The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular activity-tracking gadgets despite the release of new models, its main advantage is ease of use, but even with such a device users often have difficulties when connecting for the first time via Bluetooth. Unlike modern NFC or Wi-Fi bracelets, the Mi Band 4 relies exclusively on wireless communication over Bluetooth 4.2 BLE protocol, which requires the correct configuration on both the gadget and on the smartphone.
In this article, we will discuss not only the standard pairing procedure, but also nuances that are not written in the official instructions, such as why the bracelet may not appear in the list of available devices, how to reset to factory settings if the connection is frozen, and which versions of the Mi Fit or Zepp Life application are better used for stable operation.
Preparation for connection: what to check before pairing
Before you start connecting, make sure your smartphone and bracelet meet the minimum requirements. Mi Band 4 is compatible with Android 4.4+ or iOS 9.0+ devices, but for full operation it is better to use the latest versions of the OS.
- 📱 Bluetooth version: the smartphone should be a Bluetooth 4.0 module or later (check in the phone settings).
- 🔋 Bracelet charge: the battery level must be at least 20%, otherwise the pairing process may be interrupted.
- 📲 Management app: Is the latest version of Mi Fit (for Android) or Zepp Life (for iOS) installed).
- 🚫 Conflicting devices: Disable other wearable gadgets (earheads, smartwatches) that may interfere with the connection.
If you have previously used another Xiaomi fitness bracelet, remove it from the list of conjugated devices in the phone settings, this will help avoid conflicts when you connect to the new device, it is also recommended to reboot the smartphone before starting the procedure - this resets the cache of the Bluetooth module and increases the chances of successful pairing.
Step-by-step: how to turn Bluetooth on Mi Band 4
Unlike smartphones, the Mi Band 4 does not have a separate button to turn on Bluetooth, and it activates automatically when you first connect to your phone or reset your settings, but there are nuances that affect the visibility of the wristband:
- Press the touch button on the bracelet for 2-3 seconds until the Mi logo appears on the screen. This is a sign that the device is ready to pair.
- Open the Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life for iOS) and go to Profile → Add Device.
- Select the Mi Smart Band 4 model from the list. If it is not available, update the app or check the region in your account settings (should be China or Global).
- Press Connect and wait until the bracelet appears on the list of available devices. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds.
- Confirm the pairing on the phone and bracelet (on the screen of the Mi Band 4 will appear a tick or vibration).
If the bracelet does not appear in the list, try the following:
- 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn off and enable the module in the settings).
- 📵 Make sure the distance between devices is less than 1 meter – Mi Band 4 has a weak signal when first connected.
- 🔋 Check if the bracelet is discharged (plug it into charging for 10 minutes if the screen is not responding).
Remove old Mi devices from the phone's Bluetooth manager |
Update the Mi Fit/Zepp Life app to the latest version|
Make sure that the bracelet has enough charge (minimum 20%)|
Shut down. VPN or proxy if they are active.|-->
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, users face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The bracelet is not visible on the list of devices | Conflict with other Bluetooth devices | Turn off all the associated gadgets (earphones, speakers) and restart the phone |
| The connection is interrupted at the synchronization stage | An outdated version of the Mi Fit app | Update the app via Google Play or App Store |
| The bracelet is connected, but the data is not synchronized | No access to geolocation or notifications | Set all permissions for Mi Fit in your phone settings |
| The connection is constantly breaking. | Energy saving mode on the phone | Add Mi Fit to Battery Optimization Exclusion List |
A critical feature of the Mi Band 4 is that if the bracelet was previously paired with another phone, it must be reset to factory settings, otherwise the new connection will not be possible. To do this, go to Bracelet Settings → Additional → Reset (on the Mi Band 4 screen this is the item with the gear icon).
⚠️ Note: If you use an iPhone, turn off Intermittent Bluetooth in Bluetooth settings before connecting.This option can block a stable connection with the Mi Band 4.
Setup of notifications and data synchronization
Once successfully connected, you need to configure the synchronization settings so that the bracelet correctly displays notifications and activity data.
- Open the Mi Fit app and select your Mi Band 4 from the device list.
- Go to the Notifications section and activate the switches for the desired applications (calls, SMS, instant messengers).
- In the Data Sync section, set an automatic sync interval (every hour is recommended for battery saving).
- Turn on the option to raise your hand to activate the screen so that the bracelet is turned on when moving.
On Android, you may need to:
- 📋 Allow Mi Fit to access Contacts (to display incoming call names).
- 🔕 Disable Do Not Disturb for the app, otherwise notifications will not be duplicated on the bracelet.
- 🔄 Enable Autorun for Mi Fit in your phone settings (e.g., on Xiaomi, Samsung or Huawei).
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If the notifications are late, try manually synchronizing the data by pulling the bracelet screen down, which will force the connection to be updated.
How to Reset Mi Band 4 Settings if the Connection Is Not Working
If all the connection attempts fail, the only reliable way is to completely reset the bracelet, which will delete all data from the device, including activity history, but return it to factory condition.
- Charge the bracelet to 50% or higher to avoid crashes during reset.
- On the Mi Band 4 itself, scroll through the menu to the Settings item (cog icon).
- Select Additional → Reset and confirm the action by clicking on the tick.
- After the reset, the bracelet will be ready for a new connection.
If the bracelet screen does not respond to touch, try an alternative method of resetting via the charger:
- Connect the Mi Band 4 to the charger.
- Press the touch button for 10-15 seconds until the vibration and the Mi logo appear.
- Release the button and the bracelet will reset automatically.
⚠️ Warning: After resetting, the bracelet may not temporarily appear in the Mi Fit app. In this case, restart the phone and try again in 5 minutes.
What if the bracelet is not turned on after resetting?
Optimizing connection to save battery
A permanent Bluetooth connection consumes both the bracelet and the phone. To prolong the autonomy of the Mi Band 4, follow these tips:
- 🔋 Turn off Constant Sync in Mi Fit settings and set the interval Every 2 hours.
- 📴 Deactivate notifications from unnecessary apps (such as games or social media).
- 🌙 Turn on the bracelet sleep mode at night – this will turn off unnecessary functions.
- 📶 If you are in a weak signal zone, temporarily turn off Bluetooth on your phone to avoid constant attempts to reconnect.
It’s also worth turning off Automatic Activity Determination in your bracelet settings if you don’t exercise regularly, which constantly scans your movements, increasing your battery consumption by 15-20%.
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For maximum autonomy, turn off vibrations when notified – this reduces energy consumption by 25-30%.
Compatibility with other devices: PCs, tablets, smart watches
While the Mi Band 4 is designed to work with smartphones, it can be connected to other devices, such as a PC or tablet.
- 💻 Windows/macOS: The bracelet will be defined as a peripheral device, but data synchronization is possible only through third-party utilities (for example, Gadgetbridge or Notify & Fitness).
- 📱 Android tablets: Full compatibility if you have Bluetooth 4.0 on the tablet+ and installed the Mi Fit application.
- ⌚ Smartwatch: Connection is possible, but notifications will be duplicated and activity data may conflict.
To connect to the PC:
- Turn on Bluetooth on your computer and make the bracelet detectable (press the button for 3 seconds).
- From the Bluetooth Devices menu on PC, select Add Device and wait for the Mi Band 4 to appear.
- Confirm the pairing. The data will require additional software to transmit.
⚠️ Note: When connected to multiple devices at once, the Mi Band 4 may start to work unstable.