Owners of the popular fitness tracker often face the need to install an up-to-date version of software to get new features and fix bugs. Updating the firmware is a key step in the maintenance of any smart device, and the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is no exception. This process is not complicated, but requires care and compliance with certain rules to avoid turning the gadget into a “brick”.
Modern wearables receive regular patches that improve heart rate sensors and pedometers. The tracker operating system can contain bugs that developers fix in new versions, which is why periodic checking for updates through a companion app should become a habit for every user.
In this article, we will take a look at all the nuances of the process, from smartphone preparation to manual software installation method, how to proceed if the standard procedure does not work, and what actions you absolutely cannot do while writing data to the device. It is critical to have a battery charge of at least 20% before starting the procedure.
Why You Should Update Mi Band 4
Many users ignore notifications of new versions of the software, considering it an unnecessary waste of time. However, every update is hampered by the work of engineers to optimize power consumption and connection stability. Older versions of the firmware can work incorrectly with new versions of the Android and iOS operating systems, causing permanent communication breaks.
Often, new versions bring changes to the menu interface or add support for new dials. Fitness trackers become smarter by reading sleep phases and steps more accurately. Without timely patching, you may lose access to new features that are already available to other users.
In addition, updates often contain security patches. Although the risk of a tracker being hacked is minimal, data protocols are constantly being improved, and ignoring updates can make it impossible to synchronize data with the manufacturer's servers.
- 🚀 Improved autonomy and optimised energy consumption.
- 🛡️ Correcting critical errors in the operation of sensors and Bluetooth module.
- 🎨 Adding new dials and personalization features.
- 📱 Compatible with the latest versions of mobile operating systems.
⚠️ Warning: Installing an outdated firmware version on top of a new one can cause permanent errors in the device. Always check the version number before starting installation.
Understanding the importance of regular maintenance will help extend the life of your gadget, because stability is the result of timely updates, not randomness, so you should not put off installing patches in the long drawer.
Preparation for the renewal procedure
Before you start the process, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps, this ensures that the connection between the smartphone and the bracelet is not interrupted at the most inopportune time, the Bluetooth connection should be stable, and the battery charge is sufficient.
First of all, make sure your smartphone has the latest version of the Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life, as the app has been renamed). Older versions of the software may not see the new firmware files or transfer them incorrectly. Check for updates on Google Play or the App Store.
It's also important to clear the app cache if you've had problems syncing in the past. Go to your phone's settings, find the app, and select "Clear cache," which won't delete your data, but will help you set up a communication channel.
☑️ Preparations for renewal
Place the smartphone and tracker in close proximity to each other, the distance should not exceed 1-2 meters, any interference in the form of a working microwave or dense walls can interrupt the data transmission, which is highly undesirable.
Automatic updates via Mi Fit
The easiest and safest way to install a new version is to use the standard functionality of the application, the system will notify you of the availability of a new version if it is compatible with your device model, you only have to confirm the action.
Open the app and go to the device profile. This is usually the top of the home screen, where the bracelet image and percentage of charge are displayed. If an update is available, a red dot or Update button will appear next to the firmware version.
Press the button and follow the instructions on the screen, which takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the speed of the Internet and the Bluetooth version, during which time the breaststroke screen will burn, displaying the progress bar or logo.
What to do if the update button does not appear?
When writing files to your device, do not use your smartphone for other tasks. Closing the application or switching to another mode may interrupt the process. Wait for the message of successful completion and automatic restart of the tracker.
⚠️ Warning: Do not press any buttons on the bracelet itself during the upgrade, this may be interpreted by the system as an error signal and interrupt the process.
Once installed successfully, the device will suggest synchronizing the data, and agree to this so that all settings and dials are updated correctly. Now your Mi Band 4 is running on the latest software.
Manual installation of firmware: step-by-step algorithm
If the automatic method doesn’t work or you want to install a specific version of the software (for example, Chinese or global), you will need to use the manual method.
The downloaded file needs to be placed in a specific directory on your smartphone. The path usually looks like this: Android/data/com.xiaomi.hm.health/files/update/. If there is no update folder, create it manually. It is important that the file name does not contain unnecessary characters.
Once you have placed the file, restart the Mi Fit application. Go to the device profile. If the firmware file fits and has a higher version number than the current one, an update button will appear. Press it and wait for the process to end.
This method requires more care. File integrity should be absolute. If the download is flawed, the bracelet may go into a cyclical reboot. Always check the checksums of the files, if you have the ability to do so at the source.
| Parameter | Automatic update | Hand-mounted |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium/High |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium. |
| Choice of version | Only official. | Any compatible |
| Requirements | Internet, Bluetooth. | Firmware file, File Manager |
Use manual methods only when absolutely necessary, and official distribution channels are the safest and most stable for the average user.
Solving problems and errors
In the process of updating, there may be unexpected situations, most often users are faced with a process freeze by 99% or a connection error, and communication interruption is the main enemy when updating firmware.
If it's stalled, don't panic. Wait 10-15 minutes. Sometimes the system is really slow. If progress hasn't moved, try restarting your smartphone and bracelet and then try again. Make sure the background processes don't block the application.
A common problem is to desynchronize the time and date after the update, and this is solved by completely re-binding the device: remove the bracelet from the application (forget the device in Bluetooth), reset the tracker itself (if it reacts), and add it again as a new device.
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If the update is constantly broken, try to turn off VPN and mobile Internet, leaving only Wi-Fi, or vice versa – use only mobile network.
In some cases, cleaning the list of paired devices in the Bluetooth settings of the smartphone itself helps. Find the Mi Band 4 in the list and click "Forget" or "Unpair" then repeat the search in the app.
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet has stopped responding to buttons and the screen does not burn after a failed update, connect it to the charger. 90% of the time this will take the device out of recovery mode.
Don't forget that hardware failures are possible, too. If none of the software methods help, there may be a problem with the memory module itself or the tracker's Bluetooth chip.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we will answer the most popular user questions that were not covered in the main part of the article, based on real-world experience and technical documentation.
Can I upgrade to Mi Band 4 without a phone?
Will my data be reset when you update?
What if the bracelet shows the logo and no longer responds?
How do I find out the current version of the firmware?
💡
Regular firmware updates are not just a whim, but a necessity for the correct operation of sensors and long battery life of your Xiaomi Mi Band 4.
By following these guidelines, you can keep your gadget up to date. Maintenance takes a little time, but eliminates a lot of problems in the future.