How to connect a fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band to a smartphone: full instruction with photos and tips

The Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets remain among the most popular wearables due to the combination of affordable price, long autonomy and wide functionality. However, many users have difficulties already at the first connection stage: the bracelet is not determined by the phone, the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) does not see the device, or synchronization is interrupted halfway through the process. This article will help avoid typical errors and properly hide the Mi Band of any model from Mi Band 3 to the latest Mi Band 8.

We're going to look at not only the basic setup steps, but also the nuances that are often left out in the official instructions, like why you can't plug the bracelet directly into your phone's Bluetooth settings, how to get around the "Device Not Supported" error on some smartphones, and what to do if the Mi Band is permanently disabled after updating the firmware, and how to transfer data from the old bracelet to the new one without losing statistics.

The instructions are relevant for devices on Android 8.0+ iOS 12+, All screenshots and commands are tested on the Mi Band 7 Pro and Mi Band 8, but the algorithm will also work for earlier models, given the minor differences in the interface.

1.Preparation for connection: what to do before pairing

Before you start setting up, make sure all the preconditions are met, and neglecting these steps is the main cause of 70% of errors on the first connection.

First, check your smartphone’s compatibility. While the Mi Band officially supports most devices, some budget models (especially MediaTek processors) may have problems with older Bluetooth versions. For example, the Mi Band 8 requires Bluetooth 5.0, and some features will not be available on Bluetooth 4.2 smartphones.

Download the official Mi Fitness app (App) Store/Google Play)

Make sure your phone is Bluetooth enabled and GPS (for accurate tracking of steps)

Charge the bracelet to at least 20% (charging indicator – flashing symbol of the battery)

Shut down. VPN Power saving modes (they block background synchronization)

Remove old Mi Fit versions if they were installed earlier-->

Pay special attention to your Xiaomi account, which is not only a way to connect the bracelet, but also to save your training data in the cloud. If you don't already have an account, register it in advance through the official website or directly in the Mi Fitness app. Use a valid email and it will receive a confirmation letter.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously used a bracelet on another phone, be sure to untie it through Profile → My devices are in the app. Otherwise, the new phone won't be able to connect, because the Mi Band remembers the last paired device.

2. Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness application

The official Mi Band management app is called Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit), download it from Google Play or the App Store. Avoid third-party sources, as modified versions with ads or viruses are often found there.

After installation, follow the following steps:

1. Open the app and select the region "Russia" (important for proper weather display and local notifications).
2. Sign in with your Xiaomi account or create a new one.
3. Click Add the device (the icon "+" in the upper right corner) and select the model of your bracelet from the list.
4. Allow the application to access notifications, contacts (for calls) and geolocation (for accurate step counting).

If your model is not listed (relevant to newer bracelets, such as the Mi Band 8 Pro), upgrade to the latest version of the app or check if you have a regional block installed. For example, in some countries Xiaomi restricts the sale of certain models, and they may not appear in the list of available devices.

💡

If the Mi Fitness app doesn’t see your bracelet, try restarting your phone and turning off/on Bluetooth. Also check if antivirus (such as Avast or Kaspersky) blocks your devices from connecting.

3. Step-by-step instruction: how to pair Mi Band with a phone

Now, to the process of connection, follow the instructions strictly by step, and even one point can fail.

Step 1. Turn on the bracelet by pressing the touch button (Mi Band 8 has a swipe up the screen).

Step 2. In the Mi Fitness app, click Add Device → Choose your model → Connect, it'll show up on the screen. QR-code.

Step. 3. On the bracelet, find the Connect device section (usually it appears automatically when you first turn on). 7/8 You need to swipe left to the point → Connect the phone.

Step 4. Point the bracelet camera at QR-If the camera is not working, enter the 6-digit code manually (it will be displayed under the code). QR).

Step 5: Wait until the synchronization is complete, and at that point, the bracelet can reset, which is normal.

If the process is suspended at the "Connection" stage, check:

• 📱 Bluetooth version on your phone (should be no lower than the 4.0 for the Mi Band 5 older, 5.0 for the Mi Band 7/8).
• 🔋 Bracelet charge (at a level below 10%, the connection may be interrupted).
• 🛡️ Security settings (on some phones, such as Samsung, you need to manually allow Bluetooth access for Mi Fitness in the app settings).

4. Set up notifications and basic functions

Once you've successfully connected, you need to customize the wristband to suit your needs, and let's start with notifications, which is one of the most popular features.

To enable alerts about calls and messages:

1. In the Mi Fitness app, go to Profile → Mi Band 8 → Notifications.
2. Activate the Call Notification switch.
3. In the Notifications section of the apps, select messengers (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, VK), from whom you want to receive notifications.
4. Set up the Notification Style: short vibration, long or repeat.

For the correct operation of notifications on Android additionally:

• 📲 Allow Mi Fitness to access notifications in phone settings (Settings) → Annexes → Mi Fitness → Notifications).
• 🔕 Turn off battery optimization for Mi Fitness (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Mi Fitness → No restrictions).
• 🔄 Restart your phone after changing your settings.

On iPhone, notifications work differently due to iOS restrictions. The bracelet will only vibrate when an incoming call is made, and messages from messengers will only appear if the Mi Fitness app is open in the background.

• 🔄 Enable Background Update for Mi Fitness in iPhone Settings.
• 🔔 Enable Notifications on the lock screen for messengers.

💡

On Android, notifications are more stable than on iPhones, due to Apple's limitations. If alerts are critical to you, use an Android phone or consider alternative iOS-enabled bracelets (like the Huawei Band).

5. Data Synchronization and Cloud Backup

All the data from the wristband — steps, pulse, sleep — are automatically synced to the Mi Fitness app when connected via Bluetooth, but it is recommended to enable cloud backup for reliability.

To activate backup:

1. Open Mi Fitness. → Profile → Settings → Cloud backups.
2. Turn on the switch and select the backup frequency (recommended daily).
3. Make sure you have enough space in the Xiaomi cloud (free 5GB is available).

If you change the bracelet to a new model, the data transfer is automatically carried out when you connect a new device under the same account, but the statistics for previous periods may not be displayed immediately - sometimes it takes up to 24 hours for full sync.

⚠️ Note: If you use Mi Band without being linked to your Xiaomi account (e.g. guest mode), all data will be irretrievably lost when you reset or replace your bracelet. Cloud backup is only available to authorized users.

6. Solving common connection problems

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The bracelet is not determined by the phone.

• 🔄 Reboot both the bracelet and the phone.
• 📱 Make sure your phone is Bluetooth and Geolocation enabled.
• 🗑️ Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugate devices in your phone’s Bluetooth settings and try to connect again.
• 🔧 Update the Mi Fitness app to the latest version.

Problem 2: The application gives an error "Device not supported".

• 📱 Check the compatibility of your phone with the bracelet on the official Xiaomi website.
• 🌍 Change the region in the Mi Fitness app to “China” or “Singapore” (sometimes helps bypass regional restrictions).
• 🔄 Try connecting via another phone.

Problem 3: The bracelet is constantly shutting down.

• 🔋 Check the battery charge of the bracelet (at a level below 5%, the connection becomes unstable).
• 📱 Turn off power saving modes on your phone for the Mi Fitness app.
• 🔄 Update the bracelet firmware through Profile → Mi Band 8 → Firmware update.

Problem 4: Notices are not coming.

• 🔔 Check the notification settings in the messenger itself (for example, in Telegram you need to enable the option "Show notifications").
• 📱 Allow Mi Fitness to access notifications in phone settings.
• 🔄 Reconnect the bracelet (forget the device in Bluetooth and hide again).

The bracelet is not determined by the phone.

The application gives an error "The device is not supported"

No notifications coming.

The bracelet is constantly off.

There was no problem.-->

7. Additional settings: what can be configured after connecting

After successful pairing, it is recommended to optimize the bracelet for your needs. Here are the key settings that are worth checking:

Screen and brightness:

• 🌞 Adjust automatic brightness or set a fixed level.
• ⏱️ Set the screen lighting time (from 5 to 15 seconds).
• 🔄 Turn on Hand Raising to Activate (comfortable but slightly shortens autonomy time).

Sleep tracking:

• 😴 Activate Sleep Monitoring and set up a schedule (for example, 23:00 to 7:00).
• 📊 Enable Sleep Phase Analysis for detailed statistics (available on Mi Band 6 and later).

Training:

• 🏃 Add frequently used sports to Quick Access.
• 🎯 Set goals for steps, calories, and activity time.

Safety:

• 🔒 Set the unlock password (4-digit) PIN-code).
• 🚨 Set up an emergency contact (bracelet will send). SMS with your geolocation with prolonged pressing of the button).

The Mi Band 7 Pro and Mi Band 8 have additional features, such as:

• 🎵 Remote control of music on the phone.
• 📸 Control of the smartphone camera (you can take a selfie by pressing the bracelet).
• 🌡️ Measurement of stress and oxygen levels in the blood (SpO₂).

💡

To extend the bracelet’s life, turn off unnecessary functions: constant pulse, automatic measurement. SpO₂ And notifications from underutilized applications, which can increase autonomy with the user. 5 before 10-14 days.

8 How to Reset Mi Band to Factory Settings

If the bracelet is unstable or you plan to sell it, reset to factory settings, which will delete all data from the device and untie it from the account.

Method 1: Through bracelet settings

1. On the bracelet, go to More → Settings → Reset.
2. Confirm the action by clicking the tick.
3. Wait for the reboot (the bracelet vibrates and shows the Mi logo).

Method 2: Through the Mi Fitness app

1. Open Profile. → Mi Band 8 → Untie the device.
2. Confirm the uncoupling and reset.

Method 3: Hardware reset (if the bracelet does not respond)

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger.
2. Press and hold the touch button for a while. 15-20 A few seconds before the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the button and the bracelet will reset.

⚠️ Note: After resetting, the bracelet is automatically untied from your Xiaomi account, and all local data (steps, sleep, training) will be deleted. If you plan to use the bracelet further, re-attach it to your account via Mi Fitness.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions