How to connect Xiaomi Mi Band 4 to Android after resetting

Resetting the wearable gadget to the main device after complete zeroing is a task that requires care and adherence to a strict sequence of actions. Resetting the settings of the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is often the only way to resuscitate a device that has stopped responding to commands, hung or lost touch with the smartphone. However, once the tracker screen greets you with the Mi Band logo and the number β€œ4”, the most critical stage begins, where many users face search errors or the inability to complete (matching).

The main difficulty is that the standard Bluetooth interface of the Android operating system is not designed to work directly with trackers without intermediaries. Trying to connect the gadget through the phone's settings menu most often leads to pairing error or creating a "dead" connection that does not transmit data. You will need a specialized software bridge known as Mi Fit or its modern analog Zepp Life, which takes over the management of the protocols for transferring biometric data.

Before you start the active setup phase, you need to make sure that your smartphone software environment is fully ready to interact with the updated tracker.It is critical to understand that after resetting the bracelet forgets all previously paired devices and requires a complete re-registration in the application with the removal of the old profile from the Bluetooth cache. Ignoring this rule is the most common reason why the phone sees the device but cannot complete the installation process.

Preparing the smartphone and cleaning the Bluetooth cache

The first step in the process of reconnecting is to carefully prepare the software environment of your Android smartphone. Even if you just dropped the bracelet, there may be conflicting records of previous communications sessions in the phone’s memory that will interfere with establishing a new connection. The Android operating system often aggressively caches peripheral data, and old encryption keys can block the new handshake protocol.

You don't just need to turn off Bluetooth, you need to completely clear the list of paired devices. Go to Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Bluetooth and find the "Mi Band 4" list. If you have one, click on the gear icon or information symbol next to the name and select "Forget the device" or "Cancel pairing." This action will force the access keys to be removed and the communication channel will be freed for new registration.

You should also check the relevance of the system component versions. Often connection problems arise from the desynchronization of protocol versions in the application and on the tracker itself. Make sure you have the latest version of the Zepp Life app (formerly Mi Fit) installed from the official Google Play Store. Also check that Google Play Services are updated, as they are responsible for the background geolocation and Bluetooth scanning required for stable operation of the tracker.

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Before starting the procedure, restart your smartphone – this will clear the RAM and reset the suspended Bluetooth services, which greatly increases the chance of a successful first connection.

Remember access rights. Once you install or update the app, it will ask for a number of permissions when it first starts. To properly operate the fitness tracker, you need to provide access to geolocation, Bluetooth, notifications and background work. Without geolocation enabled (GPS) on Android 6.0 and above, scanning of Bluetooth devices in the app simply won’t start, and you will see endless search.

The Primary Pairing Process Through Zepp Life

After the prep, you can move on to directly linking your devices. Run the Zepp Life app on your smartphone. If you've previously used your Mi Account, log in to save your activity history if it was synced to the cloud before the reset. If you create a new profile, follow the instructions on the sign-up screen.

On the app's home screen, look for the Profile tab (usually in the lower right corner) and select Add Device. From the list of available gadgets, select Mi Band 4. The app will enter active scanning mode. At this point, a vibration or confirmation request may appear on the tracker screen, although it usually immediately goes into standby mode after reset.

β˜‘οΈ Algorithm of successful connection

Done: 0 / 5

The key is to confirm the pairing code, and your Mi Band 4 screen should display a digital code (usually 4 digits) and a vibration signal, while you will also be asked to confirm that the codes match, and only after you press the confirmation button (check on the bracelet) will the cryptographic keys be exchanged and the setup completed.

⚠️ Warning: If the code on the smartphone screen and the bracelet doesn't match or the bracelet doesn't vibrate, don't press "Confirm." Cancel the operation, close the application completely (unload from memory) and try again. Forced pairing with mismatched codes will lead to an authorization error.

Once confirmed, the device will start synchronizing time and date, an important step because the tracker’s internal clock does not have its own power source to save time when it is fully discharged or reset, and without the correct time, it is impossible to correctly record sleep and activity data in the app.

Solving Problems with Finding a Device

The situation when the application does not see the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is one of the most common. The reasons can be rooted in both Android software conflicts and the peculiarities of the Bluetooth module of the bracelet itself. If the scan lasts more than 2-3 minutes without a result, you need to conduct a diagnosis.

First of all, check if the bracelet is connected to other devices. Bluetooth protocol allows the device to be visible to many, but the active connection is usually held with only one gadget. If you have a tablet or a second phone where the tracker was previously registered, make sure that the Bluetooth on them is turned off or the device is there "forgotten".

πŸ“Š Have you ever had a problem when your phone can’t see the bracelet?
Yeah, all the time.
It was a couple of times.
Never had a problem.
I have another problem.

Another common reason is the overcrowded list of Bluetooth devices on Android. Some smartphones have a limit on how many gadgets you remember. Try removing old headphones, speakers, or watches you haven't used in a long time, which will free up the address space of the communication module.

Also worth paying attention to energy saving. Aggressive battery settings can block the Bluetooth scanner from running in the background. Go to Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Energy saving and make sure that the Zepp Life app and Bluetooth system service have a "No Limits" or "No Power Saving" mode.

Set up notifications and permissions for Android

Once the device is successfully connected and displayed in the app as "Online", you need to configure notifications. Without the right configuration, this section of the fitness bracelet will only work as a pedometer and clock, ignoring calls and messages from messengers.

In Zepp Life, go to your device profile and find the "Application Notifications" section, where you'll see a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Activate the switches opposite the apps you want to see on your wrist (WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS, Calls). Remember that the text of the notification is often dependent on permission to read the content of the screen.

At the Android operating system level, you also need to check permissions. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Zepp Life β†’ Permissions. Make sure permissions are activated for:

  • πŸ“ Geolocation (required for Bluetooth scanner operation);
  • πŸ“ž Phone (to determine incoming call and contact name);
  • πŸ“± Contacts (to display the names of the callers on the bracelet screen);
  • πŸ”” Notifications (for transmission of text of communications).

Special attention should be paid to accessing notification history. On Android 11 and above, the system requires an explicit user confirmation to read the notifications of other applications. If you miss this step when you first set up, the bracelet will vibrate when you receive a message, but the screen will remain black.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi, Huawei and Samsung smartphones with aggressive memory optimization, you need to fix the Zepp Life app in RAM. Open the menu of running apps, find Zepp Life and click on the lock or select "Secure" so that the system does not unload the synchronization process.

Update firmware and calibration after reset

Immediately after connecting and resetting the settings, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is almost guaranteed to require a software update. The built-in firmware version can be old, especially if the device has been left unused for a long time. The update is critical for the stability of the Bluetooth module and the correct battery consumption.

The app will prompt you to update if it finds a new version. 5 before 15 The bracelet must be in close proximity to the phone (no more) 1 Interrupting the update may cause the device to break, so make sure the bracelet charge is at least 20-30% before the beginning of the procedure.

After updating and initial synchronization, it is recommended to calibrate the pedometer. Walk a known distance (for example, 100 meters) and compare the data on the bracelet with reality. If the error is large, you can adjust the step length in the profile settings in the application, which will improve the accuracy of calorie counting and distance.

Why do you need a firmware update?
Updates often include security patches, bug fixes in heart rate algorithms and optimizing Bluetooth stack performance.Without up-to-date firmware, the bracelet can discharge faster or lose touch with the smartphone at less than 5 meters away.

It's also worth checking the pulse sensor, and after reset, the algorithms may get lost, so take some measurements in a calm state and compare them with the rest of the data_manual_ If the readings are very different, try tightening the strap tighter or rubbing the touch panel on the back of the device.

Table of error and status codes

You may encounter different status indications during the setup process, and understanding what blinking or vibration means will help you diagnose the problem more quickly. Below is a table of the main statuses that the Mi Band 4 displays when interacting with a smartphone.

Screen indicationSound/tactical signalImportance of statusUser action
Blinks "QR" or codeOne short vibration.Pre-conjugation modeClick "Confirm" in the annex
Bluetooth iconNo signal.Successful connectionNothing, the device's ready to go.
Migait "ERR"Three long vibrationsAuthorization errorRemove the device and start again
Battery iconNo signal.Low charge (< 10%)Put it on charge immediately.

Note that the indication may vary slightly depending on the version of the firmware installed. If you see a character that is not in the table, refer to the official documentation or assistance section in the Zepp Life app.

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A successful connection is not just about having a device name on the list, but about being able to synchronize data and receive notifications without delay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I connect Mi Band 4 to two phones at the same time?
Officially, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 supports an active connection with only one smartphone. However, there is the possibility of switching between devices. To do this, you need to break the connection in the application on the first phone (or turn off Bluetooth), and then the second phone will be able to find and connect the bracelet. Some users use third-party utilities to emulate Bluetooth, but this is unstable.
What if the bracelet is reset immediately after connection?
If the Mi Band 4 is rebooted at the time of pairing, it may indicate a critically low battery charge or damage to the firmware file. Try to put the device on charge for 15-20 minutes, then repeat the procedure. If the problem persists, you may need to flash through special engineering utilities, but this is a complex process that requires disassembly.
Do I need to delete the Mi Fit app if I switch to Zepp Life?
Mi Fit has been renamed Zepp Life, and if you have an old app installed, you should update it through the app store. If you install a new one as a separate package, the data may not sync if you use different accounts.
Why does the bracelet not vibrate when notified after reset?
Once you reset, all permissions are reset by default. Check in the app to see if Vibration is enabled for notifications. Also make sure that the device profile activates Application Notifications and selects specific programs (such as WhatsApp or SMS) that should cause vibration.
Are steps and sleep data reset when reconnected?
The data stored in the memory of the bracelet itself will be lost when reset, however, if you have at least synchronized the device with the application before the reset, the entire history is stored in the Mi Cloud or Zepp servers. Once you reconnect under the same account, the story will be downloaded from the cloud, but the data accumulated during the period when the bracelet was reset and not connected will not be restored.