Connecting Mi Band 5 to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: full instructions with nuances

Xiaomi’s Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular activity-tracking gadgets, despite the release of new models. Redmi Note 8 Pro owners often face questions about how to connect the device correctly — especially if it’s about first setting up or changing a smartphone. In this article, we’ll discuss not only the basic pairing steps, but also hidden settings that will help avoid typical errors.

It is important to consider that the Mi Band 5 runs through the Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit) app, and its functionality depends on the firmware version of both the bracelet and the smartphone. For example, on the Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 12.5 and later, there may be nuances with resolutions that are not available on older versions. We tested the instructions on current firmware in 2026 and took into account all the changes in the application interface.

If you’ve used other Mi Band versions before (like 4 or 6), note that the Mi Band 5 connection process has several key differences, such as NFC support (in the NFC suffix version), which requires additional settings for bracelet payments, and the firmware update algorithm has changed, so it runs in the background without being forced to disconnect from the phone.

1. Preparation of the smartphone Redmi Note 8 Pro to connect

Before pairing with the Mi Band 5, you need to configure the smartphone itself. There are a few key points on the Redmi Note 8 Pro that are often overlooked:

• 📱 Update. MIUI until the last stable version. At the time of 2026, the current MIUI 14 (for global firmware) or MIUI 13.5 (for Chinese) You can check the version in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
• 🔄 Turn on Bluetooth 5.0. Mi Band 5 supports this standard, which provides a more stable connection. → Connections and sharing → Bluetooth and activate it.
• 📲 Allow installation from unknown sources. Mi Fitness app is downloaded from Google Play, but if you use Chinese firmware without Google services, you will need manual installation APK.
• 🔋 Charge the bracelet to at least 20%. With a low charge, the Mi Band 5 may not appear on the list of available devices.

Pay special attention to permissions. Once you install Mi Fitness, the app will request access to:

• 📍 Geolocations (for tracking jogging).
• 📁 Warehouse (for data export).
• 📞 Contacts (for call notifications).
• 🔊 Microphone (only for models with voice assistant, such as Mi Band 5) NFC china).

⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi Note 8 Pro with Chinese firmware (CN ROM), Mi Fitness may not appear on Google Play. APK From the official Xiaomi App Store website or use an alternative store (e.g. APKMirror).

2. Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness application

Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit) is the only official way to manage Mi Band 5.

• 🤖 Google Play (for global firmware).
• 🍎 App Store (if you use Redmi Note 8 Pro with dual download iOS – rare, but possible).
• 🌐 Xiaomi official website (for Chinese firmware).

After installation:

1. Launch the app and sign up through your Xiaomi account (required!).If you don't have one, create it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.
2. Choose the region "Russia" (or your country), as it depends on the available features (for example, NFC-payment does not work in all regions).
3. In the main menu, tap on Profile → Add device → Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 5.

If the app does not find the bracelet:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone (turn off and turn on again).
• 📱 Make sure the Mi Band 5 is unlocked (click on the touch button of the bracelet to wake up the screen).
• 🔋 Check the bracelet’s charge – at levels below 10%, it may not appear in the list of devices.

Download Mi Fitness from official source |

Register a Xiaomi | account

Enable Bluetooth 5.0 on Redmi Note 8 Pro|

Charge the bracelet to 20%+|

Allow all requested permits-->

3.Perhaps connecting Mi Band 5 to Redmi Note 8 Pro

When all preparations are completed, we begin to connect:

1. Activate the search mode on the bracelet. If the Mi Band 5 is new: it automatically goes into pairing mode when you first turn on. If the bracelet has already been used, go to the bracelet settings → Connect → Disable, then activate the search again.

Mi Fitness

• Put it on Add the device.
• Select the Mi Smart Band 5 from the list.
• Confirm pairing on your phone and bracelet (the code will appear on the Mi Band 5 screen – it must match the code in the application).
• Update the firmware. Once connected, the app will suggest updating the firmware of the bracelet. Don't refuse, it will fix any bugs and add new features. It will take 2-5 minutes to update, don't interrupt the process!

If at the interface stage there is an error "Can not connect":

⚠️ Note: If you are using Mi Band 5 NFC, After pairing, you will need additional configuration of the payment system. In Russia, this is the World Pay or SberPay (depending on the bank). → Mi Smart Band 5 → NFC → Add a card and follow the instructions of the bank.

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If the bracelet is not detected, try resetting it to factory settings: press the touch button for 10 seconds until the vibration appears. Reconnect after reset.

4. Set up notifications and basic functions

Once connected successfully, we'll customize the Mi Band 5 to suit our needs. The Redmi Note 8 Pro has a few hidden features that aren't obvious at first glance:

• 📱 Notifications from messengers. By default, the bracelet only shows calls and SMS. To add WhatsApp, Telegram or VK: In Mi Fitness go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 5 → Notifications. Activate the Notifications switch from the apps. Select the messengers you want from the list.

Vibration on notifications.

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you can customize the vibration patterns for different types of notifications, for example, for calls - long vibration, for messages - short vibration.

Do not disturb mode.

Activated automatically at a predetermined time (for example, from 23:00 to 7:00) or manually through the bracelet settings → Do not disturb.

For Mi Band 5 NFC owners, quick payment options are available: