Modern wearables have become an integral part of the smart device ecosystem, and the Mi Band 5 is one of the leading places here. Connecting this tracker to Xiaomi or Redmi smartphones usually happens automatically thanks to deep integration of shells, but users often face nuances that require attention.
The pairing process takes only a few minutes if you pre-prepared all the necessary components: you will need the fitness bracelet itself, a charged smartphone with an active Bluetooth module and an installed device management app. Mi phone owners are more fortunate than users of other brands, since the system limitations of Android are minimal here.
In this article, we will take a closer look at each step of the setup, from unpacking to final sensor calibration, why the phone can’t see the device sometimes, and how to fix the synchronization errors that can occur in the process.
Preparation of device and software
Before starting the procedure, make sure your wearable device is ready to go. Charge the Mi Smart Band 5 to at least 20-30%, as the initial setup and firmware update may increase the energy consumption. If the tracker is completely discharged, leave it on magnetic charging for 15-20 minutes.
The software is a key element of the ecosystem. For Xiaomi smartphone users, there are two main applications: Mi Fitness (formerly known as Zepp Life) and the official Xiaomi Wear. For the fifth generation model, it is recommended to use Mi Fitness, as it receives updates more often and has a more stable code.
- 📱 Make sure your smartphone has Bluetooth module and geolocation enabled (GPS).
- 📲 Download the Mi Fitness app from the official Google Play store or App Store.
- 🔋 Check the charge level of the bracelet - it should be sufficient for the procedure.
Importantly, Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI or HyperOS shells may have aggressive power saving settings that can interfere with the background of the application, which will cause the connection to break immediately after setting up, so before connecting, you should go to the battery settings and select the “No Limits” mode for the future tracker application.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to connect the bracelet through the standard Bluetooth menu in the Android settings. The pairing must occur strictly inside the application, otherwise the device may lock for other gadgets.
Registration and interface process
Once you install the app, open it and log into your Mi Account or create a new one, which is a must for cloud services and training history. Then click on the add-on icon, which is usually located in the upper right corner or in the center of the home screen.
The app will start searching for available devices within range. To get the Mi Band 5 to pair, it needs to be unlocked (if it was locked with a password) and brought close to the phone. On the tracker screen, a request for confirmation of communication may appear, which must be confirmed by touching the touch button.
Xiaomi phone owners may notice that the system itself suggested that the device be connected via a pop-up, a quick MIUI feature that speeds up the process, but even then, the final adjustment of the access edits must be done inside the application.
When pairing, a confirmation code may appear on your smartphone screen, make sure the numbers on your phone screen and the bracelet display match, and confirm the action, a security measure that prevents you from connecting to other people's devices in public places.
Configure access rights to MIUI and HyperOS
The most critical stage for Xiaomi smartphone owners is to provide all the necessary permissions. Without this step, notifications from messengers will not come, and the steps may not synchronize. MIUI known for its strict background management policy.
Immediately after successful pairing, the app will prompt you to set up notifications. You need to go to the "Profile" section" → "Notification settings and activate the apps you want, but that's not enough: you need to manually allow the Mi Fitness app to auto-run.
- 🔔 Go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications → Mi Fitness.
- ⚡ Include the "Stop" item and remove the restrictions in the "Energy consumption" section".
- 📍 Allow access to geolocation in "Always" mode if you plan to use a route map.
Also worth checking is Bluetooth settings. Go to Settings → Bluetooth → Press the gear next to the Mi Band 5. Calls, Audio (optional) and Show Notifications switches should be activated here. If these points are turned off, the device's functionality will be stripped.
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For stable operation, enable the option “Two-way contact sync” in Bluetooth settings if you want to see the names of the callers on the bracelet screen.
Update of firmware and calibration
Immediately after connecting, the application will likely offer to update the bracelet software. Ignoring the firmware update Mi Band 5 is not recommended, as new versions often contain corrections for Bluetooth module errors. The process can take from 5 to 15 minutes, during which the bracelet cannot be removed from the phone.
During the upgrade, the tracker screen will burn, displaying the execution percentage. interruption of the process can cause the device to malfunction, so make sure that the phone does not go into sleep mode.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Interface language | English/Systemic | Russian |
| Wrist lifting | Off. | Included (day) |
| Vibration. | Medium | High (for notifications) |
| Sleep regimen | Off. | Scheduled. |
Once you've upgraded, you should calibrate the pedometer, walk a known distance (e.g., 100 meters) and compare the bracelet data to reality, and you can manually adjust the step length in the user profile in the app, which will improve calorie counting accuracy.