Xiaomi Mi Band 4: Full setup from scratch – from connectivity to hidden features

Xiaomi Mi Band 4 remains one of the most popular fitness trackers even years after its release. AMOLED-The screen and rich functionality at a reasonable price have made this model a cult, but many users have difficulty in the first setup: Bluetooth does not find the device, notifications do not come, and step data is reset. In this article, we will analyze all the stages of setting up - from basic connection to fine sleep settings, training and energy saving.

It is important to understand that the Mi Band 4 works in tandem with a smartphone through the official Mi Fit app (or alternatives like Notify & Fitness). We will look at the settings for both Android and iOS, pay attention to typical errors and give tips on how to extend the battery life to 20.+ If you've just unpacked the box or want to recheck your current settings, this is the guide for you.

Preparation for setup: what to do before turning on the tracker

Before you press the button on Mi Band 4, follow a few simple steps that will save you time and eliminate common problems like “device can’t see” or “disin sync.”

First, check the compatibility of your smartphone. Mi Band 4 officially supports:

• 📱 Android 5.0 and higher with Bluetooth 4.2 support)
• 🍎 iOS 10.0 and higher (iPhone) 5s newer)
• ⚠️ Windows Phone or older versions Android/iOS The tracker won't work.

Second, install or update the Mi Fit app:

• 🤖 For Android: [download to Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.xiaomi.hm.health)
• 🍏 For iOS: [download in the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/ru/app/mi-fit/id962220474)
• 🔄 Before setting up, update the application to the latest version - this will fix the synchronization bugs

Finally, prepare the tracker itself:

• 🔋 Charge the Mi Band 4 to at least 50% (full charge takes up) ~1.5 hours)
• 📶 Make sure your smartphone is Bluetooth enabled and geolocated (needed for accurate step counting)
• 🛡️ On Android, give the app all permissions (notifications, contact access, physical activity)

Charge the Mi Band 4 to 50%+

Install/update Mi Fit

Enable Bluetooth and geolocation on your phone

Give all permissions to the Mi Fit app

Create a Xiaomi account (or create a new one)

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If you’ve previously used another Xiaomi fitness tracker (such as Mi Band 3), untie it in Mi Fit before connecting a new model.

First Enablement and Connection to a Smartphone

Now, to the actual connection process, remove the Mi Band 4 from the box, put on the strap (if you don't already have it on), and follow these steps:

Activation of the tracker:

• 🔘 Press and hold the touch button under the Mi Band 4 screen for 3-5 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
• 📱 Simultaneously launch the Mi Fit app on your smartphone.
• 🔍 In the upper right corner, click on the profile icon → Add the device → Choose a bracelet → Mi Smart Band 4.

Bluetooth interface:

• 📲 The app will prompt you to turn on Bluetooth – confirm.
• 🔄 You'll see a list of available devices on your smartphone screen. Select your Mi Band. 4 (name will be in format MI Band 4_XXXX).
• ✅ After successful connection on the monitor screen will appear tick, and in the application – the main dashboard with data.

If the device is not located:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone (turn off/on in settings).
• 📵 Make sure the Mi Band 4 isn’t connected to another phone (if so, reset it to factory settings).
• 🛠️ On Android, try clearing the Mi Fit app cache in your phone settings.

Android

iOS

Other (Windows Phone, HarmonyOS, etc.)

I don't know.

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The most important thing is that you have a Mi Band 4. NFC (version with contactless payment module, after connecting, you will need additional configuration of the Mi Pay payment system.

Set up the main parameters in the Mi Fit application

Once the connection is successful, we will begin personalization, open the Mi Fit app and go to the section of your device (stamp the Mi Band 4 icon on the home screen).

1. User profile:

• 👤 Fill in your personal data: gender, age, weight, height, and it's for calorie and sleep.
• 🏃 Select Activity Level (low/medium/high) – Affects the target by step (default 10 000).
• ⚖️ In the Objectives section, you can adjust daily tasks by steps, standing and training.

Notifications and calls:

• 📳 Enable Call Notifications – the tracker will vibrate when a call is incoming.
• 📱 Activate Notifications from apps and select messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).
• 🔕 In the notification settings, you can set the silence time (for example, from 23:00 to 8:00).

Display and interface:

• 🌓 Select Autoturn Screen (turns the display when lifting your hand).
• ⏱️ Set the lighting time (from 3 to 10 seconds).
• 🎨 Set one of 50.+ dials (both standard and custom ones are available from the Mi Fit store).

1. permissions for Mi Fit in phone settings (access to notifications).

2. the absence of energy-saving modes that block the background operation of the application.

3. synchronization settings in Mi Fit itself (section "Notifications").

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For advanced users, additional settings are available:

• 🔍 Phone search – tracker will help you find a smartphone by sound.
• 🔋 Saving charge – turns off the screen lighting at night.
• 📊 Data Export – Keeping your activity history on Google Fit or Apple Health.

Setting up fitness functions: pedometer, sleep, training

The Mi Band 4 is not just a watch, it's a full-fledged fitness tracker, and to be accurate, you need to set up the sensors and the algorithms right.

Activity monitoring:

• 👟 Enable the Counting of Steps in the settings (default enabled).
• 📊 To calibrate the pedometer, walk 20-30 steps with your phone in your hand – this synchronizes the data.
• 🏃 In the Training section, select the sports you practice (running, cycling, swimming, etc.).

Sleep tracking:

• 😴 Activate Sleep Monitoring and select sensitivity (Standard or Sensitive).
• ⏰ Set up an alarm clock with the function of smart awakening (will wake up in the phase of light sleep 30 minutes before the time).
• 📉 In the Mi Fit application, you can see statistics on sleep phases (deep, light, wakefulness).

3. Heart rate and stress:

• ❤️ Turn on Continuous Heart rate Monitoring (every 1–30 minutes) or Auto (only during exercise).
• 😓 Stress Level Analyzes Heart Rate Variability (Requires Regular Calibration).
• ⚠️ Attention: Continuous monitoring of heart rate reduces battery life by 20-30%.

For swimmers: Mi Band 4 has 5 protection ATM, So it can withstand up to 50 meters of immersion, to activate the swimming mode:

1. In the app, select Trainings → Swimming.
2. On the tracker, swipe up to the pool icon and tap on it.
3. After training, synchronize the data with the phone.

NFC Contactless payments: setting up Mi Pay

If you have a version of the Mi Band 4 NFC, You can tie a bank card and pay for your purchases right from your hand, and this feature only works in Russia, China, and some countries in Europe:

Preparation:

• 💳 Make sure that your bank card supports Mi Pay (list of banks: Sberbank, Tinkoff, Alfa-Bank, etc.).
• 📱 Update the Mi Fit app to the latest version.
• 🌐 Connect to a stable Internet (Wi-Fi or Internet) 4G).

Map binding:

1. Open Mi Fit. → Profile → Mi Pay.
2. Add a card and select the bank from the list.
3. Enter the card details (number, expiration date, CVC) and confirm through SMS.
4. Wait. SMS from the bank with the activation code and enter it in the application.

Payment from the tracker:

• 🛒 Bring Mi Band 4 to the terminal at a distance of 2-3 cm.
• 🔒 On the monitor screen will appear the card icon – confirm the payment with a double tap on the touch button.
• ✅ After successful payment, vibration will sound and a tick will appear.

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Mi Pay only works with Mastercard and Visa cards. MIR cards are not supported. Also make sure that there is enough funds in the account - the limit of one transaction is usually 1000-3000 rubles (depending on the bank).

Note: if you reset the Mi Band 4 to the factory settings, the attached cards will be deleted, they will have to be added again, and it is not recommended to use Mi Pay on public transport (metro, buses) - it is better to link the card to a smartphone or transport card.

Hidden features and life hacks for Mi Band 4

Many users don’t even realize that the Mi Band 4 has much more to do than just show the time and steps.

1. Music management:

• 🎵 On the tracker swipe up to the note icon → You can pause, skip and return tracks.
• 📱 Works with most players: Spotify, Apple Music, VK Music, YouTube Music.

Quick responses to messages (Android):

• ✍️ In Mi Fit notification settings, activate Quick Answers.
• 💬 Now, when incoming message, you can select one of 5 templates (for example, "I am busy", "I will return later").

3. Secret dials:

• 🎨 There are unofficial dials on the Internet with animations, weather and even games (for example, "2048" or "Snake").
• 🔗 You can download them on sites like [MiBandMaster](https://mibandmaster.com/) or through Telegram bots.
• ⚠️ Attention: installing third-party dials may cause failures.Before installing, back up your data to Mi Fit.

Energy conservation:

Unique life hack: If your Mi Band 4 is rapidly discharged, try calibrating the battery. To do this, discharge the tracker to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times - this can restore capacity by 10-15%.

Troubleshooting: What to do if something doesn’t work

Even with the right setup, there are sometimes failures. Let's look at the most common problems and their solutions:

1. The tracker is not synchronized:

• 🔄 Reboot the Mi Band 4 (hold the 10 seconds button until vibration).
• 📱 Reinstall the Mi Fit app.
• 🔗 In Bluetooth phone settings, "forget" the device MI Band 4_XXXX and reconnect.

2. Notifications are not received:

• 🔔 Check if notifications for Mi Fit are included in your phone settings.
• 🚫 Make sure the tracker is not in Do Not Disturb mode (swipe down on the tracker screen).
• 📵 On Android, turn off power saving mode for Mi Fit.

3. Inaccurate steps/sleep data:

• 📏 Check your personal information in your profile (height, weight).
• 🛏️ To sleep, wear a tracker on an unworking hand and tighten the strap more tightly.
• 🔄 Reset pedometer data: in Mi Fit → Profile → Data resetting.

The tracker is not charged:

• 🔌 Check the cable and power supply (use the original adapter) 5V/1A).
• 🧹 Clean the contacts of the tracker and charger from dust with a cotton swab.
• 🔋 If the battery is swelling, don't use the tracker.

If none of the tips helped, check if the warranty period has expired (standard 12 months).In case of hardware failure (screen does not work, does not hold charge), contact the authorized Xiaomi service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions