How to measure the pulse of Xiaomi fitness bracelet: from Mi Band 3 to Mi Smart Band 8

Xiaomi fitness bracelets have long been an integral part of the lives of active users, offering not only step tracking, but also heart rate monitoring. However, many owners still face questions: how to measure heart rate correctly, why data differs from medical devices, and what settings affect accuracy? In this article, we will examine all the nuances from basic instructions to professional life hacks.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi fitness bracelets (be it Mi Band 5, Mi Smart Band 7 Pro or Xiaomi Watch S3) use an optical PPG sensor, not an electrocardiogram (ECG). This means they analyze blood flow under the skin, not the electrical activity of the heart. So a 5-10 beat per minute error is the norm, especially when moving or wearing it improperly. But how to minimize errors and get the most accurate data?

What Xiaomi models support pulse measurement

Not all Xiaomi bracelets are equipped with a heart rate sensor. Here is the current list of models with feature support (2026):

• 📌 Mi Band 3 – basic heart rate monitoring (without constant tracking)
• 📌 Mi Band 4 - improved sensor, manual and automatic measurement
• 📌 Mi Band 5 / 5 NFC — add-on PAI (activity index) with heart rate
• 📌 Mi Band 6 / 6 NFC — extended metrics, including heart rate variability (HRV)
• 📌 Mi Smart Band 7 / 7 Pro – improved accuracy, support SpO₂ (oxygenation)
• 📌 Mi Smart Band 8 / 8 Pro is the most accurate sensor to date, All-Day Heart Rate
• 📌 Xiaomi Watch S1 / S2 / S3 — Smartwatches with professional monitoring

If your model is not included in the list, check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or in the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit).

Preparation of the bracelet for pulse measurement

Before you start measuring, make sure the bracelet is properly put on and set up.

1. Tight fit: the sensor should touch the skin, but not crush the arm; optimal position is 2-3 fingers above the wrist joint (on the bone).
2. Clean sensor and skin, sweat, dirt or cream can distort readings, wipe your bracelet and hand with an alcohol napkin.
3. Updated software: Outdated firmware may be malfunctioning. Check the updates in the Mi Fitness app.
4. Heart rate function enabled: In some models (for example, Mi Band 3), the pulse measurement is disabled by default.

To check your settings, go to the Mi Fitness app, select your bracelet, and open the Device Settings → Heart Rate Monitor section.

• 🔄 Automatic measurement (interval: every 1–30 minutes)
• ⚠️ High/low pulse notifications (threshold values)
• 📊 Appendix of the heart rate schedule

Step-by-step: how to measure the pulse on Xiaomi

The process of measuring the pulse depends on the model of the bracelet. Let's consider the universal algorithm for most devices:

Method 1: Manual measurement

1. Put the bracelet on your hand (preferably the left one, as it is closer to your heart).
2. Run the measurement function: On Mi Band 5/6/7/8: swipe down on the home screen → select heart rate (heart icon). On Xiaomi Watch: tap the pulse icon on the menu or say in your voice, "Measure pulse."

Do not move or talk during the measurement (usually 15-30 seconds).

Mi Fitness

Method 2: Automatic monitoring

If continuous monitoring is enabled, the bracelet will measure the pulse in the background at a given interval.

1. Open Mi Fitness. → Choose your bracelet.
2. Go to the Health or Status section.
3. Click on the heart rate tab - here the schedule for the day / week / month will be displayed.

To check the accuracy, conduct a test:

1. Measure your pulse with Xiaomi bracelet.
2. Immediately after that, count your heart rate manually (on your wrist or neck) in 15 seconds and multiply by 4.
3. Compare the results. The margin of error is ±5 beats.

According to a study by Stanford University (2017), fitness bracelets on average fail by 5-7 beats per minute compared to the ECG. Xiaomi Mi Band 6 showed one of the best results among budget devices - an error of 3-4 beats.

How to use pulse data for training

Knowing your target heart rate helps make your workouts more efficient. Here's how to apply data from Xiaomi's wristband:

To calculate the maximum heart rate, use the formula:

220 - your age

For example, for a 30-year-old person: 220 – 30 = 190 beats / min.

In the Mi Fitness app, you can configure target heart rate zones for different types of activity:

1. Open the Training section.
2. Choose the type of activity (running, cycling, swimming).
3. Click Settings → Pulse Zones and set personal limits.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet is above 90% of the maximum during exercise for longer than 10 minutes, take a break!

💡

The optimal zone for fat burning is 60-70% of the maximum heart rate, and the Xiaomi bracelet will help to keep in this range with vibration alerts.

Extended functions: WAR, SpO₂ and stress monitoring

Modern Xiaomi bracelets (starting with the Mi Band 6) support not only pulse measurement, but also additional metrics:

• 📈 Heart rate variability (HRV) - indicates stress and recovery levels; low HRV may indicate overwork.
• 🩸 SpO₂ (oxygen saturation - normal: 95-100%, below 90% - a reason to see a doctor.
• 😴 Heart rate-based sleep monitoring – analyzes sleep phases (deep, light, REM) pulse-change.

To include these functions:

1. In the Mi Fitness app, go to Profile → Device Settings.
2. Activate Measurement Options SpO₂ and Stress monitoring.
3. A manual measurement may be required for HRV (not available on all models).

Example of data interpretation:

• 🔴 CPW < 20 ms - high stress, you need to rest.
• 🟢 HRV 20-50 ms - normal state.
• 🟡 SpO₂ 90–94% mild hypoxia (possibly due to stuffy room).

Frequent questions and problem-solving