Connecting Xiaomi Mi Band 4 to a smartphone: full instructions with pictures and tips

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular gadgets for tracking activity due to its combination of functionality and affordable price. However, new users often have questions: how to properly sync the device with the phone, what applications are needed, and what to do if the bracelet does not connect. In this article, we will analyze the connection process by steps, take into account the features for Android and iOS, and also consider typical errors and their solutions.

Itโ€™s important to understand that the Mi Band 4 runs via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and full synchronization requires the official Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit), but the setup process may vary depending on the bracelet firmware version and the phoneโ€™s operating system. If youโ€™ve used other versions of the Mi Band, some steps may seem familiar, but the fourth model has its own nuances โ€“ for example, support for NFC in the Mi Band 4 NFC version.

Preparation for connection: what will be needed

Before you start syncing, make sure you have everything you need:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Smartphone on Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+ Bluetooth 4.2 support.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Xiaomi Mi Band 4 (minimum 20% battery).
  • ๐ŸŒ Stable Internet connection (for downloading applications and updates).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Xiaomi account (can be created during setup).

If you use Mi Band 4 NFC, check if your phone supports NFC, which you will need to set up contactless payments (for example, via Mi Pay in China or Google Pay in some regions), and pay attention to regional restrictions: in Russia and Europe, some features (for example, voice assistant) may not be available.

๐Ÿ“Š What kind of smartphone do you have?
Android
iPhone
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I don't know.

It is worth noting that the Mi Band 4 does not require additional drivers or root rights, but some custom firmware (such as LineageOS) may have connection problems, in which case it is recommended to use the original firmware or proven builds with support for BLE.

Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness application

The official bracelet management app is Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit), which can be downloaded for free from Google Play or the App Store. It is important to avoid third-party sources, as fake versions may contain viruses or not support the latest updates.

  • ๐Ÿ” In the search for the app store, type in Mi Fitness and select the official app from Xiaomi Inc.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฅ Install the application and open it.
  • ๐Ÿ‘ค Sign up or sign in to an existing Xiaomi account (via Google, Facebook or phone number).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Allow all permissions requested: Bluetooth access, notifications, geolocation (for accurate jogging tracking).

After authorization, the app will suggest adding a new device. Here it is important to choose the Mi Smart Band 4, and not newer models (for example, Mi Band 5/6/7), since they have different firmware and synchronization algorithms. If your model is not on the list, update the application to the latest version.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the Mi Fitness app doesnโ€™t find the bracelet, try restarting Bluetooth on your phone or temporarily turning off power saving mode โ€“ it can block background synchronization.

At the configuration stage, the application may suggest updating the bracelet firmware. It is not recommended to refuse the update, as new versions fix connection errors and add support for the latest versions. Android/iOS. However, if you have a weak internet connection, itโ€™s best to connect to Wi-Fi before upgrading.

Step-by-step instructions for connecting Mi Band 4

Now, let's move directly to synchronization, and follow the instructions carefully to avoid the typical errors.

  1. Activate Bluetooth on your phone and make sure the bracelet is on (the charging icon or main menu should be on the screen).
  2. In the Mi Fitness app, click Profile โ†’ Add the device.
  3. Select the Mi Smart Band 4 from the list.
  4. Press the bracelet on the screen to unlock it (if it is locked).
  5. Hold the phone to the bracelet at a distance of 5-10 cm and wait for vibrations - this is a signal of successful connection.
  6. Confirm the pairing in the application and on the bracelet (click on the tick on its screen).

The bracelet vibrates when paired|The app displays the charge level of the Mi Band 4|Steps data are synchronized|Notifications from the phone appear-->

If the process is stalled at some point, try:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reset the bracelet (press the touch button for 10 seconds).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Re-launch the Mi Fitness app.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Turn off/enable Bluetooth on your phone.

After a successful connection, the application will offer to configure the main parameters: display notifications, goals by steps, alarm clocks, etc. Here you can also activate the function of Raising your hand to wake up the screen, which saves battery power.

Configure notifications and additional functions

One of the key benefits of the Mi Band 4 is that it supports notifications from your phone, so you can set them up.

  1. In the Mi Fitness app, go to Profile โ†’ Mi Smart Band 4 โ†’ Notifications.
  2. Turn on the Call Notification and Notifications from the apps switch.
  3. Select the apps you want to see on your bracelet (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
  4. Set up vibration and display of notification text (you can limit yourself to the application icon only).

Also in the bracelet settings can be activated:

  • ๐ŸŒ™ Do Not Disturb (disables notifications at a predetermined time).
  • ๐Ÿƒ Sleep tracking (automatic or manual).
  • ๐Ÿ’ง Drinking water (the interval is adjusted).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Economical regime (extends the working time to 20 days).
How to turn on the weather display on Mi Band 4?
To see the weather on the bracelet screen, in the Mi Fitness app, go to Profile โ†’ Mi Smart Band 4 โ†’ Weather and enable the Weather Sync option. The data will be updated automatically when you connect to your phone. Please note that you need to allow the app to access geolocation for accurate display.

For Mi Band 4 NFC owners, contactless payment settings are available (in supported regions).

  1. In the app, select Mi Pay (or an analog for your region).
  2. Link your bank card.
  3. Set up. PIN-code.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right setup, users sometimes face problems.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The bracelet is not on the connection.Bluetooth is disabled or the bracelet is dischargedTurn on Bluetooth, charge your bracelet to 50% and restart your search
The application freezes at the interface stageOutdated version of Mi Fitness or bracelet firmwareUpdate the application and firmware through Settings โ†’ Software Update
Notifications don't come on the bracelet.No notification permission or energy saving blocks background workCheck notification settings in Mi Fitness and add the app to battery optimization exceptions
Bracelet discharges quicklyConstant pulse or frequent weather updatesDisable unnecessary functions in Settings โ†’ Battery

If the bracelet is connected but the data is not synchronized, try:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Untie and re-tether the device in Mi Fitness.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Clear the app cache (phone settings) โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Mi Fitness โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Clear the cache).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Reset the bracelet settings (press the button 20 seconds before vibration).

๐Ÿ’ก

If the bracelet stopped connecting after the firmware update, try rolling back the version via Mi Fitness โ†’ Profile โ†’ Mi Smart Band 4 โ†’ Software Update โ†’ Roll back (if the option is available).

Resetting the bracelet to factory settings

If the Mi Band 4 is unstable or you plan to transfer it to another user, you may need to reset your settings.

  1. On the bracelet, go to Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ Reset (scroll the screen with swipes).
  2. Confirm the action by clicking the tick.
  3. After resetting, the bracelet will reset and be ready for a new setup.

Alternatively, if the screen is not responding:

  1. Disable the bracelet from the Mi Fitness app.
  2. Charge it to 100% and press the touch button for 20-30 seconds until double vibration.
  3. After rebooting, the bracelet will be reset.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Reset removes all data from the bracelet, including activity statistics and alarm settings. If you want to save history, pre-sync the data with the Mi Fitness app.

After resetting, the bracelet will be displayed in Mi Fitness as a new device. Repeat the connection process described above.

Compatibility with other applications and devices

Although Mi Fitness is the official app for Mi Band 4, many users prefer alternative programs for advanced analytics.

  • ๐Ÿ“Š Notify & Fitness for Mi Band (extra dials, widgets).
  • ๐Ÿƒ Google Fit (Sync data with other services).
  • ๐Ÿฉบ Mi Bandage (advanced notification settings).

To connect to these apps, first set up the bracelet via Mi Fitness, and then connect it in alternative software. Note that some features (such as firmware updates) are only available in the official app.

The Mi Band 4 can also be used with:

  • ๐Ÿ’ป Windows/Mac via Android emulators (e.g. BlueStacks), but data synchronization will be limited.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Some fitness trackers (via Strava or Endomondo).

โš ๏ธ Note: When using third-party applications, conflicts with the official Mi Fitness may occur. If the bracelet starts to glit, turn off the alternative software and reconnect the device to Mi Fitness.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi Band 4

Can I connect Mi Band 4 to multiple phones at the same time?
Officially, no. The bracelet is tied to one Xiaomi account, but you can manually untie and connect it to another phone via Mi Fitness โ†’ Profile โ†’ Mi Smart Band 4 โ†’ Disable the device.
Why does the bracelet vibrate for no reason?
It is likely that one of the reminders is triggered: a sedentary alert, an alarm or a hidden source notification. Check the settings in Mi Fitness โ†’ Notifications and turn off unnecessary alerts.
How to change the dial to Mi Band 4?
In the Mi Fitness app, go to Profile โ†’ Mi Smart Band 4 โ†’ Dials. Choose your favorite option and click Sync. You can also download additional dials from third-party sources (such as Amazfit Watch Faces), but this requires manual installation through.bin files.
How long does the Mi Band 4 charge last?
In standard use (notifications, sleep tracking, pulse every 30 minutes), the bracelet lasts 10โ€“14 days; in economical mode (without a constant pulse) it lasts up to 20 days; full charging takes about 1.5โ€“2 hours.
Can I swim with the Mi Band 4?
Yes, the bracelet has 5 ATM protection, allowing it to be used in the pool or in the rain, but it is not recommended to dive deeper than 50 meters or expose it to hot water (for example, in a sauna).