Modern wearables have become an integral part of the smart home ecosystem, and the Xiaomi Smart Band 4 (formerly known as the Mi Band 4) remains one of the most popular fitness trackers due to its price-to-function ratio.The initial setup process can seem confusing for beginners, especially given the transition to a new Mi Fitness app to replace the old Mi Fit. Properly completing all stages ensures that pulse sensors, notifications and step count accuracy work.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of connecting the bracelet to Android and iOS smartphones. You will learn how to avoid common synchronization errors, where to download the current version of the software and what settings should be changed in the phone system for the smooth operation of the device. Following the instructions will help activate all the hidden capabilities of the tracker.
Before starting the procedure, make sure your smartphone meets the minimum system requirements. Android is version 5.0 and higher, iOS is version 10.0 and later, and it is critical to have a stable Internet connection to register an account and initially download dial profiles.
Preparation for pairing: check of configuration and charging
The first step before trying to connect is to physically check the device. Often users try to plug in a fully discharged gadget, resulting in a search error or instantaneous shutdown during setup. Remove the tracker from the capsule (if necessary to charge your version of the charger) and connect it to a power source.
Make sure the battery image or Xiaomi logo appears on the screen.If the screen doesn't light up for 5-10 minutes of charging, check the integrity of the contacts on the back of the capsule and the charger itself.Oxidation or contamination of the contacts is a common reason why the device doesn't turn on.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use powerful Quick Charges (SuperCharge) to charge the bracelet. Currents greater than 1A can damage the power controller. USB-port of computer or adapter with current 0.5-1A.
After switching on the device on the screen should be displayed QR-A code or logo that says "Connect to phone." This is a signal that the Bluetooth module is active and ready to search. Do not press any buttons yet, if the device is in pairing standby mode, it will go into the desired mode after installing the application.
💡
If the bracelet was previously connected to another phone, be sure to reset through the device menu (Settings -> System -> Unbind), otherwise the new phone may not see it due to the locking of the anchor.
Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness application
A key element of the Xiaomi Wearable ecosystem is software. Currently, the current app for the fourth model is Mi Fitness (also known as Zepp Life in some regions, but Mi Fitness is a priority for the new Accas).
Once installed, launch the app and create a Xiaomi Account, which is a prerequisite for synchronizing health and activity data, and when registering, provide the correct data: date of birth, height and weight, since these parameters depend on the algorithm for calculating calories and distance traveled.
During the registration process, the system can request permission to access geolocation, notifications and Bluetooth. To properly operate the tracker, you must provide all the requested rights. In particular, without access to the location on Android smartphones, scanning of Bluetooth devices is often blocked at the operating system level.
☑️ Checklist of account preparation
Step-by-step instructions for connecting to Android
The process of pairing on devices with the Android operating system has its own peculiarities associated with the aggressive policy of energy saving modern shells (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). Open the Mi Fitness application, go to the Profile tab and click the Add Device button.
Select from the list "Bracelet" and find in the list of available devices Mi Smart Band 4. Click on the device name. On the screen of the bracelet will request confirmation of pairing with the symbol of vibration or button "OK". Click on the touch area of the bracelet for confirmation.
Once the connection is successful, the tracker will automatically update its firmware, which can take 2 to 10 minutes depending on the speed of the Internet, do not close the app and hold the bracelet next to your phone, and interrupting the update can cause software failure.
Settings -> Applications -> Mi Fitness -> Permissions -> All Permits: On
Settings -> Bluetooth -> Mi Band 4 -> Cancel pairing (if previously)
Settings -> Applications -> Mi Fitness -> Auto Start: OnAn important step is to set up notifications. Go to the Notifications section inside the app and activate the switches for the right messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp, VK). Without this setting, the bracelet will only vibrate when the call is in, ignoring the messages.
Hidden Android Notification Settings
Instructions for iPhone owners (iOS)
Apple iPhone users are lucky with a more stable Bluetooth protocol, but there are some nuances: Before you start installing the application, make sure that the iOS system settings in the Bluetooth section do not pair with the bracelet directly. If you see the Mi Band 4 in the list of iPhone devices, click on the "i" icon and select "Forget the device."
Launch the Mi Fitness app and allow Bluetooth access the first time the system is requested. iOS strictly controls access to hardware modules, so without explicit permission, the app won't be able to find the tracker.
Once the code is confirmed on the bracelet screen and in the app, iOS can request permission to synchronize data with health (Apple Health), it is recommended to agree that the data on heart rate and steps are integrated into the overall health statistics of the iPhone, which will allow you to build more accurate activity charts.
⚠️ Note: On iOS, the Mi Fitness app should always be running in the background for instant notifications. Do not close the app completely (swipe up), otherwise sync will not occur until the next opening.
Setup of training profiles and dials
One of the main features of Xiaomi Smart Band 4 is support for various training modes. The application offers a wide range of activities: running, cycling, swimming, yoga and others. To start using, select the desired profile, and pulse and tempo data will be recorded at a high sampling rate.
The dial is particularly well-designed, and unlike previous models, the fourth version supports color. AMOLED-screen and allows you to change the design completely" ->"Display settings" ->"Dial shop") you can choose a static image or animated background.
When loading new dials, make sure that the bracelet is charged at least 20%.The process of recording graphics to the internal memory of the tracker is energy intensive.If the charge falls below the critical level during installation, the dial may not be installed correctly (black screen or artifacts).
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended value | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen brightness | Automobile | 40-60% (indoors) | High. |
| Wrist lifting | On | VL (with sensitivity "Norm") | Average. |
| Pulse monitoring | 10 minutes | 1 min (for sport) / 10 min (usually) | High. |
| Notifications | All right. | Only important. | Low. |
💡
The optimal balance between functionality and autonomy is achieved by measuring the pulse rate for 10 minutes and disabling persistent notifications from secondary applications.
Solving synchronization problems and errors
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users can face difficulties, and one of the most common problems is that the phone sees the bracelet but doesn't connect, or the connection is cut off immediately after confirmation, and 90% of the time, this is solved by completely resetting the Bluetooth settings on the phone.
This requires:
- 📱 Go to the Bluetooth phone settings.
- 🗑️ Find Mi Band 4 and click "Forget" or "Cancel pairing".
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone completely (not just turn off the screen).
- 🔌 In the Mi Fitness app, remove the device from the list (if it remains there).
- 🔍 Repeat the search.
Another problem is that there is no vibration when notifying, check if the bracelet is not on the "Do not disturb" mode (moon icon), and on Android you need to fix the Mi Fitness app in memory (lock app) so that the system does not "kill" its process to save energy.
If the bracelet has stopped responding to touch, try rebooting through the device menu: More -> Settings -> System -> Reboot. If the menu is not available, put the bracelet on charging - this also initiates a restart of the system.