Why Mi Band 5 is still relevant in 2026
The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet, released in 2020, remains one of the most popular wearables due to its optimal combination of price, functionality and reliability. Despite the release of new models (up to the Mi Band 8), the fifth version continues to be actively used – especially Samsung smartphone owners who appreciate Android compatibility and minimalist design.
Connecting the Mi Band 5 to a Samsung phone is usually easy, but there are nuances: from choosing the right version of the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) to setting up notification resolution in One. UI. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step pairing process, typical errors (for example, “Unable to connect” or “Device not found”) and how to fix them, as well as hidden functions that many people are not aware of.
We will focus on compatibility with the latest versions of Android (13/14) and the branded shell of the Samsung One UI 5/6, where Bluetooth and notification settings may be different from pure Android. If you've tried to connect the bracelet but have problems, skip the basic steps and go straight to Error Solving".
What you need to connect Mi Band 5 to Samsung
Before you start pairing, check for everything you need, and without these components, the process can fail or work incorrectly:
- 📱 Samsung smartphone on Android 6.0 or later (supported models from the Galaxy) S7 Galaxy S24, and series A, M, Note).
- 💻 Fitness bracelet Mi Band 5 with a battery charge of at least 20% (at low charge, the device may not appear in the list of available devices).
- 🔗 Mi Fitness (you can download from the Galaxy Store or Google Play) version must be at least 5.6.0 - older ones may not support Mi Band 5.
- 🔄 Xiaomi account (you can create directly in the application or in advance on account.xiaomi.com).
- 🔒 Application Permissions: Access to Bluetooth, Notifications, Physical Activity and Locations (the latter required for proper operation) GPS-tracking).
It is important if your Samsung phone is running Android 14 with One UI 6.1, update Mi Fitness to the latest version before connecting, otherwise the bracelet may connect but not synchronize sleep and heart rate data.
Also note that the Mi Band 5 has two modifications: standard and NFC-This is not critical for Samsung, but if you plan to use the Mi Pay feature, make sure your region is supported by the service (for 2026, these are Russia, China, India and some European countries).
How to connect Mi Band 5 to Samsung
Follow this algorithm so that you can pair without errors. If you have any problems at any point, go to the "Problem Solutions" section.
Step 1: Install and configure the Mi Fitness app
1. Download Mi Fitness from the Galaxy Store or Google Play. Avoid third-party sources - they may distribute outdated or modified versions.
2. Open the app and click "Sign up" (if you don't have a Xiaomi account) or "Sign in." You can use email, phone number or account to register. Google/Facebook.
3. After authorization, click on the icon "+" in the upper right corner and select "Add device" → "Bracelet" → "Mi Smart Band 5".
Step 2: Preparing the bracelet for pairing
1. Charge the Mi Band 5 to a level of at least 20% (the charging indicator lights up when connected to the charger).
2. Press the touch button of the bracelet and swipe up to unlock the screen. Then swipe left or right to find the "Connect" item (the phone icon).
3. The bracelet will appear 6-digit code - remember or write it down (will be useful at the next stage).
Step 3: Connecting via Bluetooth
1. In the Mi Fitness app, click "Connect" and allow access to Bluetooth and Locations (required!).
2. In the list of available devices, select your Mi Band. 5 (The name will be in the format of "Mi Band". 5_XXXX").
3. On the phone screen, a request will appear to enter the code from the bracelet - enter it and confirm the pairing.
Step 4: Set up notifications and synchronize
1. Once the app is successfully connected, the app will prompt you to set up notifications. Allow Mi Fitness to access notifications in Samsung's settings:
Settings → Notifications → Mi Fitness → Allow notifications2. Return to the app and select which notifications will be duplicated on the bracelet (calls, SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram and other apps may need to be further customized in their notification menu.
3. Enable automatic synchronization of step, sleep and pulse data in the Profile section" → "Mi Smart Band 5" → "Synchronization of data".
☑️ Checklist before connection
Set up additional Mi Band 5 features on Samsung
After the basic connection, we recommend activating these useful features to unlock the full potential of the bracelet:
- 🔍 Sleep tracking: turn on Mi Fitness → Device profile → Sleep settings. For accurate analysis, wear the bracelet on your non-working hand.
- ❤️ Pulse Measurement: Activate automatic measurement every 5–30 minutes → Monitoring of heart rate.
- 🏃 Exercise: Add frequently used sports (running, cycling, swimming) to Profile → Exercises for Quick Access.
- 🔋 Battery savings: Turn off unnecessary notifications and reduce heart rate if the bracelet discharges too quickly.
- 🔒 Screen lock: In Mi Band 5, you can configure unlocking Samsung phone when approaching (requires Android 10)+).
Samsung Health Owners’ Tip: Data from the Mi Band 5 can be exported to Samsung Health through third-party apps like Sync for Mi Band (available on Google Play), but there is no formal integration, so synchronization can be delayed.
| Function | How to turn it on | Features on Samsung |
|---|---|---|
| Smart alarm clock | Mi Fitness → Alarm clock → Add | It works even if the phone is turned off (the bracelet vibrates on its own). |
| Phone search | Swipe down the bracelet screen and select the phone icon. | On Samsung with One UI The phone will ring at full volume even if the silent mode is on. |
| Controlling music | Mi Fitness → Music. → Player control | Supports Spotify, YouTube Music and Samsung's standard player. |
| PAI (Personal activity index) | It is automatically activated at the first connection. | Data data PAI You can export it to Google Fit, but not Samsung Health. |
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If the bracelet doesn’t vibrate when notified after you’ve connected, check the Samsung sound settings: go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Vibration at notifications and enable option.
Mi Band 5 is not connected to Samsung
If the bracelet is not located, connects with errors or permanently disconnects, use these solutions:
1. Bracelet not detected in the list of devices
Reasons: low charge bracelet, conflict with other Bluetooth devices, outdated firmware.
Decisions:
- 🔋 Charge the bracelet to 50% and reboot it (press the touch button for 10 seconds).
- 📱 Reboot your Samsung phone and turn on Flight Mode for 30 seconds, then turn off.
- 🔄 In Mi Fitness, remove the bracelet from the list of devices (Profile) → Mi Band 5 → Remove the device and try to connect again.
- 📲 Update the bracelet firmware: Mi Fitness → Device profile → Firmware update.
2. "Unable to connect" or "Pairing failure" error
Reasons: conflict with Bluetooth cache, incompatible version of the application, power saving restrictions on Samsung.
Decisions:
- 🧹 Clear the Bluetooth cache on your phone: Settings → Annexes → Bluetooth → Memory. → Clear the cache
- ⚡ Turn off battery optimization for Mi Fitness: Settings → Caring for the device → Battery → Restrictions for background applications → Mi Fitness → Shut down.
- 📥 Reinstall Mi Fitness by downloading the latest version from Xiaomi’s official website.
3. The bracelet connects but does not synchronize data
Reasons: lack of permission to access physical activity, conflict with other fitness apps (such as Samsung Health), outdated firmware.
Decisions:
- 🏃 Allow access to activity data: Settings → Annexes → Mi Fitness → Permits → Physical activity → Permission.
- 🔄 Turn off automatic sync in other fitness apps (like Google Fit or Samsung Health).
- 📡 Manually run sync in Mi Fitness by pulling the screen down in the main menu.
⚠️ Note: If you use the Samsung Galaxy Watch in parallel with the Mi Band 5, there may be a Bluetooth connection conflict, in which case, turn off the clock while the bracelet is set up.
What if the bracelet is connected but does not show notifications?
Update to the firmware Mi Band 5 via Samsung
Regular firmware updates fix bugs, add new features and improve compatibility with the latest versions of Android.Here's how to update the Mi Band 5 via a Samsung phone:
- Open Mi Fitness and go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 5.
- Scroll down and click on "Firmware Update."
- If a new version is available, click "Update" and wait for the process to be completed (the bracelet will reboot automatically).
- Important: Don't turn off Bluetooth or shut down the app during the upgrade.
The latest stable firmware for the Mi Band 5 as of 2026 is 1.0.3.54 (may vary by region).To check the current version, go to Mi Fitness → Device profile → About the programme.
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet starts to discharge quickly or display data incorrectly after the update, reset to factory settings (Mi Fitness) → Profile → Resetting. This will delete all the data from the bracelet, but it will return stable operation.
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Update your firmware only when the bracelet is at least 50% charged and the Internet connection is stable. Interrupted updates can lead to the "bricking" of the device.
Mi Band 5 Comparison with New Models: Should You Upgrade?
If you’re using the Mi Band 5 with a Samsung phone and are thinking about switching to a newer model (like the Mi Band 7 or Mi Band 8), note the key differences:
| Characteristics | Mi Band 5 | Mi Band 7 | Mi Band 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display. | 1.1" AMOLED, 126×294 | 1.62" AMOLED, 192×490 | 1.62" AMOLED, always-on |
| Autonomy | Up to 14 days. | Up to 15 days. | Up to 16 days (with the screen always on) |
| GPS | No (only via phone) | No. | No. |
| SpO2 measurement | Yes. | Yeah (enhanced sensor) | Yes. + stress-monitoring |
| Compatibility with Samsung | Complete (Android 6+) | Full (requires Mi Fitness 5.8)+) | Full (requires Android 8)+) |
For most Samsung users, switch to Mi Band 7/8 It is only justified if it is critically important:
- 📏 Larger screen with always on display (Mi Band 8).
- 🩺 Advanced health monitoring (stress, breathing, improved pulse meter).
- 🎨 More dials and animations (in Mi Band 5, the choice is limited).
If you have enough basic activity tracking, notifications and sleep monitoring, the Mi Band 5 remains a great choice – especially since its price for 2026 fell to 1,500–2,000 rubles, while new models cost from 3,500 rubles.