How to transfer time on Xiaomi fitness bracelet: automatic and manual setting

Xiaomi fitness bracelets are some of the most popular wearables on the market due to the combination of functionality and affordable price. However, many users face the problem: the time on the bracelet does not match the real one, or lags behind after a flight, switching to winter/summer time, or simply went wrong. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to synchronize time, from automatic setting through the application to manually changing the device menu.

It's important to understand that the algorithm depends on the bracelet model and the firmware version. For example, Mi Band 3/4/5/6 is configured via Mi Fit, and Mi Band 7 Pro, Xiaomi Smart Band 8 and new models are configured through Zepp Life. We'll look at universal methods, as well as nuances for specific devices. If your bracelet shows the wrong time, don't rush it to factory settings - in 90% of cases the problem is solved in 2-3 minutes.

Why is Xiaomi’s fitness bracelet the wrong time?

Before you change your settings, you need to understand the reasons for the discrepancy, and most often, the problem lies in one of the following factors:

  • πŸ”„ No sync with phone – the bracelet did not update data after the last connection to the application.
  • ✈️ Time zone change – when flying or traveling to another region, automatic settings may not work.
  • πŸ“± Wrong phone settings – if the smartphone has the wrong time, the bracelet takes this data.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery discharge – when charged low, the bracelet can reset some settings, including time.
  • πŸ“² Outdated version of firmware - in old versions of the software there are bugs with time synchronization.

Especially often, the problem occurs in users who turn off automatic time synchronization in the phone settings (for example, on Android in the Date and Time β†’ Automatic section), in which case the bracelet cannot receive current data even when connecting to the application.

⚠️ Warning: If it gets knocked off again after manually changing the time on the bracelet, check the Time Zone settings in the Zepp app Life/Mi Sometimes the problem lies in the conflict between automatic belt determination and manual settings.

Method 1: Automatic synchronization via Mi Fit or Zepp Life

The simplest and most recommended method is to let the bracelet automatically take time from the phone.

  1. Make sure that the option Automatic date and time is enabled on the smartphone (on Android: Settings β†’ System β†’ Date and time).
  2. Open the Mi Fit app (for older models) or Zepp Life app (for newer models).
  3. Connect the bracelet to your phone via Bluetooth.
  4. Wait for automatic synchronization (usually 10-30 seconds).

If the synchronization has not occurred:

  • πŸ”„ Reset the bracelet (press the button/touch zone for 10 seconds).
  • πŸ“± Reinstall the Mi app Fit/Zepp Life.
  • πŸ”‹ Check the bracelet charge (should be at least 20%).

Turn on Bluetooth on your phone

Update to Mi Fit/Zepp Life

Check the bracelet charge (minimum 20%)

Make sure your phone is connected to the internet-->

For Mi Band 7 Pro and newer models, Zepp Life has added the Manual Synchronization option to take advantage of:

  1. Open the bracelet profile in the application.
  2. Slap the icon. βš™οΈ Settings β†’ Synchronize data.
  3. Wait for the process to be completed (the inscription Sync... will appear on the bracelet screen).

Mi Band 6 or older

Mi Band 7 / 7 Pro

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 / 8 Pro

Other models

I haven't bought it yet.-->

Method 2: Manual time change in the bracelet menu

If automatic synchronization does not work (for example, due to the lack of a phone at hand), you can change the time on the bracelet.

For the Mi Band 3/4/5/6:

  1. Swipe up the screen to open the menu.
  2. Select the item More (or More).
  3. Go to Settings β†’ Time and Date.
  4. Turn off Auto Sync (if enabled).
  5. Manually set the current time, date and time zone.

For the Mi Band 7/7 Pro, Smart Band 8:

  1. Swipe up on the main screen.
  2. Select Settings β†’ System β†’ Date and time.
  3. Turn it off automatically.
  4. Click Set time and enter current values.

On some models (such as the Mi Band 4), you may need to reboot after manually changing the time. To do this, press the touch button 10-15 seconds before the Xiaomi logo appears.

⚠️ Note: On bracelets without display (for example, Mi Band) 1/2) You can't change the time manually, only through the Mi Fit app. If the synchronization doesn't work, try resetting the device to factory settings (click the button on the device). 20 seconds).

What if the bracelet menu does not have the option of manually adjusting the time?
On some firmware (especially Chinese versions), the date and time item may be missing. In this case: 1. Update the bracelet firmware via Mi Fit/Zepp Life. 2. If the update didn't work, use alternative firmware (for example, Amazfit Mod for Mi Band 5/6), but this requires unlocking the bootloader and may take away warranty. 3. Contact Xiaomi support - sometimes the problem is solved by replacing the device under warranty (if it is a factory defect).

Method 3: Resetting the bracelet to factory settings

If neither automatic synchronization nor manual tuning helps, the last option is a complete reset of the device, which will delete all data (steps, pulse, settings), but often solves problems with time.

  1. Open the Settings menu on the bracelet (swipe up) β†’ More or βš™οΈ).
  2. Select Reset (or Reset) settings.
  3. Confirm the action (usually hold the button for 3-5 seconds).
  4. After the reboot, connect the bracelet to your phone again via Mi Fit/Zepp Life.

For models without display (Mi Band 1/2):

  1. Disconnect the capsule from the strap.
  2. Press and hold the button for 20-30 seconds until the indicator blinks.
  3. Connect the bracelet to your phone, it will be defined as a new device.
Model braceletResetting methodNotes
Mi Band 1/2Hold the 20+ sec buttonNo screen, reset only hardware
Mi Band 3/4Settings β†’ ResetSwipe confirmation required
Mi Band 5/6/7Settings β†’ System β†’ ResetAfter resetting, you need to re-link the account
Smart Band 8 ProSettings β†’ About the device β†’ ResetSupports backup of data

⚠️ Attention: On bracelets with NFC (For example, Mi Band 5 NFC Or Smart Band 7 Pro, resetting also removes the associated bank cards, which you have to add again through the bank's app.

πŸ’‘

Before reset, take screenshots of the main screens of the bracelet (steps, pulse, training) – this will help restore statistics after connecting to a new account.

Method 4: Update the bracelet firmware

If the time problem occurred after a firmware update or phone change, it may be the fault of the software failure, in which case the forced software update will help:

  1. Open Mi Fit or Zepp Life.
  2. Go to the profile of the bracelet β†’ Update the firmware.
  3. If a new version is available, click Update.
  4. Wait until the bracelet is completed (reboot automatically).

For Mi Band 5/6/7 models with unofficial firmware (e.g. Amazfit Mod):

  • πŸ”§ Download the current firmware from the forum 4PDA or XDA Developers.
  • πŸ“± Install Mi Band Tools or Notify & Fitness.
  • πŸ”„ Download the firmware through these applications (instructions are in the archive with the file).

After the update, check:

  • βœ… Time zone in bracelet settings.
  • βœ… Automatic synchronization in Mi Fit/Zepp Life.
  • βœ… Firmware version (must coincide with the last official version).

πŸ’‘

Updating the firmware is an extreme method if other methods have not worked. On informal firmware, the risk of "bricking" the bracelet is higher, so use only proven sources.

Some Xiaomi bracelets have unique nuances when changing time.

Mi Band 7 Pro and Smart Band 8 Pro (GPS)

These models support autonomous timing via GPS, which is useful for running or cycling without a phone.

  1. Turn on GPS on the bracelet (Settings β†’ GPS β†’ Incl.).
  2. Start an outdoor workout (the first determination can take up to 2 minutes).
  3. After the signal is fixed, the time is synchronized automatically.

Mi Band 6 (Chinese version)

The Chinese versions of the Mi Band 6 sometimes lack manual timing.

  • πŸ“² Install China region in your phone settings.
  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware through Mi Fit.
  • 🌐 Change the region back - after the update, the manual setting option will appear.

Xiaomi Smart Band 7 (NFC-version)

On NFC models, time may be lost due to conflict with payment modules.

  • πŸ’³ Remove all attached cards before changing time.
  • πŸ”„ Reset the bracelet after synchronization.
  • πŸ“± Add the cards again through the bank application.
How to check if the Chinese or global version of the bracelet?
Open Mi Fit/Zepp Life and go to the device information. The Model bar will indicate: - XMSH is a global version (e.g. XMSH15HM for Mi Band 6). - XMMH or XMH is a Chinese version (e.g. XMMH05HM). Chinese versions may have language and function limitations, but usually support manual time adjustment after the upgrade.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you change the time on Xiaomi, users often make common mistakes that lead to new problems.

  • πŸ•’ Ignoring the time zone – if you manually set the time but didn’t change the belt, the bracelet will get knocked off when synchronized.
  • πŸ“΅ Disabling Bluetooth during sync – this interrupts the process and the time may not be correct.
  • πŸ”‹ Change time at low charge – the bracelet may not save settings or turn off.
  • πŸ“² Use of an outdated version of the application – in older versions of Mi Fit there is no support for new bracelet models.

To avoid problems:

  1. Always check the bracelet’s charge before setting up (optimally above 50%).
  2. Do not interrupt the synchronization (Sync should not burn on the bracelet screen.).
  3. After manually changing the time, restart the bracelet.
Mistake.Effects of consequencesDecision
Wrong time zoneTime is lost after synchronizationInstall the right belt in Mi Fit
Interrupted synchronizationThe bracelet freezes or turns off.Reset the bracelet and repeat the synchronization
Manual setting with discharged batterySettings are not savedCharge the bracelet to 30% and repeat
Use of informal firmwareTime is lost every dayGet back to official software.

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet continues to be a time-consuming device after all the manipulations, check it on another phone. If the problem persists, it is a factory defect, and the device must be replaced under warranty.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

The bracelet shows the time 3 hours ahead/back. What do you do?
This is a typical time zone change problem (e.g., winter/summer time switching). Solutions: Open Mi Fit/Zepp Life and check the Time Zone settings. If the belt is correct, turn off and enable Autosynchronization of time again. For manual fixing: Bracelet settings β†’ Date and time β†’ Manually Set. If the problem recurs, update the bracelet firmware.
After the firmware update, time is lost.
This is a known bug in some versions of the software. Order of action: Reset the bracelet to factory settings. Connect it to your phone via Mi Fit/Zepp Life. Open the bracelet settings in the application and manually select the correct Time Zone. Enable Autosynchronization of time. If it doesn't help, roll back the firmware to the previous version (instructions are available on 4PDA).
Can I change the time format (12/24 hours) on the bracelet?
Yes, but not on all models. Instructions: For Mi Band 5/6/7: Settings β†’ Display β†’ Time Format. For Smart Band 8: Settings β†’ System β†’ Time Format. On Mi Band 3/4, the format is tied to the phone's settings and doesn't change separately. If you don't have an option, update the bracelet firmware.
The bracelet shows the time with a delay of 1-2 minutes. Is that normal?
A slight lag (up to 2 minutes) is normal for most fitness bracelets, as they sync with the phone not in real time, but at intervals of 5-10 minutes. If the lag is greater: Check if Autosynchronization is enabled in Mi Fit/Zepp Life. Make sure that the phone is on Automatic Time. Reset the bracelet.
How to sync time on a bracelet without a phone?
Without a smartphone, you can synchronize time only on GPS models (Mi Band 7 Pro, Smart Band 8 Pro): Activate GPS on the bracelet (Settings β†’ GPS β†’ On). Start training in the open area (park, street). Once the satellite signal is fixed, the time will automatically update. On other models without a phone, you can not change the time.