How to connect the fitness bracelet Xiaomi Smart Band to the phone: full instruction with a photo

Xiaomi Smart Band fitness bracelets (including Smart Band 7/8 Pro, Smart Band 7 Pro NFC and earlier versions) have become some of the most popular wearables due to a combination of functionality and affordable price. However, new users often have questions about how to connect the bracelet to a smartphone, what applications are needed for this and what to do if the device is not identified. This article will help you understand all the nuances from phone preparation to fine-tuning notifications and sports modes.

The connection process depends on the bracelet model and the smartphone operating system (Android or iOS), but the overall scheme remains similar. Band/Smart Band, including current ones 2026 If you're experiencing a synchronization error or the bracelet doesn't turn on, there's a section at the end of this article that addresses typical problems.

1.What Xiaomi Smart Band models are supported in 2026?

Xiaomi regularly updates its lineup of fitness bracelets, but not all models receive long-term support. Below is the current list of devices that can be connected to modern smartphones:

• 🔹 Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro (2023) – flagship with the AMOLED-display and GPS
• 🔹 Xiaomi Smart Band 8 (2023) – a simplified version without GPS
• 🔹 Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro (2022) NFC contactless
• 🔹 Xiaomi Mi Band 6 (2021) – the latest model in the Mi Band series
• 🔹 Xiaomi Mi Band 5 (2020) – supported, but without some new features

Bracelets older than Mi Band 4 (2019) can work with restrictions: for example, they are not available for the latest firmware versions or synchronization with Mi Fitness on iOS.

Important: NFC bracelets (such as Smart Band 7 Pro NFC) require additional customization for contactless payments through the Mi Pay app, which is not available in all countries.

2.What application is needed to connect?

Until 2022, Xiaomi used the Mi Fit app to manage its bracelets, but it has now been replaced by Mi Fitness (formerly Zepp Life), an official software from Huami (a hardware developer for Xiaomi) that supports all current Smart Band and Mi Band models.

You can download Mi Fitness for free:

• 📱 Google Play for Android
• 🍎 App Store for iOS

If you have an older bracelet (e.g. Mi Band 3), you may need a Mi Fit, but it is officially discontinued.

1. Download. APK-Mi Fit file from a verified source (e.g. APKPure).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Android settings (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).
3. Install the app and update it via Google Play (if available).

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Before installing Mi Fitness, check that the phone is enabled Bluetooth and geolocation – without them, the bracelet will not connect.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect Xiaomi Smart Band to the phone

Consider the universal algorithm for the Smart Band 7/8 and Mi Band 6 models, the entire process will take no more than 5-10 minutes.

Step 1: Charging the bracelet

Before you first connect, be sure to charge the bracelet to 100%.

1. Remove the bracelet capsule from the strap (pull it towards the screen).
2. Connect to the charging cable (includes) - the magnetic contacts must match.
3. Connect the cable to USB-port (5V/1A).

Charging takes ~2 hours. The charge indicator (battery animation) will appear on the bracelet screen.

Step 2: Install and configure Mi Fitness

After charging:

1. Install Mi Fitness (links above).
2. Launch the app and register (you can use Google, Apple ID or phone number).
3. Select a region (Russia or Other if your country is not listed).
4. Click Add Device → Select your Smart Band model.

Step 3: Synchronize with the bracelet

Now, plug in the bracelet:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone.
2. In the Mi Fitness app, click Connect → wait for the phone to find the bracelet.
3. On the screen of the bracelet will appear paired code (4-6 digits) – confirm it in the application.
4. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 2 minutes).

If the bracelet is not present, try:

• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (press the touch button for 10 seconds).
• 📱 Reboot Mi Fitness and Bluetooth on your phone.
• 🔌 Connect the bracelet to another phone (to check the performance).

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If the bracelet does not connect to the iPhone, check that the iOS settings allow Bluetooth access for Mi Fitness (Settings → Privacy → Bluetooth).

4.Setting up the bracelet after connecting

After successful synchronization, it is recommended to perform a basic setting:

Personal data

In Mi Fitness, go to Profile → Personal Data and specify:

• 👤 Paul
• 📏 Height and weight
• 🎯 Target number of steps (by default 10 000)

These data are needed to correctly count calories and activity.

Notifications

To make the bracelet vibrate when calling and texting:

1. In Mi Fitness, select Notifications.
2. Turn on the Notification switch from your phone.
3. Select the apps you want to receive notifications from (such as WhatsApp, Telegram).
4. On Android, allow Mi Fitness to access notifications in your system settings (Settings → Applications → Mi Fitness → Notifications).

Screen and dials

In the models of Smart Band 7/8, you can change the dials:

1. In the app, go to the Screen → Dials.
2. Choose your favorite design (there are animated options).
3. Click Sync to apply the changes.

Some dials support weather or battery level display.

5. Features of connection to iPhone (iOS)

iPhone users often face restrictions due to Apple's policies, and here are the key nuances:

• ⚠️ No Health Sync: Mi Fitness doesn’t transfer data to Apple Health (unlike Garmin or Fitbit).
• ⚠️ Limited Notifications: On iOS, the bracelet only shows incoming calls and SMS, Not the messaging apps (due to Apple’s restrictions).
• ✅ Works with iPad: you can connect the bracelet to the tablet, but notifications will come only about calls.

To improve the experience on iOS:

1. Update Mi Fitness to the latest version.
2. In your iPhone settings, allow the app to access Bluetooth, Notifications, and Geolocation.
3. To display the weather on the bracelet manually specify your city in Mi Fitness (Profile → Settings → Weather).

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If the bracelet disconnects from the iPhone after locking the screen, turn on background work for Mi Fitness: iPhone Settings → Mi Fitness → Background update.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the right connection, there can be failures, and let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

⚠️ Note: If after updating the firmware bracelet stopped responding to touch, reset through Mi Fitness: Device Profile → Settings → Reset to factory. Activity data will be stored in the app.

For models with NFC (such as Smart Band 7 Pro NFC), you may need to configure the payment system further:

1. Make sure your bank supports Mi Pay (the list of partners on the official website).
2. In Mi Fitness, go to NFC → Add a map and follow the instructions.
3. To pay, touch the bracelet to the terminal and enter PIN-code (if required).

7. How do you update the bracelet firmware?

Regular firmware updates add new features and fix bugs.To update the Xiaomi Smart Band:

1. Connect the bracelet to your phone via Mi Fitness.
2. Make sure the bracelet charge level is >50%.
3. In the app, go to Profile → My device → Firmware update.
4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off Bluetooth!).

Update takes ~5-15 minutes. Don't interrupt the process, it can cause the bracelet to fail:

• Reset the bracelet (press the 10 seconds button).
• Reset Mi Fitness and try again.
• If the error repeats, reset the bracelet to factory settings.

⚠️ Note: After updating the firmware, some bracelet settings (such as menu order or dials) may reset.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)