Step-by-step connection of Xiaomi Mi Band 5 to the Redmi smartphone: from installing the application to setting up notifications

Xiaomi Mi Band 5 smartwatches remain among the most popular fitness trackers due to the combination of functionality and affordable price. However, many Redmi users face difficulties when connecting the device for the first time, from synchronization errors to problems with displaying notifications. This article will help you understand everything from choosing the right version of the Mi Fit application to fine-tuning the communication parameters between the bracelet and phone.

It is important to understand that the process of connecting the Mi Band 5 to Redmi has its own peculiarities compared to other smartphone brands. For example, on Xiaomi devices, the background processes of applications can be blocked by default, which leads to a break in the connection with the bracelet, we will discuss in detail how to avoid such problems and ensure stable operation of the gadget.

In the guide, you will find not only basic instructions, but also solutions to common errors, from the lack of response of the bracelet to the problems with displaying time after synchronization. Particular attention is paid to the setting of notifications, one of the most popular features, which often works incorrectly without additional configuration.

Preparation for connection: what to check before starting

Before you start syncing the Mi Band 5 with Redmi, make sure all the preconditions are met.This will save you most of the typical problems during the connection phase.

First, check the operating system version on your Redmi.The bracelet officially supports Android 5.0 and higher, but Android 7.0 is recommended for stable operation.+. You can find the version in the Settings menu β†’ The phone. β†’ Android Version.If your smartphone runs on an older firmware, consider upgrading through Settings β†’ Updating the system.

Second, make sure your phone is Bluetooth enabled, swipe down from top to bottom across the screen to open the Quick Settings panel, and activate the Bluetooth icon, and check that Charge Savings mode is off, so it can block the background of applications.

  • πŸ“± Android Version: No less than 5.0 (optimally 7.0)+)
  • πŸ”΅ Bluetooth: enabled and visible for other devices
  • πŸ”‹ Saving mode: disabled in battery settings
  • πŸ“² Free space: at least 100 MB for installation of the application

Pay special attention to application permissions. Once you install Mi Fit, you need to give access to contacts, notifications, location and storage, and without these permissions, the bracelet will not be able to sync step data, show incoming calls or messages. Check the permissions in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Mi Fit β†’ Permits.

πŸ“Š What version of Android is your Redmi using?
Android 10 or newer
Android 9 (Pie)
Android 8 (Oreo)
Android 7 or older

Installation and configuration of the Mi Fit application

The official Mi Band 5 management app is Mi Fit (also known as Xiaomi Wear in some regions), which can be downloaded from Google Play or Mi App Store if your Redmi has firmware with Xiaomi services installed. It is important to use the latest version of the app, as older releases may not support new bracelet features.

After installation, follow the following steps:

  1. Open Mi Fit and click Sign in or Sign in if you already have a Xiaomi account.Use the same account as you did on your phone to avoid sync issues.
  2. In the main menu of the application, select "Add device" (icon "+" top-right).
  3. From the list of available devices, select "Mi Smart Band 5" (not to be confused with other models!).
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm permissions to access health data, notifications, and geolocation.

If the app does not find the bracelet, try the following steps:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot the Mi Band 5 by holding the touch button for 10 seconds before the vibration appears.
  • πŸ“± Restart Mi Fit and turn Bluetooth on/off on your phone.
  • πŸ” Make sure the bracelet is at least 20% charged – with a low charge, it may not appear in the list of available devices.

Install the latest version of Mi Fit|Registering a Xiaomi account|Charge Mi Band 5 at least 20 times%|Enable Bluetooth and geolocation-->

After the successful connection, the application will offer to update the firmware of the bracelet. Update via Mi Fit is the only official way to flash the Mi Band 5, alternative methods can lead to loss of functionality. If the update is available, confirm its installation and wait for the process to complete (don’t interrupt the connection!).

Synchronizing data and setting up a profile

After connecting the Mi Band 5 to Redmi, you need to set up a personal profile in Mi Fit, which will allow the bracelet to correctly track physical activity, sleep and other indicators. Go to the Profile section in the application and fill in the following data:

  • πŸ‘€ Sex and Date of Birth – Affect Calorie Calories and Activity Recommendations.
  • βš–οΈ Height and weight – used to calculate body mass index (BMI) and pedometer accuracy.
  • πŸƒ Activity goals – set a daily step rate (8000 default, but you can change it).
  • πŸ›Œ Sleep Mode – Specify your usual bedtime for more accurate monitoring.

To synchronize data with the bracelet, follow the following steps:

  1. Open Mi Fit and wait for automatic synchronization (the cloud icon in the upper right corner should stop rotating).
  2. If sync is not happening, pull the screen down for a forced update.
  3. Check that the phone settings for Mi Fit allow "Autostart" and "Background" (path: Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Mi Fit β†’ Battery β†’ Battery consumption management).

If your steps or sleep data aren’t updated, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reconnect the bracelet to Mi Fit (device profile) β†’ Turn it off, then add it back).
  • πŸ“± Reboot your phone and bracelet.
  • πŸ”‹ Make sure the bracelet has enough charge (less than 10% can block synchronization).

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet displays the wrong time after synchronization, check the time zone settings in Mi Fit: Profile β†’ Settings of the device β†’ Time and date β†’ Synchronize with the phone.

Set up notifications: calls, messages and applications

One of the key features of the Mi Band 5 is to display notifications from the phone, but by default, the bracelet only shows basic alerts, SMS and messages from messengers, follow the following steps:

  1. In Mi Fit go to "Device Profile" β†’ "Notifications".
  2. Activate the "Show notifications" switch.
  3. In the "Applications" section, select instant messengers (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber), notifications from which should be duplicated on the bracelet.
  4. For calls, turn on the Incoming Calls option and set the vibration.

On a firmware Redmi. MIUI required:

  1. Go to the phone settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Mi Fit.
  2. Enable permission to "Show over other windows".
  3. In the Notifications section, allow Mi Fit to access notifications from other applications.

If notifications do not arrive:

  • ⚠️ Check if Mi Fit is added to the list of β€œOptimized Apps” (path: Settings) β†’ Battery β†’ Battery optimization. If so, remove it from the list.
  • πŸ”„ Reboot your phone and bracelet.
  • πŸ“± Make sure the phone is not activated with "Do Not Disturb" mode".
Why don’t some apps show notifications on Mi Band 5?
Not all apps support notifications to wearable devices, for example, some banking apps or games block duplication of alerts for security reasons. Also check that in the settings of the messenger itself (for example, Telegram) it is allowed to show notifications in the status bar (Settings). β†’ Notifications β†’ Showing in status).

Solving common connection problems

Even with the right setup, Redmi users may encounter Mi Band 5 connection errors. Let’s look at the most common problems and ways to solve them.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The bracelet is not in Mi FitBluetooth is disabled or the bracelet is dischargedTurn on Bluetooth, charge the bracelet to 20%+
Synchronization interruptedMi Fit is blocked by battery optimizerEliminate Mi Fit from optimization in battery settings
Notifications don't come in.No permission to access notificationsCheck the permissions in Android and Mi Fit settings
The bracelet vibrates for no reason.Included are reminders of inactionTurn it off at Mi Fit. β†’ Reminders β†’ Sedentary lifestyle
Wrong time on the braceletNot synchronized with the phone.Update time at Mi Fit β†’ Settings of the device β†’ Time.

If the bracelet is connected but immediately disconnects, check:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery level of the bracelet (at 5% or lower, the connection may break).
  • πŸ“Ά Bluetooth connection stability (interference from other devices or weak signal).
  • πŸ”„ Bracelet firmware version (update via Mi Fit if available).

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet has stopped responding to touch after updating the firmware, reset the settings. To do this, press the touch button on the bracelet for 15 seconds before the vibration appears. After reset, you will have to reconnect the device in Mi Fit.

For users of Redmi with MIUI 12+ You may need to adjust auto-start for the Mi Fit:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Mi Fit.
  2. Select "Stop" and turn on the option.
  3. In the "Permissions" section, activate "Display pop-ups".

Additional functions: music, alarm clocks, weather

In addition to the basic functionality, the Mi Band 5 supports a number of additional features that can be customized through the Mi Fit.

Music control: The bracelet can remotely control the music playback on the phone.

  1. In Mi Fit, go to the Device Profile β†’ Managing music.
  2. Turn on the option and select the default player (such as Mi Music or Spotify).
  3. Now when playing music on the phone on the bracelet will display buttons "Play/Pause", "Next" and "Previous".

Alarm clocks: You can set up to 10 alarm clocks on the wristband, which will vibrate even if the phone is turned off.

  1. In Mi Fit, select the Device Profile β†’ Alarm clocks.
  2. Click Add an alarm clock and set the time, repetition days and vibration type.
  3. Activate the "Wake up if the phone is off" option (only works when the bracelet is sufficiently charged).

Weather: The bracelet can show the current weather and forecast for 3 days.

  1. Turn on geolocation on your phone.
  2. In Mi Fit, go to the Device Profile β†’ Weather.
  3. Activate the option "Show the weather on the bracelet".

If the weather is not updated, check:

  • 🌍 Geolocation access permission for Mi Fit.
  • πŸ”„ Synchronize data in the application (pull the screen down).
  • πŸ“Ά Stability of Internet connection on the phone.

πŸ’‘

For music management to work properly, it is necessary that the player on the phone supports external playback commands, and some applications (for example, YouTube Music) can block this feature.

Optimizing the battery consumption of the bracelet and phone

One of the main problems when using the Mi Band 5 with Redmi is the increased battery consumption on the phone due to constant synchronization. To extend the life of both devices, follow these recommendations:

For the bracelet:

  • πŸ”‹ Turn off the "Raise of the Hand to Activate the Screen" in Mi Fit β†’ Settings of the device β†’ Display.
  • πŸŒ™ Reduce the brightness of the screen to 2-3 division.
  • ⏰ Reduce the frequency of data synchronization to 1 time per hour (Mi Fit) β†’ Settings of the device β†’ Autosynchronization).
  • 🚫 Disable unnecessary notifications from apps.

For the phone:

  • πŸ“΅ Add Mi Fit to the list of "Secure Applications" (Settings) β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery β†’ Secure applications).
  • πŸ”„ Turn off background geolocation for Mi Fit if you don't use the weather.
  • πŸ“΄ Enable Adaptive Battery in Settings, but exclude Mi Fit from Optimization.

The average lifetime of the Mi Band 5 on a single charge is:

Mode of useTime to work.
Basic (stepmer, time)14-20 days
With notifications and sleep monitoring10–14 days
With a permanent pulse meter and notifications5-7 days

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet discharges in less than 3 days, check for moisture in the charging connector. Water intake can lead to increased power consumption. Dry the device within 24 hours before the next charge.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I connect Mi Band 5 to Redmi without the Mi Fit app?
No, officially, the bracelet only works through Mi Fit or Xiaomi Wear. Alternative apps (such as Notify & Fitness) may provide limited functionality, but do not guarantee stable operation of all functions, including notifications and health monitoring.
Why does Mi Band 5 not vibrate when notifications come to the phone?
Check the following settings: In Mi Fit: Device Profile β†’ Notifications β†’ Vibration (must be enabled) On the phone: permissions for Mi Fit to access notifications (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Mi Fit β†’ In the instant messenger itself: turn on the option "Show notifications". If the problem persists, reconnect the bracelet to Mi Fit.
How to reset Mi Band 5 to factory settings if it doesn't connect?
Perform hardware reset: Charge the bracelet at least 20%. Hold the touch button 15-20 seconds until it vibrates strongly. After reset, the bracelet will flash and ready for a new connection. If the reset does not work, connect the bracelet to charging and repeat the procedure.
Can I use Mi Band 5 with an iPhone after connecting to Redmi?
Yes, but you will need to: Remove the bracelet from Mi Fit on Redmi, install Mi Fit on iPhone and reconnect the bracelet. Note that on iOS, some features (such as quick response to messages) may be limited.
How to update the firmware Mi Band 5 if Mi Fit does not have an update button?
If the update is not offered automatically: Check your phone's internet connection. make sure the bracelet is over 50% charged. β†’ Update your firmware and click "Check Updates." If the update is not available, your firmware version may already be up to date. Do not use third-party firmware for Mi Band 5 - this may result in loss of functionality or locking the device.