Owners of the legendary Xiaomi Mi 5 often seek to expand the functionality of their gadget by adding wearable health-tracking electronics. Despite being released a few years ago, the model remains a reliable companion for modern activity trackers if the software is properly configured. The synchronization process requires care, as older versions of Android and the specific MIUI shell can make their own adjustments to the standard pairing protocol.
To successfully integrate devices, you will need not only the fitness bracelet itself, but also a stable Internet connection to download current versions of applications. Many users make the mistake of trying to connect the gadget immediately through the standard Bluetooth menu, which often leads to errors or limited functionality.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the stages of setup, focusing on the hidden settings of the MIUI system, which often block background processes, and learn how to avoid typical disconnection issues and why it is important not to ignore permission requests when you first start an application.
Preparatory stage: compatibility check and software
Before starting the procedure, make sure your Xiaomi Mi 5 runs on the current version of the operating system. Although the device no longer receives major Android updates, having the latest available security patches and updates to Google Play services is critical to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) operation. Check if the wireless module is on by going to Settings → Bluetooth and activating the switch.
The next step is to choose the right software. Most Xiaomi, Huawei or Honor bracelets require a proprietary app to be installed. For Mi Band devices, this is Mi Fit (now renamed Zepp Life) or Xiaomi Wear, which should be downloaded exclusively from the official Google Play store or the proven GetApps repository to avoid modified and insecure versions.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to connect the bracelet through the standard Bluetooth menu until the setting is complete in the application.This will create a "hanging" pairing profile that will interfere with the correct synchronization of pulse and step data.
You also need to register an account with the service to which the bracelet is attached, such as a Mi Account, a Huawei ID account, or a Google Fit profile. Without authorization, the device will not be able to store your activity history. Make sure that the phone has enough free memory - modern wearable electronics applications take up between 100 and 300 MB of disk space along with the cache.
- 📱 Make sure that the bracelet charge is at least 20-30% Successful firmware updates on first connection.
- 📶 Check the stability of the Wi-Fi connection on your smartphone, as the initial load of the application resources can be bulky.
- 🔍 Find the exact model name of your tracker on the back to download the app (for example, Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 6 may require different software versions).
Installation and initial configuration of the intermediary application
After downloading the installation file from the app store, start the installation. MIUI Xiaomi Mi 5 may request confirmation to install programs from unknown sources if you use it APK-The file, or simply asks for standard permissions, during the installation process, the application will create the necessary services for background work that cannot be forced to close.
When you first start up, you'll be asked to log in to an existing account or create a new one, which is a must, because that's where your data is stored. Once you log in, the app will request geolocation access. It's not a bug or an attempt to track: Bluetooth LE on Android 6.0 and higher requires GPS enabled to scan the surrounding devices. Without that permission, the search for the bracelet simply won't start.
Why does the app require so many permissions?
Inside the app, you need to go to the profile or device section, usually a human icon or a Profile tab on the bottom menu, and there's a new device add button, click Add Device or a plus icon, and the system will start looking for available gadgets within a few meters of the device, and if the bracelet is new, it's in default pairing mode, and if it's been used before, reset it to factory settings.
| Annex | Supported devices | Required Android | Weight of the application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zepp Life (Mi Fit) | Mi Band 1-6, Amazfit | 5.0+ | ~120MB |
| Xiaomi Wear | Mi Band 4+, Color Band | 6.0+ | ~150MB |
| Huawei Health | Honor Band, Huawei Fit | 6.0+ | ~180MB |
| Notify for Mi Band | All Mi Band models | 5.0+ | ~50MB |
It is important to go to the settings of the app itself and check for updates. Often the version available in the store will become outdated, and the current client is required to work correctly with new versions of the bracelet firmware. The update can take several minutes depending on the speed of your Internet channel.
The process of pairing through the smartphone menu
When the app is running and you're in search mode, pick up the bracelet. Some models require you to tap the touch button to activate the screen and visibility mode. Xiaomi Mi 5 should show the name of your device in the list of found. Click on it.
The bracelet screen and the phone display will show a confirmation code (a vibrational signal or a digital pair) that is a security mechanism that ensures that you connect to your device, not to your neighbor's gadget. Confirm the action on both devices. The process of establishing a secure connection can take from 10 to 30 seconds.
☑️ The algorithm of successful pairing
Once paired successfully, the app will suggest updating the firmware of the bracelet itself. It is strongly recommended to agree to this action, even if it takes time. New versions of firmware correct battery consumption errors and improve connection stability with older phone models such as the Mi 5. During the upgrade, do not move far from the phone and do not lock the screen.
If you don't find the device during the search, try restarting Bluetooth on your phone: turn off and turn on the Settings → Bluetooth menu again. Also, a short-term flight mode switch on and then turn it off, which completely restarts the smartphone's radio modules.
Configure MIUI permissions for stable operation
MIUI shell is known for its aggressive energy saving policy, which often kills application background processes, including bracelet synchronization services. To keep notifications coming in consistently and the pedometer running continuously, you need to manually configure autorun. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find your bracelet app (e.g. Mi Fit).
In the app menu, find the "Start" option and activate it. Then go to "Battery and Performance" (or simply "Battery") and select "No Limits" mode, which will prevent the system from forcibly closing the application to save energy. Without this setting, the bracelet will permanently lose touch with the Xiaomi Mi 5 after turning off the phone screen.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI You also need to fix the application in memory. Open the list of running applications (multitasking menu), find the bracelet application window, pinch it or pull it down (depending on the version). MIUI) and press the lock icon.
Additional permission checks. In the same app settings menu, select "Permissions." Make sure everything is allowed: location, phone, contacts, SMS, storage. Pay special attention to "Master on top of other apps" - it is necessary for pop-up notifications about wrist calls.
💡
For maximum stability, turn off traffic savings for the wristband application.This will allow it to synchronize data in the background without delay, even if the system’s traffic saving mode is on.
Once you have completed all the settings, it is recommended to fully restart the smartphone once, this will fix the changes in the system and start all services with new parameters. After turning on the phone, check if the connection is working by opening the application.
Setup of notifications and data synchronization
Now that the technical part of the connection is set up, you can go to personalization. In the application, go to the device profile and find the "Application Notifications" section. Here you can choose which programs will duplicate their messages to the bracelet. For the Xiaomi Mi 5, it is important not to overdo it with the number, so as not to drain the battery of the bracelet and not be distracted by trifles.
Settings are usually available for calls, SMS and popular messengers. When you select an application (such as Telegram or WhatsApp), the system can request access to Notification Access. Allow this access, otherwise the bracelet will vibrate, but the screen will remain black.