How to accurately determine the model Xiaomi Mi Band from Mi Band 1 to Mi Band 8

Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets are some of the most popular wearable devices in the world, but their appearance often puts users at a loss. Did you buy a used gadget, found a forgotten bracelet in a drawer or just want to clarify the version before buying accessories? You can determine the Mi Band model even without the original packaging - the main thing is to know where to look.

In this article, we'll look at 5 reliable ways to identify, from visual differences in the case to hidden data in the mobile app, how to distinguish the Mi Band 6 from the Mi Band 7 from the screen menu, where to look for the serial number on the case, and why some bracelets "lie" about their model in the settings, and also a unique life hack with analysis of Bluetooth protocol for the most difficult cases.

It doesn’t matter if you’re holding the first Mi Band. 1 2014 year or fresh Mi Band 8 — Our instructions will help us determine the model for 2-3 Let's start with the simplest!

Visual inspection: key differences of the housing

The fastest way is to compare the look of the bracelet to the reference photos of each model.The Xiaomi Mi Band has several "markers" that haven't changed in years, but each version has unique details.

Start with the shape of the capsule (the main unit with electronics):

• 🔹 Mi Band 1-4: a rectangular capsule with rounded corners, a physical button under the screen (Mi Band 1 - no screen at all).
• 🔹 Mi Band 5–8: oval capsule, the button is replaced by the touch area (Mi Band) 5/6) or completely removed (from the Mi Band) 7/8).
• 🔹 Mi Band 8: the only model with a magnetic strap attachment (latch on the right, not on the bottom).

Pay attention to the screen:

• 📱 Mi Band 1: No screen, only LED light.
• 📱 Mi Band 2-4: Monochrome OLED-screen (black and white).
• 📱 Mi Band 5-8: Colored AMOLED-screen, and Mi Band 6 and newer – full screen (without black bezels).

If the bracelet is in a strap, remove the capsule and look at the back side - it often indicates:

• 🔍 Model (e.g, XMSH15HM For the Mi Band 6).
• 🔍 Serial number (starting with MDZ, MIB or XMSH).
• 🔍 Certification marks (e.g, CE ROHS).

⚠️ Note: Don't confuse the Mi Band with the Xiaomi Smart Band or Honor Band! the latter have a different charging connector design (the Mi Band has two round contacts, the Honor has a flat USB-Type-C).

Analysis of packaging and documents

If you have the original box, the model is indicated:

• 📦 On the front (in large font, for example, Mi Smart Band 6).
• 📦 On the side sticker (in the Model or Type column).
• 📦 In serial number (the first letters correspond to the model, see the table below).

Also check:

• 📄 Warranty card - model is indicated at the top.
• 📄 Instructions - on the first page or in the section "Technical characteristics».
• 🛒 Check or invoice (if purchased in the official store).

⚠️ Note: Chinese version (Mi Band) CN) may have other model codes (e.g, XMSH10HM If your bracelet does not match the table, check the region in the Mi Fitness app settings.

3. Check through the Mi Fitness (Zepp Life) app

The official Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit, now renamed Zepp Life for global versions) automatically determines the bracelet model when connected.

1. Download Zepp Life for iOS or Mi Fitness for Android.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi/Zepp account.
3. Click Profile → Add the device.
4. Select a bracelet and follow the instructions on the screen.

After connecting, the model will be displayed:

• 📱 At the top of the screen of the device (for example, Mi Smart Band 7).
• 📱 In the About Device section (path: Profile) → Your device. → Settings → About the device).

Turn on Bluetooth on your phone |

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

Update the Mi Fitness app|

Try another phone (Android/iOS)-->

If the model is identified as Unknown or is displayed incorrectly:

• 🔄 Update the bracelet firmware through the app.
• 🔄 Reset the bracelet to factory settings (in the Settings menu) → Reset).
• 🔄 Check compatibility: Mi Band 1-4 only works with older versions of Mi Fit (until 2020).

4.Serial number and online verification

Serial number (S/N) — This is your wristband's passport:

• 🔍 On the back of the capsule (under the QR-code).
• 🔍 In the Mi Fitness app (Profile) → The device → About the device).
• 🔍 On the box (side sticker).

The serial number may:

1. Check authenticity on the official Xiaomi website (enter the number in the field) S/N).
2. Find out the date of production (first) 4 numbers after the prefix – week and year, for example, 2022 = 2022 year).
3. Determine the model from the database (use services like SNDeep).

If the serial number is erased or not read:

• 🔍 Light the flashlight at an angle - sometimes the numbers show up.
• 🔍 Use a magnifier or camera in macro mode.
• 🔍 Check the box/bracelet photos when buying (if saved).

5. Technical methods: Bluetooth and firmware

If visual techniques don't work, we're going to go to advanced methods, which require a little bit more effort, but they work even for bracelets without a screen or with damaged markings.

Method 1: Analysis of Bluetooth names

Each Mi Band model broadcasts a unique name over Bluetooth to see it:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone.
2. Start scanning devices (don’t connect!).
3. Find a device with a name like Mi Band X or MIB_X, where X is the model digit.

Examples of names:

• 📡 Mi Band 5: MIB_5 Or Mi Smart Band. 5.
• 📡 Mi Band 6: Mi Band 6 or XMSH15HM.
• 📡 Mi Band 1: Mi Band (without a number).

Method 2: Reading firmware data

This will require:

• 📱 Android phone with root rights (or iOS with jailbreak).
• 📱 The nRF Connect app (for Android).

Instructions:

1. Connect to the bracelet via nRF Connect.
2. Go to the tab. DFU (firmware update).
3. Click Read Device Info – the answer will be a line with the model (e.g., Model Number: XMSH16HM For the Mi Band 7).

💡

If you have Mi Band 1-4, try connecting using the old Mi Fit 4.6.0 app. APK Newer versions of the app don't support old bracelets.

Method 3: Analysis MAC-address

MAC-The bracelet address also contains information about the model:

• 📱 On Android: Use the Bluetooth Scanner app.
• 📱 On iOS: In Bluetooth settings, press i next to the bracelet name.

First 6 characters MAC-The addresses correspond to the manufacturer, and the following are the models:

• 🔗 C8:0F:10:... — Mi Band 5/6.
• 🔗 D8:96:E0:... — Mi Band 4.

6.Comparison with other Xiaomi bracelets

Mi Band is sometimes confused with other Xiaomi devices, such as:

• 🆔 Xiaomi Mi Smart Band is the same as Mi Band (just another name for the global market).
• 🆔 Xiaomi Haylou or Amazfit are other brands of the Xiaomi ecosystem, but with different software and design.
• 🆔 Xiaomi Watch is a smartwatch, not a fitness bracelet (they have a round screen and a different interface).

If your bracelet does not fit any Mi Band model, check:

• 🔍 Inscription on the case (e.g. Amazfit Bip or Haylou Solar).
• 🔍 Logo on the screen when turned on.
• 🔍 Compatible app (if it connects to Zepp, not Mi Fitness, it's not Mi Band).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When defining a Mi Band model, users often face some problems, and here's how to solve them:

Problem 1: The app shows the model, but the bracelet looks different.

• 🔄 Possible reason: firmware from another model (for example, Mi Band 5 has Mi Band 6 firmware installed).
• 🔄 Solution: Reset the bracelet and update the software through the official application.

Problem 2: The serial number is not in the Xiaomi database.

• 🔄 Possible cause: fake bracelet or model for the domestic market of China (Mi Band) CN).
• 🔄 Solution: Compare the look to the original (fakes often have a dimmer screen and rough stitches on the case).

Problem 3: The Bluetooth name is defined as Mi Band 6, but the screen is monochrome.

• 🔄 Possible cause: bracelet with modified firmware (for example, Mi Band 5 with Mi Band 6 firmware).
• 🔄 Solution: Check the physical button - the Mi Band 5 has touch, the Mi Band 6 doesn't have it.

💡

If all of these methods are inconsistent, the most reliable way is to compare them visually to the reference photos of each model, and pay attention to the little things: the shape of the charging contacts, the location of the heart rate sensor, the type of strap.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions