in a calm state).
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If your Xiaomi bracelet is rapidly discharged, check the pulse rate and the screen lights on. Turning off automatic heart rate measurement at night can increase your work time by 2-3 days.