Set up time on Xiaomi Mi Band 5: synchronization, failure and error correction

Xiaomi Mi Band 5 remains one of the most popular fitness trackers due to the combination of functionality and affordable price. However, many users face the problem: the time on the bracelet does not match the real one or gets lost after disconnecting from the smartphone. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to adjust time, from automatic synchronization to manual correction of failures, including the nuances of working with time zones and firmware in 2026.

Unlike the newer models (Mi Band 6/7), the fifth version does not have built-in GPS and relies entirely on smartphone data to correctly display time.This means that synchronization errors often stem from the settings of the phone or Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life), and we analyzed typical causes of malfunctions and put together proven solutions that will help even if standard methods do not work.

Why is the Mi Band 5 time up or down?

Before you start setting up, it is important to understand the root of the problem, and 80% of the time on the bracelet is due to one of the following factors:

• 📱 Lack of sync with smartphone: the bracelet does not receive time data due to a broken Bluetooth connection or errors in the application.
• ⏰ Wrong time zone on the phone: if the smartphone has the wrong region, Mi Band 5 will show the time with a shift.
• 🔄 Outdated firmware: software versions older than 1.0.6.54 (2023) had bugs with automatic synchronization.
• 🔋 Low battery power: When the charge level is below 10%, the bracelet can pause background processes, including time updates.
• 🛠️ App cache failure: accumulated data in Mi Fitness sometimes blocks correct function.

Less commonly, hardware malfunctions, such as when charging contacts are damaged or the bracelet's internal timer fails, but these are usually accompanied by other symptoms (the screen is not turned on, the touch is not responsive) and if your Mi Band 5 is behaving this way, you may need to be diagnosed at a service center.

Method 1: Automatic time synchronization through Mi Fitness

The main and recommended method is synchronization through the official application, which works if:

• 📲 The smartphone has the Mi Fitness application (version not lower than 5.12.0).
• 🔵 Bluetooth is on and the bracelet is connected to the phone.
• 🌍 The time zone on your phone corresponds to your region.

Step instructions:

1. Open the Mi Fitness app and wait for the bracelet to connect (the Mi Band 5 icon with a green tick will appear at the top of the screen).
2. Go to Profile → Your Device → Device Settings.
3. Find the synchronization of time (in some versions of the application it may be called update data).
4. Slip it and wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-10 seconds).

If the time on the bracelet has not changed after synchronization, try the forced update:

1. In the same section of the device settings, find Update firmware.
2. If a new version of the software is available, install it.
3. After the update, reboot the bracelet (press the touch button for 10 seconds until the Mi logo appears).

Method 2: Manual time setting (if automatic does not work)

If synchronization through the application does not work, you can try to update the time manually. This method is suitable for cases where the bracelet is connected to the phone, but the data is not transmitted. Importantly, manual adjustment will only work if the Mi Band 5 has firmware version 1.0.7.14 or later (check in Mi Fitness → Profile → Software version).

Algorithm of action:

1. Open the settings on the phone → Date and time.
2. Make sure that options are included: 🔄 Automatic date and time (using network data). 🌐 Automatic time zone (determined by location).

Mi Fitness

Profile → Your Device → More

Reset the time settings

Synchronize manually

Confirm the action and wait for notification of a successful update.

Critical detail: if the phone has disabled the option "Automatic time zone", the bracelet will show the time according to the latest synchronization, but will not update it when moving between regions. For example, if you fly from Moscow to Yekaterinburg, and the phone manually installed the Moscow belt, Mi Band 5 will continue to show Moscow time, even if the smartphone has already updated the data.

💡

If manual sync doesn’t work, try untie the bracelet from your Mi Fitness account and then reconnect it, which often solves problems with the “hung” settings.

Solving time zone problems

One of the most common complaints of Mi Band 5 users is that the bracelet shows the time 1-3 hours ahead or backward, due to incorrect time zone processing.

The fact is that the Mi Fitness app can take time zone data from the user profile, not from the phone settings, to check this:

1. Open Mi Fitness and go to Profile → Account Settings.
2. Check the Region field – it should match your current location.
3. If the region is incorrect, change it and restart the application.

Update the firmware to correct time errors

If none of the above methods worked, the problem may lie in outdated firmware. The manufacturer regularly releases updates that fix synchronization bugs. For example, version 1.0.7.14 (released in March 2023) fixed 3 critical errors associated with time mapping in different time zones.

How to update firmware:

1. Make sure the bracelet is at least 50% charged.
2. Connect the Mi Band 5 to your phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open Mi Fitness and go to Profile → Your Device → Firmware Update.
4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until the process is complete (don’t turn off the bracelet!).

💡

After updating your firmware, always make a forced time synchronization, even if the bracelet shows the correct data, which will prevent possible failures in the future.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If you’ve tried all the ways but your Mi Band 5 time is still getting lost, it’s possible that one of the following factors is the problem:

⚠️ Note: if the bracelet shows a time with a constant shift (for example, always 30 minutes ahead), this may indicate a hardware failure of the internal timer.

Before you carry the device for repair, perform a full diagnosis:

1. Check the phone’s compatibility: Some MediaTek-based models (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro) have Bluetooth LE issues, which prevents proper synchronization.
2. Delete the app cache: On Android: Settings → Apps → Mi Fitness → Storage → Clear the cache. On iOS: Remove the app and install it again.

Check the energy saving settings:

Xiaomi

Samsung

Huawei

Mi Fitness

If after all the manipulations the problem remains, contact Xiaomi support via the official website or contact an authorized service center.

• 📌 Model bracelet (Mi Band 5).
• 📱 Smartphone model and OS version.
• 🔢 The bracelet firmware version (you can find it in Mi Fitness) → Profile → POS version).
• 📝 Detailed description of the problem (when it started, after what actions).

When do you need repairs?

Most of the time problems on the Mi Band 5 are software-based, but there are symptoms that indicate hardware problems:

• ⏱️ Time is lost even after a complete reset and firmware update.
• 🔋 The bracelet discharges in a few hours (possibly damaged battery, which affects the timer).
• 🛠️ Artifacts appear on the screen or the bracelet spontaneously reboots.
• 🔌 No charging (bracelet does not turn on or hold charge).

The cost of repairing Mi Band 5 in 2026 varies from 800 to 2000 rubles depending on the problem:

⚠️ Note: if the bracelet is warranty (usually 12 months from the date of purchase), do not try to disassemble it yourself - this will void warranty obligations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up time on Mi Band 5