How to set up the Chinese Xiaomi Mi Band 4: from peg to Russification

The Chinese version of the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet is a popular gadget with advanced features, but without prior Russification. Many users face difficulties when connecting for the first time: an incomprehensible interface in Chinese, lack of synchronization with Russian servers or errors when updating firmware. This guide will help you figure out how to properly configure the bracelet, even if you have never worked with Xiaomi devices before.

The main problem with the Chinese version is binding to Mi Fit regional servers. Without proper configuration, the bracelet may not show notifications, misrepresent time or even refuse to sync. We will look at all the steps from the first on-line to changing the firmware to global if necessary. We will pay special attention to the nuances that are often missed in standard instructions - for example, how to bypass the lock by region or what to do if the bracelet is not defined in the application.

Preparation for the setup: what will be needed

Before you start setting up the Mi Band 4, make sure you have everything you need, and without these components, the process can be delayed or failed.

First, check the compatibility of the smartphone. The bracelet works with Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+, but the Chinese version may require additional software. Second, download the official Mi Fit app (China version - Mi Fit China) or alternative programs like Notify & Fitness or Mi Band Master.

• 📱 Smartphone on Android or iPhone with Bluetooth 4.2 support+
• 🔋 Charged bracelet (minimum 50% battery)
• 🌐 Stable Internet connection (preferably Wi-Fi, not mobile traffic)
• 📲 Mi Fit app (China version or global with patch)
• 🔧 Additional: Mi Bandage for manual firmware change (if necessary)

If you plan to change firmware to global, be patient: the process can take up to 30 minutes, and if you make errors, the bracelet will have to be reset to factory settings. Also note that some features (such as NFC for payment) in the Chinese version can only work with local banks.

First Entry and Telephone Linking

Start by charging the bracelet. Connect it to the charger (use the original cable!) and wait for the charge indicator to appear on the screen. When the battery level reaches at least 20%, you can start setting up.

Follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. Install the Mi Fit app from Google Play or the App Store. The Chinese version may require APK-file from Xiaomi.
2. Register a Xiaomi account (if not), provide a real email, which you will need to restore access.
3. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and allow Mi Fit access to geodata and notifications.
4. In the application, click Profile → Add Device → Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 4.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen. When the bracelet vibrates, confirm the pairing on the phone.

If the bracelet is not present, try:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone.
• 📱 Remove the cache of the Mi Fit application in the smartphone settings.
• 🔋 Remove the bracelet from charging and insert back (sometimes “reboot” helps").

Important: If you have an Unable to connect or Device not found error when you link, try using the alternative Notify & Fitness app, which often works better with the Chinese versions.

Changing the language to Russian

By default, the Chinese version of the Mi Band 4 has a Chinese interface, and there are two ways to change it to Russian: through an official app or using third-party software.

Method 1: Through Mi Fit (if available)

1. Open the Mi Fit and select your bracelet.
2. Go to the device settings → Display → Language.
3. Select Russian from the list. If it is not available, update the firmware (see next section).

Method 2: Through Mi Bandage (for Russification)

If Mi Fit does not have the option of changing the language, use the Mi Bandage utility:

1. Download the program from GitHub (available for Windows and Linux).
2. Connect the bracelet to your PC via Bluetooth (you will need a Bluetooth 4.0+ adapter).
3. In Mi Bandage, select Change Language → Russian and wait until the process is complete.

If the bracelet displays characters after changing the language, try resetting through Settings → Reset to Mi Fit. This often helps with display failures.

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If Mi Fit does not have the option to change the language, try temporarily changing the region of your Xiaomi account to “Russia” in your profile settings.

Update firmware: global vs Chinese version

The Chinese firmware Mi Band 4 has limitations: for example, there is no support for Google Fit or sync with some applications. To get full functionality, you can upgrade to global firmware. However, this process has risks - if you make a mistake, the bracelet can turn into a "brick".

How to update the firmware safely:

1. Check the current firmware version in Mi Fit (Device Settings → About the bracelet).
2. Download the latest global firmware from the 4PDA forum (Section Xiaomi Mi Band 4).
3. Use Mi Fit Mod APK or Mi Bandage to install.
4. Follow the instructions of the program. Do not turn off Bluetooth or remove the bracelet from charging during the process!

The difference between firmware:

• 🌍 Global: Google Fit support, notifications in Russian, more dials.
• 🇨🇳 Chinese: more stable with AliPay, but limited functionality outside of China.

⚠️ Note: If the bracelet stopped turning on after the upgrade, try returning Chinese firmware through Mi Bandage. To do this, download the original firmware from the Xiaomi website and repeat the process.

Configure notifications and additional functions

Once successfully anchored and Russified, you can set up notifications, alarms, and other functions, and in the Chinese version, some options can be hidden — you have to manually activate them.

How to enable notifications:

1. In Mi Fit, go to Device Settings → Notifications.
2. Activate the switch Enable notifications.
3. Select the apps you want to see on your bracelet (e.g. WhatsApp, VK, SMS).
4. Set up the display style: only vibration, notification text, or full preview.

Additional functions:

• 🔔 Alarm clocks: up to 10 pieces, with the possibility of repetition on days of the week.
• 🏃 Training: running, cycling, swimming (automatic recognition works only in global firmware).
• 💤 Sleep monitoring: switched on automatically, but wear the bracelet on a non-dominant hand for accuracy.
• 🔋 Battery savings: Turn off unnecessary notifications and reduce screen brightness.

If notifications do not arrive:

• Check the permissions for Mi Fit in your phone settings (Settings → Applications → Mi Fit → Notifications).
• Reset the bracelet (press the touch button for 10 seconds).
• Update the bracelet firmware and the Mi Fit app.

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For the correct operation of notifications in Mi Fit must be enabled auto-start and permission to work in the background.

Solving common problems

Even after a successful setup, users of the Chinese version of the Mi Band 4 face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

If the bracelet is not defined in Mi Fit:

1. Remove the device from the application (Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Delete).
2. Forget the device in your phone's Bluetooth settings.
3. Reboot your phone and bracelet (press the button for 10 seconds).
4. Repeat the binding procedure.

If nothing works, try using another app, like Mi Band Master, which often works better with Chinese versions.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet starts to overheat or discharge quickly after the firmware update, go back to the previous version.

Additional Operational Advice

To make the bracelet last longer and work stably, follow these recommendations:

• 🔋 Charge the bracelet every 10-15 days (at an average load). Do not hold it on charging for more than 2 hours.
• 🚿 Remove the bracelet before showering or swimming in a pool with chlorinated water – this will prolong the life of the strap.
• 📱 Regularly update the Mi Fit and bracelet firmware (but no more than 1 time per month).
• 🔄 If the bracelet starts to glit, reset it to factory settings (Settings) → Reset to Mi Fit).

For advanced users:

• Install custom dials through Amazfit Watchfaces (does not work on all firmware).
• Use Tasker to automate activities (e.g., turning on the silent mode on your phone when you start your workout).
• Activate the developer mode in Mi Fit to access hidden settings (you need to click on the application version in the settings 5 times).

If you're actively using a training bracelet, calibrate the pedometer once a month, and then take exactly 100 steps to do that, and compare the Mi Fit data to the actual number.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up