The Xiaomi Redmi Band fitness bracelet is one of the most popular wearables due to its combination of affordable price and wide functionality. But many users face problems when first setting up: the bracelet does not sync with the smartphone, does not show notifications or quickly discharges. In this article, we will analyze step-by-step instructions for setting up all key functions, including hidden features that are not written in the official documentation.
It's important to understand that the Redmi Band works in conjunction with the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit), and that 80 percent of the functionality of the wristband depends on its settings. We'll look at not only the basics of connecting and setting the time, but also the advanced options: dial customization, music management, sleep monitoring, and even how to reset the wristband to factory settings if it stops responding to touch. If you've just unpacked the device or want to optimize its operation, this is for you.
Preparation for setting up: what to do before turning on the bracelet
Before you start setting up the Xiaomi Redmi Band, make sure you have everything you need, which will save time and eliminate common mistakes.
First, check your smartphone compatibility. The bracelet works with Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+ devices. If your phone is older, the Mi Fitness app may not install or malfunction. Second, prepare the charger: even if the bracelet is turned on out of the box, it is better to charge it immediately to 100% - it will take about 2 hours. Use the original USB-Type A cable (included) or a certified analogue.
- 📱 Smartphone on Android/iOS Bluetooth-enabled 4.2+
- 🔌 Charging cable (complete with bracelet)
- 🌐 Stable Internet connection (for downloading applications and updates)
- 📝 Xiaomi account (can be created during setup)
If you are updating the firmware bracelet from an older model (for example, with Mi Band 3/4), note that the Redmi Band has a different charging connector - magnetic, without contact "points". Do not try to use charges from other Xiaomi devices, this can damage the contacts.
Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness application
The main tool for managing the Redmi Band is the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) which must be downloaded before the bracelet is connected, otherwise the smartphone will simply not detect the device. The app is available on Google Play and the App Store, but beware: there are fake versions with viruses. The official app has developer Xiaomi Inc. and millions of downloads.
After installation, follow the following steps:
- Open Mi Fitness and select the region of Russia (or your country).
- Sign up with your Xiaomi account (if not, sign up).
- Click Add the device → Bracelet → Redmi Band.
- Allow the app to access Bluetooth, Notifications, and Geolocation (the latter is needed to accurately calculate steps).
If the app does not find the bracelet:
- ⚠️ Make sure that Bluetooth is on on your smartphone.
- ⚠️ Reset the bracelet (press the touch button for 10 seconds).
- ⚠️ Check that the bracelet is on a white indicator (meaning it is in pairing mode).
Install Mi Fitness | Charge bracelet to 50%+| Enable Bluetooth | Allow notifications | Select the correct region-->
Initial bracelet setting: time, language, notifications
Once you've successfully connected, the app will suggest you do the initial setup, where many users make mistakes that then cause the bracelet to malfunction.
1. Time synchronization. The bracelet automatically pulls up time from your smartphone, but if the clock is straying, check:
- 🕒 On the smartphone, the automatic date and time (Settings) are enabled → System system → Date and time).
- 📶 The bracelet has the latest firmware (updated through Mi Fitness).
2. Language selection: Redmi Band supports Russian, English and Chinese, if the characters are displayed after setting:
- Open Mi Fitness → Device Profile → Language.
- Select Russian and wait for the synchronization.
3. Set up notifications, so that the bracelet vibrates when calling and texting:
- 📱 In Mi Fitness: Notifications → Insert notifications.
- 🔄 On Android: In your phone settings, allow Mi Fitness to show notifications (Settings) → Annexes → Mi Fitness → Notifications).
- 🍎 On iPhone: Settings → Bluetooth → Mi Band → Allow notices.
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If the bracelet doesn’t vibrate at notifications, check if it’s worth it in Do Not Disturb mode (swipe down the bracelet screen and find the icon). 🔔).
Health monitoring settings: pulse, sleep, activity
Redmi Band can track pulse, blood oxygen levels (SpO₂) And the quality of sleep, but by default, these functions can be turned off to save power:
Measurement of pulse:
- 🩺 Enable in Mi Fitness: Profile → Monitoring of heart rate → Continuously (or on schedule).
- ⚠️ Continuous monitoring reduces the bracelet's life by 30-40%, and the best option is to measure your heart rate every 30 minutes.
Oxygen levels (SpO₂):
- 💨 Activated manually: select on the bracelet SpO₂ in the menu (swipe up the screen).
- 📊 To automatically measure in your sleep, turn on Monitoring SpO₂ during sleep in the application settings.
Sleep tracking:
- 😴 Included in Mi Fitness → Son → Sleep monitoring.
- ⏰ For accurate data, go to bed at the same time – the bracelet takes into account the phases of deep and superficial sleep.
| Function | Effect on charge | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous pulse | High (-40%) | Use it on schedule |
| SpO₂ dreamily | Average (-20%) | Include if necessary |
| Sleep tracking | Low (-5%) | Always on. |
| Notifications | Low (-3%) | Leave it on. |
How to check the accuracy of the pulse meter?
Customization of dials and music management
One of the advantages of the Redmi Band is that it can install custom dials, which are not very common in standard firmware, but you can download additional ones through Mi Fitness:
1. Open Mi Fitness → Device Profile → Dials.
2. Select a category (Sports, Classics, Digital).
3. Click Install on the preferred option.
Some dials support weather, footsteps and pulse displays directly on the home screen, so that they are updated, you need to enable Autosynchronization of data in the bracelet settings.
Another useful feature is the control of music, and the bracelet can:
- 🎵 Switch tracks (swipe left/right on the bracelet screen).
- 🔊 Adjust the volume (in some firmware).
- 🎧 Show the track title (if included in Mi Fitness).
For activation:
- In Mi Fitness, go to Music Management → Enable.
- On the bracelet in the menu, find the icon 🎶.
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Castom dials can consume more energy, especially animated ones. If the bracelet is discharged faster, go back to the standard dial.
Hidden features and life hacks for Redmi Band
Many users don't know that Redmi Band can do much more than the instructions say, and here are some hidden features:
1. Quick flashlight activation
Twice tap the touch button on the off bracelet, and the screen will be backlit for 5 seconds. Convenient at night.
2.Do not disturb mode
Activated by swipe down the screen → icon 🔔. In this mode, the bracelet does not vibrate at notifications, but continues to track activity.
3. Reset to factory settings
If the bracelet is slurred or not synchronized:
- Open the settings on the bracelet (swipe up). → 🔧).
- Select Reset → Confirm.
- After reset, you will have to reconnect the bracelet to Mi Fitness.
4. Display notifications from messengers
By default, the bracelet only shows standard notifications. To add WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber:
- In Mi Fitness, go to Notifications → Application Management.
- Select the desired messengers and turn on the option to Show content for them.
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If the bracelet does not show notifications from a particular application, check if they are disabled in the settings of the messenger itself (for example, in Telegram: Settings → Notifications → Exceptions).
Problems and solutions: bracelets do not work
Even after setting up the Redmi Band properly, we can look at the most common problems and ways to solve them:
1. The bracelet is not synchronized with the smartphone
- ⚠️ Reboot both devices.
- ⚠️ Remove the bracelet from Mi Fitness and reconnect.
- ⚠️ Check if the bracelet is connected to another phone (in Bluetooth settings).
2.The battery is discharged quickly
- ⚠️ Turn off continuous pulse monitoring.
- ⚠️ Reduce the brightness of the screen (Settings) → Display).
- ⚠️ Remove the animated dials.
3. The touch button is not working.
- ⚠️ Wipe the bracelet screen with an alcohol napkin (mud interferes with touches).
- ⚠️ Update the firmware through Mi Fitness.
- ⚠️ If nothing helps, reset your settings.
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet stopped turning on after the firmware update, plug it into charging for 30 minutes. Often this helps restore work. If not, contact the service center (Redmi Band warranty - 12 months).