Step-by-step, connecting Xiaomi Mi Band 3 to a Samsung phone: from pairing to fine-tuning

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet remains a popular gadget even years after its release, thanks to the balance of functionality and price. However, Samsung phone owners often face nuances when trying to sync, from the lack of a device in the Bluetooth list to errors in the Mi Fit application. In this article, we will analyze all the stages of connection, from preparing the phone to solving typical problems relevant to Android 10-14.

The Mi Band 3 features an outdated communication protocol that sometimes conflicts with current versions of Android on Samsung Galaxy smartphones (such as the S23 Ultra or A54), and we’ll take these subtleties into account and suggest alternative methods if the standard instruction doesn’t work, and we’ll also learn how to circumvent the limitations of the One UI back-end applications that often block data synchronization.

1.Preparing Samsung phone for connection

Before pairing with the Mi Band 3, you need to configure your smartphone to avoid errors in the search phase of the device.

• 📱 Android Version: Update to the latest stable version via Settings → Software Update: On Samsung with Android 12+ Additional permits may be required for Mi Fit.
• 🔄 Bluetooth: Activate the module in the Quick Settings Panel and make sure the phone is visible for other devices (in Settings). → Connections → Bluetooth → Additionally).
• 🛡️ Application permissions: Go to Settings → Annexes → Mi Fit → Permits and enable access to contacts, notifications, geodata and background activity.
• 🔋 Battery Optimization: Add Mi Fit to the Exclusion List in Settings → Caring for the device → Battery → Background work.

If you use Samsung Knox or a corporate profile, temporarily disable them – they can block the connection of third-party gadgets. Also check if the power saving mode is active: it limits the operation of Bluetooth.

2. Installation and configuration of the Mi Fit application

The official Mi Fit app (renamed Zepp Life in some regions) is the only way to fully manage the Mi Band 3. Download it from Google Play or through the Galaxy Store if you have previously disabled Google services.

After installation:

1. Launch the app and sign up via your Xiaomi, Google or Apple ID account (the latter option is unstable on Android).
2. In the main menu, tap the icon "Add device" (the icon "+" in the upper right corner).
3. Choose from the list of Mi Smart Band 3 bracelets – do not confuse with new models!
4. Follow the on-screen hints when the app asks you to turn on Bluetooth and allow notifications.

When you search for the Mi Band 3, you have to vibrate and display the confirmation code on the screen. If that doesn't happen, check:

• 🔋 Bracelet charge (minimum 20% for stable connection).
• 📶 Distance between devices (no more than 1 meter).
• 🔄 Rebooting the Bluetooth module on the phone (Settings) → Connections → Bluetooth → ⋮ → Reset).

3.Pairing Mi Band 3 with Samsung phone

The connection process may vary depending on the version of One UI on your Samsung.

1. Activation of the bracelet: Press the Mi Band 3 touch button before the Mi logo appears. Then swipe your finger up the bracelet screen to unlock it.
2. Device search: In the Mi Fit app, click Connect, the phone will start scanning. If the Mi Band 3 doesn't appear on the list, try manually adding it through Settings → Connections → Bluetooth on the phone.
3. Code Confirmation: The bracelet screen will display a 6-digit code. Compare it to what the app shows and click "Confirm."
4. Firmware update: After pairing, Mi Fit will offer to update the bracelet software. Do not interrupt the process - this can cause the device to crash.

If at the stage of code confirmation there is an error "Can not connect", follow the following steps:

⚠️ Attention: Samsung Galaxy with Android 13+ The connection lock may be triggered due to security policy. To get around this, temporarily turn off Knox Protection in Settings → Biometrics and safety → Other security parameters.

4. Notification setting and data synchronization

After successful connection, set up alerts and automatic synchronization to Mi Band 3 works as efficiently as possible:

Step 1. Allow notifications:

1. Open your phone settings → Applications → Mi Fit → Notifications.
2. Turn on the "Allow Notifications" switch.
3. In the Mi Fit app itself, go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Call and Message Notifications.
4. Select applications (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS) that will be duplicated on the bracelet.

Step 2: Synchronization of data:

• 📊 Enable "Autosync" in bracelet settings in Mi Fit (Data Sync section).
• 🔄 Set the synchronization interval: optimally - every 30 minutes.
• ☁️ Link your Google Fit or Apple Health account (if you need to export your data to other services).

Samsung Health can also import data from Mi Fit:

1. Open Samsung Health.
2. Go to Settings. → Connected services.
3. Select Mi Fit and log in.
4. Allow access to steps, sleep and pulse.

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If notifications come with a delay, turn off the power saving mode for the Mi Fit app in the Samsung battery settings.

5. Solving common problems

Even after a successful connection, Samsung users may encounter a number of errors.

🔴 The bracelet shuts down in a few minutes.

Reason: One UI is aggressively optimizing the background. Solution:

1. Go to Settings → Device Care → Battery → Background work.
2. Find Mi Fit and enable the option to "Allow background work".
3. In the same menu, add the app to "Unoptimized".

🔴 No notifications coming.

Check it out.

• 📵 Are Mi Fit notifications included in Android settings.
• 🔕 Is the bracelet worth it in "Do Not Disturb" (check in the Mi Fit app).
• 📱 Application compatibility: Some messengers (e.g. Viber) require separate permission to duplicate notifications.

🔴 Bracelet not updated

If the Mi Band 3 firmware is not updated:

• 📶 Connect your phone to Wi-Fi (update via mobile internet may be blocked).
• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (press the button for 10 seconds).
• 📥 Remove the Mi Fit cache in Settings → Annexes → Mi Fit → Memory. → Clear the cache.

6. Alternative ways of connecting

If the standard method doesn’t work, try alternatives:

🔄 Connect with Notify & Fitness for Mi Band

The third-party Notify & Fitness app (available on Google Play) supports Mi Band 3 and offers advanced settings:

• 📲 More notification options (e.g., keyword filtering).
• 🔋 Detailed statistics of the bracelet battery.
• 🎨 Screen Customization (for Firmware with Support).

To connect:

1. Install the application and provide all the permissions requested.
2. In the main menu, select "Plug the bracelet".
3. Follow the instructions – the process is similar to Mi Fit, but with additional options.

🔄 Manual pairing via Bluetooth

If the apps don't see the bracelet:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth on your phone.
2. Click "Add New Device."
3. In the list, look for "Mi Band 3" (may appear as "MI3" or "LE-MI3").
4. Confirm the pairing. Then open the Mi Fit, and the bracelet must be automatically determined.

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Use alternative applications only if the standard method does not work. Some features (such as firmware updates) may not be available in third-party software.

7. Optimize the Mi Band 3 with Samsung

To keep the bracelet working steadily:

• 🔋 Charging: Use the original cable. Mi Band 3 is sensitive to voltage surges - unused chargers from other gadgets can damage the battery.
• 📶 Distance: Keep your phone and bracelet at a distance of no more than 10 meters. Walls and interference (such as microwaves) degrade the signal.
• 🔄 Reboot: Reload the bracelet once a week (press the button for 10 seconds) to reset the connection cache.
• 📱 Updates: Regularly update Mi Fit and bracelet firmware. Samsung with Android 14 may require additional compatibility patches.

To extend the battery life:

• Turn off the permanent pulsemeter (in Bracelet Settings → Heart Monitor, select Manual).
• Reduce the brightness of the screen to 50%.
• Disable notifications from unnecessary applications.

8. Frequent Questions (FAQ)