The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet automatically synchronizes time with the connected smartphone, but sometimes users face problems: the clock on the screen is lagging, rushing or even showing the wrong date. The reasons can vary from Bluetooth communication failure to errors after updating the firmware. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to adjust time, including forced synchronization, manual time zone change and solving typical problems.
The Mi Band 5 has no GPS module or mobile network connection – all time binding depends on the smartphone and the Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life for new versions). If the phone is not set in the wrong time zone or the automatic time setting is turned off, the bracelet will repeat these errors, and problems can occur when using custom firmware or after resetting the device.
It’s important to understand that the Mi Band 5 doesn’t support manual time entry through the wristband menu – all changes are made through the app. However, there are workarounds that we’ll cover below. If you’ve recently traveled or switched to winter/summer time, be sure to check your sync settings to avoid discrepancies.
1. Automatic time synchronization via Mi Fit/Zepp Life
By default, the Mi Band 5 bracelet syncs time to your phone every time you connect to Bluetooth, which is in the background and usually doesn't require user intervention, but if the time on the bracelet is different from the real one, check the sync settings in the app first.
For this:
- 📱 Open the Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life for new versions).
- 🔄 Go to the Profile section → Your device. → Bracelet settings.
- ⏱️ Find the synchronization time and make sure it is enabled.
- 🔄 If the option is disabled, activate it and wait for automatic synchronization (may take up to 1 minute).
If after the synchronization time on the bracelet has not been updated, try to force the data to update:
- Close the Mi Fit app through the multitasking menu.
- Turn off Bluetooth on your phone for 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
- Open the Mi Fit and wait for the bracelet to reconnect.
- Switch the sync manually by pulling the bracelet screen down (refresh gesture).
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If the bracelet doesn't sync, try rebooting your smartphone. Sometimes the background processes of Android block Bluetooth from working properly.
2. Checking the time settings on the smartphone
The Mi Band 5 bracelet copies the time settings from your smartphone, so if the phone has the wrong time, the error will be duplicated.
On Android:
- ⚙️ Go to Settings. → System system → Date and time.
- 🌍 Make sure that the Automatic Date and Time option is enabled.
- 🕒 Check the correctness of the selected time zone (should match your region).
- 🔄 If the automatic setting is disabled, turn it on or manually set the correct date and time.
On the iPhone:
- ⚙️ Open the Settings. → Mainstream → Date and time.
- 🔄 Activate the option automatically.
- 🌍 Make sure the time zone is automatically determined (Time Zone option: Set automatically).
If you have recently crossed the border or changed your watch to winter/summer time, your smartphone may not have automatically updated your settings.
- Turn off the automatic time setting.
- Manually choose the correct time zone.
- Turn on the automatic setup back.
- Reboot your phone and wait for the bracelet to sync.
3. Manual time zone change through the application
In some cases, automatic time synchronization doesn't work properly, especially if you travel frequently or use a VPN. The Mi Fit app has a hidden option for manual time zone selection, but it's not available in all versions. Here's how to find it:
Instructions for Mi Fit:
- Open the app and go to the bracelet profile.
- Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Device Settings.
- Scroll down to the Additional (or System Settings) section.
- Find the time zone and select it.
- Turn off automatic definition and manually specify your region.
If the time zone item is not on the menu, try an alternative way:
Make sure the bracelet is connected to your phone via Bluetooth
Close all background apps except Mi Fit
Check the stability of the Internet connection
Update the Mi Fit app to the latest version-->
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The time on the bracelet is not updated | Synchronization in Mi Fit is disabled | Enable the option of synchronizing time in the bracelet settings |
| The clock is in a hurry / lagging for 1-2 hours | Wrong time zone on the phone | Install the correct belt in the smartphone settings |
| Date is lost after update | Bracelet firmware failure | Reset the bracelet settings and repeat the synchronization |
| Time resets when Bluetooth is turned off | Low battery charge bracelet | Charge the bracelet to 100% and reconnect |
Important: If you use custom firmware on your smartphone (like LineageOS or MIUI with modifications), automatic time synchronization may not work smoothly, in which case it is recommended to manually check the settings after each restart of the phone.
4.Reset bracelet settings with constant time failures
If the time on the Mi Band 5 is regularly lost, despite all attempts at synchronization, a complete reset of the device may help, which will return the bracelet to factory settings and often solve software errors.
How to reset your settings:
- On the bracelet, go to the Settings menu → Additional → Reset (or Recovery).
- Confirm the action by pressing the bracelet screen.
- Wait for the reboot (the bracelet vibrates and shows the Mi logo).
- After turning on, reconnect the bracelet to the phone via Mi Fit.
After discharge:
- 🔄 Synchronize the time manually (pull the bracelet screen down).
- 📲 Check that the phone settings include automatic date and time.
- 🔋 Make sure the bracelet is at least 50% charged (at low charge, synchronization may not work properly).
⚠️ Warning: Reset will delete all data from the bracelet, including training history and alarm settings. Before the procedure, back up the data in the Mi Fit app (Profile section) → Settings → Backup).
5. Update the bracelet firmware to eliminate time errors
Sometimes the timing is incorrectly displayed due to a bug in the bracelet firmware. Xiaomi regularly releases updates to fix such bugs.
Steps to update:
- Open the Mi Fit and go to the bracelet profile.
- Click on the firmware update icon (a notification usually appears if a new version is available).
- Confirm the load and wait for the process to be completed (the bracelet must be charged at least 50%).
- Do not turn off Bluetooth or close the app until the update is complete.
If the update does not appear automatically:
- 🔄 Check your internet connection (updates are downloaded via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- 📱 Update the Mi Fit app to the latest version in Google Play or App Store.
- 🔋 Make sure the bracelet is charged (at low charge, the update is blocked).
What to do if the update is suspended?
6. Alternative methods of time synchronization
If standard methods don't work, alternative solutions can be tried, one of which is using third-party Mi Band 5 management apps like Notify & Fitness or Mi Band Master, which often offer advanced settings not available in the official Mi Fit.
Instructions for Notify & Fitness:
- Install the app from Google Play and provide all the necessary permissions.
- Connect the bracelet through the Device menu.
- Go to Settings → Time and Date.
- Turn off automatic synchronization and manually set the time.
- Save the changes and reset the bracelet.
Advantages of third-party applications:
- ⏱️ The ability to manually adjust the time without being tied to the phone.
- 🌍 Support for additional time zones.
- 🔧 Advanced Date and Time Settings on the Screen.
⚠️ Note: Using unofficial apps can cause the bracelet to run unstable or lose warranty. Check user reviews and developer reputation before installing. Also make sure the app supports the Mi Band. 5 (Some programs only work with newer models, such as the Mi Band. 6/7).
7. Frequent errors and their solutions
Even when you set up the right setup, the time on the Mi Band 5 can be lost due to specific errors, and let's look at the most common cases and how to fix them.
Problem 1: Time is lost after Bluetooth shutdown
This is a situation where the bracelet loses contact with the phone and "forgets" the current time.
- 🔄 Turn on the option of Permanent Bluetooth connection in your phone settings (if available).
- 📱 Install Bluetooth Auto Connect on your phone to prevent connection breaks.
- 🔋 Check the bracelet charge - at a level below 20%, synchronization failures are possible.
Problem 2: The clock is in a hurry or a few minutes behind
If the discrepancy is 5-10 minutes, the fault may be an inaccurate bracelet timer.
- ⏱️ Forced time synchronization (pull the bracelet screen down).
- 🔄 Reset the bracelet (hold the button for 10 seconds).
- 📲 Check if the phone is using unofficial firmware with errors in the time service.
Problem 3: Date is not displayed correctly (e.g. 2020 instead of 2026)
This could be due to a malfunction in the bracelet's firmware.
- 🔄 Update the bracelet firmware to the latest version.
- 📱 Set the correct date and time on your phone, then reconnect the bracelet.
- 🔧 Reset the bracelet settings (see Section 4).
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If none of these methods worked, check the bracelet for physical damage or contact a service center. In rare cases, incorrect timekeeping may be due to a malfunction of the internal timer of the device.