Integrating wearables into the Xiaomi ecosystem is a process that, while seemingly simple, often causes difficulties for users, especially when setting up or after resetting the phone. Owners of Redmi and Mi smartphones are in a privileged position, since the MIUI system core is initially optimized to interact with activity trackers, but specific energy saving algorithms can create obstacles that require manual intervention. It is critical to understand that the correct operation of the Mi Band 4 on Android version 10 and above requires the presence of Google Play Services, even if they are hidden or disabled in the system.
The synchronization process begins long before you hit the Get the Device button in the app, since proper preparation of the Android operating system is the foundation of a stable Bluetooth module. Ignoring pre-location settings and permissions for system services often leads to the tracker either not being detected at all or permanently losing contact with the phone at short intervals. In this article, we will take a detailed look at each connection step, eliminating typical errors and considering the nuances of working with the Zepp Life application (formerly Mi Fit).
The stability of the connection between the Mi Band 4 and the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone directly affects the accuracy of collecting health data, including heart rate, steps and sleep phases. Incorrect configuration can lead to loss of notifications from messengers, which is one of the key functions of the wristband. Therefore, it is extremely important not only to pair, but also to properly configure the background of applications so that the system does not “kill” the synchronization process for the sake of saving battery power.
Preparation of a smartphone and bracelet for pairing
The first and most important step is to completely clean the list of previously used devices in your Redmi smartphone’s Bluetooth settings. If the bracelet has previously been connected to another phone or you are trying to reconnect it after reset, the old entries in the phone’s memory can cause addressing conflicts, prevent a successful connection. You need to go to Bluetooth settings, find a record of the Mi Smart Band 4 or just Mi Band, click on the gear icon and select “Unpatch” or “Forget the device”.
Then make sure that the bracelet is active search mode. To do this, take the Mi Band 4 in your hands and swipe your finger across the screen to the left until the Add menu or smartphone icon appears. The screen should show vibration and search animations, which signals that the device is ready for data transfer. Important: do not bring the bracelet too close to the phone at this stage, to avoid interception by other devices in range.
⚠️ Note: If the icon of the crossed-out phone is on the bracelet screen, this means that the device is blocked by binding to the previous owner’s Mi Account account. In this case, connecting to your Redmi phone is impossible without first untiing through the application on the old device.
You also need to check the version of your Redmi operating system. For stable operation of modern versions of the tracker firmware, Android 6.0 or higher is required, but for full use of all functions, including: NFC-Payment (in global versions), current security updates are recommended.Be sure to charge at least 20% of your smartphone battery before starting the procedure, as the initial synchronization and update of the bracelet firmware can be energy-intensive.
Installation and configuration of the Zepp Life app
The main management tool for the Mi Band 4 is the Zepp Life app (formerly known as Mi Fit), which must be downloaded exclusively from the official Google Play store or App Store. APK-Files from third-party resources can lead to unstable work, leakage of personal health data and inability to log in via Mi Account. Once installed, launch it and log in to your account using the same data as on other devices in the ecosystem, if any.
When Zepp Life first launches, it will request a number of critical permissions that cannot be ignored. MIUI is known for its aggressive energy saving policy, so you need to manually allow access to location, Bluetooth, contacts and notifications. Without a geolocation access permission (GPS), the application will not technically be able to scan the environment for Bluetooth devices due to the security limitations of the Android platform itself.
In your profile settings, select the region "Russia" or your country of residence, as it depends on the server on which your data will be stored and the available language packages for the bracelet interface. After authorization, go to the Profile tab in the lower right corner and click on the Add Device button. From the list of available gadgets, select Mi Band 4. The application will warn you that the bracelet should be nearby and start searching.
☑️ Checklist before connection
The process of pairing via Bluetooth
When the Zepp Life app detects your Mi Band 4, a vibratory confirmation bracelet will appear on your smartphone screen. Click "OK" or "Confirm" on your phone screen, and then tap the tick on the monitor screen itself. This two-way confirmation protocol is necessary to protect against unauthorized connection of unauthorized devices to your personal gadget.
When you make a connection, you may need to update the firmware of the bracelet itself. If a notice appears on the screen about the availability of a new version of firmware, you are strongly advised to agree to an update. New firmware versions often contain corrections for Bluetooth module errors, improve the accuracy of the pulse sensor and add new dials. The update process can take from 5 to 15 minutes, during which the bracelet screen will burn and the phone must be in close proximity.
| Parameter | Mi Band 4 (Chinese version) | Mi Band 4 (Global version) | Mi Band 4 NFC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interface languages | Chinese, English | Multilingual (includes Russian) | Multilingual + Localization |
| NFC module module | No. | No. | (Operates in a limited number of countries) |
| Compatibility of SOEs | Zepp Life / Mi Fitness | Zepp Life / Mi Fitness | Zepp Life (main) |
| Sensors. | Pulse, Accelerometer. | Pulse, Accelerometer. | Pulse, Accelerometer, NFC |
Once the update is successfully paired and completed (if any), the bracelet screen will display the time and date synchronized with the phone. The device is now ready to collect data. However, to ensure that notifications are stable and steps do not disappear, you need to perform a number of additional settings in the Android system, which will be discussed in the next section.
⚠️ Warning: During the firmware update, it is strictly forbidden to close the Zepp Life app, switch to other programs, or take the smartphone away from the bracelet.
Configure access rights in MIUI for stable operation
Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are equipped with a MIUI shell, which by default limits the background activity of applications to save energy. To Zepp Life can constantly monitor the pulse and instantly transmit notifications, you need to change the battery settings. Go to Settings → Apps → All applications → Zepp Life (Mi Fit). Find Battery and select No restrictions mode. This will prevent the system from forcibly closing the application.
The second important step is to set up autorun. In the same app settings menu, find the Autostart switch and activate it. This will allow the app to start immediately after you turn on the phone, which is critical to start syncing data without you. Without this permission, the tracker can only start transferring accumulated data after you manually open the application.
You also need to fix the application in memory. Open the list of running applications (swipe from the bottom up and hold or menu button), find the Zepp Life window and press the lock. This will prevent the application from closing when you clear RAM with the Crack button. Additional check the permissions: in the access menu, make sure that "Physical Activity", "Phone" and "Notifications" are enabled.
Solving Typical Connection Problems
One of the most common problems is when the phone sees the bracelet, but the connection is cut off with the error "Can't connect." Often this is because the device "hangs" in standby mode. Try to put the bracelet on charge for 10-15 seconds to restart its controller, and then try to pair it again. Also helps to reboot the Redmi smartphone itself, which clears the cache of Bluetooth services.
If the bracelet is not visible on the list of available devices, check if it is connected to another phone. Mi Band 4 can only store one active connection in memory. If you have changed your phone, be sure to remove the device from your old smartphone through the app. In rare cases, a complete reset of the bracelet through the menu helps → Unbind (More) → Untie) in the annex before re-binding.
Notification display problems (WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS) are usually solved by checking specific switches inside the Zepp Life app. Go to Profile → Mi Band 4 → Application Notifications and make sure the desired messengers are enabled. Also, in the Android system settings, in the Notifications section for the Zepp Life app, pop-up notifications and notifications on the lock screen should be allowed.
Additional functions and personalization
After a successful connection, you have wide opportunities for personalization of the Mi Band 4. Through the application you can download new dials, including with support. GIF-animations and displaying a lot of data (weather, steps, pulse). AMOLED Bracelet screen allows you to make the interface as informative and bright as possible.
An important feature is setting activity goals and reminders. You can set a target number of steps, a motion reminder (if you sit still for a long time), and even an alarm clock that wakes you up with a soft vibration without disturbing others. Redmi users can unlock their phone with a bracelet, although it does not work on all models and versions of MIUI.
Don't forget about health monitoring. The Mi Band 4 can track sleep phases, stress levels (PAI) and take pulse measurements automatically. For maximum accuracy, it is recommended to wear the wrist tightly but not squeezing, and place it 1-2 cm above the wrist bone. Regular synchronization of data will allow the app to build accurate schedules of your activity.
⚠️ Note: The health data collected by the wristband is informational and not a medical indication. If you have serious heart or vascular problems, use specialized medical devices rather than fitness trackers.