How to set up Xiaomi Mi Band 3: a step-by-step guide

Owning a modern wearable gadget from Xiaomi opens up a lot of opportunities for health monitoring, but the initial activation often raises questions for beginners. The process of initial acquaintance with the device requires care, since the correct execution of actions ensures the stable operation of all functions in the future. Many users face difficulties at the stage of connecting to a smartphone or finding a language menu.

Fitness tracker of the third generation from the Chinese giant received a full-fledged OLED-The screen and a lot of useful options that are hidden in the depths of the menu. To unlock the full potential of the device, you need to correctly configure synchronization with your mobile phone through a special application. In this guide, we will take a detailed look at each step, from unpacking to fine-tuning notifications and system settings.

Preparation for first on and charging

Before you start the software part, you need to provide the device with a sufficient level of energy. Unlike many other gadgets, the Mi Band 3 does not have the usual power. USB-It uses a built-in connector in the capsule module itself, and it requires you to remove the tracker from the strap and insert it into a special charger that comes with the package.

Connect the charger to any USB-A computer port or a smartphone power adapter, and the tracker screen should show a picture of a lightning battery, which indicates the beginning of the process. Usually, it takes about an hour to fully charge, but you just have to wait for the first turn on. 15-20 minutes before the system can start.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use powerful fast charging units from flagship smartphones, as this can shorten battery life. USB 2.0.

When charging, the contacts should be completely dry and clean. If you have previously used the device, before setting up a new setup, it is better to conduct a complete data reset to avoid synchronization conflicts.

Installation and registration in the Mi Fit application

The main tool for managing the tracker is the Mi Fit application (or Xiaomi Wear depending on the region), the program should be downloaded exclusively from official sources: Google Play Store for Android or App Store for iOS. Third-party versions may contain malicious code or incorrectly work with the latest versions of firmware.

Once installed, you need to create an account or log into an existing Mi Account, a critical step, as without authorization, the application will not allow you to add a new device. When registering, provide real data, as it can be used to restore access in the event of a password loss.

During the registration process, the system may request permission to access geolocation and notifications. Allow all the rights requested, otherwise the tracker will not be able to correctly transmit training data and will not show incoming calls.

💡

When registering with Mi Fit, choose the region “Russia” or “China” depending on the version of the application, so that the server synchronizes correctly.

Interconnection of the bracelet with a smartphone

The pairing process takes place directly through the app interface, not through the standard Bluetooth menu of your phone's settings. Open Mi Fit, go to the Profile tab and select Add Device. In the list of available gadgets, find Mi Band 3 and click on it.

Once you select the device, you'll see a pairing request on your smartphone screen, and the motor will vibrate on the tracker screen, and a confirmation button will appear. Press the touch button on the bracelet to confirm the connection. Successful pairing is accompanied by vibration and display of the current time.

Sometimes automatic search doesn’t detect the device the first time. In this case, try rebooting Bluetooth on your phone or logging out of the app and running it again. Also make sure the bracelet isn’t connected to another phone, as the Mi Band 3 can only support an active connection to one gadget at a time.

Configuring the language and system parameters

One of the most important tasks for a Russian-speaking user is to install Russian. By default, the device can display information in English or Chinese. To change the interface language and notifications, you need to go to the bracelet menu, find the “Settings” section (the gear icon) and select “Language”.

In the list of available languages, select Russian. If Russian is not listed, this means that the tracker has a global version of the firmware without Cyrillic support or a version for the Chinese market, in which case you will need to update the firmware through the Mi Fit application.

In addition to the language, the system settings recommend setting the time format (12 or 24 hours) and date, and the About section is available here, which displays the current version of the software, and regular software updates allow you to correct errors and add new features, such as new dials or improved sleep tracking.

⚠️ Note: If after changing the language the text is displayed in "krakozyabr" or squares, immediately reflash the device, as fonts may be damaged during the update.

Configuration of notifications and calls

The main function of a smart device is to inform the user without having to reach the phone. In the Mi Fit app, there is an item in the settings section of the bracelet called "Application Notifications", where you can choose which programs you want to receive messages on your wrist: WhatsApp, Telegram, VK, SMS and others.

Android notifications often require special permissions to work properly. In some versions of the OS, you need to enable Access Notifications in the phone's system settings. Without this step, the bracelet will vibrate when you call, but text messages will not arrive.

There's also a Do Not Disturb feature available, which allows you to set time intervals where the tracker won't vibrate or glow, such as during a night's sleep, which helps save battery power and not disturb the wearer in the middle of the night.

💡

For notifications to work smoothly, the Mi Fit app must be added to the battery exclusion list and have constant internet access.

Comparison of firmware versions and functionality

Users are often confused about device versions, as Xiaomi releases modifications for different markets. Global (Global) and Chinese (CN) versions may have differences in software and supported languages. Understanding these differences helps avoid customization problems.

Below is a table that will help determine the main differences and customization options for different tracker modifications.

Choosing the right server and application depends on the version of your device, and if you buy a Chinese, you may need to change the region in the app to China to find the device, but the data will be stored on Chinese servers.

Frequent problems and their solution

During operation, users may encounter various technical difficulties, and one of the common problems is the rapid discharge of the battery, often due to the enabled function "Raise the wrist to turn on the screen" or too high brightness of the display.

Another common complaint is that there is no vibration when alerting, check if Do Not Disturb or Night Mode is activated, and make sure that the app settings include switches for the right programs.

If the bracelet has stopped responding to touch, try rebooting. To do this, look for System in the device menu and select Reboot. If the software reset doesn't work, you may need to reset completely to factory settings through the app.

⚠️ Warning: Full Reset will delete all accumulated training and sleep data that was not synced to the cloud.Always check sync status before reset.

💡

If the sensor has stopped responding to touch, wipe the screen with a soft cloth - greasy spots can block the capacitive sensor.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions