How to set up Xiaomi Mi Band 4 watch after a complete reset: a detailed guide with solutions to typical problems

Resetting on Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is a necessary measure when you freeze, sync errors or before selling a device. However, after this procedure, many users face problems: the watch does not connect to the phone, does not display notifications or resets training data. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step setting from scratch, including hidden features that are not described in the official documentation.

The Mi Band 4 is a dependency on Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit), which is updated regularly, and if you use an outdated version of the software, some of the features may not work properly, and we'll take this into account in the instructions and specify the current versions of the software for 2026, and you'll learn how to avoid losing step and sleep data when reconnecting, which is one of the most common complaints users have.

Preparation for setting up: what to do before connecting

Before you start syncing, make sure your smartphone meets the minimum requirements. Mi Band 4 officially supports Android 5.0+ and iOS 10.0+, but for stable operation it is recommended:

  • πŸ“± Android 8.0 or later (older versions may have notification errors)
  • 🍎 iOS 13.0+ (iPhone users: without this version, sleep monitoring will not work)
  • πŸ”„ Bluetooth 4.2 or higher (meeting Bluetooth 4.0 connection issues)
  • πŸ“Ά Stable Internet (for downloading firmware and synchronizing data)

If you're using a Xiaomi or a Redmi smartphone, check your power saving settings first. These devices aggressively close the background processes, which can cause the Mi Fitness to disconnect from the bracelet.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Mi Fitness.
  2. Choose the Battery. β†’ No restrictions.
  3. Activate the Autostart option.
πŸ“Š What version of the Mi Band you are using?
Mi Band 4
Mi Band 5/6
Mi Band 7/8
Another fitness tracker
I don't use it.

Resetting your Mi Band 4 settings: when and how to do it

If the bracelet is buggy, it's not synchronized, or you're passing it to another user, you're going to need a complete reset. There are two ways to do this:

  1. Through the bracelet menu: Swipe your finger down the screen to open the menu. Select Settings β†’ Reset (the wrench icon). Confirm the action by clicking the tick.
  2. Through the Mi Fitness app: Open the app and go to the bracelet profile. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Untie the device. Confirm the reset.

After the reset, the bracelet will reset and show the welcome screen. 4 does not turn on or hangs on the logo, this indicates damage to the firmware - you will need to flash through MiFit_Pro (We'll tell you about that below).

⚠️ Warning: Do not reset if the bracelet charge level is below 20%.This may result in the inability to turn on after reset - the device simply will not have time to complete the process.

Connecting Mi Band 4 to the phone: step-by-step instructions

Once reset, the bracelet becomes "clean" and requires re-tethering. Here's how to do it correctly:

  1. Install or update Mi Fitness: πŸ“₯ Download for Android 🍎 Download for iOS

The minimum supported version for 2026 is 5.12.0 (older versions may not see the bracelet).

Register or enter.

Xiaomi

Mi Account

Add the device.

  1. In the app, click Profile β†’ Add Device β†’ Mi Smart Band 4.
  2. Allow access to notifications, contacts and location (required!).
  3. On the bracelet, confirm the pairing by touching the screen.

If you have a β€œCan’t Find the Device” error at the connection stage, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot Bluetooth on your phone.
  • πŸ“± Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugate devices in the smartphone settings.
  • πŸ”‹ Remove the bracelet from the charger (sometimes) USB-port jamming).

Updated Mi Fitness to the latest version|

Bracelet charge >50%|

Bluetooth is enabled and visible for other devices |

Allowed all application requests (notifications, geodata)|

Remove the old bracelet binding in Mi Fitness (if previously connected)-->

Set up notifications and calls

One of the main functions of the Mi Band 4 is to alert you about calls and messages, so that they work correctly:

  1. Activate notifications in Mi Fitness: Go to Device Profile β†’ Notifications. Turn on Incoming Calls and Messages. Select the apps you want to see notifications from (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram).
  2. Set up the alert style: πŸ“ž For calls: Vibration can be activated + screenlight. πŸ’¬ For messages: Vibration or Vibration only options available + Text (shows the first 30 characters).

Android additionally requires:

  1. Go to Phone Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Mi Fitness β†’ Notifications.
  2. Enable permission to display notifications.
  3. For each messenger (for example, Viber) in its settings allow Display on the lock screen.

⚠️ Note: On iPhone notifications from third-party messengers (except for standard ones) SMS) Not supported due to iOS restrictions, the bracelet will only show incoming calls and calendar.

Type of notificationAndroidiOSNotes
Incoming challengesβœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.Shows the contact number or name
SMSβœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.Full text of the communication
WhatsApp/Telegramβœ… Yes.❌ No.On iOS only if the message is duplicated in SMS
Calendarβœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.Event reminders
Mail (Gmail etc.)βœ… Yes.❌ No.Just the title of the letter.

Personalization of screen and dials

The Mi Band 4 supports interchangeable dials, but installing them has nuances.The official app offers a limited set, and third-party utilities will be required to download custom options.

How to change the dial with Mi Fitness:

  1. Open the bracelet profile in the application.
  2. Select the dials β†’ gallery.
  3. Download your favorite option and click Install.

To install unofficial dials (e.g. with AmazonFit):

  1. Download the dial file in.bin format.
  2. Use the Notify & Fitness for Mi Band app (available on Google Play).
  3. In the application, select Dials β†’ Install from the file.
How to return a standard dial if the bracelet freezes after installing a custom?
If, after installing the unofficial dial, the Mi Band 4 stopped responding to touch or shows artifacts: 1. Connect the bracelet to charging. 2. Press and hold the touch button 10 seconds before vibration. 3. The bracelet will reset and return to the factory dial. If this does not help, reset via Settings β†’ Reset.

Some dials can drain the battery faster, especially animated ones. If the battery life has dropped to 3-4 days (at a rate of 7-10), go back to the standard option.

Setting up sleep monitoring and exercise

The Mi Band 4 automatically tracks sleep, but accurate data requires proper calibration.

  • πŸ›οΈ Sleep mode: Turn on Mi Fitness β†’ Profile β†’ Sleep monitoring β†’ The bracelet will detect sleep phases by the movement of the arm.
  • πŸƒ Training: In Profile β†’ Exercise select the activities you plan to track (running, cycling, swimming, etc.).
  • βš–οΈ Pedometer Calibration: Walk 20 steps with a bracelet, then enter the real amount in Settings β†’ Steps. β†’ Sizing.

For swimming:

  • Activate the pool mode manually before training.
  • When completed, sync the data with your phone – the bracelet retains up to 50 meters of swimming styles.
  • Note that the Mi Band 4 does not support open water (pools only).

⚠️ Note: If the bracelet does not record workouts, check whether Mi Fitness has access to Physical Activity (Android) or Health (iOS) enabled in your phone settings).

πŸ’‘

To make the bracelet more accurate in tracking sleep, wear it on a non-working arm (left hand for right-handers, right hand for left-handers), which reduces the number of false positives from movements.

Solving typical problems after resetting

Even when you set up correctly, users are faced with bugs, and here are the most common solutions:

Problem.Reason.Decision
The bracelet is not synchronized.An outdated version of Mi FitnessUpdate the app to 5.12.0+
No notifications coming.Limitations on energy conservationAdd Mi Fitness to battery exclusions
It's discharged fast.Background activity of the custom dialReturn to the standard dial
He doesn't show steps.Resetting data during reconnectionSynchronize data before resetting
Hanging on the logo.Firmware damageGo through it. MiFit_Pro

If the bracelet does not turn on after reset, try:

  1. Set it on charge for 30 minutes (even if the indicator is not on).
  2. Press and hold the 20 seconds button until it vibrates.
  3. Use MiBand4Tools for forced flashing.

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet requires a firmware update after reset, do not refuse - outdated versions of the software may conflict with new versions of Mi Fitness, which will lead to permanent connection breaks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Mi Band 4

Can I set up Mi Band 4 without a phone?
No, you need to have Mi Fitness on your smartphone for the initial setup, but once you're tied, the bracelet will work autonomously (time, steps, pulse), but without synchronizing the data.
Why does the bracelet vibrate for no reason?
It could be: πŸ”” Reminder of inactivity (included in Mi Fitness) β†’ Reminders). πŸ’€ Alarm clock (check in Profile) β†’ Alarm clocks). ⚑ Low charge (vibration at 10% battery).
How to transfer data from one Xiaomi account to another?
There's no official way, but you can: Sync your data with Google Fit (in Mi Fitness settings); export your training history to CSV via the web version of Mi Account; use third-party services like Health Sync for portability; note that your sleep and heart rate data is not exported; you'll have to lose it.
What if Mi Band 4 doesn’t detect your pulse?
Problems with the pulse sensor are solved this way: 🧼 Wash the lower part of the bracelet with alcohol (sweat or dirt interfere with reading). πŸ’ͺ Put the bracelet on. 2-3 finger above the wrist and tighter. πŸ”„ Reset the bracelet (hold the button) 10 seconds). πŸ“± Update the firmware through Mi Fitness β†’ Profile β†’ Software update. If nothing helps, the sensor could have failed, it's a hardware malfunction.
How to turn off automatic firmware updates?
In the latest versions of Mi Fitness, you can not disable auto updates, but you can: Use the old version of the application (for example, use the old version of the application, 4.6.0), Block the Internet for Mi Fitness via Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Mobile data. Manually install firmware via AmazonFit. Please note that not updating can lead to incompatibility with new versions. Android/iOS.