How to switch Xiaomi fitness bracelet to another phone: Step-by-step

The switch to a new smartphone is always accompanied by the need to reconfigure gadgets โ€” and Xiaomi fitness bracelets are no exception. Many users face problems when trying to connect the Mi Band, Smart Band 7/8 Pro or other models to another phone: the device is not identified, the data is not synchronized, and sometimes the bracelet completely stops responding to commands, the reason often lies in the wrong order of actions or missing details, which the manufacturer does not mention in official instructions.

In this article, we will discuss three main scenarios: transferring the bracelet from one phone to another within the same Mi Account, connecting to a new device with another account, and solving typical errors (for example, when the bracelet โ€œcanโ€™t seeโ€ Bluetooth or requires a reset).

Importantly, the procedure for the Mi Band 5/6 and Smart Band 7/8 Pro models differs due to the updated software and support for Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit), which we will note separately to avoid confusion.

1. Preparation for switching: what to do before the bracelet is untied

Before you break the connection between the wristband and your old phone, take a few critical steps, and ignoring them can cause you to lose data or lock your device.

First, make sure the bracelet has the latest firmware installed. Open the Zepp Life app (or Mi Fit for older models), go to Profile โ†’ My devices โ†’ [Bracelet name] โ†’ Software update. If an update is available, install it. This minimizes the risk of reconnection failures.

Second, force all data to sync to the cloud, and even if automatic sync is enabled, manually run the process:

  1. Open Zepp Life.
  2. Go to the Statistics section.
  3. Pull the screen down to update the data.
  4. Wait for the notification โ€œSynchronization is completeโ€.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the bracelet is not synchronized for a long time, reboot it: press the touch button for 10-15 seconds before the appearance of the Xiaomi logo.

The third step is to export data (optional, but recommended).The Zepp Life app allows you to upload your story in.csv format:

  • ๐Ÿ“Š Go to Profile โ†’ Settings โ†’ Export data.
  • ๐Ÿ“… Select a period (e.g., "All the time").
  • ๐Ÿ’พ Save the file to your device or to the cloud.

Synchronize data with the cloud|Update the bracelet firmware|Export history (optional)|Record current alarm settings and notifications|Make sure the new phone supports Bluetooth 4.2+-->

2. Untie the bracelet from the old phone: step-by-step instructions

Now you can start to break the connection between the bracelet and the previous smartphone, and the main thing here is not to use the "Forget device" function in the Bluetooth settings, as this can block the bracelet.

For Mi Band 5/6 and newer models:

  1. Open Zepp Life.
  2. Go to Profile. โ†’ My devices.
  3. Click on the bracelet icon, then select โš™๏ธ โ†’ Untie the device.
  4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

For Mi Band 4 and older:

  1. Launch Mi Fit.
  2. Select the bracelet in the list of devices.
  3. Tap on three points (โ‹ฎ) top-right.
  4. Choose Untie.
What to do if the "untie" button is inactive?
If the undock button is not pressed, try: 1. Reboot the bracelet (hold the 10+ second button). 2. Remove the Zepp Life/Mi Fit app cache in your phone settings. 3. Temporarily disable the VPN or proxy - they can block access to Xiaomi servers. 4. Update the app to the latest version via Google Play or App Store

Warning: Once uncoupled, the bracelet will automatically reset to factory settings, all local data (not synchronized with the cloud) will be lost, and if you don't export at the first stage, it won't be possible to recover it.

๐Ÿ“Š What kind of fitness bracelet Xiaomi you have?
Mi Band 6
Mi Band 7
Smart Band 8 Pro
Another model
I don't know.

3. Connecting the bracelet to a new phone: nuances for different models

The process of connecting to a new smartphone depends on the bracelet model and the version of the application, and letโ€™s consider two main scenarios: connecting within one Mi Account account and binding to another account.

Scenario 1: New phone with same Mi Account

If you use the same Xiaomi account, the bracelet will automatically pull up historical data from the cloud after synchronization.

  1. Install Zepp Life on your new phone and log in.
  2. Turn on Bluetooth and geolocation (required!).
  3. In the app, click Add Device (+).
  4. Select the bracelet model from the list.
  5. Hold the bracelet to the phone at a distance of < 10 cm and wait for the vibration.

Scenario 2: New phone with different account

When you change your Mi Account, all the data associated with the old account will become unavailable on the new phone.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Transfer data via export/import (see section 1).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Sign in to a new phone under your old account, plug in the bracelet, wait for sync, then change your account in the app settings.
  • โš ๏ธ If the bracelet is already untied from the old account, it is impossible to recover the data - they remain tied to the original accounting.

For Smart Band 7 Pro and later, the Multi-Connection feature (simultaneously binding to 2 phones) is available to activate it:

  1. Connect the bracelet to the first phone.
  2. In Zepp Life, go to Device Profile โ†’ Multi-Connection.
  3. Scanner QR- code on the second phone scan the code from the screen of the first.

๐Ÿ’ก

Xiaomi bracelets do not support simultaneous data synchronization with two accounts. Multi-connection allows only duplicate notifications.

4. Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, users face problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Mistake.Possible causeDecision
The bracelet is not identified when searchingBluetooth is disabled or the bracelet is dischargedCharge the bracelet to 50%+, turn on Bluetooth and geolocation
The โ€œfailure to connectโ€ errorConflict with another device in Bluetooth memoryForget the bracelet in Bluetooth settings, then reconnect
Resetting of the bracelet is requiredThe bracelet was previously linked to another account.Reset the bracelet to factory settings (see Section 5)
Data is not synchronizedNo Internet connection or outdated firmwareUpdate the bracelet firmware and application, check the Internet

Note: If the bracelet gives an error "Device locked", it means that it is tied to another Mi Account and requires a reset. Use the instructions from the next section.

5. Hard reset bracelet: when it is not enough

If the bracelet refuses to connect to the new phone despite all the manipulations, you will have to perform a hardware reset, which deletes all local data and returns the device to the factory settings.

For the Mi Band 4-6 and Smart Band 7/8 models:

  1. Disconnect the bracelet from the charger.
  2. Press the touch button for 20-30 seconds until the Xiaomi logo and vibration appear.
  3. Release the button and the bracelet will reset.

For the Smart Band 8 Pro:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Reset settings (on the bracelet itself).
  2. Confirm the swipe upwards.

Once reset, the bracelet will be ready for a new connection.

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ The charge must be at least 20%, otherwise the discharge may be interrupted.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ The latest version of Zepp Life must be installed on the phone.
  • ๐ŸŒ Successful binding requires a stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

๐Ÿ’ก

If the bracelet does not turn on after reset, connect it to charging for 10-15 minutes. Sometimes a discharged battery blocks the start.

6.Transfer of data on training and sleep: how to lose nothing

One of the biggest challenges when changing phones is the risk of losing activity history.Fortunately, Xiaomi stores basic data in the cloud, but there are nuances.

What is synchronized automatically:

  • ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ Exercise data (steps, distance, calories).
  • ๐Ÿ˜ด Sleep statistics (phase, duration).
  • โค๏ธโ€๐Ÿฉบ Blood pulse and oxygen levels measurements (SpOโ‚‚).

What's not synchronized:

  • โฐ Settings for alarm clocks.
  • ๐Ÿ”” Personal Notifications (selection of Alert Applications)
  • ๐ŸŽจ Dial settings (if not saved in the cloud)

To transfer unsynchronized data:

  1. Take screenshots of settings on your old phone (alarm clocks, notifications).
  2. Export history through Zepp Life โ†’ Profile โ†’ Export data.
  3. On a new phone, import data from the.csv file (if the format is supported).

Note: If you are using the Smart Band 8 Pro with Zepp OS, some settings (such as screen order) can be synced through your Zepp account.

7. Optimization of the bracelet on the new phone

After successful connection, it is recommended to perform several actions to ensure that the bracelet works stably:

  1. Update your firmware through Zepp Life โ†’ Device Profile โ†’ Software Update.
  2. Set up notifications: Open Zepp Life โ†’ Notifications. Select the apps you want to see on your wristband. Turn off unnecessary notifications (such as games) to save power.
  3. Activate continuous heart rate monitoring (if required): Go to Settings โ†’ Heart Rate Monitoring. Select Continuous or Intelligent.

Set your alarm clocks.

  • In Zepp Life โ†’ Alarms add the necessary signals.
  • Set the days of the week and the type of vibration.

To extend the Autonomous work time:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Turn off the Hand Raise to activate the screen (if not necessary).
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Reduce the automatic synchronization frequency (e.g., every 12 hours).
  • ๐ŸŒ™ Use dark dials (AMOLED-The screen consumes less energy).

Frequently asked questions

Can you connect one Xiaomi bracelet to two phones at the same time?
Yes, but with reservations. Smart Band 7 Pro and newer models support Multi-connection (up to 2 phones), but the data synchronization will only go with one device (main). On the second phone, only notifications will be duplicated. For older models (Mi Band 6 and earlier), simultaneous connection is impossible - the bracelet is tied to only one phone.
Why did sleep data for the last month disappear after the reconnection?
It is likely that the data was not synchronized with the cloud before the bracelet was unbundled. Xiaomi stores history in the cloud only if: a stable Internet connection on the phone; automatic synchronization enabled in Zepp Life; sufficient charge level of the bracelet (over 20%); If the conditions were not met, the data could only be stored locally on the old phone. Try to restore it through export / import (see section 6).
How to transfer the dial settings to a new phone?
The dial settings are automatically transferred only if: You use the same Mi Account/Zepp. The dial was downloaded from the official store (not custom). For custom dials: On the old phone, save the dial file (usually has the.bin or.wfz extension). Transfer the file to the new phone. In Zepp Life, select Dials โ†’ Local files and install the saved dial.
The bracelet is plugged in, but it doesn't show notifications.
The problem is most often with phone settings, not bracelet settings. Check: Zepp Life Permissions: Open Phone Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ Zepp Life โ†’ Permissions. Enable Notifications, Bluetooth, Geolocation. Notification settings in the app itself: In Zepp Life, go to Profile โ†’ Notifications. Make sure the apps you want are ticked.

Battery limitations

  • On Android: Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Battery Optimization โ†’ Zepp Life โ†’ No Limits
  • On iPhone: Settings โ†’ Zepp Life โ†’ Background Update โ†’ On.

If the problem persists, restart the bracelet and phone, then repeat the sync.

Can I use a Xiaomi bracelet without the Zepp Life app?
Technically, but with serious limitations: โœ… The bracelet will work as a pedometer and show time. โœ… Basic functions (alarm clock, timer) will remain available. โŒ Will not be available: Data synchronization with the phone, notifications about calls and messages, firmware updates. Advanced statistics (sleep, heart rate, SpOโ‚‚).