Xiaomi Mi Band 4 Activation: Full Guide from Unpacking to First Synchronization

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular wearables years after its release, and its simplicity, reliability and rich functionality β€” from sleep monitoring to smartphone notifications β€” appeal to users around the world. However, the first launch of the device may raise questions, especially if you’ve never dealt with a smartwatch before. In this article, we’ll look at all the steps of activation, from unpacking the box to setting up the basic features in the Mi Fit app.

It’s important to understand that the Mi Band 4 activation process differs from newer models (such as the Mi Band 6 or Mi Smart Band 7) due to the firmware and app compatibility. We’ll take into account all the nuances from choosing the right version of the Mi Fit to solving typical problems like a connection error or lack of response to touch. If you bought a used bracelet or after a long downtime, here you will find useful tips too.

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

Before you start setting up, make sure you have everything you need, which will save time and eliminate the unexpected in the process.

Minimum requirements for activation:

  • πŸ“± Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+ (for Mi Fit)
  • πŸ”‹ Charger with output 5V/1A (charging from the phone is suitable)
  • πŸ“Ά Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile Internet)
  • πŸ“Œ Xiaomi Account (can be created during setup)

Pay special attention to the Mi Fit version. Mi Band 4 is suitable for version 4.6.0 and later, but some features (such as dial customization) may require updating to the latest version. If you already have an app installed for another Xiaomi model, check compatibility:

Model braceletMinimum version of the Mi FitSupported OSs
Mi Band 44.6.0Android 5.0+, iOS 10.0+
Mi Band 34.4.0Android 4.4+, iOS 9.0+
Mi Band 5/64.7.0Android 6.0+, iOS 11.0+

⚠️ Warning: If you use an iPhone, turn off the tracking limit function in Bluetooth settings before setting up (Settings β†’ Bluetooth β†’ i (information) β†’ tracking limit). Otherwise, the bracelet may turn off after a few minutes.

πŸ“Š What Mi Band model do you use?
Mi Band 4
Mi Band 5
Mi Band 6
Mi Band 7
Another.

Charging the bracelet: how to connect correctly and how much to wait

The Mi Band 4 comes with a partial battery charge, but it is recommended to charge it to 100% before the first onset.This is due to calibrating the battery and preventing future failures.

How to charge the bracelet:

  1. Remove the bracelet capsule from the strap by pulling it towards the screen.
  2. Connect the capsule to the charging cable (contacts must match the magnets).
  3. Connect the cable to the power source (USB-port 5V/1A).

The charge indicator will appear on the bracelet screen, a red battery. It takes about 1.5-2 hours to fully charge. Don't interrupt the process, even if the indicator is 100% - let the bracelet stand on charging for another 10-15 minutes to stabilize.

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet does not respond to charging, try to clean the contacts of the capsule and cable with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, often the problem is the oxidation of metal parts.

Once charged, the bracelet will automatically turn on. If this does not happen, click on the touch button below the screen (which also serves as a return to the menu), the Mi logo should appear on the screen, followed by the main menu.

3. Installation and configuration of the Mi Fit application

The Mi Fit app is your bracelet's control center, and without it, you won't be able to activate most functions, including notifications, sleep monitoring, or alarm settings.

  • πŸ€– Google Play for Android
  • 🍎 App Store for iOS

Step-by-step setting up the application:

  1. Start Mi Fit and select a region (Russia or Other Region).
  2. Sign in via Xiaomi, Google or Apple ID. If you do not have an account, register (you will need an email or phone number).
  3. Click Add Device β†’ Bracelet β†’ Mi Smart Band 4
  4. Allow the app to access notifications, geolocation, and Bluetooth.

At the stage of connecting the bracelet, you may experience a "Can't find the device" error, due to the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) features on some smartphones.

  • πŸ”„ Reboot your smartphone and bracelet (hold the button on your bracelet for 10 seconds).
  • πŸ“± Turn on Flight Mode for 30 seconds, then turn it off.
  • πŸ”— Make sure the bracelet is not connected to another device (e.g., a tablet).

Bluetooth enabled on your smartphone|Bracelet charged at least 50 times%|Mi Fit app updated to latest version|All access requests (notifications, geolocation) are allowed)-->

4. Synchronization of the bracelet with the phone: step-by-step instructions

Now, to the most important step, the bracelet and the smartphone, follow the instructions carefully to avoid errors.

How to connect Mi Band 4:

  1. In the Mi Fit app, click Add Device β†’ Mi Smart Band 4.
  2. On the bracelet, swipe your finger up the screen to unlock it.
  3. Choose the language (English or Russian, if available).
  4. Click on the Pair bracelet screen - a 6-digit code will appear on it.
  5. Enter this code in the Mi Fit app.
  6. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 2 minutes).

If the code does not appear on the bracelet:

  • πŸ”‹ Check the charge level (at a charge below 20%, the bracelet does not display the code).
  • πŸ”„ Reset the bracelet (hold the button for 10 seconds).
  • πŸ“± Make sure that Bluetooth and Geolocation are enabled in your smartphone settings.

Critical detail: if you bought a used bracelet, reset it to factory settings before connecting. Go to Bracelet Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Reset (on the bracelet itself). Without this, the new owner will not be able to link the device to his account.

What to do if the bracelet is not determined by the application?
If Mi Fit doesn’t see the bracelet despite all attempts, try: 1. Remove the bracelet from the list of Bluetooth devices on your smartphone manually. 2. Install an alternative application, such as Notify & Fitness for Mi Band (only for Android). 3. Check if the antivirus or β€œpower saving mode” blocks Bluetooth. 4. On iPhone, try to turn off the Low Power Mode feature.

5.Initial setting: language, time, notifications

Once synchronized successfully, you need to adjust the basic parameters of the bracelet, and most of the settings can be changed both through the Mi Fit app and directly on the bracelet.

What to set up first:

  • ⏰ Time and date: Synced automatically when you connect to your smartphone. If time is lost, check your time zone settings in Mi Fit.
  • 🌐 Language: English is the default. Russian is only available in firmware for the Russia or Europe region.
  • πŸ”” Notifications: Turn on the option to Show notifications in the bracelet settings in Mi Fit. Select the apps you want to see notifications from.
  • πŸƒ Fitness tracker: Activate step, sleep and heart rate tracking in Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Monitoring.

To change the language on the bracelet:

  1. Swipe up the screen to unlock the bracelet.
  2. Go to More β†’ Settings β†’ Language.
  3. Choose Russian (if available) or English.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet starts to glitches after changing the tongue (for example, does not respond to touch), reset via Mi Fit: Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Untie the device, then reconnect.

To set up notifications:

  1. In Mi Fit, go to Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Notifications.
  2. Turn on the Display Notifications switch.
  3. Select apps from the list (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
  4. Set the vibration: Short, Long, or Repetitive.

Troubleshooting: What to do if the bracelet is not activated

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can have problems, and we'll look at some of the most common mistakes and their solutions.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The bracelet is off.Battery discharged or firmware damagedCharge 30 minutes; if it doesn't work, reset through the charging cable (hold the 20 seconds button)
Not connecting to the phone.Bluetooth conflict or outdated firmwareUpdate Mi Fit and bracelet firmware; reboot both devices
The code doesn't appear on the screen.Sensor not responding or bracelet tied to another accountReset the bracelet to factory settings; check the screen's cleanliness
The app doesn't see the braceletBluetooth disabled or bracelet in energy saving modeTurn on Bluetooth; remove the capsule from the strap and insert back in

If the bracelet does not respond to touch, try:

  • 🧼 Wipe the screen with a wet wipe (fat or sweat may block the sensor).
  • πŸ”‹ Charge the bracelet to 100% (at low charge, the sensor turns off).
  • πŸ”„ Reset settings via Mi Fit or physical button.

To be dropped through the button:

  1. Remove the capsule from the strap.
  2. Connect it to the charging cable.
  3. Hold the physical button under the screen for 20 seconds until the Mi logo appears.

πŸ’‘

If the used bracelet and the previous owner did not untie it from your account, contact him or reset through the charging cable.

7. Additional settings: dials, alarm clocks, sports modes

Once activated, you can customize the bracelet to suit your needs, and let's look at the most useful features.

How to change the dial:

  1. In Mi Fit, go to Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Dials.
  2. Choose your favorite option from the collection (free or paid).
  3. Press Sync to apply.

There are more than 50+ dials available for the Mi Band 4, including animations. If you don't need them in Mi Fit, you can download third-party dials through apps like Amazfit Watchfaces (requires manual installation via.bin).

Setting alarm clocks:

  • πŸ•’ In Mi Fit: Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Alarm clocks β†’ add the time and days of the week.
  • πŸ”• On the bracelet: swipe up, select More β†’ Alarm.

The bracelet supports up to 10 alarm clocks with the ability to adjust vibration and repetition. Note that alarm clocks only work when the bracelet is connected (if it is located near, but not on the arm, you can not feel the vibration).

Sporting regimes:

In Mi Band 4 built-in 6 training modes:

  • πŸƒ Run.
  • 🚢 Walking
  • 🚴 Cycling
  • 🏊 Swimming (waterproof 5 ATM)
  • πŸ‹οΈ Gym room
  • ⛷️ Other types (manual input)

To start your workout, select Workout on the bracelet, then select the desired mode, and your pulse, steps, and calories will be synchronized with Mi Fit automatically.

8.Firmware Update: Why It Matters and How to Do It

Regular firmware updates fix bugs, add new features and improve stability. For the Mi Band 4, the current firmware version for 2026 is 1.0.9.54 (may vary by region).

How to update firmware:

  1. Make sure the bracelet is at least 50% charged.
  2. Connect the bracelet to your smartphone via Mi Fit.
  3. In the app, go to Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Update firmware.
  4. If a new version is available, click Update.
  5. Do not disable Bluetooth or remove the bracelet until it is completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet turns off or runs out during the upgrade, it may stop turning on, in which case you will need to force flashing through the PC (instructions are available on the 4PDA or Xiaomi Community forums).

After the update:

  • πŸ”„ Reset the bracelet (hold the button for 10 seconds).
  • πŸ“± Check the data synchronization in Mi Fit.
  • βš™οΈ Reconfigure notifications and dials if necessary.

1. Close Mi Fit through Task Manager.

2. Turn off/on Bluetooth.

3.Reset the bracelet and try again.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about activation of Xiaomi Mi Band 4

Can I activate Mi Band 4 without a smartphone?
No, the bracelet needs to be fully connected to the Mi Fit app via a smartphone, without which only the basic functions of time, pedometer and alarm clock (if previously configured) will be available, notifications, sleep monitoring and sports modes will not work.
How to Reset Mi Band 4 if it Doesn't React to a Button
If the bracelet doesn't respond to pressing, perform a hardware reset: Connect the bracelet capsule to the charging cable. Hold the physical button under the screen for 20 to 30 seconds until the Mi logo appears. Release the button and wait for the reboot. If this doesn't help, the problem may be a discharged battery or firmware damage.
Why is Mi Band 4 not synced to Mi Fit?
The reasons can be different: πŸ“± Bluetooth or geolocation is disabled on the smartphone. πŸ”‹ The bracelet is discharged (less than 20%). πŸ”„ An outdated version of the Mi Fit (update in the app store). 🚫 The bracelet is tied to another account (reset required).
How to change the language to Russian if it is not in the settings?
If the bracelet menu does not have Russian, then you have firmware for another region. Solutions: Update the firmware through Mi Fit (select Russia region when setting up); Install custom firmware with Russian (requires a PC and Mi Band 4 Tools programs); Use the English interface - the basic functions are intuitive. The official firmware for Russia usually includes Russian.
Can I use Mi Band 4 without the Mi Fit app?
Technically, but with serious limitations: βœ… Time, pedometer, alarm clock (if configured), change of dials (through the bracelet). ❌ Will not work: notifications, monitoring of sleep, heart rate, data synchronization. For full use Mi Fit or its analogue (Notify & Fitness for Android) is mandatory.