The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular wearables due to its combination of functionality and affordable price. However, even with such a simple gadget, the process of connecting to a smartphone can raise questions - especially if you encounter Xiaomi equipment for the first time. In this article, we will discuss not only the basic procedure for pairing with Android, but also the nuances that the manufacturer often does not say: from choosing the right version of the application to avoiding typical errors like βdoes not see the braceletβ or βconstantly breaks the connectionβ.
Itβs important to understand that the Mi Band 4 works through the proprietary Mi Fit app (or its alternatives like Zepp Life) rather than the standard Bluetooth protocols on Android. This means that simply turning on Bluetooth on your phone isnβt enough β youβll need to set up permissions correctly, sync accounts and sometimes even manipulate the region of the device. We tested the instruction on smartphones with MIUI 14, Android 13/14 and pure Android One, so itβs relevant for most modern devices.
1. Preparation of the smartphone and bracelet for connection
Before you start pairing, make sure your Mi Band 4 and smartphone are ready for the procedure.
- π± Android Version: Android 5.0 is the minimum supported version, but Android 7.0 is recommended for stable operation+. Older versions may have trouble synchronizing notifications.
- π Bracelet charge: battery level should be at least 20%. with a lower charge, the Mi Band 4 can turn off during setup.
- πΆ Internet connection: on the smartphone must be enabled Wi-Fi or mobile Internet to download the application and update the firmware bracelet.
- π Permissions: Check that your phone is allowed to install apps from unknown sources (if you are not downloading Mi Fit from Google Play).
If your bracelet was purchased in China (CN version) and your smartphone is tied to a European region (or vice versa), you may have synchronization problems, which may require you to change region in your Mi Account settings or use workarounds, which we will discuss later.
β οΈ Note: If you have previously used the Mi Band 3 bracelet or another Xiaomi model, remove it from the Mi Fit app before connecting the Mi Band 4. Simultaneous use of several devices of the same line can lead to firmware conflicts.
2. Installation and configuration of the Mi Fit application
The official Mi Band 4 management app is Mi Fit (developed by Huami), but since 2023 Xiaomi has been actively moving users to a new Zepp Life app that integrates support for all wearable devices of the brand. We recommend using Zepp Life, since Mi Fit no longer receives updates for new features.
Download the application from the official source:
- π Google Play: Mi Fit or Zepp Life
- π₯ APK-File: If the application is not available in your region, download it from the APKCombo website (select the latest stable version).
After installation, follow the following steps:
- Open the app and select the language (English or Russian is recommended, as some localizations may not have features).
- Sign in with Mi Account (if you don't have an account, sign up). Use the same region as the bracelet!
- In the main menu, click Profile β Add the device.
- Choose from the Mi Smart Band 4 list (not to be confused with Mi Band 3 or Mi Band 5).
Critical detail: if the Mi Band 4 is not on the list of devices, upgrade to the latest version of the app or change the account region to Russia (or Global). In some versions of the Mi Fit, old bracelet models are hidden to "simplify the interface."
3. The process of pairing the bracelet with a smartphone
Now, let's get to the connection itself. Follow the instructions strictly by step.
- Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone and place the bracelet next to you (no more than 10 cm away).
- In the Mi Fit/Zepp Life app, click Connect and wait for the system to find the Mi Band 4. If the bracelet is not detected, click Update List or restart Bluetooth on your phone.
- When the bracelet appears on the list, tap it. The bracelet should display a 6-digit code -- compare it to the code in the app. If the codes match, confirm the pairing.
- Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 2-3 minutes).
Once successfully connected, the app will offer to update the bracelet firmware, and we recommend you to agree, as the new versions fix synchronization errors and add features (for example, support for additional dials), the update will take 5-10 minutes and require a stable Internet connection.
Charge the Mi Band 4 to 50%+
Remove old devices from Mi Fit
Enable Bluetooth and geolocation on your smartphone
Update Mi Fit/Zepp Life to the latest version
Reboot your smartphone (if there have been failures before)
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β οΈ Warning: If the bracelet vibrates and displays the icon after the connection β οΈ, This means that the bracelet firmware is not compatible with the region of your account. Solution: change the region in Mi Account to "Russia" or "Global" (instructions in the "Problem Solving" section").
4.Configure the main functions after connection
After pairing, adjust the key parameters of the bracelet for comfortable use:
| Function | Where to set up | Recommended parameters |
|---|---|---|
| Notifications | Device Profile β Notifications | Turn on alerts for calls, SMS and messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram). Disable unnecessary applications so as not to overload the bracelet. |
| Automatic sleep detection | Profile β Sleep | Turn on, but set the sensitivity to medium (high can falsely fix sleep during the day). |
| Raising your hand to activate the screen | Profile β Display | Turn on but set the interval of 5 seconds (so that the screen does not turn on from random movements). |
| Dials | Profile β Dials | Select a minimalist dial (like Digital Classic) to save battery. |
Pay special attention to geolocation settings. Although the Mi Band 4 doesn't have built-in GPS, some features (like jogging tracking) require access to the location of the smartphone.
- Go to Android Settings β Applications β Mi Fit β Permissions.
- Turn on Location and set the Always mode.
- Activate the option of Exact Location (GPS).
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If they donβt come to the bracelet after setting up the notifications, check the Android power saving settings. Add Mi Fit to the Battery Optimization Excluding list (path: Settings β Battery β Battery Optimization β All apps β Mi Fit β Disable Optimization).
5. Solving common connection problems
Even with the right setup, users often encounter errors, and consider typical scenarios and their solutions:
5.1 The bracelet is not in the annex.
- π Reboot Bluetooth: Turn off and turn on Bluetooth again on your smartphone, then restart the Mi Fit app.
- π± Reset the bracelet settings: press the touch button on the Mi Band 4 for 10 seconds until you feel the vibration.
- π Change your account region: if the bracelet is Chinese (CN), If your account is linked to another region, go to Mi Account β Settings β Region and select China (or vice versa).
5.2. The connection is permanently broken
- π Turn off battery optimization for Mi Fit (instruction above).
- π΅ Check for interference: other 2.4GHz devices (such as wireless headphones or routers) may interfere with the connection.
- π Update the bracelet firmware: Outdated versions of software often cause synchronization failures.
5.3 Notifications are not received.
- π οΈ Check your Android settings: Go to Settings β Notifications β Mi Fit and turn on all switches.
- π΅ Turn off the "Do Not Disturb" modes on your smartphone and bracelet.
- π Reconnect the bracelet: remove it from the application and pair it again.
What if Mi Band 4 doesnβt vibrate when notified?
6. Alternative ways of connecting (without Mi Fit)
If the official Mi Fit app is not suitable (for example, due to regional restrictions), alternative methods can be used:
The Zepp Life app (formerly Amazfit)
Zepp Life is a rebranded Amazfit app that now supports Xiaomi devices.
- π More regions to choose from (including Russia and Europe).
- π More detailed statistics of sleep and activity.
- π¨ More free dials.
Disadvantage: Some features (such as Xiaomi Pay) may not be available.
6.2 Notify & Fitness for Mi Band
This is a third-party app from developer Freeyourstream that extends the capabilities of Mi Band 4:
- π Support for notifications from any applications (including games).
- π Advanced Energy Saving Settings.
- π¨ Possibility to set custom dials without restrictions.
Root access is required for the work, or ADB-commands (instructions for XDA Developers).
β οΈ Note: Using third-party applications can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the bracelet.Before installing, back up the data via Mi Fit.
7. Update firmware and reset settings
Regular firmware updates Mi Band 4 fixes bugs and adds new features to update the software:
- Open Mi Fit or Zepp Life.
- Go to the Device Profile β Update the firmware.
- If a new version is available, click Update and wait for the process to complete (5-15 minutes).
If the bracelet is unstable (for example, does not sync data or arbitrarily disconnects), reset to factory settings:
- On the bracelet, go to Settings β More β Reset (or press the touch button for 10 seconds).
- Confirm the reset in the Mi Fit app.
- After rebooting the bracelet, reconnect.
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Updating your firmware through third-party sources (such as.fw files) can brick your bracelet. Use only official update channels in Mi Fit or Zepp Life.
8. Useful tips for advanced users
If you want to make the most of the Mi Band 4, use these tips:
- π Battery savings: Turn off the permanent pulsemeter (Settings) β Monitoring of heart rate β Off.) and set the data synchronization interval for 1 hour.
- π¨ Custom dials: download branded dials from the Amazfit Watch Faces website (compatible with Mi Band 4).
- π Pedometer accuracy: calibrate the bracelet to your step. To do this, walk 20 steps, then enter the real amount in Mi Fit β Profile β Pedometer settings.
- π Protection against theft: turn on PIN-bracelet code (Settings) β PIN-This will prevent unauthorized access to data.
For enthusiasts who are ready to dive into technical details, there is a possibility of firmware custom software (for example, Custom Firmware from the Xiaomi community).
- Set up unofficial dials.
- Unlock hidden functions (for example, always-on display).
- Remove regional restrictions.
For instructions and firmware files, check out the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums, and remember that this is a risky procedure that could lead to a loss of warranty!
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If after updating the firmware bracelet began to discharge quickly, reset settings and roll back to the previous version of the software through Mi Fit (in the updates section, the rollback option is usually available).