Why Mi Band 5 and Redmi 9 are the perfect couple for a healthy lifestyle
The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet and the Redmi 9 smartphone from the same manufacturer were designed with maximum compatibility in mind, which allows not only to track physical activity, but also to receive notifications, control sleep and even control music right from the wrist. However, many users face difficulties when connecting devices for the first time - especially if they have not previously worked with Xiaomi wearable electronics.
In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step process of synchronization, taking into account the features of the firmware. MIUI On Redmi 9, we will look at common errors (for example, when the bracelet is not located or the application gives an “unknown error”), and give recommendations for optimizing the operation of a pair of devices. Special attention will be paid to the energy saving settings – a key point for a stable connection over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
Important: The instructions are relevant for all Redmi 9 modifications (including Redmi 9A/9C/9T) and MIUI 12-14 firmware versions. If your phone is running on an earlier version of the system, update it first through Settings → About Phone → System Update.
Preparing the Redmi 9 phone for connection
Before syncing with Mi Band 5, you need to configure your smartphone to avoid connection problems, starting with software version and permissions.
The first thing you need to do is update MIUI to the latest version available.
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Slip on the item System Update.
- If a new version is available, download and install it (be sure to connect to Wi-Fi).
Check the Bluetooth permissions:
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Connections and sharing → Bluetooth.
- 🔄 Turn on Bluetooth and make sure that Visibility for All is active (at least for 2 minutes).
- 🛡️ Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Bluetooth and provide all permissions (especially Location and Storage).
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After the update MIUI bracelet still does not connect, try resetting the network settings: → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network resets. This often solves problems with BLE-joining.
We also recommend turning off the power saving mode for the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit):
- Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Application Power Management.
- Find Mi Fitness in the list and select No Limits.
Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness application
The official Mi Band 5 management app is called Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit) and can be downloaded from Google Play or AppGallery, but for Redmi 9, it’s better to use a version from Xiaomi’s branded store, GetApps.
To install the application:
- Open GetApps (if not, download from the official website).
- In the search box, enter Mi Fitness.
- Download and install the app (~50MB size).
After installation:
- 📱 Launch Mi Fitness and sign up through your Xiaomi Account (if not, create one).
- 🌍 Select the region of Russia (or your country) – this is important for the correct operation of notifications.
- 🔄 Click Add Device and select Mi Smart Band 5 from the list.
Note: If you have a mistake when registering your Xiaomi account, “I could not connect to the server”, try:
- Connect to another Wi-Fi network (e.g. from your phone via an access point).
- Use a VPN with servers in Singapore or Hong Kong.
- Set the time and date manually (sometimes automatic synchronization is lost).
Connecting Mi Band 5 to Redmi 9
Now, to the synchronization process itself, follow the instructions carefully, and skipping even one step can cause a failure.
Step 1 Activation of the bracelet
- 🔋 Charge Mi Band 5 to 100% (charging indicator will light up green).
- 🔄 Click on the touch button of the bracelet to turn it on (the Mi logo should appear).
Step 2: Find the device in Mi Fitness
- 📱 In the Mi Fitness app, click Add Device → Mi Smart Band 5.
- 🔍 Wait for the phone to find the bracelet (it can take up to 30 seconds).
- 🔗 Click Connect when Mi Band 5 appears in the list.
Step 3: Synchronization of data
- 📲 Confirm the connection on the bracelet (click on the tick on the screen).
- 🔄 Wait for synchronization to be completed (progress will be displayed in the app).
- ✅ After successful connection, a notification will appear Device ready for use.
Charge the Mi Band 5 to 100%|Turn Bluetooth on Redmi 9|Install Mi Fitness from GetApps|Disable the power saving mode for Mi Fitness|Select the region "Russia" in the account settings-->
Critical detail: If you have a "Device failed" error during the connection phase, try restarting both devices and repeating the process, which solves the problem 90% of the time.
Configure notifications and basic functions
Once synchronized successfully, you need to set up notifications to receive alerts about calls and messages directly to the bracelet.
1. In the Mi Fitness app, go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 5 → Notifications.
2. Turn on the Call Notification switch and select the applications you want to see (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS).
We also recommend activating the following functions:
| Function | Where to turn it on | Why do you need it? |
|---|---|---|
| Raising your hand to turn on the screen | Profile → Display → Raising the hand | Automatically switches on the screen when moving your hand |
| Sleep control | Profile → Sleep monitoring | Tracks sleep phases (deep, light, REM) |
| Low charge notifications | Profile → Battery → Notifications | Warning when the bracelet charge is below 20% |
| Phone search | Profile → Additional → Search for the phone | Helps find Redmi 9 if it's lost |
For the correct operation of notifications on Redmi 9, you must:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Fitness.
- Enable AutoRun permission.
- In the Notifications section, allow the display of alerts.
What to do if notifications do not arrive?
Solving common connection problems
Even with the right setup, Redmi 9 users sometimes encounter bugs, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
Problem 1: The bracelet is not in search
- 🔄 Reboot the Mi Band 5 (press the touch button for 10 seconds).
- 📱 In your phone, turn off/on Bluetooth.
- 🚫 Make sure the bracelet is not connected to another device (e.g., a tablet).
Problem 2: Mi Fitness Unknown Error
- 📲 Remove the app cache: Settings → Annexes → Mi Fitness → Storage → Clear the cache.
- 🔄 Update the application to the latest version.
- 🌍 Check that the correct region is selected in the phone settings (not "China").
Problem 3: The bracelet is connected, but the data is not synchronized
- 🔋 Check the bracelet charge (at a level below 10%, synchronization may not work).
- 📶 Make sure your phone is on mobile internet or Wi-Fi (for cloud sync).
- 🔄 In the Mi Fitness app, manually start sync (pull the screen down).
⚠️ Warning: If after all the manipulations, the Mi Band 5 still doesn't connect, try resetting it to factory settings. To do this, press the touch button for 20 seconds until the vibration appears. After reset, repeat the connection process again.
Optimization of the bracelet with Redmi 9
To ensure that the Mi Band 5 is stable and does not discharge the phone, follow these recommendations:
1. Energy conservation
- 🔋 In Redmi 9 settings, turn off the Adaptive Battery for Mi Fitness (Settings) → Battery → Adaptive battery).
- ⚡ Enable Bracelet Charging Optimization in the Mi Fitness app (extends battery life).
2. Update of bracelet firmware
- 🔄 Check for updates to your profile regularly → Firmware update.
- 📶 To upgrade, connect your phone to Wi-Fi and make sure the bracelet is charged >50%.
3. Display setting
- 🎨 Set the dial with minimal animation (saves charge).
- 🌙 Enable Do Not Disturb at Night (Profile) → Don't disturb).
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For maximum autonomy, turn off unnecessary notifications (for example, from social networks) and reduce the frequency of heart rate measurement to 1 time in 10 minutes.