The Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets have long been an integral part of the brand’s smart device ecosystem, and their compatibility with Redmi phones provides maximum functionality. However, even experienced users sometimes have difficulties with initial configuration – especially when it comes to newer bracelet models (Mi Band 7/8) or fresh MIUI firmware. This article will help you understand all the nuances of connection, from choosing the right application to solving typical synchronization errors.
We will look at not only the standard pairing process through the official Mi Fitness app, but also alternative methods for older versions of the wristband, as well as tips for optimizing the operation of devices. Particular attention will be paid to the problems that most often arise for owners of the Redmi Note 10/11/12 and other popular models - from the lack of reaction of the bracelet to Bluetooth errors. If you just unpacked a new Mi Smart Band or want to reconfigure the old one - this instruction will save you time and nerves.
What Xiaomi fitness bracelets are compatible with Redmi phones
All modern Xiaomi bracelets officially support synchronization with MIUI-based phones, but there are nuances depending on the device model and firmware version.
- 🔹 Mi Band 1-4: They work through the Mi Fit app (old but still available in some regions). MIUI 13/14 There may be problems with notifications.
- 🔹 Mi Band 5/6: Mi Fitness was required, and full support starts with Mi Fitness. MIUI 12.
- 🔹 Mi Band 7/8 Smart Band 8 Pro: Only available via Mi Fitness or Zepp Life (for global versions) Requirements: Android 6.0+ Bluetooth 4.2+.
- 🔹 NFC-Bracelet Version: Payment via Mi Pay requires a phone with support NFC (For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ or newer).
Important: the Chinese version bracelets (with the CN suffix in the model) may not support Russian in the application interface, in which case changing the region in the phone settings or installing Zepp Life instead of Mi Fitness will help.
Preparing Redmi Phone Before Connecting
Before you start pairing, make sure your Redmi is ready to use the bracelet, and skipping these steps often leads to errors like “device fails” or “connection interrupted.”
Enable Bluetooth in the settings
Update MIUI to the latest version
Remove old versions of Mi Fit/Mi Fitness (if any)
Clear the Bluetooth cache in the application settings
Turn off power saving mode for Bluetooth-->
Pay special attention to permissions: the Mi Fitness app will request access to:
- 📱 Notifications (to display messages on the bracelet)
- 📍 Geolocation (for accurate tracking of activity)
- 📊 Phone book (to identify calls)
- 🔋 Auto-start (so that the bracelet does not turn off in the background)
If you use Redmi with custom firmware (like Pixel Experience), you may need to manually install GApps or a patch to run Google services.
⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI for Russia (version) RU) The default is blocking the background activity of the applications. To ensure that the bracelet receives notifications consistently, add Mi Fitness to the list "No restrictions" in the battery settings.
Step-by-step: how to connect the bracelet to Redmi
Consider the process with the Mi Band 8 and the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ phone with MIUI 14. For other models, the steps are similar, but may differ slightly in interface.
- Download Mi Fitness from Google Play or AppGallery. For Chinese versions of bracelets, you may need Zepp Life.
- Account registration: Sign in via Xiaomi Account, Google or Apple ID. If you do not have an account, create it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.
- Bluetooth Enable: Activate Bluetooth in the notification panel or via Settings → Connections → Bluetooth. Make sure Visibility mode is on.
- Adding a device: In the Mi Fitness app, click Profile → Add Device → select the bracelet model. If your model is not listed, update the app.
- Pair: Click on the name of the bracelet in the list of found devices. The bracelet will show a vibration - confirm the connection by pressing on its screen (or touch button in older models).
- Setting: After you connect, the app will prompt you to configure notifications, activity goals and data synchronization.
If the bracelet is not detected, try:
- 🔄 Reboot both the phone and the bracelet (on the Mi Band, press the touch button for 10 seconds).
- 📱 Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugate devices in the Bluetooth settings of the phone.
- 🔧 Enable the developer mode on the phone and disable Bluetooth A2DP Hardware Offload (sometimes interferes with pairing).
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If you have a Mi Band 7/8 and your phone doesn’t see the bracelet, try connecting through the Zepp Life app – it often works better with new models than Mi Fitness.
Solving common connection problems
Even with the right setup, Redmi users are faced with typical errors, and we have compiled solutions for the most common cases:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The bracelet is not visible on the list of devices | The old version of Mi Fitness or MIUI | Update the phone's app and firmware. If it doesn't work, reset the bracelet to factory settings (press the button for 20 seconds). |
| The "failed to connect" error | Conflict with other Bluetooth devices | Turn off all other gadgets (earphones, speakers) and try again. Turn on Flight Mode for 10 seconds, then turn off. |
| The bracelet connects but does not synchronize data | Restrictions of background activity in MIUI | Add Mi Fitness to battery optimization exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimization → All apps → Mi Fitness → No restrictions. |
| No notifications on the bracelet | Notification permissions are not given | Check notification settings in Mi Fitness and in Android system settings (Settings → Applications → Mi Fitness → Notifications). |
| The bracelet discharges quickly after connection | Constant synchronization in the background | Turn off unnecessary options (such as Frequent pulse or stress monitoring) in the bracelet settings. |
A critical feature for Redmi owners with NFC: if your bracelet supports contactless payment (for example, Mi Band 7 NFC), but the feature does not work, check whether Mi Pay is activated in the region of your Xiaomi account.
⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The bracelet stopped plugging in, try rolling back the Mi Fitness app to the previous one. Often newer versions contain bugs, especially for older bracelet models (Mi Band). 4/5). Download APK The old version can be found on APKCombo website.
Configure notifications and additional functions
Once you've successfully connected, you should adjust the bracelet to suit your needs, and here are the key parameters that you should check:
- 🔔 Notifications: In Mi Fitness, go to Device Profile → Notifications: You can choose which apps will send alerts to the bracelet (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
- 🏃 Activity tracking: Turn on automatic recognition of walking, running and sleeping. Calibrate the bracelet for pedometer accuracy (select "Step Calibration" in the settings").
- 💤 Sleep monitoring: Activate the Smart Alarm option, the bracelet will wake you up in light sleep, and allow the app to access the Microphone (used to analyze breathing).
- 🔒 Screen lock: On the Mi Band 6/7/8 You can set the phone to unlock when the bracelet is approaching (required) MIUI 12+).
For owners of Redmi with Always-On Display (for example, Redmi K50) there is a useful feature: you can configure the display of data from the bracelet directly on the locked screen.
- Open the Settings → Lock screen.
- Select Additional Information.
- Activate the option to Show Mi Band data.
How to reset the bracelet to factory settings?
Alternative ways to connect (without Mi Fitness)
If the official app doesn’t work or you don’t like its functionality, there are a few alternatives:
- Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit): Supports all Xiaomi bracelets since the Mi Band 5. The interface is more informative, but some features (such as Mi Pay) may not work.
- Notify & Fitness for Mi Band: A third-party app with advanced notification settings. Suitable for users who need flexible alert management.
- Gadgetbridge: Open source software for smart devices. It allows you to do without a Xiaomi account, but requires manual configuration and does not support all the features (for example, SpO2 on the Mi Band 6).
For installation of Gadgetbridge:
- Download APK from the official website (the app is not available in Google Play).
- Allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Applications).
- Connect the bracelet via Gadgetbridge → Add the device → Mi Band.
Warning: When using third-party apps, you may have trouble synchronizing health data (such as Pulse or Sleep) with Xiaomi servers. If you care about activity history, stay on the official software.
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The side of an app like Gadgetbridge is useful for advanced users, but it is deprived of warranty support and can disrupt some functions (for example, Mi Pay or Google Assistant on the bracelet).
Optimizing the work of the bracelet with Redmi to save battery
One of the biggest drawbacks of fitness bracelets is that they drain the battery quickly when used actively, and Redmi's aggressive MIUI-optimized phones make the problem worse. Here's how to extend the life of the bracelet:
- 🔋 Turn off unnecessary sensors: In bracelet settings, deactivate Frequent pulse, stress, or SpO2, If you don't use them all the time.
- 📵 Reduce synchronization frequency: In Mi Fitness, set the automatic synchronization interval to 1-2 hours instead of Constantly".
- 🚫 Limit notifications: Leave only critical alerts (calls, SMS), The rest of you turn off.
- 🌙 Use Dark Themes: On the Mi Band 7/8 AMOLED-The screen consumes less energy when displaying dark colors.
For the phone:
- Add Mi Fitness to the list of Secure Apps (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).
- Turn off the Adaptive Battery for Mi Fitness in Android settings.
- If you use Redmi with NFC, turn off background tag scanning (Settings → Connections → NFC → Background scanning).
With these settings, the Mi Band 7 will last up to 10-12 days instead of the standard 5-7, and the Mi Band 8 up to 16 days (versus 10 by default).