Why Mi Band 5 is still relevant in 2026
The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet, released in 2020, remains one of the most popular wearable devices among Xiaomi smartphone owners. Despite the release of new models (up to the Mi Band 8), the five continues to hold the position thanks to the optimal ratio of price, functionality and reliability, this bracelet supports 11 sports modes, sleep monitoring with phase analysis, heart rate measurement and even contactless payment (in the NFC version).
Connecting the Mi Band 5 to a Xiaomi phone (Redmi, POCO or flagship Mi/Xiaomi) has its nuances, especially if you use MIUI Global firmware, MIUI China or custom build. In this article, we will discuss the official way of synchronization through Mi Fitness, alternative methods (for example, through Zepp Life), and also solve typical problems such as the error “failed to connect to the device” or the lack of notifications.
Important: The manual is suitable for all versions of the Mi Band 5 (including NFC and standard), but some features (such as payment via Mi Pay) may require additional settings depending on the region of the phone’s firmware.
What you need to connect
Before you start syncing, make sure you have everything you need:
- 📱 Xiaomi smartphone based on Android 6.0 or later (all models from Redmi are supported) 4X Xiaomi 14).
- 💍 Fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band 5 with a battery charge level of at least 20% (it is recommended to charge up to 50% for stable synchronization).
- 📲 The latest Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) can be downloaded from Google Play or AppGallery (for devices without Google services).
- 🔗 A stable Internet connection on your phone (Wi-Fi or mobile network) for downloading bracelet firmware updates.
If you use a smartphone with MIUI China firmware, the Mi Fitness app may not be available on Google Play.
⚠️ Attention: For MIUI China Download APK-Application file from the official Xiaomi website or through GetApps (built-in app store).Installation from unverified sources can lead to the blocking of the Mi Account.
Step-by-step: Connect via Mi Fitness
Follow this algorithm to sync your bracelet to your Xiaomi phone:
- Install the Mi Fitness app. If it's already installed, upgrade to the latest version via Google Play.
If the bracelet does not respond to touch during connection, reset it to factory settings: press the touch button for 10 seconds until the vibration and the Mi logo appear.
☑️ Preparation for connection
Configure notifications and basic functions
After successful connection, you need to adjust the bracelet to your needs.
- 📩 Notifications: Go to the Device Profile → Notifications and select applications that will duplicate alerts on the bracelet (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS).
For the correct operation of notifications on Mi Band 5 you need:
⚠️ Attention: In the phone settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Mi Fitness) allow auto-start, background and display over other windows. Without these permissions, notifications may not arrive.
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If notifications are duplicated or come with a delay, reboot your phone and bracelet, and then re-synchronize them through Mi Fitness.
Solving Connection Problems
Even with the right actions, users often encounter errors.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "I couldn't connect to the device." | Conflict with another Bluetooth device or outdated bracelet firmware | Disable other Bluetooth gadgets, update the firmware Mi Band 5 through Mi Fitness |
| The bracelet does not vibrate when notified. | Do not disturb mode on your phone or bracelet | Check the settings Do not disturb in Mi Fitness and on the phone |
| The app doesn't find the bracelet | Bluetooth is disabled or the bracelet is discharged | Charge the bracelet, turn on Bluetooth and restart the Mi Fitness |
| Data synchronization error | Unstable Internet connection or Mi Account failure | Reconnect to Wi-Fi, log out and log in to your Mi Account again. |
If none of these methods helped, try resetting the bracelet settings:
- In Mi Fitness, go to Device Profile → Untie the device.
- On the bracelet, reset: press the touch button for 10-15 seconds before the Mi logo appears.
- Repeat the connection process again.
What if Mi Band 5 is not detected after resetting?
Alternative ways of connecting
If the standard method does not work through Mi Fitness, you can use alternative applications:
- 🔄 Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit): Supports Mi Band 5 and offers advanced sleep and exercise analytics. Download from Google Play and select Add Device → Mi Band 5".
- 📱 Notify & Fitness for Mi Band: Third-party app with support for custom dials and advanced notifications.Requires Android 8.0+.
- 🔧 Mi Band Master: For advanced users, it allows you to adjust vibration, pulse intervals and other hidden parameters.
Warning: Third-party applications may not support all of the original software features (e.g. Mi Pay or firmware updates) and may result in:
⚠️ Warning: Some custom firmware for Mi Band 5 will block official updates and cancel warranty.
Update of the firmware Mi Band 5
Regular firmware updates fix bugs and add new features to update Mi Band 5:
- Open Mi Fitness and go to Device Profile → Firmware Update.
- If a new version is available, click "Update" and wait for the process to be completed (the bracelet will reboot automatically).
- Do not turn off Bluetooth or close the app during the upgrade.
The firmware version depends on the region:
- For MIUI Global, it is a firmware with the global suffix.
- For MIUI China, it is a firmware with the china suffix.
If the update is hanging:
⚠️ Warning: Reset your phone and bracelet (hold the button on your bracelet for 10 seconds). If the problem recurs, delete the Mi Fitness cache in your phone settings (Settings) → Annexes → Mi Fitness → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
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Updating the firmware through Mi Fitness is the only official way, and installing firmware from third-party sources can lead to loss of functionality or locking the bracelet.