Setup fitness bracelet Xiaomi Redmi Band: from the first inclusion to hidden features

Xiaomi Redmi Band is one of the most popular fitness bracelets on the market due to its combination of affordable price, stylish design and wide functionality. However, many users face difficulties in the first setup: the device does not sync with the smartphone, does not show notifications or quickly discharges. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of settings from unpacking to fine customization, including solving typical problems.

It's important to understand that the Redmi Band Pro, Redmi Band Active and the standard version have different features, like the Pro version only supports GPS and NFC for contactless payments, and the Active has an improved heart rate sensor, and we'll mark these nuances in each section so you don't waste time looking for non-existent options.

If you just bought a wristband, start with the first one. You've already used the device, but you want to optimize it? You go straight to the notifications or battery saving sections. You've got hidden features for power users that aren't written in the official manual.

First Enablement and Connection to the Phone

Start by charging the bracelet β€” even if the indicator shows residual charge. Connect the device to the charging cable (included) and wait for the battery icon to appear on the screen. Full charging takes about 1.5-2 hours. Do not use chargers with voltages above 5V β€” this can damage the bracelet battery.

After charging:

  • πŸ“± Install Mi Fitness (for Android) or Zepp Life (for iOS) from official stores. Xiaomi is gradually moving all devices to Zepp Life, but the Redmi Band is still supported in Mi Fitness.
  • πŸ”„ Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and allow the application to access geodata (necessary for the correct operation of the pedometer).
  • πŸ”— In the app, select Add Device β†’ Bracelet β†’ Redmi Band (or your model) follow the instructions on the screen.
  • πŸ“² It'll be on the bracelet. QR-code – scan it through the app or enter 6-digit code manually.

If the bracelet doesn't find the phone:

⚠️ Warning: Turn off power saving mode on your smartphone for the Mi app Fitness/Zepp Life and restart Bluetooth. On Android, also check if the connection is blocked by an antivirus (such as Avast or Avast). 360 Security).

πŸ“Š What Redmi Band model do you use?
Redmi Band (standard)
Redmi Band Pro
Redmi Band Active
Another model.
I haven't bought it yet.

Setting time, date and language

The bracelet automatically syncs the time and date with the phone after you connect.

  1. Open the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app.
  2. Go to Profile β†’ My Devices β†’ Redmi Band β†’ Device Settings
  3. Select the time and date and enable Autosynchronization.
  4. If time is lost after disconnecting from the phone, update the bracelet firmware (see the "Firmware Update" section).

To change the interface language:

  • 🌐 On the bracelet, go to Settings β†’ Language (icon with the letter "A").
  • πŸ“œ Scroll through the list and select Russian (or any other language you want) and confirm the choice by clicking on the screen.
Problem.Reason.Decision
The time on the bracelet doesn't change.Autosynchronization disabledEnable in the application settings
Date is lost by 1-2 daysOutdated firmwareUpdate the bracelet.
No Russian languageRegional restrictionsChange the region in the phone settings to "Russia"
The clock shows UTC-timeSynchronization failureReconnect the bracelet to the phone

πŸ’‘

If the menu of the bracelet becomes displayed in hieroglyphics after changing the language, reset the device to the factory settings: Settings β†’ Reset. This will return the English interface, after which you can re-select Russian.

Notifications: How to set up and why they don't come

By default, the bracelet vibrates and shows notifications about calls, SMS and messages from instant messengers.

  1. In the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app, go to Profile β†’ Redmi Band β†’ Notifications.
  2. Turn on the Notification switch.
  3. Select the apps you want to see on your bracelet (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, VK).
  4. Set up the display style: vibration only, notification text or full preview.

If notifications do not arrive:

  • πŸ“΅ Check if the Mi app has been added. Fitness/Zepp Life in the blacklist of notifications on the phone (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Notifications).
  • πŸ”• Make sure the bracelet does not activate the "Do Not Disturb" mode (the bell icon with cross-out).
  • πŸ“Ά Reconnect the bracelet to your phone via Settings β†’ Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: On iPhone, notifications can be delayed up to 5 minutes due to iOS limitations.This is a system feature, not a bracelet malfunction. To reduce latency, turn on the Zepp Life app's Background option in iOS settings.

Allow notifications for Mi Fitness/Zepp Life in phone settings|

Enable notifications in bracelet settings |

Make sure the messenger app is not blocked |

Turn off "Do Not Disturb" mode on the bracelet |

Reset the bracelet (hold the button for 10 seconds)-->

Health monitoring settings: pulse, sleep, SpOβ‚‚

Redmi Band tracks heart rate, blood oxygen levels (SpOβ‚‚) And sleep quality, and by default, the sensors are automatic, but you can customize them to your needs.

To adjust the pulse measurement:

  1. In the app, go to Profile β†’ Redmi Band β†’ Heart Rate Monitoring.
  2. Select the frequency of measurements: 🩺 Continuously – every 5-10 minutes (heavy battery drains). πŸ”„ Intellectually – only during sleep and exercise. ⏱️ Manually - only at the request of the user.

High pulse warning

For measurement SpOβ‚‚ (oxygenation):

  • 🩸 Enable the function in the Profile β†’ Redmi Band β†’ SpOβ‚‚.
  • πŸ“Š Set up an automatic measurement in your sleep or manually run through the bracelet menu (Health) β†’ SpOβ‚‚).
  • ⚠️ Remember, Redmi Band's readings are not medically accurate.
What if the bracelet shows an unrealistically high or low pulse?
If the heart rate sensor is above 200 or below 40 beats/min, try this: Check the bracelet's adhesion density β€” there should be no gaps between the sensor and the skin. Wipe the sensor (the bottom of the bracelet) with an alcohol wipe β€” sweat or dirt can distort readings. Update the bracelet's firmware and applications. If the problem persists, reset the bracelet to factory settings. In 90% of cases, incorrect data is due to improper fitting of the device on the hand or contamination of the sensor.

Training and sports regimes

The Redmi Band supports up to 30 sports modes, including running, cycling, swimming and yoga.

  1. On the bracelet, select Training (the running person icon).
  2. Scroll through the list and select the mode you want (like Running Outdoors or Walking).
  3. Press the screen to start recording. To pause or stop training, press the bracelet button.

To set up automatic recognition of training:

  • πŸƒ In the app, go to Profile β†’ Redmi Band β†’ Training. β†’ Auto-recognition.
  • πŸ“ˆ Turn on the option and select activities (such as walking and running).
  • ⏱️ Set a minimum training duration for automatic recording (default: 10 minutes).

After training, the data is synchronized with the application, where you will see:

  • πŸ“Š Graphic heart rate during exercise.
  • πŸ”₯ Number of calories burned.
  • πŸ† Achieved sporting objectives (e.g. 10,000 steps").

⚠️ Note: When swimming, the Redmi Band (except the Pro version) does not track the route in the pool - only duration and calories.

How to extend the battery life

The average time Redmi Band is on a single charge is 10–14 days, but when used actively (continuous pulse monitoring, notifications), it is reduced to 5–7 days.

FunctionImpact on the batteryRecommendation
Continuous monitoring of pulseHigh (up to 30% charge per day)Use the "Intelligent" mode
Automeasurement SpOβ‚‚Average (10-15% per day)Disable or manually run
Illumination of the screen when raising the handLow (3-5% per day)Leave it on.
Vibration notificationsAverage (5-10% per day)Disable for unnecessary applications

Additional advice:

  • πŸ”‹ Turn off automatic weather updates in bracelet settings.
  • πŸŒ™ Use dark dials – they save charge on the AMOLED-Screenplay (Relevant to Redmi Band Pro).
  • πŸ“΄ Once a month, calibrate the battery: discharge the bracelet to 0% and charge to 100% without interruptions.

πŸ’‘

The most effective way to save charge is to turn off continuous monitoring of the pulse and SpOβ‚‚. This will extend the bracelet to 20 days with moderate use.

Hidden features of the Redmi Band

The manufacturer doesn't advertise the full range of the bracelet. Here are some useful features:

  • πŸ” Phone search: in the menu bracelet select More β†’ Find the phone. The bracelet will make the phone make a loud signal, even if it's silent.
  • πŸ“· Camera Control: In the app settings, enable Camera Control. You can now take a selfie by clicking on the bracelet screen.
  • πŸ”’ Locking the screen when you remove: activate in Settings β†’ Locking when you're off. PIN-code after you have removed it.
  • 🌑️ Weather for 5 days: scroll the main screen of the bracelet to the left to see the forecast. Data is updated when synchronized with your phone.

Additional features are available for Redmi Band Pro:

  • πŸ’³ NFC-Payments: Link your bank card in the Mi Pay app (only works with supported banks).
  • πŸ“ GPS-Tracker: Records the route without the phone (accuracy) ~10 meters).
How to turn on the secret mode of the developer?
To unlock hidden settings (such as sensor testing or Bluetooth debugging), do this: On the bracelet, go to Settings β†’ About device. Press 5 times in a row on Model Number. Return to the main menu, a new Developers item will appear. Attention: Don't change the settings in this menu without understanding their purpose! Incorrect settings can cause the bracelet to fail.

Update firmware and reset settings

Regular firmware updates fix bugs and add new features to update the Redmi Band:

  1. Make sure the bracelet is more than 50% charged.
  2. Connect it to your phone via Mi Fitness/Zepp Life.
  3. In the application, go to Profile β†’ Redmi Band β†’ Firmware update.
  4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until the process is complete (don’t turn off Bluetooth!).

If the bracelet freezes or works incorrectly, reset to factory settings:

  1. On the bracelet, go to Settings β†’ Reset.
  2. Confirm the action by selecting Yes.
  3. After restarting, reconnect the bracelet to the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Reset removes all data from the bracelet, including training statistics and dial settings. Before reset, sync the data with the application so you don't lose your activity history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

πŸ”Ή The bracelet doesn't vibrate when notified?
Check the following points: Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app if notifications are enabled for a specific messenger; on the phone in the settings Sound and vibration is not turned off for notifications; on the bracelet is not activated Do not disturb (bell icon). If the vibration works at the alarm clock, but not at notifications, reconnect the bracelet to the phone.
πŸ”Ή Can I change my band to a Redmi Band?
Yes, the strap is removable. Standard width is 18 mm. The straps from Xiaomi Mi Band 4/5/6 will fit. (requires a mount adaptation.) Amazfit Bip U (full compatibility). Any universal straps 18 mm wide with a "spring type" mount. To replace: Press the lock button on the back of the bracelet. Pull the strap aside. Set a new strap before clicking.
πŸ”Ή How to Turn Off Automatic Sleep Tracking?
By default, the bracelet determines sleep from 22:00 to 8:00. To turn off or change the time: In the application, go to Profile β†’ Redmi Band β†’ Sleep Monitor. Turn off the Auto-Tracking option. For manual mode, click on the Health bracelet β†’ Sleep β†’ Start before bed and Complete after waking.
πŸ”Ή Why the bracelet shows fewer steps than the phone?
The difference in step counting is due to: different counting algorithms (bracelet takes into account the movements of the hand, phone - body); incorrect position of the bracelet (wear on a non-dominant hand, fastened tightly, but not compressing); outdated firmware (update the bracelet and application). To synchronize data: In the Mi app Fitness/Zepp Life go to Profile β†’ Settings β†’ Data Synchronization: Select Bracelet Data Priority or Phone Data Priority.
πŸ”Ή Can I swim with the Redmi Band?
All Redmi Band models have 5-plus protections. ATM, signifies: βœ… You can swim in the pool or the sea (up to 50 meters deep). βœ… Showering and hand washing with bracelet allowed. ❌ Can not be used in hot water (sauna, bath) - this will damage the tightness. ❌ Scuba diving is prohibited (pressure above 5) ATM). After bathing, rinse the bracelet with fresh water and wipe dry, especially the charging connector.