Connecting Xiaomi Mi Band 4 to iPhone: a complete guide with error solutions

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains a popular choice among iPhone users due to its combination of affordable price, long autonomy and wide functionality. However, synchronizing the gadget with iOS devices has nuances that often cause errors. Unlike Android, where the connection process is as simple as possible, iPhone owners have to take into account the limitations of the operating system and the features of the Mi Fitness application (formerly Mi Fit).

In this article, we will not only discuss the basic connection process, but also the hidden settings that will unlock the full potential of the bracelet, from displaying notifications to setting alarms. Particular attention will be paid to solutions for iOS 17 and later, where Xiaomi has made changes to the synchronization algorithm. If you encounter errors like “Device Can’t Find” or “Connection Failure”, here you will find proven ways to fix them.

Preparation for connection: what to check before starting

Before you start syncing, make sure your iPhone and Mi Band 4 meet the minimum requirements, which will save you 90% of the problems during the connection phase.

First, check the iOS version: the bracelet officially supports iOS 10.0 and higher, but iOS 14+ is recommended for stable operation. On older versions, critical security updates may not be available, which will lead to synchronization failures. Second, make sure that your iPhone is enabled Bluetooth 4.0+ (all models starting with the iPhone 4S support it).

• 🔋 Bracelet charge: at least 50% (at low charge, failures are possible during the first synchronization).
• 📱 Free space on iPhone: the Mi Fitness app weighs ~150MB, plus cache space will be required.
• 🌍 App Store Region: App is not available in all countries, and if it is not available in your region, you will need to change your account.
• 🔄 Firmware updates: the bracelet must have an up-to-date version of the software (checked in the Settings menu) → About the device).

Critical recommendation: If you have previously used an Android smartphone bracelet, reset it to factory settings via Settings → Reset menu. Otherwise, there may be binding conflicts with the new device. Also remove the old version of the Mi Fit app if it was installed - now all functions are transferred to Mi Fitness.

Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness app on iPhone

The official Mi Band 4 management app on the iPhone is Mi Fitness (developer of Xiaomi Inc.), which is free to download from the App Store, but there are nuances:

1. Open the App Store and search for Mi Fitness.
2. Make sure the developer is Xiaomi Inc. (there are clones with similar names!).
3. Click "Install" and wait for the download to be completed.
4. After installation, open the app and register through your Xiaomi, Google or Apple ID account.

When you first start, the application will request permissions:

• 📍 Geolocation: needed to track activity (you can turn off later).
• 📱 Notifications: Allow to receive alerts about low charge bracelet.
• 🔗 Bluetooth: Mandatory permission to connect to the bracelet.
• 🏃 HealthKit: If you want to sync your data with the Health app.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a dual-phone SIM-card (eSIM) + physical), before connecting the bracelet, disconnect one of the SIM in settings (Cellular communication) → SIM-Some users report synchronization failures with active two cards.

Download Mi Fitness from the App Store|

Register a Xiaomi | account

Allow access to Bluetooth|

Allow notifications |

Update the application to the latest version-->

Step-by-step: how to connect Mi Band 4 to iPhone

When the app is installed and the bracelet is charged, you can start syncing. Follow the instructions strictly in steps to avoid errors:

1. Activation of the bracelet: Press the touch button Mi Band 4 and swipe up to unlock the screen. Select the language (English or Chinese - Russian may not appear at this stage).
2. Start search: In the Mi Fitness app, click on the Profile icon → Add device → Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 4.
3. Bluetooth pairing: The iPhone will have a connection request -- confirm it. The bracelet should vibrate.
4. Firmware Update: If you notice a new version of the software, be sure to update the bracelet (it will take 5-10 minutes).
5. Set up notifications: In the bracelet menu in the app, enable Call Notice and Notifications from the apps.

If the error "Cannot find the device" occurs during the connection step, follow the following steps:

1. Reboot your iPhone and bracelet (to reboot the Mi Band 4, press the touch button for 10 seconds).
2. In your iPhone settings, go to Bluetooth, find the Mi Band 4 in the device list and forget it.
3. In the Mi Fitness app, remove the bracelet from the list of devices and start the connection process again.

⚠️ Note: On iPhones with iOS 17.2 and later, you may need to manually allow access to the local network for the Mi Fitness app. → Confidentiality → Local area network and switch on the Mi Fitness switch.

Set up notifications and calls on Mi Band 4 for iPhone

One of the key features of the Mi Band 4 is to display notifications from the iPhone, but by default, this option may be disabled or not work correctly, to configure it correctly:

1. Open your Mi Fitness and select your bracelet.
2. Go to Call Notifications and turn on the switch.
3. In the Notifications section of the apps, select instant messengers (such as WhatsApp, Telegram), calls, and calendar.
4. In your iPhone settings, go to Notifications → Mi Fitness and turn on the option to Show on the lock screen.

Important restrictions for iPhone users:

• 🚫 You can’t answer your phone directly from your bracelet (unlike Android).
• 📵 Notifications from some apps (like Viber) may not come due to iOS restrictions.
• 🔄 For stable notifications, it is necessary that the Mi Fitness application is launched in the background.

Advice for advanced users: If notifications come with a delay, go to Main → Content Update in the background in your iPhone settings and turn on this option for Mi Fitness. Also check that Settings → Battery → Battery Status has optimised for this application.

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To make notifications appear faster, add the Mi Fitness widget to the iPhone's home screen. To do this, press the blank space on the screen → click "+" → find Mi Fitness and select the Quick Access widget.

Synchronizing Health Data with Apple Health

The Mi Band 4 can transmit steps, sleep and pulse data to the standard Health app on the iPhone.

1. Open Mi Fitness and go to Profile → Settings → Data Synchronization.
2. Select Apple Health and switch on the switch.
3. Allow access to all the requested parameters (steps, sleep, heart rate).
4. In the Health app, data will appear in the Activity and Sleep sections.

Please note the limitations:

⚠️ Note: If Apple Health displays incorrect sleep data after sync (such as too short duration), check the bracelet settings. → Settings → Sleep Sensitivity and Choose High.

Solving common connection problems

Even with the right setup, iPhone users may encounter errors, and consider the most common ones and how to fix them:

1. The bracelet connects but does not synchronize data

Reason: conflict with background processes of iOS or outdated firmware.

Decision:

• 🔄 Reboot your iPhone and bracelet.
• 📱 In the iPhone settings go to Mi Fitness → Update content in the background and enable the option.
• 🔧 Update the bracelet firmware through Settings → About the device → Update of the PO.

2 Notifications don't come on the bracelet

Reason: iOS restrictions for background apps.

Decision:

• 🛠 In the iPhone settings, go to Notifications → Mi Fitness and turn on the Sounds and Badges.
• 🔗 Make sure that Mi Fitness selects the right apps in the notifications section.
• 📴 Check if the Do Not Disturb mode on the bracelet is enabled (swipe down the screen and turn off the bell icon).

3.The bracelet discharges quickly after connecting to an iPhone

Reason: Constant data synchronization in the background.

Decision:

• ⚡ Turn off automatic synchronization in Mi Fitness → Settings → Synchronization of data → Autosynchronization.
• 🌙 Enable the power saving mode on the bracelet (Settings) → Screen. → Energy conservation).
• 🔋 Check if there are third-party dials installed – they can increase battery consumption.

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If the bracelet doesn’t connect after all the manipulations, try using the Notify & Fitness for Mi Band alternative app (available on the App Store), which supports advanced features but may require a paid subscription.

Alternative ways to connect (if the standard one does not work)

If the official Mi Fitness app refuses to work properly with your iPhone, you can use third-party solutions, which are suitable for experienced users who are willing to sacrifice stability for additional features.

1 Notify & Fitness for Mi Band

The annex proposes:

• 📊 Expanded training statistics.
• 🔔 Vibration settings for different types of notifications.
• 🎨 Installation of custom dials without restrictions.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Paid subscription for some functions (~300 rubles/month).
• ⚠️ Synchronization failures may occur when iOS updates.

2. Mi Band Master app (jailbreak only)

If your iPhone has a jailbreak, you can install Mi Band Master via Cydia.This app allows you to:

• 🔓 Unlock hidden bracelet features (e.g. music control).
• 📥 Export raw sensor data.

⚠️ Warning: Using jailbreak will void the warranty on the iPhone and may cause system instability.We do not recommend this method to novice users.

3. Connection via Android emulator

The last option is to use an Android emulator on a computer (e.g. BlueStacks), install Mi Fitness in it, and plug in the bracelet. Then the data can be exported manually.

• 📊 Transferring Historical Training Data.
• 🔧 Firmware updates if there are errors on iOS.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions