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

Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets are some of the most popular wearables in the world, but their appearance often confuses users. Did you buy a used bracelet without a box, lost documents or just want to clarify the version before firmware? You can determine the model even without the original packaging - just know where to look.

In this article, we'll look at 5 reliable ways to identify, from visual differences to hidden technical tags. You'll learn how to distinguish the Mi Band 3 from the Mi Band 4 from the screen menu, where to look for the serial number on the case, and why the Mi Fitness app sometimes shows incorrect information. And for those who are planning to buy, we've compiled a comparative table of key features of all generations of bracelets, from the first Mi Band 1S (2015) to the current Mi Smart Band 8 (2023).

Spoiler: If your bracelet doesn't turn on or sync with your phone, the Bluetooth LE method is the most versatile one, and it works even for devices with a dead battery, but in order.

1. Visual differences: how to determine the model by appearance

The fastest way is to compare the bracelet to the official models, and Xiaomi has a very clear design evolution, and each generation has unique features:

• 🔹 Mi Band 1/1S (2014–2015): The only model without a screen, only an LED light and a vibrator, the body is completely plastic, the strap is fixed.
• 🔹 Mi Band 2 (2016) – The first bracelet with a OLED-screen (monochrome), physical button under the display, oval-shaped body, removable strap.
• 🔹 Mi Band 3 (2018): Touch-sensitive OLED-screen (black and white), the button is moved to the bottom of the case.
• 🔹 Mi Band 4/5 (2019–2020): coloured AMOLED-The screen, the body is more rounded. 5 a magnetic charger has been added (y) 4-The second version – the contacts on the back).
• 🔹 Mi Smart Band 6/7/8 (2021–2023): The screen has become larger (up to the 1.62"), The body is flat, the charge is magnetic. 7 band 8 It's always-on-display.

Note the charging connector: the old models (Mi Band 1-4) have contacts on the back side, and starting with the Mi Band 5, a magnetic cable that is attracted to the body. Also look at the strap mount: in the newer versions it is wider (20 mm versus 14 mm in the earlier models).

Verification by serial number and marking on the hull

On the back of any Xiaomi bracelet, there's a label with technical information, and we're looking for the following data:

1. Model number (starting with XMSH or MIBAND): for example, XMSH10HM is the Mi Smart Band 6.
2. Serial number (S/N): unique to each device, but it can be used to identify the series through the Xiaomi database.
3. FCC/CE code: Regulatory labels that can be used to find manufacturer documentation.

Decoding of popular model numbers:

If the label is worn, try to remove the strap, sometimes the number is duplicated on the inside of the case. For Mi Band 5 and newer models, you can use a magnetic charging cable: hold it to the bracelet, and if it magnetizes, it's definitely not the old version.

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Photograph the label before buying a used bracelet, which will help to avoid counterfeiting. On the original devices, the labeling is clear, without typos.

3. Model definition via Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app

The official Mi Fitness (older models) and Zepp Life (newer ones) apps automatically detect the bracelet that is connected.

1. Install the app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Click Add the device and select the bracelet.
4. Follow the instructions for synchronization via Bluetooth.

Once connected, the bracelet model will appear in the Device Profile, but there are nuances:

• ⚠️ If the bracelet has already been linked to another account, reset the settings first (press the touch button for 10 seconds).
• ⚠️ The application may show an incorrect model if the bracelet firmware is modified (for example, after installing custom firmware).

For the Mi Band. 4 And now, the newest feature in the app is Firmware Update, so you can tell the exact version of the device by the name of the firmware file (.fw). mili_pro.fw It is a part of the Mi Smart Band. 7 Pro.

Checking via Bluetooth: how to find out a model without an application

This method works even for discharged or faulty wristbands, and you’ll need a Bluetooth 4.0+ smartphone and a device scanning app like nRF Connect (Android/iOS) or Bluetooth Scanner.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone.
2. Launch the scanner app and start searching for devices.
3. Find a device called MI Band, Mi Smart Band or Xiaomi.
4. Look at this. MAC-address and model name in connection details.

Decoding of Bluetooth names:

• 📱 MI Band 2 — Mi Band 2 (2016).
• 📱 Mi Band 3 — Mi Band 3 (2018).
• 📱 Mili_Pro — Mi Smart Band 7 Pro (2022).
• 📱 XMSH15HM — Mi Smart Band 7 (model number in the name).

If the bracelet is not displayed in the scanner, try:

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Mi Band) 1S) require activation of the pairing mode - for this you need to touch the touch button 5 times or shake the bracelet.

Disable other Bluetooth devices within a 5-meter radius |

Charge the bracelet at least 10% |

Reset the bracelet (press the button for 10 seconds) |

Use the nRF Connect application to Android/iOS-->

5. Analysis of firmware and technical characteristics

For advanced users, there is a way to define the model through a firmware dump or technical specification, which is useful if the bracelet is modified or changed in appearance (for example, after replacing the case).

What can be verified:

• 🔧 Firmware Version: In the Zepp Life app, go to Device Profile → Update to firmware. The version number contains the model code (e.g. 1.0.6.54 for Mi Band 5).
• 🔧 Screen characteristics: resolution and display type are unique to each model: Mi Band 3: 128×80, OLED. Mi Band 6: 152×486, AMOLED. Mi Band 7: 192×490, AMOLED (Always-On).
• 🔧 Sensors: availability SpO2 (Oxygen saturation: This model is no older than the Mi Band 5.

To extract the firmware, you will need ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and special utilities like Mi Band Tools, which is only suitable for experienced users, since improper actions can bring the bracelet down.

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If the bracelet does not turn on, but responds to charging (the indicator vibrates or lights up), its model can be identified by the type of charging cable and the reaction to the connection to the PC (some models are defined as USB-device).

6. Comparative table of all models Xiaomi Mi Band

To illustrate this, we have collected the key differences between all Xiaomi bracelet generations in one table, which will help not only identify your model, but also compare it with other versions.

Note the autonomy: if your bracelet is running without recharging for more than 20 days, it is definitely not the Mi Band 6/7/8 (their battery is designed for 10-15 days), and the models with NFC (for contactless payments) were released only for the Chinese market and have the NFC suffix in the name.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When defining the Xiaomi Mi Band model, users often face typical problems.

• 🔍 Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 5 are confusing: they look similar, but the Mi Band 5 has magnetic charging and more sensors!
• 🔍 All color screen bracelets are new: Mi Band 4 (2019) already has a new one. AMOLED, But in terms of characteristics inferior to Band 6.
• 🔍 Ignoring regional versions: Mi Band 5 NFC It was sold in China and the global version was not. NFC.

Another mistake is to trust the sellers in the used market, and often the Mi Band 3 is passed off as the Mi Band 4, because they're visually similar.

⚠️ Warning: If the seller claims that the bracelet supports the measurement SpO2, But there's no sensor on the body (usually a green LED on the back), which is a hoax. SpO2 It was only available in Mi Band 5 and later.

Use the official Zepp Life app to authenticate your device: fakes often don’t connect or fail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)