The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular gadgets for monitoring activity, despite the release of new models. Its combination with the Redmi Note 9 phone is a logical choice for users of the Xiaomi ecosystem, but the connection process can raise questions for beginners. Unlike more modern bracelets (for example, the Mi Band 7), the fourth version requires a special approach to synchronization due to outdated firmware and specific Bluetooth settings.
This article will not just repeat the standard steps from the official manual, but will reveal hidden nuances, from choosing the right version of the Mi Fit application (or its alternatives) to bypassing typical errors like the βinvisibilityβ of the bracelet in the list of devices. We will also touch on compatibility issues with the latest versions of MIUI on the Redmi Note 9 and give recommendations for optimizing the operation of a pair of devices. If you have already tried to connect and received the message βfailed to find the deviceβ or βSynction errorβ β here you will find solutions.
1. Preparing the Redmi Note 9 phone for connection
Before you start syncing, make sure your Redmi Note 9 meets the minimum requirements.Although the Mi Band 4 bracelet supports Android 4.4+, you will need additional adjustments to work with the latest versions of MIUI 12/13/14.
Key parameters for verification:
- π± Android version: not lower than 6.0 (on the Redmi Note 9 out of the box is Android 10 with a shell) MIUI 11, but after the updates may be MIUI Check the settings β The phone. β Android version.
- π Version. MIUI: if MIUI 12.5 or later, enable compatibility mode for older Bluetooth devices (see next section).
- πΆ Bluetooth: Version 5.0 (Redmi Note 9), but it is important that the Bluetooth Power Saving mode is turned off in the settings".
- π Battery charge: at least 30% on the phone, at least 50% on the bracelet (at low charge, the Mi Band 4 may not appear in the list of devices).
Pay special attention to permissions: the Mi Fit application will require access to geodata, contacts and notifications. Without these permissions, synchronization of step, sleep and pulse data will not be possible, and we recommend temporarily disabling VPNs and ad blockers (for example, AdGuard), as they can prevent communication with Xiaomi servers.
2. Selecting and installing the correct application
The official Mi Band 4 app is Mi Fit, but since 2022 Xiaomi has been actively moving users to Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit).However, the fourth version of the Zepp Life bracelet is not always suitable: some functions (for example, music management) may not work correctly, so we recommend using Mi Fit, but with reservations.
Where to download and which version to choose:
- π Official source: Mi App Store (GetApps app on your Redmi Note 9) Version from there guaranteed to be compatible with MIUI.
- π€ Google Play: Look for Mi Fit from Xiaomi Inc. Avoid clones like Mi Fit Pro or Mi Band Master β they may contain malicious code.
- π₯ APK-File: If the app is not available in your region, download only from trusted sources (e.g. APKCombo) The optimal version is 4.6.0 or 4.7.0 (newer versions may not support Mi Band 4).
| Annex | Support for Mi Band 4 | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Fit | Complete. | Stable synchronization, all bracelet functions available | Outdated interface, possible problems with notifications on new versions of Android |
| Zepp Life | Partial | Modern design, support for new Xiaomi devices | Not all Mi Band 4 features work correctly, data display bugs are possible |
| Notify & Fitness | Partial | Advanced notification settings, support for third-party applications | Complex setup, possible problems with synchronization of steps |
Important: If you are installing Mi Fit from a Xiaomi store, before installing it APK-Enable permission to install from unknown sources in the phone settings (Settings) β Annexes β Special access β Installation of unknown applications).
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After installing Mi Fit, donβt update it via Google Play β newer versions can remove support for Mi Band 4.
3. Step-by-step connection instruction
Now, to the synchronization process itself, follow the instructions carefully, and skipping even one step can cause a failure.
- Turn on Bluetooth on your phone: go to Settings β Connections β Bluetooth and activate the switch. Make sure that Visibility for All mode is on (2 minutes).
- Run Mi Fit: When you first start, the app will ask you to sign up or sign in through your Xiaomi account. If you don't have one, create one (this is a must for data synchronization).
- Add the device: click on the + icon in the upper right corner β select Bracelet β Mi Smart Band 4.
- Synchronize the bracelet: on the screen of the bracelet will appear QR-code, scan it through the app. QR-code does not appear, press the touch button of the bracelet and hold for 3 seconds.
- Confirm the connection: the phone and bracelet will appear 4-digit code β make sure it matches, and confirm the pairing.
What to do if the bracelet is not:
- π Reboot Bluetooth: Turn off and turn on Bluetooth again on your phone, then restart the Mi Fit app.
- π± Reset the bracelet settings: connect the Mi Band 4 to charging, then press the touch button 10 times in a row - this will reset it to factory settings.
- π« Turn off energy saving: in the phone settings, find the battery β Energy saving and add Mi Fit to the list of exceptions.
βοΈ Preparation for connection
4. Set up notifications and basic functions
Once successfully connected, you need to configure notifications, sleep monitoring and data display. By default, the Mi Band 4 only shows basic information (time, steps, pulse), but its capabilities are wider.
How to set up notifications from applications:
- Open Mi Fit β go to the profile of the bracelet β βNotificationsβ.
- Turn on the "Notifications from the phone" switch.
- Select the apps you want to see on your bracelet (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
- Set up the βNotification Styleβ: short (icon only) or full (text).
Additional settings for the Redmi Note 9:
- π Priority of notifications: in Android settings (Applications) β Mi Fit β Notifications) prioritize "Maximum" or notifications may be delayed.
Why are there no notifications on Mi Band 4?
5. Solving common problems
Even with the right connection, Redmi Note 9 and Mi Band 4 users are faced with common errors.
β οΈ Note: If after the update MIUI The bracelet is no longer synced, try to roll back the Mi Fit version to 4.6.0. New versions of the application may conflict with the firmware of the bracelet.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Bracelet not visible in Mi Fit | Bluetooth profile conflict, outdated bracelet firmware | Reset the bracelet to factory settings (10 presses of the button), then restart the phone |
| Data is not synchronized | Limitations of Mi Fit background activity in MIUI | Add the app to battery exclusions and allow auto-start (Settings β Applications β Mi Fit β Auto-Run) |
| Bracelet discharges quickly | Constant synchronization with phone, enabled heart rate monitoring 24/7 | Turn off continuous pulse measurement (bracelet profile β Heart rate monitoring β Turn off) |
| Notifications are coming with a delay | Battery Optimization for Mi Fit or Bluetooth | Turn off optimization for both apps (see previous section) |
If nothing helps:
- π² Reinstall Mi Fit: Remove the app, clear the cache and data (Settings) β Annexes β Mi Fit β Warehouse β Clean the data, then install it again.
- π§ Update the bracelet firmware: in Mi Fit go to "Bracelet Profile" β If the update is not available, use third-party utilities like Mi Band 4 Tools (at your own risk).
- π Change your Xiaomi account region: sometimes servers in certain regions block sync. Try changing region to Russia or India in your account settings.
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If the bracelet does not connect after all the manipulations, the problem may be a hardware malfunction of the Bluetooth module on the phone.
6. Optimization of the bracelet with Redmi Note 9
To make the Mi Band 4 work as efficiently as possible with the Redmi Note 9, follow these tips:
Savings in bracelet charge:
- π Turn off the "Raise of the Hand to Activate the Screen" (saves up to 20% of charge per day).
- π Set the time to automatically turn off the screen for 5 seconds.
- π Turn off heart rate monitoring in the background (only for exercise).
Increased stability of the connection:
- πΆ In Bluetooth phone settings, disable the "Dual App Audio" (may conflict with the bracelet).
- π Reload the bracelet once a week (press the button 10 seconds before vibration).
- π± In Mi Fit, disable Auto Weather Update β this will reduce the connection load.
Extended functions:
- π΅ Music management: in Mi Fit, turn on "Player control" - now you can switch tracks on your phone from the bracelet.
- π Phone search: activate the βDevice Searchβ function β double tapping the bracelet will make the phone sound (even if it is in silent mode).
- π Training: before starting sports, turn on the "Training" mode on the bracelet - this will increase the accuracy of measuring the pulse.
7.Alternative applications for Mi Band 4
If Mi Fit is unstable, consider alternative apps that offer advanced features but may require more customization.
| Annex | Advantages | Deficiencies | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notify & Fitness | Flexible notification settings, support for third-party applications, screen customization | Complex interface, possible synchronization bugs | Google Play |
| Mi Band Master | Advanced screen settings, vibration control, data export | Not all features work on MIUI, requires root rights for some options | Official website |
| Tools & Mi Band | Music player control, gesture adjustment, support for multiple bracelets | Advertising in the free version, not all features are compatible with MIUI | Google Play |
How to switch to an alternative application:
- Untie the bracelet in Mi Fit (Bracelet Profile β Disable the device).
- Install a new app and follow its connection instructions.
- Set up permissions (geolocation, notifications, autorun).
β οΈ Note: When using third-party apps, some features (such as monitoring sleep using Xiaomi algorithms) may not work properly, and there is a risk of losing data when switching between applications - before doing so, back up to Mi Fit.