Connecting Xiaomi Mi Band 4 to a smartphone: a complete guide from A to Z

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular wearable gadgets due to its combination of affordable price, wide functionality and reliability. However, many users have difficulties during the first connection to the phone - especially when it comes to unusual situations: changing a smartphone, recovering from a reset or using custom firmware devices. In this article, we will analyze not only the basic pairing procedure, but also the nuances that the manufacturer does not mention in the official instructions.

It’s important to understand that the Mi Band 4 works with two main platforms: Android (versions 5.0 and higher) and iOS (10.0 and later), while full data synchronization requires the official Mi Fit app (or its alternatives like Zepp Life for new firmware versions), we will consider both options, and also give recommendations for eliminating common errors such as no notifications, Bluetooth problems or incorrect display of time.

If you’ve used Mi Band 3 or earlier, be prepared for changes in the application interface and connectivity algorithm. For example, Mi Band 4 has NFC support (in the NFC version), which adds additional steps when setting up payments.

1.Preparation for connection: what to check before starting

Before you start pairing, make sure your smartphone and bracelet are ready for the procedure, and neglecting these steps often leads to errors such as “Device failed to find” or “Connection interrupted.”

Here are the key points to pay attention to:

• 📱 Operating system version: On Android, check in Settings → About the phone, on iOS - in Settings → Mainstream → About this device. Minimum requirements: Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+.
• 🔋 Bracelet charge: Make sure that the Mi Band 4 is at least 20% charged.At a charge level below 10%, the device can shut down during synchronization.
• 📶 Bluetooth and geolocation: On Android, turn on Bluetooth and Geodata (even if the application does not ask for permission - this is necessary for a stable connection.
• 🔄 Reset previous connections: If the bracelet has already been connected to another phone, reset via bracelet settings → Unlock the device in the Mi Fit application.

The Mi Band 4 feature is that the bracelet only supports one device at a time, and if you try to connect to a new phone without untethering it from the old one, the procedure will end in error.

It is also worth considering that some Chinese versions of the bracelet (with firmware for the CN region) may require additional manipulation, for example, changing the region in the Mi Fit application to China or using a VPN to register a Xiaomi account. If you purchased the device informally, check the markings on the box or in the bracelet settings (About the bracelet → Version).

2. Installation and configuration of the Mi Fit application

The official Mi Fit app is the only legitimate way to connect the Mi Band 4 to your phone. Alternative programs (such as Notify & Fitness or Tools & Mi Band) may offer advanced features, but often run unstable and don’t support all of the bracelet’s features, such as sleep monitoring or a sleep monitor. NFC-payment.

Download Mi Fit from official sources:

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

After installation, follow the following steps:

1. Launch the app and sign up (or sign in to an existing Xiaomi account). Use a valid email, which you will need to restore access.
2. Select the region of Russia (or your country) – this is important for the correct operation of notifications and data synchronization.
3. Click Add Device and select the Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 4.
4. Allow all permissions requested: Notifications, Geolocation, Camera (for scanning) QR-code-setting NFC).

If an application requests access to contacts or SMS, this is necessary to display notifications about calls and messages on the bracelet screen.

3. Step-by-step instructions for pairing the bracelet with the phone

Now, let's go directly to the connection. The whole process takes no more than 5 minutes if you follow the instructions without any gaps.

The algorithm for Android and iOS is almost identical, except for the minor nuances in the interface.

1. Activate the bracelet: Press the Mi Band 4 touch button (under the screen) and hold it for 3 seconds until the vibration and Mi logo appear.
2. Device search: In the Mi Fit app, click Connect and wait for your bracelet to appear in the list (the name will be in Mi Band XXXX format, where XXXX is a unique identifier).
3. Code Confirmation: A 4-digit code will appear on the bracelet screen and in the app. Make sure the codes match, and click Confirm in Mi Fit.
4. Firmware Update: Once connected, the app will prompt you to update the bracelet firmware. Don't interrupt the process, it may cause the device to crash. Wait until it's finished (usually takes 2-5 minutes).

If the bracelet does not appear in the list at the device search stage, try:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (disable/enable in settings).
• 📱 Re-launch the Mi Fit app.
• 🔋 Remove the bracelet from the charger and insert back (this resets the Bluetooth module).

Once successfully connected, the main menu with Steps, Pulse, Notifications and more icons will appear on the bracelet screen, which means that the basic setting is complete.

4. Set up notifications and basic functions

By default, the Mi Band 4 only shows basic information: time, steps, pulse. To harness the full potential of the device, you need to configure notifications and additional features.

Open the Mi Fit app, go to the section of your bracelet and select:

• 🔔 Call notifications: Enable the option and select apps that must be duplicated on the bracelet (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
• 💤 Sleep monitoring: Activate automatic sleep phase tracking (light/deep)/REM). For accuracy, wear a bracelet on an unworking hand (usually left for right-handed people).
• 🏃 Activity goals: Set a daily step rate (recommended value of 8000–10,000).
• 🔒 Unlocking the phone: On Android, you can set up automatic unlocking of the smartphone when the bracelet is close (requires root or special modules like Xiaomi). EU ROM).

For owners of the Mi Band 4 NFC version, contactless payment settings are available.

1. Go to Mi Fit → Profile → Mi Pay.
2. Link a bank card (supported by Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB and others).
3. Scan the scanner in the app. QR-code on the bracelet screen (will appear after selecting the option Add a card).

Important: For NFC-Payments bracelet must be connected to the phone and be within range of Bluetooth (up to 10 meters).When disconnected from the phone for more than 24 hours, the payment function is blocked until re-synchronization.

💡

If notifications come with a delay, in Android settings, turn off battery optimization for the Mi Fit app: go to Settings → Applications → Mi Fit → Battery → No restrictions.

5. Solving common connection problems

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, users will encounter errors, and we've collected typical scenarios and ways to fix them.

If after updating the firmware bracelet stopped responding to touch, perform screen calibration:

1. Open Mi Fit → Device Profile → Screen settings.
2. Select Calibration and follow the instructions on the screen.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet hangs on the Mi logo after the firmware update, don't try to reset it with a button. Connect the device to charge and wait for the automatic reboot (may take up to 30 minutes.

6. Alternative ways of connecting (without Mi Fit)

The official Mi Fit app does not always suit users due to limited functionality or synchronization problems, in which cases you can use third-party programs, but with reservations:

• 🔧 Notify & Fitness for Mi Band: Supports advanced notifications, custom dials and data export to Google Fit. NFC.
• 🌐 Mi Band Master: Allows you to adjust vibrations for different types of notifications and control music from the bracelet.Requires Android 6.0+.
• 📊 Zepp Life: Official app for new Xiaomi devices, but compatible with Mi Band 4 (after firmware update) offers more detailed sleep and workout analytics.

To connect via alternative applications:

1. Untie the bracelet from Mi Fit (in the device settings).
2. Install the selected application and provide all the permissions requested.
3. Follow the pairing instructions (usually similar to the standard procedure).

⚠️ Note: Using unofficial firmware (e.g. Custom Firmware for Mi Band 4) is warranty-free and can cause irreversible failures. NFC-function.

7. Optimization of the bracelet: tips for advanced users

To ensure that the Mi Band 4 works consistently and for as long as possible on a single charge, follow these recommendations:

• 🔋 Battery savings: Turn off the constant pulse (measure manually). Reduce the brightness of the screen to 2-3 divisions. Turn off notifications from unnecessary apps.
• 🏊 Protection from water: Despite the claim of 5 ATM, Avoid prolonged contact with chlorinated or salt water. After swimming, wash the bracelet with fresh water.
• 🔄 Regular synchronization: Update your data in Mi Fit every 2-3 days to avoid losing statistics.
• 🛠 Cleaning contacts: If the bracelet is not charging well, wipe the contacts on the back and in the charger with an alcohol wipe.

For Android users with root rights, additional features are available:

• Installation of custom firmware with alternative dials.
• Change of change MAC-Bracelet addresses to circumvent regional restrictions.
• Activation of hidden functions (for example, displaying weather on the lock screen).

The Mi Band 4 features up to 5 custom dials that can be downloaded through apps like Amazfit Watch Faces, but they require firmware 1.0.9.54 and higher.

💡

For maximum battery life, turn off the background pulse measurement and reduce the data synchronization frequency to 1 time every 6 hours.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions