How to set up a fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band 4: a complete guide with pictures

Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is one of the most popular fitness bracelets on the market, combining accessibility, functionality and stylish design. Even in 2026, this model remains relevant due to stable operation, long autonomy and extensive capabilities for health monitoring. However, many users face difficulties in the first setup: the bracelet does not connect to the phone, data is not synchronized, or some functions simply do not work.

In this article, we’ll take a look at how to set up the Mi Band 4 from scratch, from unpacking and charging to the subtle options in the Mi Fit app (or its alternatives), how to avoid common bugs, what settings optimize the bracelet, and what to do if something goes wrong, and at the end, answers to frequent questions and life hacks for power users.

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

Before you start setting up the Mi Band 4, make sure you have everything you need, which will save time and save you from the frustrations of the process.

First, check your smartphone compatibility. The bracelet works with Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+ devices. If your phone is older, you may need to update your firmware or use alternative software. Second, download the official Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life, its successor for new models, but also suitable for Mi Band 4):

  • 📱 For Android: Mi Fit on Google Play
  • 🍎 For iOS: Mi Fit in the App Store

Also prepare the charger: complete with the bracelet comes a special cable with USB-Using unoriginal charges can cause battery damage or slow charging, and it is recommended to charge the bracelet to at least 50% before the first switching on, which will take about 30-40 minutes.

⚠️ Warning: Do not connect the bracelet to your phone via Bluetooth until fully charged. Low battery levels can cause synchronization crashes.

📊 What version of the Mi Band you are using?
Mi Band 4
Mi Band 5
Mi Band 6
Mi Band 7
Another model.

2. First on and charging: step-by-step algorithm

When the bracelet is charged, you can start the first act. Here's how to do it correctly:

  1. Connect the Mi Band 4 to the charger. The charge indicator (battery icon) should appear on the screen.
  2. After disconnecting from charging, press and hold the touch button under the screen for 3-5 seconds until the bracelet vibrates and turns on.
  3. A welcome message will appear on the screen in Chinese (or English, depending on the firmware), which is normal - the language will change after synchronization with the phone.

If the bracelet does not respond to pressing, check:

  • 🔋 The level of charge (it may be discharged completely).
  • 🤲 Cleanliness of charger contacts (dust or moisture may interfere with charging).
  • 🔌 Correction USB-port (try another adapter or computer).

Once turned on, the bracelet automatically goes to standby mode, now it can be connected to the phone. If the screen does not respond to touch, update the bracelet firmware through Mi Fit, which often solves the problem.

☑️ Preparation for connection

Done: 0 / 4

3. Connect to the phone via Mi Fit: step-by-step instructions

The most important step is pairing the bracelet with the phone. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid errors:

  1. Open the Mi Fit app and sign up (or log in to a Xiaomi account). Without an account, some of the features will not be available.
  2. Click on the + (or Add Device) icon in the upper right corner.
  3. Select from the list of “Mi Smart Band 4” (if not, update the app).
  4. Allow the app to access geolocation, Bluetooth, and notifications (this is a must for proper operation).
  5. Press "Connect" and wait for the phone to find the bracelet. On the Mi Band 4 screen, a confirmation request will appear - tap the button.
  6. Once you've successfully connected, the app will suggest you update your firmware, and you'll agree that this will fix the bugs and add new features.

If the bracelet is not present, try:

  • 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone.
  • 📱 Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugate devices in the phone settings and reconnect.
  • 🔋 Reboot the bracelet itself (hold the 10 seconds button until it vibrates twice).

⚠️ Note: If you use an iPhone, turn off the tracking limit feature in Bluetooth settings before connecting.

💡

If the bracelet is connected but the data is not synchronized, try Mi Fit to go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Manually sync data.

4. Basic bracelet settings: what to set up first

Once connected, you need to set up the basic settings. Go to the Mi Fit app, select your bracelet, and go to Settings (or Device Profile) section. Here are the key points:

Setting upRecommendationWhy?
Interface languageRussian/EnglishFor ease of navigation on the menu of the bracelet
Time format24-hourAvoiding confusion with AM/PM
NotificationsTurn on for calls and messagesReceiving alerts on the bracelet
Automatic synchronizationTurn onStep and sleep data will be updated automatically
Raising your hand to activate the screenTurn onIt is convenient to check the time without pressing the button.

Pay special attention to notification settings. In the Notification Management section, select the apps you want to see on your bracelet (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail). Android will also need to manually allow Mi Fit to access notifications in your phone settings.

If you want the bracelet to vibrate when you call, turn on the “Call Vibration” option, and to save charge, you can turn off the vibration for unnecessary applications (for example, games or social networks).

How to reset the bracelet to factory settings?
To reset Mi Band 4, go to Settings → About Device → Reset (in the bracelet menu) or remove it from the Mi Fit app and plug it back in.

5. Adjusting health functions: pulse, sleep, exercise

The Mi Band 4 can track not only steps, but also heart rate, sleep quality, and also offers exercise regimens, so that these functions work properly, they need to be properly adjusted.

Heart rate monitoring:

  • 🩺 Enable “Continuous Monitoring” in the bracelet settings (section “Heart Rhythm»).
  • 📊 Set the measurement interval: 1 minute (for accuracy) or 10 minutes (for battery savings).
  • ⚠️ Calibrate the sensor: Wear the bracelet 2-3 fingers above the wrist and tightly, but not squeezing the skin.

Sleep tracking:

  • 😴 Turn on "Sleep Auto-Detection" in the settings. The bracelet will automatically record the sleep phases (light, deep, REM).
  • ⏰ Set an “Alarm Signal by Sleep Phase” – it will wake you up at the optimal time in a given interval (for example, from 7:00 to 7:30).

Training regimens:

The bracelet supports tracking running, walking, cycling, swimming and other activities, to start training:

  1. On the bracelet, flip through the menu to the “Training” icon (the icon of a running person).
  2. Select the type of activity and press the button to start.
  3. After completion, save the results – they are synchronized with Mi Fit.

⚠️ Note: For accurate tracking of running or cycling, turn on GPS You can take it with you on your phone. GPS-module and uses smartphone data.

💡

For maximum pulse accuracy, wear a bracelet on your left arm (closer to your heart) and do not move your fingers during measurement.

6. Additional features: dials, gestures, security

Mi Band 4 supports interchangeable dials, control gestures and even the phone search function.

Change of dial:

  • 🎨 In Mi Fit go to “Dials” and choose your favorite design.
  • 📲 Click on Sync to apply it to your bracelet.
  • 🔄 You can download third-party dials through sites like Amazfit Watch Faces (suitable for Mi Band 4 as well).

Gestures and controls:

  • 👋 Enable “Raising your hand to activate the screen” in the settings.
  • 🔍 Activate “Search for Phone” – if you lose your smartphone, tap the phone icon on the bracelet and it will start ringing.
  • 🔒 Set up “Screen Lock” (unlock the phone when the bracelet is removed).

Security and confidentiality:

If you are afraid of data leakage, you can:

  • 🔐 Disable “General Data Access” in Account Settings.
  • 📵 Restrict access to geolocation (but this will disable some features, such as weather).
  • 🗑️ Periodically clear the data history in the "Profile" section → The device → Clear the data».

It’s also good to know that the Mi Band 4 supports unlocking your phone (only for Xiaomi devices on MIUI).

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after you set it up properly, users are faced with bugs, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
The bracelet is not synchronized.Weak Bluetooth signal, old firmwareReboot your bracelet and phone, update your Mi Fit
Not showing noticesNo permits for Mi FitCheck the notification settings on your phone
It's discharged fast.Constant monitoring of pulse, bright screenReduce the frequency of measurements, reduce the brightness
He doesn't count steps.Wrong position on the armWear a bracelet 2-3 cm above your wrist
The screen doesn't respond to touch.Sensor contamination, old firmwareWipe the screen, update the bracelet.

If the bracelet stops turning on, try:

  1. Put it on charge for 10-15 minutes (even if the indicator does not burn).
  2. Press and hold the 20 seconds button for forced reboot.
  3. If nothing helps, reset your settings through Mi Fit (Device About section).

For complex cases (such as a bracelet getting stuck on a logo), you may need to flash it through a computer, instructions for this are available on forums like 4PDA, but this is risky and unwarranted.

💡

If the bracelet doesn’t vibrate when alerted, check the “Vibration” section in Mi Fit – vibration may have been turned off for a specific type of alert.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I use Mi Band 4 without a phone?
Yes, but with limitations, the bracelet will count steps, show time and pulse in manual mode, but the data will not be stored in the application.
How to change the band to Mi Band 4?
The strap is mounted on standard pins. To take it off: Find a small button on the back of the bracelet next to the bracelet. Press it with a screwdriver or a nail and pull the strap aside. Set the new strap before you click. 18 mm wide straps from other manufacturers will fit.
How long does the battery of the Mi Band 4 last?
In standard use (pulse monitoring every 10 minutes, notifications, medium brightness screen), the bracelet works for 10–14 days. with active use (continuous pulse, training) – 5–7 days.
Can I swim with the Mi Band 4?
Yeah, the bracelet has 5 protection. ATM, Which means water resistance up to 50 meters: 🚿 Use in hot water (bath, sauna). 🌊 Immerse yourself 10 meters deeper for a long time. 🧼 Wash with aggressive detergents.
How to update the firmware on Mi Band 4?
The update is automatically done via Mi Fit, but you can start it manually: Open Mi Fit and go to the bracelet profile. Click on three dots in the upper right corner and select "Update firmware." Confirm the update and wait for the completion (the bracelet will restart). Don't turn off Bluetooth or unplug the bracelet from charging during the process!