The integration of wearable electronics into the Xiaomi ecosystem often goes smoothly, but owners of popular smartphones such as the Redmi 8 Pro sometimes face nuances during initial pairing.The fifth-generation fitness bracelet from Xiaomi remains one of the best-selling gadgets due to its functionality and autonomy, but it requires proper communication configuration with the Android operating system to work.
The activation process takes only a few minutes if you have all the necessary components and software ready in advance, and in this article we will take a detailed look at each step, from unpacking to first synchronization of data, paying special attention to the specifics of the MIUI shell installed on your Redmi 8 Pro.
Incorrect sequence of actions or ignoring system permissions can cause the tracker to not display notifications or lose communication with the phone. Connection stability is critical for tracking sleep and physical activity, so you should pay attention to energy saving settings immediately after purchase.
Preparation of equipment and software
Before starting the procedure, make sure your Redmi 8 Pro has sufficient battery power and the tracker itself is activated.The Mi Band 5 bracelet comes with a magnetic charger that must be used for initial charging if the battery indicator on the screen does not light up when removed from the package.
The key element to managing the device is the official app. On Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, it is often preinstalled, but to guarantee work with the latest features, it is better to download the current version from the Google Play store or GetApps. The application is called Mi Fitness (formerly known as Zepp Life) or Mi Fit, depending on the region of delivery of your gadget.
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For Redmi 8 Pro, it is recommended to use the Mi Fitness app, as it is better optimized for new versions of Android and MIUI.
You also need to activate the wireless modules on the phone. Without Bluetooth and GPS enabled, the process of finding the device will not be possible, since modern security protocols require location confirmation to pair accessories.
- 📱 Charge the tracker to at least 20% for stable operation during setup.
- 📥 Install or update the Mi Fitness/Mi Fit app to the latest version.
- 📍 Turn on geolocation and Bluetooth in the smartphone notification curtain.
- 🆔 Create or sign in to your Mi Account to sync your data.
Importantly, for some features to work, such as weather mapping or accurate jogging path tracking, internet access must also be active.The network connection allows the app to download the current dials and update the firmware of the bracelet itself immediately after you connect.
Step-by-step instructions for pairing devices
The process of connecting Mi Band 5 to Redmi 8 Pro is logically divided into several steps that must be performed sequentially. First, open the installed application and log in using your Mi Account.
After logging in, go to the Profile tab or click on the device add icon, usually located at the top corner of the screen. From the list of available gadgets, select Mi Smart Band 5. The application will request permission to use Bluetooth and geolocation - confirm these actions, otherwise the search will not begin.
☑️ Connection algorithm
When the phone detects the tracker, a pairing request will appear on the smartphone screen, and the Mi Band 5 screen will display a vibration signal and a graphic confirmation symbol. Tap the bracelet screen or press the touch button to confirm the action. The pairing will take a few seconds, after which time and date synchronization will begin.
⚠️ Warning: If the app says "Device not found" while searching, make sure the bracelet is not connected to another phone.Mi Band 5 can only communicate with one smartphone at a time.
Once the connection is successful, the system will offer you to adjust the basic parameters: goals by steps, time format (12 or 24 hours) and interface language. Redmi 8 Pro is characterized by fast data transfer, so the initial synchronization will be almost instant.
Configuring permissions in the MIUI system
The MIUI shell on the Redmi 8 Pro is known for its aggressive power-saving system, which can force the background processes of a tracker app to close. To keep messages and calls coming to the wrist consistently, you need to manually configure permissions.
Go to your smartphone settings, find the Apps section, and select the Mi Fitness app installed. In the Permissions menu, make sure that the AutoStart, Display on top of other apps and access contacts are activated. Background activity must be allowed without restrictions.
| Setup parameter | Recommended value | Location on the menu |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-start | Included. | Settings → Applications → Permissions |
| Saving charge | No restrictions. | Settings → Battery → Applications |
| Notifications | Allow everything | Settings → Notifications → Mi Fitness |
| Access to Bluetooth | Permission. | Settings → Confidentiality |
You also need to stick the app to memory, open the running task menu on Redmi 8 Pro, find the Mi Fitness window, and press the lock or select the "Stock" option, which will prevent the program from accidentally closing when you clear RAM.
Ignoring these settings will result in the tracker stopping transmitting data after a few hours, and you will have to constantly open the application manually for synchronization, and the stability of the operation depends on the correct configuration of system constraints.
Update of firmware and calibration
Immediately after the first connection, the app will offer to update the bracelet software. The Mi Band 5 firmware is regularly updated, fixing heart rate errors and adding new dials. Don't ignore this suggestion, as older versions of the software may contain bugs that affect communication with Android 10, which is on the Redmi 8 Pro.
The upgrade process requires a stable Internet connection and close location of the phone to the bracelet (no more than 1 meter). While downloading files, the tracker can vibrate, and the screen will show the percentage of execution.
What to do if the update is suspended?
After the update, it is recommended to calibrate the pedometer. Walk a known distance (for example, 100 meters) and check the data on the bracelet. If the error is large, you can manually specify your step length in the profile settings, which will increase the accuracy of tracking the activity.
Also at this point, you should choose and set your favorite dial. There are thousands of options available in the Watch Face Store, many of which are free. The Redmi 8 Pro with its bright screen will be great for AMOLED-optimized dials, saving charge.
Solving Typical Connection Problems
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users sometimes face difficulties, and one of the common problems is when the phone sees the device but refuses to pair, in which case clearing the Bluetooth cache helps.
To do this, go to Bluetooth settings, find the previously paired Mi Band 5 devices in the list, and click "Forget" or "Delete." After that, restart your smartphone and try to search again. Network settings reset often resolves communication protocol conflicts.
- 🔄 Reboot both devices: the Redmi 8 Pro and the bracelet itself.
- 📶 Make sure there are no other active Bluetooth devices in the access area that cause interference.
- 🗑️ Remove the device from the application and pair again.
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet stopped responding to touch and didn't turn on, it may have run out of battery inside. 15-20 minutes before re-attempting to connect.
Another cause of failure may be an outdated version of the app. Check Google Play to see if updates are available for Mi Fitness. Developers are constantly improving compatibility with newer versions of Android, and using the older version of the software can block functionality.
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90% of connection problems are solved by completely clearing the list of conjugated devices in the Bluetooth settings and re-authenticating the application.
Expanded synchronization capabilities
Once you have successfully set up the Mi Band 5, you can set up notifications from specific apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber or system SMS, which lets you stay up to date without taking the Redmi 8 Pro out of your pocket.
The app also includes a health monitoring section that collects heart rate, sleep phases and stress levels (PAIs), which requires wearing the wrist tightly but not squeezing it properly, and an optical sensor that fits tightly to the skin to read the readings accurately.
Remember to periodically sync data by opening the app. Although the tracker stores information for about two weeks, regular upload to the cloud allows you to build long-term activity schedules and share achievements with friends.
Using the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 and Redmi 8 Pro bundle provides excellent performance and functionality for everyday use.The correct initial setup ensures a long and smooth operation of the gadget.