How to accurately determine the model of the Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelet: from 1 to 8 generations

Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets are some of the most popular wearables in the world, but their similarity between generations often baffles users: Did you buy a used bracelet without a box, received a gift from a friend or just forgot which model you have on your hand? You can determine the version of the Mi Band even without a check - just know where to look for key differences.

In this article, we will look at all the official identification methods, from visuals to hidden technical tags that the manufacturer leaves on the device, learn how to distinguish the Mi Band 3 from the Mi Band 4 by the button, why the Mi Band 5 and Mi Band 6 are often confused, and where exactly the serial number is hidden on the body, and also how to avoid fakes that externally copy the original bracelets.

If you need to find an answer quickly, use the FAQ block at the end of the article, where we have collected the most common questions.

1. Determination of the model by the appearance of the bracelet

The quickest way is to look carefully at the body and the screen, and the manufacturer made design changes with each new version that are visible to the naked eye.

• 🔹 Mi Band 1/1S: monochrome OLED-It's a sensorless screen, one physical button under the display, and it's completely smooth, no cutouts.
• 🔹 Mi Band 2: has a touchscreen monochrome screen, but the physical button remains (located below the display.
• 🔹 Mi Band 3: the first full-screen model (without a physical button), but still monochrome. On the back is a notch for the heart rate sensor.
• 🔹 Mi Band 4: Colored AMOLED-screen (first in the line!), the control button is now touch (under the screen), the body is thinner, and the strap is wider (18 mm instead of 14 mm in previous models).
• 🔹 Mi Band 5/6: screen widened 20% compared 4-The new version, there was a magnetic charging (no more connector). USB The Mi Band has the body! 6 The screen is larger and supports 30+ face-piece.
• 🔹 Mi Band 7/8: The screen has become even bigger (1.62" bal 7-version, 1.64" bal 8-It's got support for Always-On Display, it's got a streamlined body, and it's got a soft strap, and it's got hypoallergenic.

If your bracelet has a physical button, it's definitely Mi Band 1, 1S or 2. If the button is touch-sensitive, but the screen is monochrome, Mi Band 3. Color screen + magnetic charging = Mi Band 5 or later.

2. Check the model through the proprietary application Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit)

The official Xiaomi app automatically detects the bracelet model when connected.

1. Install the Mi Fitness app (available for Android and iOS).
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Click Profile → Add the device and select the Bracelet.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to connect the bracelet over Bluetooth.

Once synchronized successfully, the model will appear in the My Devices section, such as "Mi Smart Band 6" or "Mi Band 5." If the app shows an unknown model, you may have a fake or an unofficial firmware bracelet.

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If the bracelet doesn’t connect, try resetting it to factory settings: press and hold the touch button for 10 seconds until vibration appears.

In newer versions of the app (2023-2026), the path to the model may be different, for example, in Mi Fitness 5.0.+ Device information is hidden in Profile → Devices → Settings (⚙️) → The bracelet.

Serial number identification and hull marking

Each Xiaomi Mi Band bracelet has a marking on the back that contains the model and serial number.

The serial number begins with the letter M, followed by 4 digits of the year and month of production (for example, M2016 - December 2020). If the marking is erased, try to illuminate the case with a flashlight at an angle - often the inscriptions become visible.

⚠️ Warning: Forged bracelets may not have a serial number or may be applied carelessly (curved characters, blurred digits.

4. Differences in charger and connector

Charging method is another reliable indicator of the model, Xiaomi changed the connectors and cables with each new version:

• 🔌 Mi Band 1-4: Charging through the USB-So you take the capsule out of the strap and you put it in the box. USB-port).
• 🧲 Mi Band 5-8: Magnetic charging - the capsule is pulled to the cable from both sides.
• ⚡ Mi Band 7 Pro / 8 Pro: wireless charging (Qi-standard). The capsule is placed on a special stand.

If your bracelet is charged through USB-The port on the case is definitely an older model. 5-Magnetic cable points to Mi Band. 5, 6, 7 or 8. Note the shape of the connector: the Mi Band 5/6 It's flat, and the Mi Band. 7/8 — rounded.

5. Check through bracelet settings (for models with screen)

If your Mi Band has a display (starting with the Mi Band 2), you can recognize the model directly from the device menu:

1. Scroll the bracelet screen up or down to open the menu.
2. Find the Settings item (icon) ⚙️).
3. Choose About Bracelet or Information.
4. The screen will show a model (such as "Mi Smart Band 6") and a firmware version.

On Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4, the path may be different: Settings → More → About the bracelet. If the menu is in Chinese, try looking for characters (about the program) or (settings).

⚠️ Note: On custom firmware bracelets (e.g. Notify & Fitness), the original model may not be displayed.

Screen up/down|Find the icon. ⚙️ (Settings)|Select "About Bracelet" or "Information"|Record the displayed model-->

6. Determination of the model by box and documents

If you have the original packaging, the model is indicated for:

• 📦 The front of the box is usually in large print (e.g., "Mi Smart Band 6").
• 🏷️ Barcode sticker – in the Model or Type column (for example, XMSH15HM For the Mi Band 6).
• 📄 Warranty card – model is listed next to the serial number.

The Mi Band 5-8 boxes also have a hologram with the Xiaomi logo — the lack of it indicates a fake. Notice the quality of the print: the originals have clear text, no blurs, and the box is made of dense cardboard.

If the box is lost but you have a check or an electronic copy of the order (e.g. from AliExpress, Wildberries or Xiaomi Store), the model is listed in the product name, except for the purchase of a "carport" (without documentation), where the seller could indicate the wrong version.

7. Comparison with other models: how not to confuse

Users are often confused:

• 🔄 Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4 – the 3rd version has a monochrome screen, the 4th – color screen AMOLED. The Mi Band 4 also has a wider strap (18mm vs 14mm).
• 🔄 Mi Band 5 and Mi Band 6 have 50 percent bigger screen and thinner body. Mi Band 6 also has support SpO₂ (oxygenation).
• 🔄 Mi Band 7 and Mi Band 7 Pro – Pro version GPS, NNFC wireless charging, which is not in the standard model.

If in doubt, compare your bracelet to the official photos on Xiaomi's website.

• 📏 Screen size (measure with a ruler).
• 🎨 The body color (for example, the Mi Band 6 is black, white, orange, and the Mi Band 5 is only black and blue).
• 🔋 Type of charging (USB, magneto-cable).

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The most reliable way to distinguish the Mi Band 5 from the Mi Band 6 is to measure the screen: the 5th version has a diagonal of 1.1, the 6th version has 1.56.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band model definition