The Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets remain among the most popular wearables due to the combination of functionality and affordable price. However, many users face difficulties when connecting a gadget to a smartphone for the first time β especially if we are talking about new models like the Mi Band 8 or Smart Band 7 Pro, where the synchronization process is different from usual. This article will help you understand how to properly link the bracelet to the official application, avoid typical errors and customize the device for maximum efficiency.
Itβs important to understand that Xiaomi has moved to a new Zepp Life app (formerly Mi Fitness) since 2022, which replaces the outdated Mi Fit. This means that the instructions for older versions of the bracelets (before the Mi Band 5) may not be suitable for new models. Weβll look at current ways to connect to all modern devices, including the features of working with Android and iOS, and also understand what to do if the bracelet is not determined by the phone.
What application you need to connect the Xiaomi bracelet
Choosing the right app is the first and most important step. 2023 Xiaomi has completely switched to the Zepp ecosystem, so for new bracelets (Mi Band) 7/8, Smart Band 7 The Pro is officially supported only by Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fitness). 4/5/6) You can still use Mi Fit, but with limited functionality.
Here is the full list of compatibility:
| Model bracelet | Recommended Annex (2026) | Support for Mi Fit | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 8 / Smart Band 7 Pro | Zepp Life | β No. | Requires Bluetooth 5.0, support NFC (pro-version) |
| Mi Band 7 | Zepp Life | β οΈ Partially (without new features) | It works with Android 6.0+ iOS 12+ |
| Mi Band 6 | Zepp Life or Mi Fit | β Yes (obsolete version) | Mi Fit does not support new dials |
| Mi Band 5 and older | Mi Fit or Zepp Life | β Yes. | Zepp Life may not have some statistics |
β οΈ Note: If you use an iPhone, note that Zepp Life requires iOS 12.0 or later. Android has a minimum version of 6.0, but for full-time work (such as notifications), it is better to have Android 8.0.+. Also check that the phone is enabled Bluetooth and geolocation (yes, this is a must for initial sync!).
Download the current versions of the applications can be on official links:
- π± Zepp Life for Android β Google Play
- π Zepp Life for iOS - App Store
- π± Mi Fit (Old) β Google Play (Old Models Only)
Preparation of the bracelet for connection: charging and resetting
Before synchronization with the phone, the bracelet should be charged at least on the phone. 20% β Otherwise, the process may be interrupted in the middle. 7/8) They come with a partial charge, but if the device was in storage for a long time, the battery could run out. 10β15 minutes to avoid problems.
If the bracelet has been used before (for example, it was purchased used), it must be reset to the factory settings.
- On the bracelet, go to Settings β System system β Reset (for Mi Band) 6/7/8).
- Confirm the reset by pressing the bracelet screen (on some models you need to hold the 10 seconds button).
- Wait for the reboot (the bracelet vibrates and shows the Mi logo).
β οΈ Warning: After resetting all data from the wristband (steps, sleep history, alarm settings) will be deleted. If you sync the device earlier, some of the information can be recovered from the cloud in the application. However, dial settings and personal data (for example, goals by steps) will be reset irrevocably.
Charge the bracelet at least 20% |
Reset the settings (if the bracelet b/u)|
Make sure that Bluetooth on your phone is turned on |
Allow the application to access geolocation (required!)|
Update the Zepp Life app to the latest version-->
Step-by-step: how to connect Xiaomi bracelet to Zepp Life
Consider the Mi Band 8 and the Zepp Life app (also for the Mi Band 7 and Smart Band 7 Pro), which is suitable for both Android and iOS mobile platforms, but with slight differences in the permission settings.
Step 1: Installation and configuration of the application
- π² Download and install Zepp Life from the official store (links above).
- π Launch the app and register (you can use Xiaomi Account, Google or Apple) ID).
- π Allow access to geolocation (this is mandatory for finding devices over Bluetooth!).
- π Enable notifications (optional, but recommended for call and message alerts).
Step 2: Adding a new device
- On the main screen of the application, click Profile β Add the device (badge Β«+Β» top-right).
- Select your bracelet model (e.g. Mi Smart Band 8) from the list.
- Bring the bracelet close to the phone (at a distance) < 10 cm) and wait until the app detects it.
- Click Connect and confirm pairing in the Bluetooth system window.
Step 3: Synchronization and adjustment
- π After connecting, wait for automatic synchronization (can take up to 2 minutes).
- β±οΈ Set up the basic parameters: sex, age, weight (this is necessary for the correct calculation of calories and sleep).
- π― Set daily goals by step (8000 steps by default).
- π Set up notifications (select the apps you want to receive alerts from on your bracelet).
β οΈ Note: If the error "Cannot find the device" appears at the connection stage, try it:
- π Reset the bracelet (hold the button for 10 seconds).
- π± Restart Bluetooth on your phone.
- π« Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugate devices in the Bluetooth settings of the phone and try again.
π‘
If the bracelet does not connect to the iPhone, try to disable the βContinuous Bluetoothβ function in the iOS settings: Settings β Bluetooth β Info (i) next to the Mi Band β Deactivate "Continuous connection".
Solving problems: Xiaomi bracelet does not connect to the application
Even with the right actions, users often encounter sync errors, and let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.
1.The app doesn't see the bracelet.
- π Check the braceletβs charge β if the battery is under 15%, the device may not appear on the list.
- π± Make sure your phone has Bluetooth and geolocation enabled (yes, this is a must for scanning devices!).
- π Reset the bracelet (hold the button 10-15 seconds before vibration).
- π« Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugate devices in the Bluetooth settings of the phone.
2. the error "Connection failed" or "Synchronization interrupted"
- πΆ Check the stability of the Internet connection (the application needs to download the firmware for the bracelet).
- π Update Zepp Life to the latest version.
- π± On Android, clear the app's cache: Settings β Annexes β Zepp Life β Memory. β Clear the cache.
- π On iPhone, reinstall the app.
3. The bracelet connects but does not synchronize data
- π In the app, go to Profile β Your device. β Synchronize data.
- π± Check if Zepp Life is allowed background activity and auto-run (on Android).
- π If the bracelet is discharged to 5%, synchronization may be blocked.
β οΈ Note: If you use custom firmware on your phone (like LineageOS), Bluetooth issues may occur. LE. In this case, try connecting via another device or install the original firmware.
What to do if the bracelet is stuck when connecting?
Configure notifications and additional functions
Once you've connected successfully, you should customize your wristband to suit your needs, and one of the most popular features is calling and texting notifications.
1. Notifications of calls and SMS
- π In the Zepp Life app, go to Profile β Your device. β Notifications.
- π Turn on the "Call Notifications" and "Message Notifications" switch".
- π± On Android, additionally allow notifications in system settings: Settings β Annexes β Zepp Life β Notifications β Permission.
- π On iPhone, notifications are configured through Settings β Bluetooth β Mi Band β Allow notices.
2. Customization of dials
- β In the application, select Dials and download your favorite option (there are free and paid options).
- π¨ For Mi Band 8 available animated dials with support AOD (always-on display).
- π§ Some dials support weather, charge level, and even menstrual cycle display (for female models).
Additional functions
- π€ Sleep monitoring: turn on the bracelet settings to track sleep phases (light, deep, REM).
- π Exercise modes: Choose the sports you practice (running, swimming, cycling, etc.).
- π Battery savings: Turn off unnecessary sensors (e.g, SpOβ, if you don't use).
π‘
For maximum autonomy Mi Band 8 turn off the constant pulse (in the settings Heartbeat). β Measurement frequency β Manually, this will increase the working time from 5 to 10-12 days.
How to update the firmware of the Xiaomi bracelet
Regular firmware updates add new features and fix bugs to update the bracelet:
- π± Open Zepp Life and connect to the bracelet.
- π Go to Profile β Your Device β Firmware Update.
- π₯ If a new version is available, click Update.
- β³ Wait until it is finished (the bracelet will reboot automatically).
β οΈ Attention:
- π Make sure the bracelet is at least 50% charged, otherwise the update will be interrupted.
- πΆ Connect your phone to Wi-Fi (update weighs 10β50MB).
- π« If the bracelet is stuck during the upgrade, wait 10 minutes - it usually repairs itself.
After the update, check the firmware version in Bracelet Settings β About the device. Current versions for 2026:
- Mi Band 8: 1.20.5.4 or later
- Mi Band 7: 1.15.0.14;
- Smart Band 7 Pro: 1.18.6.2.
Compatible with other applications: Google Fit, Apple Health, Strava
The official Zepp Life app lets you sync data with popular fitness platforms. Here's how to set it up:
1. sync with Google Fit (Android)
- π± Open Zepp Life and go to Profile β Settings β Accounts and synchronization.
- π Select Google Fit and log in through your Google account.
- β Allow access to data on steps, sleep and training.
2. synchronization with Apple Health (iOS)
- π In Zepp Life, select a Profile. β Settings β Apple Health.
- π Turn on switches for the parameters you want to sync (steps, sleep, weight, etc.).
- β οΈ On iOS, some data (for example, SpOβ) Not transferred to Apple Health due to system limitations.
3.Export of data to Strava
- π In Zepp Life, go to Profile β Settings β Strava.
- π Log in via Strava account and select the types of activities to export.
- π Training data will be automatically sent to Strava after synchronization.
β οΈ Note: When syncing with Google Fit or Apple Health, data duplication is possible (e.g. steps can be counted twice).To avoid this, turn off automatic activity tracking in your smartphone settings.