Connecting Xiaomi Mi Band 4 to a smartphone: full instruction with solutions to problems

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular wearables due to its combination of functionality and affordable price, but even experienced users sometimes have difficulties with connecting to their phone for the first time — especially if it is a question of changing a smartphone or reinstalling an app. In this article, we will discuss not only the basic synchronization procedure, but also the nuances that the manufacturer does not mention in the official documentation.

It’s important to understand that the Mi Band 4 runs through Mi Fit (or its alternatives like Zepp Life), and 90% of the bracelet’s functionality depends on its configuration. We’ll look at both Android and iOS, and we’ll also focus on common bugs like “device doesn’t see” or “connection is constantly breaking.” If you’ve already tried to connect and encountered a problem, skip the introductory part and go straight to the problem solving section.

Requirements for phone and bracelet before connection

Before you start syncing, make sure your hardware meets the minimum requirements. Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is compatible with smartphones on:

• 📱 Android 5.0 and higher (recommended 6.0)+)
• 🍎 iOS 10.0 and higher (relevant to iPhone) 5s newer)
• 🔋 Bracelet charge at least 20% (at low charge, the connection may be interrupted)
• 📶 Bluetooth 4.0 enabled (or higher) on your phone

Pay special attention to the firmware version of the bracelet. If you bought the Mi Band 4 "hands-on" or have not updated it in a long time, you may need to update it through the app. Bracelets with firmware below 1.0.7.14 often do not connect to new versions of the Mi Fit due to changes in the Bluetooth protocol. Check the version in the bracelet menu: swipe up on the home screen and select Settings → About device.

Installation and configuration of the Mi Fit application

The official Mi Fit app is available on Google Play and the App Store, but there is a caveat: in some regions (e.g. the EU), it may be called Xiaomi Wear or Zepp Life due to legal restrictions. download only official versions - third-party APKs may contain malicious code or may not support the latest bracelet updates.

After installation:

1. Start Mi Fit and select the language (Russian supported).
2. Click Profile → Add the device.
3. Select Mi Smart Band 4 (not to be confused with Mi Band 5/6/7!).
4. Allow all requests for access to: 📍 Geodane (to track activity) 📱 Notifications (for display) SMS/call-up) 🔋 Background work (so that the bracelet does not turn off)

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If the app doesn’t find the bracelet, try restarting Bluetooth on your phone or temporarily disabling the VPN – some Xiaomi servers block connections from certain countries.

Step-by-step instructions for connecting

Now, to the synchronization process itself, make sure the bracelet is on (click on the touch button below the screen) and next to the phone (maximum 1-2 meters).

Bluetooth on the phone |

Bracelet charged at least 20% |

The latest update to Mi Fit| has been installed

All requests for the application (notifications, geodata) are allowed |

The bracelet is not connected to another device (if it was in use)

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Follow the algorithm further:

1. In the Mi Fit app, click Add Device → Mi Smart Band 4.
2. The bracelet will appear 6-digit code - enter it in the application.
3. Confirm the pairing on the phone (a Bluetooth system window may appear).
4. Wait until the synchronization is complete (usually takes 1-3 minutes).

Setup of the bracelet after connecting

After successful synchronization, it is recommended to immediately configure the key parameters to avoid problems in the future:

Pay special attention to the setting of notifications. By default, Mi Fit only shows calls and SMS, but you can add alerts from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and social networks.

1. Go to Profile. → Mi Smart Band 4 → Notifications.
2. Turn on the Application switch.
3. Select the desired applications from the list.

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If notifications don’t come to the bracelet, check your phone’s power saving settings – many manufacturers (such as Xiaomi or Huawei) automatically limit the background work of the Mi Fit.

Solving Typical Connection Problems

Even when you set up correctly, users often encounter errors.

⚠️ Note: If the bracelet was previously connected to another phone, it must first untie through Settings → Disable the device in Mi Fit on the old smartphone, otherwise the new connection will be blocked.

1.The phone doesn't find the bracelet

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Bluetooth is off – check the notification panel.
• 🔄 Conflict with other devices – disable other wearable gadgets (earphones, smartwatches).
• 📱 Outdated phone firmware - update Android/iOS.
• 🛡️ Antivirus Block – Add Mi Fit to Exceptions.

2. The connection is permanently broken

This is most often related to:

• 🔋 Low-charge bracelet - charge up to 100%.
• 📶 Interference from other devices – try connecting elsewhere.
• 🔄 Energy saving mode – disable optimization for Mi Fit in battery settings.

3. "Failure to update firmware" error

It's a good idea for bracelets with outdated firmware.

1. Connect the Mi Band 4 to the charger.
2. Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi (not mobile internet).
3. In Mi Fit, go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Firmware Update.
4. If the update is suspended, restart the app and phone.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the firmware update process, as this can lead to "bricking" of the bracelet (loss of performance). If the update lasts more than 20 minutes, wait for the battery to discharge to 0% and try again.

Alternative applications for Mi Band 4

If Mi Fit is unstable or you lack features, you can use third-party applications.

• 📊 Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit) – Xiaomi’s official alternative with advanced sleep analytics.
• 🔧 Notify & Fitness – supports custom dials and notifications from any application.
• 🛠️ Tools & Mi Band – for advanced users (vibration settings, data export).

When using alternative applications, consider:

• Some features (such as contactless payment) only work in Mi Fit.
• Synchronizing data between applications may not work – choose one main one.
• Third-party firmware (such as Custom Firmware) is not warranty-free.

How to prolong battery life after connection

The average lifetime of the Mi Band 4 on a single charge is 15-20 days, but with active use (constant pulse, notifications) it can be reduced to 7-10 days.

Mi Band 4 consumes up to 30% of the charge per week when using all the features actively, and disabling unnecessary options (for example, notifications from social networks) can increase autonomy by 40-50%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Mi Band 4