How to connect the fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band 4 to the smartphone: instructions with pictures and life hacks

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular trackers even years after its release, thanks to the balance of price, functionality and reliability. However, beginners often have difficulties with the first connection: the application does not see the device, the bracelet does not sync, the data is not updated. This article will help avoid typical errors and configure the Mi Band 4 from scratch, including hidden functions that the official instructions do not say.

We'll look at two scenarios: connecting to Android (including Xiaomi, Samsung, Honor) and iPhone (iOS 12+), and what to do if the bracelet is not determined by the system. Separately, we'll focus on setting up notifications, pedometer and pulsemeter, the most popular features. If you bought a used device or reset it to factory settings, here you will find a solution.

1.What you need to connect Mi Band 4

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need, and without these components, you can't synchronize.

  • πŸ“± Smartphone on Android 5.0+ or iOS 12+ (iPhone 5S The old versions won't have Mi Fit.
  • πŸ”‹ Charged bracelet (minimum 20% battery) with a charge level below 15% may not be enabled Bluetooth.
  • πŸ“² Official appendix: Mi Fit (for the Android/iOS) or Zepp Life (alternative to new firmware) download only from Google Play or App Store β€” third-party APK may contain viruses.
  • πŸ”„ Bluetooth 4.0+ Check the settings: Settings β†’ Compounds β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Version.

If you're connecting the bracelet for the first time, remove it from the package and remove the protective film from the charging contacts. The Mi Band 4 doesn't have a physical on button -- it activates automatically when you connect to the charger or when you sync it with your smartphone. Don't try to "plug" it on the screen -- it's useless until the first tether.

⚠️ Warning: If you bought the bracelet with your hands, reset to factory settings. To do this, press the bracelet screen and hold it for 10 seconds until the vibration appears.

πŸ“Š What version of the Mi Band you are using?
Mi Band 4
Mi Band 5/6
Mi Band 7/8
Another brand
Planning to buy

2. Installation and configuration of the Mi Fit application

The official bracelet control app is Mi Fit (Humami developer), which has been transferred to Zepp Life since 2023, but only Mi Fit is suitable for the Mi Band 4.

  1. Download Mi Fit at the link: πŸ€– Android (Google Play) 🍎 iOS (App Store)
  2. Launch the application and register through: πŸ“§ E-mail πŸ“± Phone number (SMS-code) πŸ”„ Xiaomi, Google or Facebook account

Important:

Xiaomi

In the main menu of the application, click Profile β†’ Add device β†’ Bracelet β†’ Mi Smart Band 4.

Allow all requests of the application:

  • πŸ“ Geolocation (for accurate jogging tracking)
  • πŸ“± Notifications (to see) SMS and bracelet ringing)
  • πŸ”‹ Auto-start (for background synchronization)

If the app does not find the bracelet, check:

  • πŸ”„ Is Bluetooth enabled on your phone and visible to other devices (Visibility for everyone setting).
  • πŸ“΅ Is there no flight or energy saving mode (they turn off Bluetooth).
  • πŸ”‹ Bracelet charge level (at 5% and below it does not respond to requests).

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for connection

Done: 0 / 5

3. Step-by-step instructions for synchronization with Android

Algorithm for Android phones (including Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme):

  1. Open Mi Fit and click Add Device (+ icon in the upper right corner).
  2. Select Mi Smart Band 4 from the list. If you don't have one, update the app.
  3. Press the bracelet screen to unlock it (if it's locked). QR-code.
  4. Put the phone camera on QR-bracelet code (if the scan does not work, enter the code manually: it is displayed under the QR).
  5. Confirm the pairing on the phone and bracelet (it will appear on the tick).
  6. Wait for firmware updates (if available). Don't interrupt the process! It can take up to 10 minutes.

After successful connection:

  • πŸ”„ The bracelet vibrates and shows the level of charge.
  • πŸ“± In the application, a tab with data appears (status) β†’ Mi Smart Band 4).
  • βš™οΈ Settings of notifications, alarm clocks and training will be available.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi phones with shell MIUI Mi Fit background activity may be blocked. To avoid a connection break, add the app to Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery β†’ All applications β†’ Mi Fit β†’ No restrictions.

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet is not synced, restart your phone and reset your Bluetooth settings: Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset β†’ Network settings reset.

4. iPhone (iOS) connection: features and limitations

iPhone owners face a number of limitations when working with Mi Band 4:

FunctionAndroidiOS
Call notificationsβœ… Full supportβœ… Only incoming (without history)
Response to SMSβœ… Quick answers❌ Not supported
Music playerβœ… Bracelet control⚠️ Only pause/replay
Automatic synchronizationβœ… Every 30 minutes.⚠️ Only in an open application

Instructions for iPhone:

  1. Install Mi Fit from the App Store and sign up.
  2. Turn Bluetooth on in Settings β†’ Bluetooth.
  3. In the app, click Profile β†’ Add Device β†’ Mi Smart Band 4.
  4. Scanner. QR-code may not start automatically - allow access to the camera in the iOS settings: β†’ Confidentiality β†’ Camera. β†’ Mi Fit.
  5. After scanning, confirm pairing on the iPhone (pop-up window).

If the bracelet is not connected:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot your iPhone and bracelet (hold the Mi Band 4 screen for 10 seconds before vibration).
  • πŸ“΅ Make sure your iPhone doesn’t turn on Low Power Mode (charge savings turn off background Bluetooth).
  • πŸ”§ Update iOS to the latest version (on iOS 11 and below Mi Fit is unstable).
Why is there no notification from Telegram/Viber on iPhone?
Apple restricts third-party apps from accessing notifications. To see messages from messengers on the bracelet, turn them on to iPhone Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ [App] β†’ Allow notifications and select Banner Style.

5. Set up notifications, alarm clocks and workouts

After you connect, adjust the bracelet to your needs.

Notifications

To see calls and messages on the bracelet:

  1. In Mi Fit, go to Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Notifications.
  2. Turn on the Call Notification and Notifications from the apps switch.
  3. Select the apps you want to see notifications from (such as WhatsApp, Gmail).
  4. Set the time of inactivity – the bracelet will vibrate if you sit in place for a long time.

Alarm clocks

Mi Band 4 supports up to 10 alarm clocks.

  1. Open Profile. β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Alarm clocks.
  2. Press Add an alarm clock and set the time.
  3. Choose the days of the week and the type of vibration (Short/Long).
  4. Activate the Smart Alarm – it will wake you up in the light sleep phase 30 minutes before the set time.

Training regimens

The bracelet recognizes 6 types of activity:

  • πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈ Running (outside/pathway)
  • πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈ Walking
  • πŸš΄β€β™‚οΈ Cycling
  • πŸŠβ€β™‚οΈ Swimming (water resistance up to 50 m)
  • πŸ‹οΈβ€β™‚οΈ Gym room
  • πŸ§˜β€β™€οΈ yoga

To start your workout, swipe up on the bracelet screen and select the desired mode. The data will be synchronized with the Mi Fit automatically.

πŸ’‘

To accurately track your pulse during exercise, wear a wristband 2-3 cm above your wrist, tightly but without squeezing your skin, which reduces sensor error.

6. Common mistakes and their solutions

If the bracelet is not connected or is not working properly, check these points:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Bracelet not visible in Mi FitBluetooth is disabled or the bracelet is dischargedCharge the bracelet to 50%, turn on Bluetooth and restart the application
Synchronization interruptedEnergy saving on the phoneAdd Mi Fit to battery optimization exceptions
No notifications coming.No permissions are given for Mi FitCheck notification settings in iOS/Android
The bracelet doesn't vibrate.Do Not Disturb or Low ChargeTurn off the mode in the bracelet settings, charge it

If nothing helps, do a hard reset of the bracelet:

  1. Unplug the bracelet from the strap.
  2. Connect to charging and hold the button (touch area) for 15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Disconnect from charging and reconnect via Mi Fit.

⚠️ Warning: After reset, all data on the bracelet will be deleted, including training history.

7 Hidden features of Mi Band 4 you didn't know about

In addition to basic features, the bracelet can:

  • πŸ”¦ Flashlight: swipe down on the home screen and hold for 2 seconds – the screen will light up white.
  • πŸ”’ Phone Lock: In Mi Fit, enable Phone Unlock – the bracelet will unlock the smartphone when approaching (Android only).
  • 🎡 Music control: while playing the track, swipe left on the bracelet to pause or switch the track.
  • πŸŒ™ Do Not Disturb: activated in bracelet settings (Profile) β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Don't disturb. Turns off all notifications and vibrations.
  • πŸ“Š Data export: Mi Fit can download your workout history in Google Fit or Apple Health.

Some functions require the latest firmware to be activated, and the bracelet software is updated:

  1. Connect the bracelet to the charger and leave it next to the phone.
  2. Open Mi Fit and go to Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Firmware Update.
  3. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off Bluetooth!).

πŸ’‘

To extend the life of the battery, turn off the constant monitoring of the pulse (Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Heart Rate Monitor β†’ Turn off).

8.Alternative applications for Mi Band 4

If Mi Fit doesn’t suit you, try third-party apps with advanced features:

AnnexPlusesCons
Notify & FitnessSupport for notification icons, flexible settingsPaid version for full functionality
Mi Band MasterAdvanced sleep statistics, screen customizationA complex interface for beginners
Tools & Mi BandMusic management, weather widgetsAdvertising in the free version

To connect the bracelet to an alternative application:

  1. Untie the bracelet in Mi Fit (Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Disable the device).
  2. Install a new app and follow its connection instructions.
  3. Allow all requests (especially access to notifications and geolocation).

⚠️ Note: Third-party apps may not support the latest versions of Mi Band 4 firmware. Check for compatibility on forums before using it (e.g., for example, for the first time, 4PDA).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

πŸ”Ή Why Mi Band 4 doesn't connect to phone after reset?
Once reset, the bracelet returns to factory settings and forgets all previously paired devices. To reconnect it: Remove the bracelet from the device list in Mi Fit. Reboot the phone. Launch the Mi Fit and add the bracelet as a new device (via Mi Fit). QR-If the problem persists, try connecting from another phone to help you figure out what's wrong (with your bracelet or your smartphone).
πŸ”Ή Can you connect Mi Band 4 to two phones at the same time?
Officially, no. The bracelet is tied to one Mi Fit account. But there's a workaround: Connect the bracelet to the first phone and sync the data. On the second phone, log into the same Mi Fit account, the data will be duplicated. Importantly, notifications will only come to the phone that the bracelet is currently connected to via Bluetooth.
πŸ”Ή How to Reset Mi Band 4 if It Doesn't Respond to Touch?
If the bracelet screen doesn't respond, perform a hardware reset: Connect the bracelet to the charger. Hold the touch button (the area under the screen) for 20 to 30 seconds until you feel the vibration. Unload the bracelet, reboot it. If this doesn't help, the problem may be damage to the screen or battery. In this case, contact the service center.
πŸ”Ή Why the bracelet shows the wrong number of steps?
The Mi Band 4 pedometer error is usually less than 10%, but can increase with: Wearing a loosely attached strap; active hand movements (for example, when working at a computer); driving in transport (vibrations are perceived as steps); To improve accuracy: Specify in Mi Fit the correct height and weight (Profile β†’ Personal data); Wear the bracelet on the non-working hand (for right-handers, on the left, and vice versa). Calibrate the pedometer: walk 50 steps, compare the bracelet readings with the real number and adjust the length of the step.
πŸ”Ή Can I swim with the Mi Band 4?
Yes, the bracelet has a protection degree of 5. ATM, signifies: βœ… You can swim in the pool or open water. βœ… Can withstand showers and rain. ❌ Do not dive deeper than 50 meters or use in hot water (sauna, bath). After bathing, wash the bracelet with fresh water and dry to avoid corrosion of contacts.