If you just purchased a fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band (any version β from Mi Band) 1S Before the Mi Smart Band 8 Pro, you're not alone in wondering which app to install, and this confusion has arisen because Xiaomi has changed its branding strategy for its wearables and related software several times. At different times, different programs were used to control the bracelets, and some models supported several options at once.
Today, the official app for all modern Mi Band bracelets (beginning with Mi Band 5) is called Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit), but Mi Fit is still found in app stores, and some users continue to use it out of habit.
- πΉ What app officially supports your Mi Band model (version compatibility table).
- πΉ Where to download Zepp Life and Mi Fit for Android and iOS (direct links to official sources).
- πΉ How to Difference Features in Zepp Life and Mi Fit β Which Is Better to Choose.
- πΉ Step-by-step instructions for connecting the bracelet to the phone through the application.
- πΉ Typical synchronization errors and ways to fix them.
1. Official applications for Xiaomi Mi Band: history and relevance
Initially, all Xiaomi Mi Band bracelets were controlled through the Mi Fit app developed by Huami (a Xiaomi subsidiary responsible for wearable electronics), but in 2020, Huami rebranded as Zepp Health, and with this, the name of the main application changed:
- π± Mi Fit - the old name (before) 2020 Supports Mi Band models of the year 1β4 Partly the Mi Band. 5/6.
- π± Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit) β new name, officially recommended for Mi Band 5 and newer.
- π± Xiaomi Wear is an experimental app for Mi Band 7 Pro and Mi Smart Band 8 Pro, but with limited functionality.
Important: Since the Mi Band 6, the Mi Fit app has stopped receiving updates for new bracelet features. Zepp Life has become the only official solution. However, Mi Fit still works with outdated models and can be used in parallel (for example, for data transfer).
If you have a Mi Band 4 or older bracelet, you can choose any of the apps you want, and for Mi Band 5 and the newer Zepp Life, it is preferable, and it implements all the relevant features, such as:
- π©Ί Extended monitoring SpOβ (oxygenation).
- π€ Sleep phase analysis with recommendations for improvement.
- πββοΈ Automatic recognition 150+ activity.
- π Optimized energy consumption to increase operating time.
2. Compatibility table: which application suits your model
To avoid confusion, we have compiled a table on compatibility of Xiaomi Mi Band bracelets with official applications. Please note that even if your model is supported by several programs, the functionality may differ.
| Model bracelet | Mi Fit | Zepp Life | Xiaomi Wear | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 1/1S | β Complete. | β No. | β No. | Requires an old version of Mi Fit 4.x |
| Mi Band 2/3 | β Complete. | β οΈ Partial | β No. | Zepp Life doesnβt support notifications for these models |
| Mi Band 4 | β Complete. | β Complete. | β No. | Better to use Zepp Life for new features |
| Mi Band 5/6 | β οΈ Limited. | β Complete. | β No. | Mi Fit has no support SpOβ and PAI |
| Mi Smart Band 7/7 Pro | β No. | β Complete. | β οΈ Partial | Xiaomi Wear only supports basic features |
| Mi Smart Band 8/8 Pro | β No. | β Complete. | β οΈ Experimental | Zepp Life adds support for Always-on Display |
If your model is not in the table (for example, Mi Band Lite or regional versions), check compatibility on the official website of Xiaomi Wearables. NFC For the Chinese market, an app (Xiaomi Sport) may be required, but it is not localized in Russian.
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For the newer Mi Band 5 bracelets, use Zepp Life, the only app with full support for all features, including stress and breathing monitoring.
3. Where to download official applications for Mi Band
To avoid installing fake or modified versions, download apps only from official sources. Below are direct links to Zepp Life and Mi Fit for Android and iOS:
- π€ Zepp Life for Android: Google Play (version 6.0)+).
- π Zepp Life for iOS: App Store (IOS 12.0 required)+).
- π€ Mi Fit for Android: Google Play (last updated β 2022).
- π Mi Fit for iOS: App Store (limited support).
Attention! In some regions (e.g. China), applications may be called differently:
- π¨π³ (Xiaomi Sport β Chinese version of Mi Fit.
- π¨π³ Zepp β Chinese version of Zepp Life with enhanced features for the local market.
If you canβt find an app in your area, use it. VPN You can also download the location to the United States or Hong Kong. APK-file from the official Zepp website (Support section) β Download, but be careful with sources β only the domain zepp.com or mi.com!
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Before installing, check that your phone has enabled the option βInstall from unknown sourcesβ (Settings) β Safety if you download APK directly.
4. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect Mi Band to the phone
The process of connecting the bracelet to the application takes no more than 5 minutes, but there are several nuances that can cause errors.
Download and install Zepp Life (or Mi Fit)
Turn on Bluetooth on your phone
Charge the bracelet to at least 20%
Place the bracelet next to your phone (no further than 1 meter)
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Step 1. Registration of an account
When you first start a Zepp Life or Mi Fit, you'll be asked to create an account.
- π§ Register by email.
- π± Use your phone number (required) SMS-code).
- π Log in via Google, Apple ID Xiaomi Account.
If you already have an account in Mi Fit, you can use it in Zepp Life β the data is synchronized automatically.
Step 2: Adding a device
After registration:
- Click on the Profile icon β Add the device.
- Select your Mi Band model from the list (if not, update the app).
- Follow the instructions on the screen: Confirm the pairing on the bracelet (click on its screen or button).
Step 3: Set up notifications and synchronize
After connection:
- π Allow the app to access notifications, contacts, and geolocation (for accurate activity tracking).
- π Wait for the first synchronization (can take up to 2 minutes).
- βοΈ Configure the displayed parameters on the bracelet screen in the Display section β Bracelet screen.
If the bracelet is not connected, check:
- π Charge level (at a discharge below 10% synchronization may not work).
- πΆ Bluetooth connection stability (reboot it in phone settings).
- π Bracelet firmware version (update through Device Profile) β Update of the PO).
What if Mi Band is not defined by the app?
5.Mi Fit vs Zepp Life Comparison: Which Is Better to Choose
While Zepp Life is positioned as the successor to Mi Fit, there are key differences between the two that can influence your choice.
| Criteria | Mi Fit | Zepp Life |
|---|---|---|
| Supported models | Mi Band 1-6 (partially) | Mi Band 4β8, Amazfit |
| Interface. | Outdated, less intuitive | Modern, adaptive design |
| Health monitoring | Basic (steps, sleep, pulse) | Expanded (SpOβ, stress, breathing, PAI) |
| Synchronization with other services | Google Fit, Apple Health | Google Fit, Apple Health, Strava, MyFitnessPal |
| Firmware updates | Rarely (last year - 2022) | Regularly (monthly) |
| Support for the Russian language | β Complete. | β Complete (including voice prompts) |
When to choose Mi Fit:
- π°οΈ You have a bracelet older than the Mi Band 5 and you donβt plan to upgrade.
- π You need simple synchronization without unnecessary functions.
- π You use old data and donβt want to transfer it to Zepp Life.
When you need Zepp Life:
- π©Ί Extended health metrics are important to you (SpOβ, phase-analysis).
- πββοΈ You play sports and need accurate tracking of activities.
- π± You have a Mi Band bracelet. 7/8 β In Mi Fit, it just won't connect.
If you're still in doubt, you can install both apps and compare them to your wristband, and the data will sync independently, but take up space on your phone.
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Zepp Life is the only choice for Mi Band owners 7/8. For older models (Mi Band) 4 The difference is not critical, but Zepp Life offers more options.
Typical problems and their solutions
Even with official apps, users are faced with sync errors, missing notifications or incorrect data, and letβs look at the most common problems and how to fix them.
Problem 1: The bracelet is not synchronized with the application
Decisions:
- π Reboot the bracelet and phone.
- π± Remove the bracelet from the device list in your phoneβs Bluetooth Settings and add it again.
- π Check the bracelet charge (at a level below 15%, synchronization may not work).
- π² Update the bracelet app and firmware.
Problem 2: Notifications are not received on the bracelet
Decisions:
- π In your phone settings, check that notifications are allowed for Zepp Life or Mi Fit (Settings) β Annexes β Zepp Life β Notifications).
- π΅ In the app, enable the Notification option. β Allow notices.
- π Reconnect the bracelet (sometimes crashes after phone update).
Problem 3: Step or sleep data doesn't match reality
Decisions:
- π Check if the bracelet is properly fastened (should fit tightly to the wrist, but not crushed).
- π Reset statistics in the app (Profile) β The device β Reset the data).
- π§ Calibrate the pedometer: walk exactly 50 steps, then in the application specify this value in Settings. β Stepper β Sizing.
Problem 4: The bracelet discharges quickly
Decisions:
- π Turn off Always-on Display (if any) in bracelet settings.
- π Reduce notification frequency or turn off vibration for unnecessary apps.
- π‘ Turn off automatic monitoring SpOβ at night (if not necessary).
- π Update the firmware β in new versions optimized power consumption.
If none of these methods worked, try resetting the bracelet to factory settings.
- Open the Settings menu on the bracelet (slip the screen to the left until the end).
- Select Reset and confirm the action.
- Reconnect the bracelet through the app.
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If the bracelet does not turn on after reset, connect it to charging for 10-15 minutes - sometimes the battery discharge blocks the start.
7. Alternative apps for Mi Band: is it worth trying?
In addition to the official Zepp Life and Mi Fit, there are third-party apps for working with Mi Band, such as:
- π§ Notify & Fitness for Mi Band β Advanced Notifications and Screen Settings.
- π Mi Band Master - an alternative interface with additional widgets.
- π Tools & Mi Band β Tools for sensor calibration.
The advantages of third-party applications:
- β More customization options (change dials, vibration settings).
- β Support for older models (e.g. Mi Band 2 in new Zepp Life versions is not working properly).
- β Additional metrics (e.g. Sleep as Android sleep analysis).
Cons and risks:
- β οΈ No guarantee of stable operation β synchronization failures are possible.
- β οΈ Lack of official support β when updating the bracelet firmware, the application may stop working.
- β οΈ Security issues β some applications request unnecessary permissions (e.g. access to a security service) SMS).
If you decide to try third-party software, we recommend:
- Download only from Google Play or App Store (avoid) APK from unknown sites).
- Before installing, read reviews about the latest version.
- Create a backup copy of the data in the official annex.
β οΈ Note: Using unofficial firmware or applications may result in a loss of warranty on the bracelet. If the device stops working after experiments, it can only be restored through official software.