How to set up the clock on the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet: synchronization and manual adjustment

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular wearables due to its combination of functionality and affordable price. However, many users face the problem of incorrect time display - especially after resetting, changing the battery or flashing. Unlike modern models like the Mi Band 7 or Smart Band 8 Pro, the fourth version requires manual intervention to accurately synchronize the watch with the phone.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can adjust your time to Mi Band 4, from automatic synchronization via Mi Fit to manual adjustments when you don’t have internet, and focus on common mistakes, such as when the bracelet shows time hours apart or resets when you disconnect from your smartphone, and how to avoid time zone problems when traveling and why you sometimes need to force data updates.

Preparation for setup: what to check before synchronization

Before you start changing the time on the Mi Band 4, make sure that the basic conditions for the device to work properly are met, most often due to non-compliance with basic requirements:

• 📱 Mi Fit version: Must be at least 4.6.0 (check Google Play or App Store) Older versions may not be synced with new bracelet firmware.

Pay special attention to the permissions of the Mi Fit application. On Android, go to Settings → Applications → Mi Fit → Permissions and enable access to:

• 📍 Geodane (for automatic time zone determination)
• 📱 Bluetooth (to communicate with the bracelet)
• 📅 Calendar (for synchronization of date)

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If the Mi Fit bracelet stopped syncing time after the update, try removing it from the list of devices in the app and reconnecting it. This will reset the connection cache.

Automatic time synchronization via Mi Fit

The easiest way to set up a watch on Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is to use automatic synchronization through the official app, which works 90% of the time if the conditions in the previous section are met.

1. Open the Mi Fit app and wait for the bracelet to connect (the Mi Band 4 icon should appear at the top of the screen).
2. Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 4.
3. Switch to the option Additional settings (or more, depending on the version of the application).
4. Select a time and a date.
5. Activate the Automatic Synchronization switch.
6. The data is synchronized (usually takes 5-10 seconds).

If after these actions the time on the bracelet has not updated, try forced synchronization:

1. Return to the Mi Fit main screen.
2. Pull the screen down to update the data (swipe down gesture).
3. Wait 10-15 seconds – the bracelet should vibrate, signaling a successful synchronization.

The bracelet vibrated after the update|The time on the screen of the Mi Band 4 coincides with the smartphone|Mi Fit app has no error notifications|Time zone is displayed correctly-->

If automatic synchronization does not work, the cause may be:

• 🚫 Background lock Mi Fit system (on Android check in battery settings).
• 🔄 Conflict with other fitness apps (e.g. Google Fit or S Health).
• 📵 Unstable Bluetooth connection (try rebooting your phone and bracelet).

Manual time setting without synchronization

In some cases, automatic synchronization is not possible, such as if you don't have internet access or the bracelet is disconnected from your smartphone, in which case you can manually adjust the time directly to the Mi Band 4.

⚠️ Warning: Manual time setting is reset the next time you connect to Mi Fit. If you need to constantly display the exact time, use only automatic synchronization.

To change the time manually:

1. On the bracelet, swipe your finger up the screen to open the menu.
2. Select the item More (the icon with three points).
3. Scroll to the Settings and tap it.
4. Find the Time and Date section (may be called the Watch in some firmware).
5. Turn off the autosynchronization option (if it is active).
6. Manually set the clock, minutes, date and time format (12/24 hours).
7. Save the changes by clicking on the checkmark or OK button.

Pay attention to the nuances:

• 🌐 Time zone can not be manually changed – it is always taken from the smartphone at the last synchronization.
• ⏰ Format 12/24 You can only select the hour via Mi Fit (in manual mode it is fixed).
• 🔄 After connecting to the phone, manual settings will reset, and the time will be updated according to the smartphone.

Resolving time synchronization errors

If the time on the Mi Band 4 is lost or not updated, the problem may be software failures or hardware limitations.

One of the most common causes of incorrect time is outdated firmware. To update the software on Mi Band 4:

1. Open the Mi Fit and go to the bracelet profile.
2. Select the firmware update (if the option is available).
3. Confirm the boot and wait until the end (the bracelet will reboot automatically).

⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the firmware update process! If the bracelet turns off during the firmware phase, it may stop turning on. Battery charge should be at least 50%, and Bluetooth connection should be stable.

If after all the manipulations, the time is still incorrectly displayed, try alternative applications for controlling the bracelet, for example:

• 📲 Tools & Mi Band (for advanced settings)
• 📲 Mi Band Master (supports manual time adjustment)

However, please note that third-party utilities can deprive you of warranty and cause conflicts with official software.

Never been lost |Rarely (once a month) |Often (once a week) |Constantly (daily) |I don't know, I didn't pay attention-->

Features of setting time when traveling

If you travel between time zones a lot, the Mi Band 4 can be unpredictable, because the bracelet doesn't have its own GPS and relies entirely on your smartphone data, and when you cross borders, you can see the following scenarios:

• ✈️ Automatic update: If the phone is enabled automatic time zone determination, the bracelet syncs within 5-10 minutes after connecting to the Internet.
• ⏳ Synchronization delay: In some countries (e.g. China), Xiaomi servers may be blocked, which leads to a delay in updating the time to a day.
• 🔄 Manual adjustment: If automatic synchronization doesn’t work, temporarily turn it off in Mi Fit and set the time manually (see section above).

To avoid problems with flights:

1. Before traveling, update the bracelet firmware to the latest version.
2. On the plane, put the phone in flight mode, but leave Bluetooth on - this will allow the bracelet to keep in touch.
3. After landing, manually update your time on your smartphone, then sync it with the Mi Band 4.

Important: If you are traveling to a country with a different date format (such as Japan, where a different calendar is used), the bracelet may not display the date correctly, in which case the only solution is to disable the display of the date on the home screen through Settings → Screen → Widgets.

Resetting the bracelet to factory settings

If all attempts to adjust the time have failed, the final option is to completely reset the Mi Band 4 to factory settings, which will remove all data from the device, including activity statistics, but often helps to eliminate software failures.

To drop the bracelet:

1. On your smartphone, open Mi Fit and go to the Mi Band 4 profile.
2. Select to Disable the device (or Remove the bracelet).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the connection to break.
4. On the bracelet itself, swipe up the screen to open the menu.
5. Go to Settings → Reset (circle arrow icon).
6. Confirm the reset by tapping the tick.

After discharge:

• 🔄 Connect the bracelet to the Mi Fit again as in the first use.
• 📱 Update the firmware if requested.
• ⏰ Synchronize time (usually automatically when you first connect).

⚠️ Warning: Reset removes all the steps, sleep and workout data stored on the bracelet. If you care about statistics, export it to Mi Fit or Google Fit.

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Resetting to factory settings is a last resort. Before you do that, try rebooting the bracelet (hold the 10 seconds button) and reinstall the Mi Fit app.

Alternative Ways to Manage Time on Mi Band 4

In addition to the standard methods, there are additional tools for working with time on the Mi Band 4, which will be suitable for experienced users who want more control over the device.

1 Use Notify & Fitness for Mi Band

This third-party application allows:

• 🔧 Set up the format of time (12/24 (a) regardless of the Mi Fit.
• ⏱️ Install custom widgets with time display in different time zones.
• 📡 Forced data synchronization without waiting for automatic updates.

However, an unlocked bootloader on the bracelet is required to work, which will void the warranty.

2. Custom software firmware

Advanced users can install an alternative firmware, such as Custom Firmware for Mi Band 4.

• 🌍 Supporting multiple time zones at the same time.
• ⚡ Instant time synchronization when connecting to the phone.
• 🎨 Additional dials with extended time display settings.

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware may cause the bracelet to work unstable, overheat or lose functionality.Recommended only for devices that are out of warranty.

3. Synchronization via Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit)

If you have a new version of the Zepp Life app, the time setting algorithm remains the same, but with a modified interface:

1. Open Zepp Life and select your bracelet.
2. Go to the device → Settings → Time and date.
3. Activate Auto Sync or set the time manually.

Frequently asked questions