How to Set Up Xiaomi Mi Band 3: A Complete Guide from Connection to Hidden Features

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular gadgets for tracking activity even years after its release. Despite the release of new models, this version is valued for reliability, simplicity and optimal feature set. However, many users face difficulties in the first setup: the bracelet does not sync with the smartphone, does not show notifications or quickly discharges. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of settings, from connecting to the application to fine-tuning screens and alerts.

The Mi Band 3 is not only a hardware-specific feature, but also a configuration in the Mi Fit app (or alternatives like Notify & Fitness), and we’ll show you how to avoid common mistakes, such as why the bracelet might not display Cyrillic symbols in notifications or why the pedometer is not working properly, and we’ll also reveal some “secret” features that aren’t mentioned in the official instructions.

Preparation for setting up: what to do before connecting

Before you start syncing the Mi Band 3 with your smartphone, follow a few mandatory steps that will save time and eliminate problems like “does not see the bracelet” or “constantly break the connection.”

First, check the compatibility of your smartphone. Mi Band 3 works with Android 4.4 devices.+ or iOS 9.0+, But for stable operation, it is better to use the latest versions of the OS. Older phones (for example, with Android 5.0) can experience lags when syncing data:

• 📶 Bluetooth 4.0 or later (without it, connection is impossible)
• 📱 Geolocation permit (necessary for the correct operation of the pedometer)
• 🔋 Bracelet charge at least 20% (at low charge synchronization may be interrupted)

Second, download the official Mi Fit app from Google Play or the App Store. Alternative apps like Amazfit or Mi Band Master offer more customization options, but may conflict with the original software. If you plan to use unofficial software, set up the bracelet first through Mi Fit, and then switch to another.

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones Huawei and Honor with firmware EMUI Mi Fit background work may be blocked. To avoid connection breaks, add the app to Secure Applications in the battery settings.

Finally, prepare the bracelet itself:

1. Remove the capsule from the strap (neatly pull it towards the screen).
2. Connect to the charger (use the original cable or certified analogue).
3. Wait until the charge indicator appears on the screen (usually takes 1-2 hours to fully charge).

Connecting Mi Band 3 to a smartphone: step-by-step instructions

The bracelet pairing process takes no more than 5 minutes if done correctly, and let’s consider two options: through the official Mi Fit app and through alternative software (notify & Fitness).

Method 1: Mi Fit (recommended for beginners)

Open the Mi Fit app and follow the following steps:

1. Click on the profile icon in the upper right corner → Add the device.
2. Choose a bracelet. → Mi Smart Band 3.
3. Allow the application to access notifications, geolocation, and contacts (this is necessary for the functions to function properly).
4. Click Connect and wait until the bracelet appears in the list of available devices.
5. Confirm the pairing on the bracelet itself (click on the touch button below the screen).

If the bracelet is not present, try:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone.
• 📱 Remove Mi Band 3 from the list of conjugated devices in the phone settings and reconnect.
• 🔋 Reset the bracelet (press the touch button for 10 seconds until vibration appears).

Method 2: Notify & Fitness (for advanced users)

This app gives you more customization options, but requires a manual configuration. Download it from Google Play (only available through third-party sources for iOS).

Instructions:

1. Open Notify & Fitness → Devices → Add a new one.
2. Select Mi Band 3 and confirm the pairing on the bracelet.
3. In the Connection Settings menu, activate options: Autosynchronize Call Notifications Vibration at Alerts
4. Go to the Bracelet Screen and set the order of the widgets displayed.

⚠️ Note: When using Notify & Fitness, disable autosynchronization in Mi Fit to avoid conflicts. Otherwise, the bracelet may start to "glue" or quickly discharge.

The bracelet is determined in the list of Bluetooth devices

On the screen of Mi Band 3 appeared confirmation checkmark

The application displays the current charge and firmware version

Synchronization of data was carried out without errors-->

Setting up the main functions: pedometer, pulsemeter, sleep

Once connected, it's time to configure the key features of the Mi Band 3, which is why most people buy this gadget, and let's take each one apart.

1.Step and activity target

By default, the bracelet counts the steps automatically, but the accuracy depends on the correct settings. In Mi Fit, go to:

Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Purpose of steps

You can set the daily norm here (the standard is 10,000 steps).

• 👟 Enter your height and weight in your application profile.
• 📏 Calibrate the pedometer: walk 20-30 steps with your phone in your hand, then compare the data in the Mi Fit and bracelet.
• 🚶 Enable the option Autodetermining Walking (located in Settings) → Monitoring of activity).

Pulsemeter 2: How to set up automatic measurement

The Mi Band 3 can measure your heart rate manually (via the menu on your wristband) and automatically, to set up an automatic measurement.

1. In Mi Fit go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Monitoring of heart rate.
2. Select a mode: 🔄 Auto – Measurement every 30 minutes (consumes more battery). 🛌 Only in a dream - saves charge, but the data during the day is not recorded. ❌ Disabled – manual measurement on request.

For the record:

• 💓 Wear the bracelet tighter (but don't squeeze your hand).
• 🚫 Avoid measurements immediately after exercise (wait 5-10 minutes).
• 🔋 Low charge (<20%) The pulse meter may not work properly.

3. Sleep Tracking: How to Improve Accuracy

The Mi Band 3 sleep monitoring function works automatically, but you can customize it to:

1. In Mi Fit go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Sleep monitoring.
2. Activate the Smart Alarm (Wake up in the light sleep phase 30 minutes before the set time).
3. Set a bedtime (helps the bracelet more accurately determine the beginning of sleep).

To ensure that the data is as accurate as possible:

• 🛏️ Wear a bracelet on a non-working hand (usually left for right-handed people).
• 📵 Turn off notification vibrations at night (in bracelet settings).
• 🔄 Synchronize data in the morning, not before bedtime.

💡

If the bracelet does not record sleep, try to wear it 2-3 cm above the wrist.

Notifications and Call: How to Set Up Alerts from Your Phone

One of the most popular features of the Mi Band 3 is displaying notifications from a smartphone, but many users are faced with the fact that the alerts either do not arrive or are displayed curved (especially on Android).

Set up notifications on Android

In Mi Fit:

1. Go to Profile. → Mi Smart Band 3 → Call notifications.
2. Activate the switches: 📞 Call alerts 💬 Notifications from the annexes 🔔 Vibration.

Select the apps you want to see on your bracelet (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).

If notifications do not arrive:

• 📱 In Android settings go to the Apps → Mi Fit → Notifications and allow display of notifications.
• 🔄 In battery settings, turn off optimization for Mi Fit.
• 🔧 In some firmware (for example, MIUI) You need to manually allow the auto-start of the Mi Fit.

Set up notifications on iOS

On the iPhone, the process is a bit more complicated due to Apple's limitations:

1. In Mi Fit, activate Call Notifications and Notifications from apps.
2. In iOS settings, go to Bluetooth, find Mi Band 3 and click on the “i” icon next to it.
3. Activate the option to display notifications.
4. In the notification settings for each app (such as WhatsApp), allow the display to be on a locked screen.

Please note:

• 📱 On iOS, Mi Band 3 only shows notification text, no emojis or formatting.
• 🔋 Notifications consume an additional battery (up to 10-15% per day).
• 🔄 If notifications are duplicated, turn them off in the settings of the application itself (for example, in Telegram).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro) notifications may not come due to conflict with the branded shell MIUI. Solution: Install an alternative app like Tools & Mi Band.

Additional features: alarm clocks, phone search, screen unlocking

The Mi Band 3 has a lot more to do than count steps, and in this section we’ll talk about the less obvious but useful features of the bracelet.

1. Aligning alarm clocks

The bracelet supports up to 10 alarm clocks, which can be set both through the app and on the device.

Method 1: Through Mi Fit

1. Go to Profile. → Mi Smart Band 3 → Alarm clocks.
2. Click Add an alarm and specify the time, days of the week and type of vibration.
3. Activate the Smart Alarm (Wake up in the optimal sleep phase).

Method 2: On the bracelet itself

1. Slide the bracelet screen to the right to the menu.
2. Select alarm clocks. → Add.
3. Set the time with the touch button.

2. Phone search

If you lose your smartphone a lot, this feature is useful to activate:

• On the bracelet, swipe right to the menu More.
• Select Find the phone.
• The phone will begin to vibrate and make sound (even if it is in silent mode).

3. Unlocking the smartphone screen

Mi Band 3 can unlock your phone without entering a password (only works on Android).

1. In Mi Fit go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Screen unlocking.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen (you will need to provide administrator rights of the device).
3. The bracelet will have the option to Unlock in the menu.

Limitations:

• 🔒 It only works with a pattern lock or PIN-code (does not support fingerprints).
• 📱 Some smartphones (such as Samsung) require additional customization in the Security menu.

Hidden features and life hacks for Mi Band 3

Many users do not even realize that the Mi Band 3 can do much more than the official instructions.

Change of dial (branded and custom)

By default, the bracelet offers 5 standard dials, but you can also install custom ones.

1. Download the Amazfit Watchfaces app (available for Android).
2. Select your favorite dial and click Install.
3. Synchronize the bracelet through Mi Fit.

2. Weather display

To see the weather on the bracelet screen:

1. In Mi Fit, activate the Weather option in the widget settings.
2. Allow the application to access geolocation.
3. On the bracelet, swipe to the right until the weather widget.

3. Music management

The bracelet can be used to switch tracks and adjust volume (works with most players, including Spotify and YouTube Music).

• When playing music on your phone, flip the bracelet screen to the left.
• There will be a control panel with buttons Play/Pause, Next and Previous.

4. Battery savings

If the bracelet discharges too quickly, try:

• 🔋 Turn off automatic pulse measurement (leave only night time).
• 📵 Reduce the frequency of data synchronization (in Mi Fit) → Settings → Synchronization).
• 🌙 Use dark dials (AMOLED-The screen uses less energy on a black background).

💡

The most effective way to keep the bracelet running is to turn off the constant sync with the cloud, and just update the data 2-3 times a day manually.

Update firmware and reset settings

Regular firmware updates fix bugs and add new features, but a wrong update can brick the bracelet, and let's figure out how to update safely and what to do if something goes wrong.

How to update firmware

Updates come automatically, but you can check them manually:

1. Open Mi Fit and go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 3.
2. If an update is available, a firmware update notification will appear.
3. Connect the bracelet to charging and wait for the process to complete (do not turn it off!).

Important:

• 🔋 The charge of the bracelet should be more than 50%.
• 📶 Connect your phone to stable Wi-Fi (mobile internet updates may interrupt).
• ⏳ Don't interrupt the process! This could cause the bracelet to fail.

How to Reset Settings to Factory

If the bracelet has started to glittle or you want to sell it, reset:

Method 1: Through the menu of the bracelet

1. On the bracelet, swipe right until more. → Settings → Reset.
2. Confirm the action by pressing the touch button.

Method 2: Through Mi Fit

1. In the app, go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Untie the device.
2. Confirm the tying and reset the bracelet.

⚠️ Note: After the reset, all data on the bracelet will be deleted, including activity history. However, information in Mi Fit will remain if it was synchronized.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after you set up the Mi Band 3 correctly, it can malfunction, and we've collected some of the most common problems and solutions.

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔄 Reinstall the Mi Fit app.
• 📱 Reset the bracelet settings and connect it again.
• 🔧 Call for Xiaomi support (if warranty is still valid).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions