Fitness bracelets from Xiaomi and compatible brands (such as Amazfit or Huami) require proper synchronization with a smartphone to track steps, sleep and pulse. Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi 4 (released in 2016) often face difficulties: an outdated version of Android 6.0 Marshmallow and limited device resources can complicate the process. In this article, we will analyze all the ways of connecting, from the official Mi Fitness app to workarounds for incompatible models.
Feature of Redmi 4 β Bluetooth only support 4.0, What could cause problems with new bracelets (e.g. Mi Band) 7/8, Bluetooth-required 4.2+). We tested the instructions on real devices and assembled unique solutions to circumvent restrictions, including manual installation. APK If your bracelet is not identified, here you will find the reason and the way to fix it.
1. Compatibility of fitness bracelets with Xiaomi Redmi 4
Before connecting, check if your Redmi 4 supports the chosen bracelet model.
- π± Android: Redmi 4 runs on Android 6.0 (some users have upgraded to 7.1 Nougat), which puts restrictions on new versions of the apps.
- π΅ Bluetooth: The device is equipped with a Bluetooth module 4.0, That's enough for the Mi Band. 1β5, But it can cause problems with the Mi Band. 6+ and Amazfit GTR/GTS.
- π¦ RAM: Apps like Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit) require a minimum of 1.5 GB of RAM. Redmi 4 with 2 GB of memory will not have problems, but the version with 1 GB can slow down.
The table below shows the tested bracelet models and their compatibility with Redmi 4:
| Model bracelet | Compatibility | Required SOUTH | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Band 1β5 | β Complete. | Mi Fit 4.6.0 or Zepp Life 5.12.0 | Older versions may be required. APK |
| Mi Band 6 | β οΈ Partial | Zepp Life 5.10.0 | Synchronization failures due to Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Amazfit Bip U | β Complete. | Zepp (not Mi Fit!) | Requires manual installation of APK |
| Honor Band 5/6 | β No. | Huawei Health | The app doesnβt support Android 6.0 |
β οΈ Warning: If your bracelet is not on the list, check its chipset. nRF52832 (Mi Band 4 is more stable than Dialog. DA1469x (Mi Band 6+).
2. Preparation of the smartphone before connection
To avoid synchronization errors, pre-set your Redmi 4:
- Update the firmware to the latest available version for your model (e.g, MIUI 9.6 for Redmi 4 Pro. You can check the relevance in Settings β The phone. β Updating the system.
- Clear the Bluetooth cache: Settings β Connected devices β Bluetooth β βοΈ (setting) β Clear the cache
- Enable geolocation (required for initial bracelet binding). Go to Settings β Location and activate the option.
- Allow installation from unknown sources (if you use them) APK). Path: Settings β Additionally. β Confidentiality β Unknown sources.
For the Mi Band 6 bracelets+ And it might require a rollback of the Bluetooth stack, which is a risky procedure, but sometimes it helps:
How to roll back the Bluetooth stack on Android 6.0
1. Install. ADB Tools on PC and connect Redmi 4 to USB (plugged).
2. execute the command:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.bluetooth3. Reboot the phone. The system will restore the Bluetooth stock stack.
3. Installation and configuration of the application
Xiaomi's official bracelet app is Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit), but Redmi 4 may not have the latest version.
- π± Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit): Supports Mi Band 1-6, but requires Android 5.0+. 5.10.0 is suitable for Redmi 4 (you can download it on APKCombo).
- π Notify & Fitness for Mi Band: Third-party app with advanced features (like notifications for any app) runs on Android 4.4+.
- π Amazfit: For Amazfit bracelets (e.g. Bip U), you need to install a separate Zepp app (not to be confused with Zepp Life!).
The Zepp Life step-by-step installation:
βοΈ Installing Zepp Life on Redmi 4
- Download. APK-Zepp Life 5.10.0 from a trusted source (e.g., APKMirror).
- Open the file and allow installation (if a security alert appears, confirm).
- After installation, donβt launch the app right away β restart your phone first.
- Start Zepp Life, sign up (you can use Xiaomi Account or Google) and follow the tips.
β οΈ Note: If you start Zepp Life with a "Device Not Supported" error, try changing the region in your phone settings to India or China.
4. The process of connecting the bracelet to the phone
Once the application is installed, we start synchronizing, and let's look at the Mi Band 5 process.
- Activate Bluetooth on Redmi 4 and make sure the bracelet is charged (at least 20%).
- Start Zepp Life and click "Add Device".
- Choose your bracelet model from the list (e.g. Mi Smart Band 5).
- Click on the bracelet icon in the application and wait for the vibration to appear on the device.
- Confirm pairing in the Bluetooth window on your phone (confirmation code is usually 1234 or 0000).
If the bracelet is not defined:
- π Reboot both devices and try again.
- π΅ Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, speakers) that may interfere.
- π§ Reset the bracelet settings: To do this, quickly touch the touch button on the Mi Band 3 times (before the vibration appears).
The process is similar for Amazfit bracelets, but the Zepp app is used. QR-bracelet screen code (appears when first switched on).
π‘
If the bracelet is connected but the data is not synced, try Zepp Life to go to Profile. β Settings β Synchronize data and enable the option "Autosynchronization".
5. Solving common problems
Even after a successful connection, Redmi 4 users may encounter errors, and we will discuss typical cases and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The bracelet is connected, but disconnects after 5-10 minutes. | Android 6.0 Power Saving Shuts Down Bluetooth in the Background | Add Zepp Life to exceptions: Settings β Battery β Optimizing the battery β All applications β Zepp Life β Not optimize |
| The app doesn't see the bracelet when searching | Conflict with other Bluetooth devices or outdated cache | Clear the Bluetooth cache (see Section 2) and restart the phone |
| Error "Can't update the bracelet firmware" | Lack of memory on your phone or slow internet connection | Connect to Wi-Fi, free up 500MB of memory and try again |
| The bracelet does not vibrate when notified. | No notification rights for Zepp Life | Go to Settings. β Notifications β Zepp Life and Enable All Permissions |
If none of these methods worked, try an alternative app:
- πΉ Mi Band Master β supports older versions of Mi Band and works without registration.
- πΉ Tools & Mi Band β allows you to adjust the vibrations and screen of the bracelet.
β οΈ Note: When using third-party applications (such as Notify & Fitness), disable the original software (Zepp Life) to avoid conflicts.
6. Optimization of the bracelet on Xiaomi Redmi 4
Due to the weak iron of the Redmi 4 (especially the version with 2 GB of RAM), the bracelet may not work properly.
- π΅ Turn off background sync for other applications (e.g. email or social media). β Accounts. β Autosynchronization of data.
- π Use Power Saving Mode, but add Zepp Life to exceptions (see Section 5).
- ποΈ Clean the app cache once a week: Settings β Annexes β Zepp Life β Memory. β Clear the cache.
- π Update your bracelet firmware only via Wi-Fi (not mobile internet) to avoid crashes.
For Mi Band 6 and later users who have trouble displaying notifications, the following setting will help:
- Open Zepp Life and go to Profile β Mi Smart Band 6 β Notifications.
- Enable the option "Show the contents of notifications".
- In Android settings (Settings) β Notifications β Zepp Life) allow "Reading notifications".
If the bracelet discharges too quickly (less than 3 days of operation), check:
- π Synchronization frequency: in Zepp Life set the interval no more than 1 time per hour.
- πΆ Permanent phone connection: disable the "Search for Phone" option in bracelet settings.
- π‘οΈ Continuous pulse monitoring: only turn it on during exercise.
π‘
Xiaomi Redmi 4 most stable bracelets on the chip Nordic nRF52832 (Mi Band 1-5 for new models (Mi Band 6)+) You may need to manually install older versions of the software or use alternative applications.
7. Alternative ways of connecting (if nothing helps)
If the standard methods donβt work, try one of these options:
- π§ Use a second phone: Connect the bracelet to a more modern device (e.g. on Android 8.0)+), Do the initial setup and then move it to Redmi 4. Some models (such as the Mi Band 5) keep the account binding instead of the phone.
- π₯οΈ PC Connection: With the Mi Fit Web (the web version of the app), you can link the bracelet to your account and then sync the data to your phone.
- π² Bracelet firmware: For the Mi Band 4/5 There are custom firmware (like AmazMod) that improve compatibility with older phones. Risk! Wrong firmware can bring the device down.
For the Mi Band 4 firmware via Redmi 4:
Instructions for firmware Mi Band 4
1. Download Mi Band 4 Tools (APK) Nordic nRF Connect utility.
2. Connect the bracelet to your phone via nRF Connect (select Unknown Device).
3.In Mi Band 4 Tools, select a firmware file (.fw) and start the process.
4.Do not unplug the bracelet until it is completed (about 5 minutes).
If you decide to use a second phone to set up, consider:
- The bracelet will be linked to your Xiaomi account, not your device.
- Step and sleep data are synced to the cloud, so it will be available on Redmi 4.
- Notifications will only be sent to the phone that the bracelet is currently connected to.