Why you should set up Mi Band 4 and what it can do
The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular activity-tracking gadgets, despite the release of new models, with its main advantages being ease of use, long battery life (up to 20 days), and extensive functionality for a modest amount of money, but many users use the bracelet only 30% of its capabilities, limited to basic features like a pedometer.
In fact, the Mi Band 4 does much more than that: phased sleep monitoring, instant messenger notifications, real-time pulse control, music control, and even phone search. However, activating all of these chips requires the right setup — both the bracelet itself and the accompanying Mi Fit app (or alternatives like Notify & Fitness), and in this guide, we’ll take a look at the process from connectivity to the finer settings that will make your Mi Band 4 a truly useful assistant.
Important: The instruction is suitable for all versions of the bracelet, including the Mi Band 4 NFC (with support for contactless payments) and the international version without NFC.
Preparation for the setup: what will be needed
Before you start setting up, make sure you have everything you need:
- 📱 Smartphone on Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+ (iPhone requires Mi Fit from the App Store).
- 🔋 Charged Mi Band 4 (minimum 20% battery, but better 100% for first synchronization).
- 📲 Installed application Mi Fit (download can be found on the links: Android / iOS).
- 🔄 Bluetooth enabled on your phone and permission to access notifications.
If you have Mi Band 4 NFC, check the support for contactless payments in your region. In Russia, for example, the bracelet works with Sberbank Online and Mir Pay, but this will require a separate setup in the banking application.
⚠️ Note: On the iPhone, some of the features of the Mi Band 4 may be limited due to Apple's policy, for example, there is no synchronization of notifications from third-party messengers (Viber, Telegram, etc.), and there is no control of music from the bracelet.
Step 1: Connecting Mi Band 4 to your smartphone
The first activation of the bracelet occurs automatically after charging - the Mi logo will appear on the screen. Next, you need to synchronize it with the smartphone:
- Open the Mi Fit app and sign up (or sign in to your Xiaomi account).
- Click Profile → Add Device → Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 4.
- Allow the app to access geodata, notifications and Bluetooth.
- Wait for the phone to find the bracelet (should show its serial number).
- Confirm the pairing on the bracelet - click on its screen (a tick will appear).
If the bracelet is not present, try:
- 🔄 Reboot Mi Band 4 (press the touch button for 10 seconds).
- 📱 Restart Bluetooth on your phone.
- 🔌 Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, speakers) that may interfere.
☑️ Checklist of successful connection
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet is permanently turned off after you connect, check the energy-saving mode on your phone. Some manufacturers (e.g. Xiaomi, Huawei) aggressively close the background processes, causing Mi Fit to lose contact with the bracelet. Add the app to exceptions! Step 2: Basic settings in the Mi Fit app After connecting, open the Profile tab → Mi Smart Band 4 in the app. Here are the basic settings: Section What can be configured Notifications Including / disabling notifications from applications (calls, SMS, messengers) Disable unnecessary notifications (for example, from games) so as not to discharge the bracelet Dials Change screen design (analog, digital, thematic) Select dials with minimal animation to save the battery Sleep Automatic tracking of sleep phases (light, deep, REM) Turn on the Smart alarm to wake up in the phase of light sleep Measurement of the battery (measurement of the battery without saving 30 minutes), Siting the battery for 30 minutes, Siting the Siting for the moment, Siting of the battery, for the moment of the moment of the moment, Siting of the moment, Siting, for 30 minutes, for the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the moment of the By default, the bracelet vibrates with all incoming calls and messages, which can quickly drain the battery: 📞 Incoming calls 💬 SMS and instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber) ⏰ Alarms and reminders from the calendar 💡If notifications don't come, check your phone's power saving settings. On Xiaomi, go to Settings → Battery → Battery mode → Select apps and disable restrictions for Mi Fit. Step 3: setup of dials and interface One of the main advantages of the Mi Band 4 is the ability to install custom dials. Standard designs in Mi Fit quickly get bored, but there are ways to diversify the appearance: Method 1: The official dials in Mi Fit App have about 20 free dials. To change them: Open Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Dials. Choose your favorite design and click Sync. Confirm the change on the bracelet (click on the screen). Method 2: Custom dials through third-party applications To install unofficial dials, you will need: Download the Amazfit Watchfaces (Android) app or Notify & Fitness for Mi Band. Select your favorite dial and download the file to Mi Fit through the Dials section → Add (some firmware requires manual download through the File Manager). Important: Installing the Fitom dial logo 4 can lead to the folder until you have a backup of the Mi bracelet button on the standard. After restarting, sync the bracelet again via Mi Fit. Step 4: Health monitoring - pulse, sleep, activity Mi Band 4 equipped with an optical heart rate sensor PPG You need to adjust the parameters correctly to keep the data accurate: The bracelet's default pulse measurement is every 30 minutes, but you can change this: In Mi Fit, go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Heart rate monitoring: Select the interval: 1 min, 5 min, 10 min or 30 min. Enable the High pulse warning option and set a threshold (e.g. 120 beats/min: 🩺 Wear a bracelet 2-3 fingers above your wrist (the sensor should fit tightly to your skin). 🚫 Avoid measurements immediately after exercise – the sensor takes 5-10 minutes to stabilize. 💧 Wipe the sensor and skin from sweat before measuring. Mi Band 4 sleep tracking automatically detects when you sleep, but for accuracy: 🛌 Switch on the Smart Alarm (Wake up in the optimal sleep phase 30 minutes before the set time). 📊 Check the statistics of sleep in Mi Fit: the bracelet shows the duration of deep, light and REM-sleep. ☕ Turn off caffeine 4-6 hours before bedtime – it will improve the quality of rest (and bracelet performance). 💡For maximum accuracy, wear the wristband on your non-working arm (left hand, left hand, right hand) to reduce the number of false positives on your motion sensor. Step 5: In addition to basic fitness functions, Mi Band 4 can control music, search for a phone and even work as a remote for presentations. Music control To switch tracks straight from the bracelet: Turn on the player on your phone (such as Spotify, YouTube Music or a standard player). Flick the bracelet screen to the right to Music. Click on the icon to pause, skip the track or go back. ⚠️ On iPhone, this feature doesn't work due to the limitations of iOS. Phone Search If you lose your smartphone, you can make it ring at full volume: On the bracelet, flip right to the phone search icon (pictured phone with waves). Click on it, the phone will make a loud signal, even if it is silent mode. Alarm clocks and timers On the bracelet you can set up to 10 alarm clocks: In Mi Fit go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Alarm clocks. Add a new alarm clock, set the time and days of the week. Activate the option to Repeat if you need a daily signal. A stopwatch and timer are also available – swipe right on the bracelet screen to the corresponding icons. 💡If the alarm on the bracelet doesn't work, check if the phone is worth it in Do Not Disturb mode. Some firmware blocks the vibration of external devices in this mode. Step 6: Solving common problems Even a reliable gadget like the Mi Band 4 sometimes crashes. Let’s look at typical problems and ways to solve them. Problem Possible cause Bracelet solution not synced Bluetooth failure or Mi Fit background restrictions Reboot phone and bracelet, check permissions for Mi Fit Notices Not coming Notifications Disabled alerts in phone settings or Mi Fit Check Settings → Notifications on the phone and in the application Quickly sits down battery Frequent pulse measurements, animated dials, many notifications Increase the pulse interval, turn off unnecessary alerts Bracelet does not count steps Wrong position on the arm or sensor failure Wear the bracelet on the 2–3 see above the wrist, recalibrate the pedometer in Mi Fit Screen does not respond to touch Sensor pollution or software failure Wipe the screen with an alcohol wipe, reset the bracelet If the bracelet has stopped turning on or does not respond to charging: Check the cable and power supply (use the original charging on the 5V/1A). Clean the contacts on the bracelet of dirt with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Hold the bracelet on a charge for 30 to 60 minutes - sometimes it "wakes up" after a deep discharge. ⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet stops working after a fall or impact, do not disassemble it yourself - this will lead to loss of water protection). FAQ: Questions about the Mi Band 4: Can I swim with the Mi Band 4? Yes, the bracelet has 5 protections ATM, It's a swimming pool or rainy thing, but it's not recommended: 🏊♂️ Dive to a depth of more than 50 meters. 🧼 Use the bracelet in a sauna or hot bath (temperature above 40)°C damages seals). 🧴 Put creams, lotions or repellents on the bracelet. After bathing, rinse the bracelet with fresh water and dry. How to reset the Mi Band 4 to factory settings? There are two ways: Through the bracelet: press the touch button for 20 seconds until the Mi logo appears. → Mi Smart Band 4 → Disable the device (bracelet automatically resets after detachment). After reset, all data on the bracelet will be deleted, but the statistics in Mi Fit will remain. Does the Mi Band 4 support contactless payments in Russia? Yes, but only the version of Mi Band 4 NFC. To set up: Make sure your bank supports payments through Mi Band (e.g. Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB). → Mi Smart Band 4 → Contactless payments. Follow the instructions for linking the card (confirmation through the card will be required). SMS). You can pay for purchases up to 1000 ₽ How to increase battery life? Standard charge is enough for 15-20 days, but with active use, the bracelet can discharge in 5-7 days. To extend the work: 🔋 Set the pulse interval of 30 minutes instead of 1 minute. 📵 Disable notifications from unnecessary applications. 🎨 Use static dials without animation. 🌙 Turn on the rest mode (turns off the screen lights). If the battery goes down in 1-2 days, maybe the bracelet is fake or requires a battery replacement. Can I change the strap to the Mi Band 4? Yes, it's removable and compatible with any 20mm bracelet from Xiaomi, Amazfit or third-party manufacturers. To remove the original strap: Turn over the bracelet and find the little button next to the mount. Press it with a screwdriver or a paper clip and pull the strap aside. Install a new strap before you click. We recommend straps made of silicone (for sports) or leather (for everyday wear).