Modern wearables have become an integral part of the lives of millions of users, and the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 remains one of the most popular fitness trackers on the market. Despite the release of newer models, the fourth generation still offers a great balance between functionality and price, attracting the attention of those who are looking for a reliable assistant for sports and everyday life.
The activation process may seem simple, but often owners have difficulty pairing or updating software. Installing an application incorrectly or ignoring important steps can lead to unstable sensors and no notifications. In this article, we will take a detailed look at each step, from unpacking to fine-tuning notifications so you can enjoy the gadget without unnecessary complexity.
Before you start the action, make sure that your tracker is charged at least 20-30%. This is critical, as the initial pairing process and possible firmware update consumes a significant amount of power. Also check that your smartphone is on the Bluetooth module and has a stable Internet connection to download the necessary components.
Preparation for the first launch and installation of the application
The foundation of the smart bracelet is the official software. For Xiaomi and Mi Band devices, the main platform solution is the Mi Fit application, which in some regions may be called Zepp Life. It is through this software that all the magic of control occurs, so its installation must be performed from the official Google Play store or the App Store to avoid malicious modifications.
Once you install the app, you will need to create an account or log in through an existing profile, which is necessary to save your activity, sleep and health statistics in the cloud. Without registering with Xiaomi Account or WeChat (depending on the region), the full functionality of the device will not be available, since the servers will not be able to authorize your device.
It is also important to check the system requirements of your smartphone. The Mi Band 4 requires Android version 4.4 or iOS version 9.0 and higher to work smoothly. If your phone’s operating system is significantly outdated, you may encounter problems finding a device or transferring data even if Bluetooth is working.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to connect the bracelet directly through the Bluetooth settings in your phone. The pairing must occur exclusively within the Mi Fit application interface, otherwise the functionality will be limited and notifications will stop coming.
Make sure you download the version of the app that supports your model, sometimes with clones or older versions of the software in stores that don't see the new communication protocols, and the official logo of the app is a black bracelet silhouette on a white background that says Mi Fit.
It’s important for iPhone users to allow the app to access geolocation and notifications immediately upon first launch.Without these permissions, iOS can block background data synchronization, and you won’t see missed calls or messages until the app is manually opened.
The process of pairing the device with a smartphone
When the software part is ready, you can move to physical activation. On the screen of the bracelet turned off, you usually can not see anything, but when you connect to a charge or lightly tap on the screen, a welcome animation should appear or a welcome animation should appear. QR-It's the code that keys fast-pairing devices.
Open the Mi Fit app and go to the Profile tab. At the top of the screen, select Add Device and find Mi Smart Band 4. The app will request permission to use Bluetooth and geolocation — be sure to agree, as these are the technical requirements of the operating system for scanning devices.
Once you select the model, you'll see a picture of the bracelet on your smartphone screen asking you to confirm the pairing, and you'll also see a vibration signal and a confirmation icon on the tracker screen, and you'll click on the touch button on the bracelet to complete the procedure.
If the automatic scan failed, you can use manual mode. To do this, on the main screen of the application, click on the plus in the corner and select the device search. Make sure that the bracelet is no more than 1-2 meters from the phone during this procedure.
In rare cases, when the device was previously connected to another phone, you may need to reset your settings. To do this, find the item “Sever communication” in the bracelet menu or press the touch button for a few seconds until the corresponding icon appears. This will clear the pairing memory and allow the new phone to see the gadget.
⚠️ Warning: During the pairing process, keep your phone away from sources of severe electromagnetic interference, such as microwave ovens or powerful Wi-Fi routers, so as not to interrupt the transmission of encryption keys.
Updating the firmware and calibrating the sensors
Immediately after a successful connection, the application will likely offer software updates. Mi Band 4 firmware regularly receives updates that improve pedometer accuracy, add new dials and correct translation errors. Ignoring this step is not recommended, since the factory version of the software may contain bugs.
The upgrade process takes 5 to 15 minutes and requires the bracelet to be in close proximity to the smartphone.The tracker screen can go out and the execution percentages will only be displayed in the application.
☑️ Update checklist
Once you have completed the new firmware, the device will automatically restart. First, check the touch screen, it should respond to touch instantly. If there are delays, try rebooting the bracelet through the settings menu in the app.
Then you calibrate the pulse sensor, and you go to heart rate mode, and you press the device tightly against your wrist, and you compare it to another device you've tested, or a pulsemeter, and if you have a significant difference, you can try to loosen or tighten the strap.
You also need to set activity targets. Set realistic goals in steps like 8,000 or 10,000 to keep your motivation from running out in the first few days. Calorie algorithms work better when you know your exact weight and height, so fill in the user profile in as much detail as possible.
What to do if the update is suspended?
Configure notifications and system functions
One of the main reasons for buying a smart bracelet is the ability to receive notifications without having to constantly pull out the phone. In the Mi Fit app, in the Profile section -> "Mi Band 4" -> Application Notifications, you can choose which programs will duplicate their messages on the wrist.
To work properly in the Android operating system, you need to give the Mi Fit application advanced rights. In the phone settings, find the Applications section, select Mi Fit and make sure that autostart, background operation and no battery restrictions are enabled. Without this, the system will “kill” the application process, and notifications will stop coming.
On iOS, the situation is similar: Bluetooth settings for the Mi Band 4 device must activate the Toggle Shared System Notifications, and the app itself must allow access to contacts so that the caller’s name is displayed on the bracelet screen, rather than just the phone number.
| Type of notification | Where to set up | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Incoming calls | Telephone section | You can drop a call, but not take it. |
| Messages (SMS) | Section “Annexes” | It only displays text, no pictures. |
| Messengers | List of annexes | Requires permission to read notifications |
| Weather. | Synchronization | Updated when the application is opened |
Don't turn on notifications from all the apps installed at once. The excess of vibrations and screen glows can quickly drain the battery and start to irritate. Leave only the most important things: calls, messengers and calendar.
Also in this section, the time format (12 or 24 hours), date and alarm clocks are customized. The alarm on the bracelet works independently of the phone, vibrating even if the smartphone is off, making it a great tool for a gentle awakening.
Personalization of interface and dials
The visuals of the Mi Band 4 make it unique, and unlike previous models, the fourth generation has a colored version. AMOLED-You can change the face directly in the app under "Dials».
The library has a variety of free options, as well as paid designs from third-party authors. You can choose from classic analog style, large-number digital format or even animated pictures. To download a new dial, click on the picture and select "Install".
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Use dark dials with black background to save battery life, as AMOLED-screens do not illuminate black pixels.
In addition to static images, you can adjust the order of the widgets you display. You can swipe left or right, you can swipe steps, pulse, weather, and other functions. In the app, this is done through the screen settings menu or similar item, where the active modules are selected by ticks.
You can also set the wrist lifting setting, you can set the screen time after activation (5, 10 or 20 seconds) and the sensitivity of the motion sensor, and if the screen lights up too often when you swap your hands, you'd better lower the sensitivity.
For sports enthusiasts, it's important to set up the display of data during exercise, and the bracelet supports many modes: running, walking, cycling, swimming, etc. In each mode, you can display specific metrics such as pace, distance, or current heart rate.
Caring for the device and solving typical problems
For Xiaomi Mi Band 4 to last and delight in data accuracy, it needs to be properly cared for. The device capsule can be washed under a stream of water, but it should be done without the use of soap or aggressive chemistry, which can damage the oleophobic coating of the screen.
The strap, especially if it's made of thermopolyurethane, tends to build up sweat and dirt, rub it regularly with a dry cloth and let the skin "breathe" by removing the bracelet overnight if you're not tracking sleep, which will help avoid skin irritation under the device.
If you notice that the bracelet has stopped seeing the phone or the data is not synchronized, try the following steps:
- ✅ Reboot the smartphone and the bracelet itself through the settings menu.
- ✅ In the Mi Fit app, remove the device and re-attach it.
- ✅ Clear the Mi Fit app cache in your phone settings.
- ✅ Make sure the phone does not have power saving mode on for the app.
A common problem is inaccurate step counting. This can happen if you are actively working with your hands but not walking (such as typing or brushing your teeth). Xiaomi algorithms try to filter such movements, but you can not completely eliminate errors. Periodic re-binding of the device helps to reset accumulated sensor errors.
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Regular cleaning of charging contacts with an alcohol napkin prevents charging problems and oxidation of contacts.
In case the device has completely stopped responding to commands and does not turn on even from charging, a deep battery discharge may have occurred. Leave the bracelet on the charger for at least 30-60 minutes before trying to activate it.