You just bought a Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelet and faced the first question: what app should you install to make it work? Or maybe your old bracelet suddenly stopped syncing after updating your smartphone? In this article, we will understand which apps officially support Mi Band from different generations, how they differ and how not to run into a fake.
Since 2014, when the first Mi Band was released, the app ecosystem for these devices has undergone several changes: If it used to be one universal Mi Fit, today users are faced with a choice between Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit) and good old Mi Fit. And then there are regional restrictions, problems with Google Fit and Apple Health, and even gray firmware from third-party developers.
Xiaomi Mi Band: Mi Fit vs Zepp Life
Xiaomi officially supports two apps for its fitness bracelets, Mi Fit and Zepp Life (formerly known as Amazfit), and the choice depends not only on your preferences, but also on the bracelet model, region of residence and even the operating system of the smartphone.
Mi Fit is a classic app that has accompanied the Mi Band since the very first generation, and is still available on Google Play and the App Store, but its functionality is gradually declining. 7/8 Mi Fit may not have some features that Zepp Life has.
Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit) is a more modern solution that Xiaomi has been pushing since 2021, offering enhanced sleep analytics, more dial options, and better integration with other Xiaomi ecosystem devices (such as weights or treadmills).
Itβs important to understand that both apps are not interchangeable for all models, for example, the Mi Band 8 Pro is officially supported only in Zepp Life, whereas for the Mi Band 5 you can choose either of the two.
Which app is right for your Mi Band model?
To be sure, let's look at the models, and here's the official Mi Band intergenerational app compatibility table (currently for 2026):
| Model bracelet | Mi Fit | Zepp Life | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 1/1S | β Yes. | β No. | Support is terminated, problems with new ones are possible Android/iOS |
| Mi Band 2/3 | β Yes. | β οΈ Partially. | Zepp Life has reduced functionality (for example, no music management) |
| Mi Band 4 | β Yes. | β Yes. | Full support in both apps, but Zepp Life has more dials |
| Mi Band 5/6 | β Yes. | β Yes (recommended) | Zepp Life has advanced analytics available PAI stress |
| Mi Band 7/8 | β οΈ Limited. | β Yes (full support) | Mi Fit may not have new features (e.g., voice training) |
| Mi Band 8 Pro | β No. | β Yes. | Only Zepp Life requires firmware at least 1.0.5.0 |
If your model is not listed in the table (e.g. Mi Band Lite or regional versions like Mi Band). NFC), Check compatibility in the app description in the store. Note: some bracelets (e.g. Mi Band) 3i) Officially sold only in China and may not support European versions of the apps.
How to install and configure an application for Mi Band
Installation of the app is just the first step, and in order for the bracelet to work properly, you need to connect it correctly and configure it correctly, and let's take a look at the process with Zepp Life (for Mi Fit, the steps are similar, but with slight differences in the interface).
1. Download the application from the official store:
- Google Play: Zepp Life
App Store: Zepp Life for iOS
β οΈ Note: Do not install applications from third-party sources (APK-This can lead to data leakage or blocking of Xiaomi account.
2. Register an account or sign in through an existing one (Xiaomi Account, Google, Apple supported) ID). If you already have an account in Mi Fit, you can use it in Zepp Life β the data is synchronized automatically.
3. Connect the bracelet:
- Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone.
- In the app, click Profile β Add the device β Mi Smart Band.
Select your model from the list (if not, update the app).
- Follow the instructions on the screen (scanning may be required) QR-bracelet).
4. Set up the basic parameters:
Set the dial (there are more of them in Zepp Life than in Mi Fit).
Set up notifications (select the apps you want to receive alerts from).
Activate monitoring functions (steps, sleep, pulse, stress).
Link your Google Fit or Apple Health accounts if you need to.
Check the bracelet charge (at least 20%)
Update the application to the latest version
Enable Bluetooth and geolocation on your smartphone
Prepare the data for entering Xiaomi Account
Make sure the bracelet is near the phone (no more than 1 meter)-->
Connection problems: what to do if the app can't see Mi Band
One of the most common problems is that the app doesn't detect the bracelet, even though Bluetooth is on, and here's what can help:
- π Reboot both devices: Turn off the bracelet (press the touch button for 10 seconds), then restart the smartphone.
- π± Check Permissions: In your smartphone settings, make sure the app has access to Bluetooth, Geodata, and Notifications.
- π Reset the connection: in the application, remove the bracelet from the list of devices, then try to connect it again.
- π οΈ Update the firmware: sometimes the problem is solved after updating the bracelet through the application (Device Profile section) β Update of the PO).
If nothing helps, try alternative methods of connection:
- π Change your account region: In the Xiaomi Account settings (at account.xiaomi.com), change country to China or India, then reconnect.
- π‘ If Zepp Life doesnβt see the bracelet, try Mi Fit and vice versa.
- π§ Reset the bracelet to factory settings: for this in the application, select the Device Profile β Untie, then reset on the bracelet (for Mi Band) 7/8: press the button 30 seconds).
β οΈ Note: If you bought the bracelet on AliExpress or in unofficial stores, it may be linked to a Chinese account, in which case you will need to reset via Mi Fit with the Chinese region or appeal in support of Xiaomi.
Third-party applications for Mi Band: pros and risks
In addition to the official solutions, there are third-party applications that promise enhanced functionality.
- π Notify & Fitness for Mi Band β Supports custom dials, advanced notifications and even music control from the bracelet.
- π§ Mi Bandage β allows you to change the bracelet parameters that are hidden in official applications (for example, pulse measurement frequency).
- π Sleep as Android β Integrates with Mi Band for in-depth sleep analysis (requires Mi Fit or Zepp Life for basic synchronization).
However, third-party applications have serious disadvantages:
- π¨ Account lock risk: Xiaomi may block the device for using unofficial software.
- π Increased battery consumption: Constant synchronization with multiple apps discharges the bracelet into 2-3 faster.
- π No guarantee of stability: after updating the firmware bracelet, third-party applications may stop working.
β οΈ Note: If you decide to use third-party software, first back up the data in the official application. β Settings β Export of data.
How to unlock Mi Band after blocking for third-party software?
Mi Band and Health: What Data the App Collects and How to Use It
One of the key benefits of the Mi Band is health monitoring, and the Mi Fit and Zepp Life apps collect the following data:
- π Activity: steps, distance, calories burned, activity/inactivity time.
- π€ Sleep: phases of sleep (deep, light, REM), Responding to the recommendations for improvement.
- β€οΈ Heart rate: Constant monitoring or measurement on request (depending on model).
- π Stress and energy: assessing stress levels by heart rate variability (available in Mi Band) 6/7/8).
- π©Ί SpOβ (oxygen saturation: Measured automatically during sleep or manually.
How can this data be used in practice?
- π Tracking progress: Set goals by steps (8000-10,000 recommended daily) and follow the progress in the Statistics section.
- π Sleep optimization: If the app shows frequent wake-ups, try going to bed at the same time and avoiding caffeine 4 hours before bedtime.
- β οΈ Warning about problems: if the resting heart rate is constantly above 100 or below 50, this is an occasion to see a doctor.
Zepp Life has a unique feature β PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence is an algorithm that measures your activity over the week and gives you personalized recommendations. PAI Below 50, the app advises you to increase the load.
How to export data to the doctor?
- In Zepp Life, go to Profile β Settings β Export of data.
- Select a period (for example, the last week).
- Click Export to Export to CSV β The file can be opened in Excel or sent to the doctor.
π‘
To measure the pulse more accurately, wear a bracelet 2-3 fingers above the wrist and tighten the strap so that the sensor is tightly attached to the skin, but does not clutch the hand.
Mi Band and Xiaomi ecosystem: how to sync with other devices
Xiaomi is building an ecosystem of smart devices, and the Mi Band can interact with other gadgets of the brand.
| The device | How to sync with Mi Band | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Smart Scale 2/3 | Through Mi Fit or Zepp Life (Section Profile) β Devices) | Automatic calculation of BMI, fat mass and muscle mass taking into account data from the bracelet |
| Xiaomi Smart Home (Smart Home) | Through the Mi Home app (requires a link to one account) | Controlling lighting or sockets with bracelet gestures (e.g. double tapping to turn on lights) |
| Xiaomi Earbuds (headphones) | Automatically when connected to the same smartphone | Pause / playback of music by touching the bracelet, displaying the level of charge of the headphones |
| Xiaomi TV | Mi Home or Zepp Life (Smart Home) | Hand gesture control (for example, changing the channel by shaking the hand) |
To make the ecosystem work, all devices must be linked to a single Xiaomi account, and if you use different accounts for your bracelet and scales, for example, the data will not sync.
β οΈ Note: Some features (such as smart home management) may not be available in the European firmware version, and to unlock them, you will need to change your account region to China (but this may result in the loss of warranty).