Step-by-step setting up the fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band 3: from connection to hidden features

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular wearables even years after its release. Its simplicity, reliability and rich functionality attract both beginners and experienced users of smart electronics for a little money. However, many face difficulties in the first setup: the bracelet does not connect to the phone, data is not synchronized or notifications are not working. In this article, we will analyze all the stages of settings from unpacking to fine-tuning notifications and training.

It's important to understand that the Mi Band 3 works in conjunction with a smartphone through the official Mi Fit app (or its alternatives like Notify & Fitness). Without proper synchronization, the bracelet turns into a regular pedometer watch. We'll show you how to avoid typical errors, such as why the bracelet can't detect the pulse when you have wet skin or weak contact with the wrist, and how to adjust it for maximum accuracy.

This article is relevant for Mi Band owners. 3 firmware-based 1.7.0.14 and newer, and for users Android/iOS with the latest versions of the Mi Fit app. if you have a different model (e.g. Mi Band) 4/5/6/7), Some of the functions may differ, but the general principle of settings remains similar.

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

Before you start connecting, make sure you have everything you need, and many users miss this step and then face problems like not being able to update the firmware or not being able to provide notifications.

Here are the minimum requirements for successful setup:

• 📱 Smartphone on Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+ Bluetooth 4.0 support LE.
• 🔋 Charged bracelet (minimum 20% battery, but better 50%).
• 📲 Installed Mi Fit app (you can download it from Google Play or App Store).
• 🔄 Stable Internet connection (for downloading firmware and synchronizing data).

Pay special attention to smartphone compatibility, for example, on some Huawei or Xiaomi devices with custom firmware, proper synchronization may not work due to manufacturer restrictions, in which case resetting the bracelet settings or using alternative applications will help.

⚠️ Note: If you are updating the bracelet firmware from version below 1.6.0.0, pre-reset it to factory settings via Settings → Reset the device menu. Otherwise, you may freeze when you update.

2. First activation and connection to the telephone

Once the bracelet is unpacked, it needs to be switched on and synced to the smartphone, a process that takes no more than 5 minutes if you follow the instructions.

Steps for first inclusion:

1. Put the bracelet on your hand and press the touch button under the screen to activate it.
2. Swipe through the introductory menu with swipes up/down (if the bracelet is new, there will be a greeting in Chinese/English).
3. Select the language: find the Language item and select Russian (or English if Russian is not on the list).
4. Confirm the choice by pressing the button.

Now we move on to the connection via Mi Fit:

• 📱 Open the Mi Fit app and sign up (or sign in to your Xiaomi account).
• 🔍 Click Profile. → Add the device → Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 3.
• 🔵 Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and wait until the bracelet appears on the list.
• 🔗 Click on the bracelet name in the list and confirm the pairing.

If the bracelet is not present, try:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone.
• 🔋 Reboot the bracelet itself (press the button for 10 seconds until vibration appears).
• 📴 Make sure there is no active phone on the phone VPN or firewall blocking the connection.

💡

If you have an iPhone, turn off the tracking limit feature in Bluetooth settings before connecting. It can block a permanent connection to the bracelet.

3. Set up the main parameters: time, notifications, profile

Once connected successfully, the bracelet needs to be configured to perform its basic functions, without which it won’t display time correctly, display notifications, or count steps.

Step 1: Synchronizing time and date

The bracelet automatically tightens the time from the phone, but sometimes there are failures (for example, when changing time zones).

1. Open the Mi Fit and select your bracelet.
2. Go to Device Settings → Further → Synchronize the time.
3. Wait. 5-10 Seconds – the bracelet vibrates after successful synchronization.

Step 2: Set up notifications

By default, the bracelet only shows notifications for calls, to enable alerts from messengers and other applications:

• 📱 In Mi Fit, go to Notifications. → Management of notifications.
• 🔽 Turn on the switch Show notifications on the device.
• 📌 Select the apps you want to see notifications from (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
• 🔔 Set up the vibration: in Device settings → Vibration can be selected intensity.

Step 3: Personal Data and Activity Purposes

For accurate calorie counting and steps, the bracelet needs your parameters:

• 👤 In Mi Fit go to Profile → Personal data.
• 📏 Specify height, weight, age and gender.
• 🎯 Set your daily goal by step (8000 default, but you can change it to 10,000 or another value).

Install the Mi Fit application|Connect the bracelet via Bluetooth|Synchronize time|Set up notifications|Enter personal data-->

4. Advanced functions: pulse, training, alarm clocks

Mi Band 3 has a lot more to do than count steps. Consider the hidden features that many people don't use.

Measurement of pulse and sleep

The bracelet automatically tracks your pulse every 30 minutes, but you can manually start measuring:

1. On the bracelet, swipe down to Pulse.
2. Press the button and wait for the result (10-15 seconds).
3. The data will be stored in Mi Fit in the Heart section.

For accurate sleep tracking:

• 😴 Put on a bracelet before bedtime (preferably on a non-working hand).
• 📊 In the morning, the data will appear in Mi Fit → Sleep by phase (light/deep sleep).

⚠️ Note: If the bracelet does not capture sleep, check if the function is enabled in the settings: Mi Fit → Settings of the device → Sleep tracking. Also make sure the battery is more than 10% charged - at low charge, the tracking turns off.

Set-up of training

The bracelet supports 5 training regimes:

• 🏃 Running (outside/pathway)
• 🚶 Walking
• 🚴 Cycling
• 🏊 Swimming (waterproof bracelet up to 50 meters)
• 💪 Gym room

To start training:

1. On the bracelet, select Training (the icon with the running man).
2. Select the type of activity and press the button.
3. Once completed, press the button again to save the results.

Alarm clocks and reminders

You can set up to 10 alarm clocks and 5 inactivity reminders:

• ⏰ At Mi Fit, go to Alarms. → Add an alarm clock.
• 🔄 Specify the time, days of the week and vibration (you can choose a repeating alarm clock).
• 🚶 For inactivity reminders, enable the option in Device Settings → Reminder of inactivity (the bracelet will vibrate if you haven't moved for more than an hour).

5. Update firmware and problem solving

Regular firmware updates fix bugs and add new features, but the upgrade process can go wrong if simple rules are not followed.

How to update firmware:

1. Make sure the bracelet is charged at 50%+.
2. Connect it to Mi Fit and check the internet connection.
3. If an update is available, a notification will appear. Click Update.
4. Do not disable Bluetooth or remove the bracelet until it is completed (it will take up the device). 3-5 minute).

Typical problems and solutions:

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet stops turning on after the upgrade (black screen, no vibration), plug it into charging for 30 minutes. Often this helps restore work. If not, manual flashing through Mi Fit is required.

💡

Always update your firmware through the official Mi Fit app. Using third-party firmware can lead to loss of functionality or locking of the bracelet.

6. Alternative applications and hidden chips

The official Mi Fit app doesn’t reveal the full potential of the bracelet, and third-party utilities allow you to access additional features.

Popular alternatives to Mi Fit:

• 📱 Notify & Fitness for Mi Band – Advanced Notifications, Screen Customization.
• 🔧 Mi Band Master – fine tuning vibrations, alarm clocks and workouts.
• 🌐 Tools & Mi Band – support for unofficial firmware and themes.

Hidden features of Mi Band 3:

• 🔋 Battery savings: Turn off automatic pulse measurement in Settings → Heart rate monitoring (saves up to 20% of your charge per day).

How to use a bracelet without a phone:

Even without a smartphone connection, the Mi Band 3 retains the basic features:

• ⏱️ Stepmer and calories (data stored on the bracelet until synchronization).
• ⏰ Alarms (working autonomously).
• 🩺 Manual pulse measurement.

However, to view detailed statistics and update the firmware phone is still needed.

Care for the bracelet and extended service life

With proper care, the Mi Band 3 serve 2-3 A year without a battery replacement:

How to clean the bracelet:

• 🧼 Wash the body and strap with a wet wipe 1 time a week.
• 🚫 Do not use abrasives or alcohol to clean the screen.
• 🔋 To clean the charging contacts, use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

How to extend the life of the battery:

• 🔌 Do not keep the bracelet on charge for more than 2 hours (overcharging is harmful to Li-Po batteries).
• 🌡️ Avoid overheating (do not leave it under direct sunlight).
• 🔄 Once a month, discharge the bracelet to 10% and charge to 100% to calibrate the battery controller.

When to change the strap:

The silicone strap wears out through 6-12 months of active use, signs that it's time to replace it:

• 🧩 The strap stretched and does not hold the bracelet on the arm well.
• 🧼 There was a persistent smell or cracks.
• 🩹 Irritation on the skin after wearing.

Original Straps for Mi Band 3 stand 300-500₽, but you can buy compatible from third-party manufacturers (for example, from hypoallergenic silicone).

💡

If the bracelet starts to discharge quickly, try calibrating the battery: completely discharge it, then charge it to the battery. 100% Repeat the procedure without interruption. 2-3 once.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi Band 3