What application is needed for Xiaomi Mi Band 4: Mi Fit vs Zepp Life

Why App Choice Is Important for Mi Band 4

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet, released in 2019, is still one of the most popular trackers among users due to its combination of price, functionality and reliability. However, many owners are faced with confusion: which app officially supports this model? In 2023, Xiaomi rebranded its fitness software, dividing the ecosystem into two directions: Mi Fit (for older devices) and Zepp Life (for new ones).

In this article, we will discuss:

  • πŸ”Ή Official applications for Mi Band 4 and their differences
  • πŸ”Ή How to connect the bracelet to the smartphone on Android and iOS
  • πŸ”Ή What features are available in Mi Fit and Zepp Life and which are not
  • πŸ”Ή Typical synchronization errors and ways to fix them

It’s important to understand that the choice of app affects not only the interface, but also the stability of the bracelet, the availability of firmware updates and compatibility with third-party services (Google Fit, Apple Health).For example, in Zepp Life, some users note smoother synchronization of sleep data, while Mi Fit is better integrated with the Xiaomi ecosystem (for example, with smart lamps or speakers).

πŸ“Š What app are you using for Mi Band 4?
Mi Fit
Zepp Life
Both in turn
Other (specify in the comments)

Xiaomi Mi Band 4: Mi Fit vs Zepp Life

Xiaomi began to gradually replace the Mi Fit with a new Zepp Life app (formerly known as Amazfit) in 2023, but the Mi Band 4, as a 2019 device, is in the grey zone: it supports both applications, but with different levels of functionality. Let's compare their key features.

FunctionMi FitZepp Life
Synchronization of dataStable, but sometimes delayedFaster, especially for sleep and pulse
Firmware updatesAll current versions are availableUpdates come later than in Mi Fit
Integration with Google Fit/Apple HealthComplete.Partial (sometimes manual synchronization is required)
NotificationsSupport for all messengersRestrictions for some applications (e.g. Telegram)
Interface.Simple but outdatedModern, with health analytics

The main difference is in the approach to analytics: Zepp Life offers more detailed reports on sleep, stress and physical activity, while Mi Fit focuses on basic metrics and integration with other Xiaomi devices. For example, if you use the Mi Body Composition Scale 2 smart scale, the data will automatically be combined only in the Mi Fit.

⚠️ Note: If you've used Mi Fit before and decided to switch to Zepp Life, all historical data will not be automatically transferred. β†’ Exporting data to Mi Fit before removing the application.

How to connect Xiaomi Mi Band 4 to a smartphone: step-by-step instructions

The process of pairing the bracelet with the phone is the same for both applications, but there are nuances that will help avoid errors. Below is a universal guide for Android and iOS.

Make sure the bracelet is at least 50 times charged%|

Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone |

Remove old versions of Mi Fit/Zepp Life (if you were)|

Allow the app to access notifications and geolocation-->

Step 1: Installation of the application

  • πŸ“± For Android: Download Mi Fit or Zepp Life from Google Play. Avoid third-party sources - it is fraught with viruses.
  • 🍎 For iOS: Apps are available in the App Store, but note that Zepp Life may require iOS 14+.

Step 2: Registration of an account

When you first launch the app will suggest you create a Xiaomi account or log in via Google/Facebook.We recommend using a Xiaomi account – this will make it easier to sync with other devices of the brand.If you already have an account (for example, for a Redmi smartphone), use it.

Step 3: Adding a device

  1. In the main menu of the application, click Profile β†’ Add the device.
  2. Choose a bracelet. β†’ Mi Smart Band 4.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen: Confirm the pairing on the bracelet (click on its touch button).

⚠️ Note: If the bracelet is not present, check it out: πŸ”‹ Charge level (at a charge below 20%, Bluetooth may be turned off). πŸ“Ά Telephone distance (maximum 10 meters without obstacles). πŸ”„ Reset the bracelet: Press the touch button for 10 seconds until vibration appears.

πŸ’‘

If you have problems connecting to your iPhone, try turning off the Bluetooth Limit feature in iOS settings (Settings β†’ Bluetooth β†’ i (information) β†’ Bluetooth Limit β†’ Disable).

What features does Mi Band 4 work in just one application?

While both apps support basic Mi Band 4 functionality (stepmeter, pulse, notifications), some features are only available in one of them.

Only in Mi Fit:

  • πŸ”„ Firmware updates come faster (sometimes 1-2 weeks earlier than Zepp Life).
  • 🌐 Mi Home integration – you can control Xiaomi smart devices directly from the bracelet (for example, turn on the lamp with a double touch).
  • πŸ“Š Export of data to CSV For analysis in Excel or Google Sheets.

Only in Zepp Life:

  • πŸ’€ Advanced sleep analysis by phase (REM, Light/deep sleep and recommendations for improvement.
  • πŸƒ Voice-accompanied training (available for running, cycling, swimming).
  • πŸ“ˆ Health index PAI β€” personalized assessment of physical activity.

If you want stability and compatibility with Xiaomi’s ecosystem, choose Mi Fit. If detailed health analytics is your priority, go for Zepp Life.

What happens if you use both apps at the same time?
Simultaneous connection to Mi Fit and Zepp Life is possible, but fraught with conflicts: - Step/pulse data can be duplicated or lost. - Notifications will come only to one of the applications (priority is given to the one that connected the last). - The bracelet can begin to discharge quickly due to constant synchronization requests from two sources.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even with official apps, Mi Band 4 users are plagued with bugs, and these are the most common bugs and ways to fix them.

1.The bracelet is not synchronized with the phone

  • πŸ”„ Reset the bracelet (press the button for 10 seconds).
  • πŸ“± Restart Bluetooth on your phone or turn on/off aircraft mode.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Clear the app cache (phone settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Mi Fit/Zepp Life β†’ Memory. β†’ Clear the cache).
  • πŸ”§ Update the bracelet firmware through the app.

2. no notifications are coming.

Check it out.

  • πŸ”” App permissions in phone settings (Settings) β†’ Notifications β†’ Mi Fit/Zepp Life).
  • πŸ“΅ In the annex itself: Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Notifications β†’ Turn it on.
  • 🚫 Some messengers (for example, Viber) require separate permission in their settings.

3. The battery goes down fast.

Causes and solutions:

  • πŸ”‹ Frequent synchronization: in bracelet settings, set the interval no more than 1 time per hour.
  • πŸ“Ά Bluetooth on: Turn it off if you don’t use the bracelet.
  • 🌑️ Faulty battery: If the bracelet is discharged in 1-2 days, it may be necessary to replace the battery (average life is 2-3 years).

πŸ’‘

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the bracelet to factory settings: Settings in the app β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Untie the device. After that, reconnect.

How to Update Mi Band 4 with Mi Fit or Zepp Life

Regular firmware updates fix bugs, add new features (like support for new types of workouts) and improve stability. Here's how to check and install updates.

In Mi Fit:

  1. Open the application and go to Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4.
  2. Scroll down to the Firmware Update section.
  3. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (the bracelet will reboot automatically).

In Zepp Life:

  1. Get in the Devices. β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Settings (βš™οΈ) β†’ Firmware update.
  2. Confirm the download and installation. Don't turn off Bluetooth during the process!

⚠️ Warning: If the upgrade fails (e.g., phone dies or Bluetooth goes off), the bracelet may freeze on the logo. In this case: Try re-run the update. If it doesn't work, reset the bracelet to factory settings (press the button for 20 seconds).

The latest firmware update for the Mi Band 4 as of 2026 is 1.0.9.54 (may vary by region). To find out your version, go to Bracelet Settings β†’ About device.

Mi Band 4 Alternative Apps: Should You Try It?

In addition to official solutions, there are third-party applications for Mi Band 4, such as Notify & Fitness, Mi Band Master or Tools & Mi Band.

The advantages of third-party applications:

  • βœ… More notification settings (e.g., keyword filtering).
  • βœ… Support for informal dials.
  • βœ… Possibility of data export in format GPX sportsman.

Cons and risks:

  • ❌ Warranty Violation: Xiaomi does not support third-party software.
  • ❌ Security vulnerabilities: Some applications request access to SMS or contact.
  • ❌ Unstable work: permanent breaks of the connection are possible.

If you do decide to try an alternative, first back up the data in the official app.

  1. In Mi Fit or Zepp Life, go to Profile β†’ Settings β†’ Export data.
  2. Save the file to Google Drive or send it to your mail.

πŸ’‘

To install unofficial dials, use the Amazfit Watch Faces website (supports Mi Band 4 via Mi Band Master).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band 4 and apps

Can I use Mi Band 4 without a smartphone?
Yes, the bracelet will count steps, pulse and time, but without a smartphone you can not: πŸ“² Receive notifications. πŸ“Š Synchronize data (they will remain in the memory of the bracelet for 7 days). πŸ”„ Update the firmware. For autonomous use, set up the bracelet in advance through the application.
How to transfer data from Mi Fit to Zepp Life?
There's no official way, but you can do a workaround: Export your Mi Fit data to CSV. Import it to Google Fit or Apple Health. Connect Zepp Life to these services for partial synchronization. Keep in mind that the history of sleep and exercise is not fully transferred.
Why isn’t Zepp Life some of the features that Mi Fit was?
Xiaomi is gradually bringing older devices to Zepp Life, but some features (such as managing smart devices) remain exclusive to Mi Fit: πŸ”§ Different Application Server Infrastructures. πŸ“± Zepp Life is a priority for new devices (e.g. Mi Band 7) If you are critical to a specific feature, check it in the app description before you switch.
Can I connect Mi Band 4 to two phones at the same time?
Officially, no. The bracelet only remembers one device, but there's a workaround: Connect the bracelet to the first phone via Mi Fit. On the second phone, use Zepp Life (or vice versa). Reconnect the bracelet manually periodically. Minus: the data will be duplicated, and the notifications will have to be customized separately.
How to Reset Mi Band 4 if it Doesn't React to a Button
If the bracelet is stuck and does not respond to touch: Connect it to charging. Press the touch button for 30 seconds (to double vibration). Unload from charging - the bracelet should reset. If that does not help, try a hardware reset: 1. Disconnect the bracelet from the phone in the app. 2. Remove the app. 3. Install it again and plug the bracelet in as a new device.