How to connect your phone to the fitness bracelet Xiaomi Band: full instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets (including Mi Band models) 7/8, Smart Band 8 Pro and earlier versions have become an integral part of the daily lives of millions of users, helping to track physical activity, control sleep and even manage notifications from a smartphone. However, many people face difficulties when connecting the device to the phone for the first time – especially if we are talking about new models with updated software or non-standard firmware.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to sync Xiaomi Band with your phone on Android and iOS, including solving typical problems: from the lack of bracelet reaction to errors in the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit). You will learn how to activate Bluetooth correctly, what settings to check before connecting, and what to do if the bracelet "can't see" the phone or vice versa. 3/4) We have prepared separate recommendations for compatibility with modern smartphones.

Important: The manual is valid for all Mi Band versions released after 2018, but some steps may vary depending on the model and regional firmware. If your bracelet is purchased in China, you may need to adjust more - read about regional restrictions.

1.Preparation for connection: what to do before synchronization

Before you start connecting, make sure your phone and Xiaomi bracelet are ready to interact.Missing this stage often leads to crashes when devices "can't see" each other or communication is interrupted after a few seconds.

Here is the checklist before starting:

Charging the bracelet to 50% or higher (charge indicator – green LED)

Bluetooth 4.0 enabled+ on the phone (check in the settings)

Official application Mi Fitness (links below)

The bracelet is removed from the box and activated (click the button on the case)

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Pay special attention to Bluetooth versions. Mi Band bracelets 7/8 require Bluetooth 5.0 For stable work, while Mi Band 4/5 It can also work with Bluetooth. 4.2. If your phone is released before 2016 Check the compatibility in the table below.

Also, don’t use third-party apps to connect (like Notify & Fitness or Tools & Mi Band) – they often cause conflicts with official software and can block the bracelet’s features. Xiaomi regularly updates the communication protocol, and only Mi Fitness guarantees correct operation.

2. Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness application

The official Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) is the only reliable way to connect the Xiaomi Band to your phone, and can be downloaded for free from Google Play or the App Store. It's important to use the latest version, as older releases may not support newer wristband models.

Download links:

Android: Mi Fitness in Google Play

- iOS: Mi Fitness in the App Store

After installation, follow the following steps:

1. Open the app and sign up (or log in via your Xiaomi, Google, Facebook account). Without authorization, sync is impossible.
2. Click Profile. → Add the device and select your Mi Band model from the list. If your model is not, update the app.
3. Allow all requests for access to geodata, notifications and contacts – without this, the bracelet will not be able to show incoming calls and messages.
4. Enable AutoRun for Mi Fitness in your phone settings (especially important for Android with shells) MIUI, ColorOS and others.).

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If the app doesn’t find the bracelet, try restarting your phone and resetting your Bluetooth settings in the Settings menu. → System system → Resetting the network.

On iPhone, additionally check that Bluetooth settings include the option "Mi Fitness" → "Connect to the network. This will allow the bracelet to communicate in the background.

3. Step-by-step connection of Xiaomi Band to the phone

Now, to the synchronization process itself, the instructions are universal for all models, but we'll give you some nuances for specific versions.

Step 1 Activation of the bracelet

• 🔋 For the Mi Band. 7/8/Smart Band 8 Pro: Press and hold the touch button 3 A second until the vibration and the Mi logo appear.
• 🔄 For the Mi Band. 4/5/6: touch the sensor once, then swipe left to "Connect".
• 📱 For Mi Band 3: Press the physical button below the screen until the indicator flashes.

Step 2: Find the device in Mi Fitness

• 🔍 In the app, click "Add device" → Choose a model → "Connect".
• 📶 Make sure that Bluetooth is on and the phone is within 1 meter of the bracelet.
• ✅ Wait for the “Device Found” notification to appear and confirm the connection.

Step 3: Synchronization of data

• 🔄 Once connected, the bracelet will automatically update the firmware (if a new version is available!
• 📊 Wait until the initial synchronization is complete (may take up to 5 minutes).
• ⚙️ Set up the basic parameters: gender, age, weight (this affects the accuracy of measurements).

If you're using the Xiaomi Band with an iPhone, you may need to adjust notifications after you're connected.Go to iPhone Settings → Bluetooth → Mi Band → Allow notices.

4. Set up notifications and additional functions

Once you've successfully connected, you can set up alerts, alarms and other functions. Here's what's available in Mi Fitness:

To set up notifications:

1. Open Mi Fitness. → Choose your bracelet → "Notifications".
2. Turn on the "Show notifications" switch.
3. Select the apps you want to see on your bracelet (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
4. Set up Vibration and Screenlighting when you are notified.

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All notices

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For Mi Band models 7/8 Pro is available to quickly respond to messages, to activate it:

1. Go to Bracelet Settings → Quick answers.
2. Add up to 5 standard phrases (e.g., “I’ll answer later,” “OK”).
3. When receiving a message, swipe left on the bracelet screen and select the answer.

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On Android, for notifications to work correctly, you need to turn off battery optimization for Mi Fitness in the application settings.

5. Solving common connection problems

Even with the right setup, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The bracelet is not in the app

• 🔌 Check that the bracelet is charged (the indicator should be green when connected to the charger).
• 📱 Reboot your phone and turn on Flight Mode for 10 seconds, then turn off.
• 🔄 Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugate devices in the Bluetooth settings of the phone.
• 📲 Update Mi Fitness to the latest version or reinstall it.

Problem 2: Connection is cut off in seconds

• 🔋 Check the charge level of the bracelet – at a discharge below 10%, the connection may be unstable.
• 📵 Make sure there are no interference sources nearby (other Bluetooth devices, microwaves, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi routers, etc).
• ⚙️ In the phone settings, turn off "Adaptive Bluetooth" or "Bluetooth Energy Saving".

Problem 3: The app asks for a firmware update, but the update is not installed

• 📶 Connect your phone to Wi-Fi (updating the bracelet firmware requires stable internet connection).
• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (hold the 10 seconds button) and try again.
• 📱 If the update is hanging, wait 15 minutes – sometimes the process takes longer.

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If you have a Mi Band bracelet 7/8 after updating the firmware stopped showing notifications, reset it to factory settings: Bracelet settings → Reset.

Problem 4: The bracelet connects but does not display notifications

• ⚙️ In Mi Fitness settings, check if notifications are enabled for specific applications.
• 📱 On Android, go to Settings → Annexes → Mi Fitness → Notifications and Allow All Types of Notifications.
• 🔄 On iPhone go to Settings → Bluetooth → Mi Band → Allow notices.

⚠️ Note: If you are using the Xiaomi Band with an Android 13 phone+, You may need to manually allow Mi Fitness notifications in the Special Access menu. → Without this, the bracelet won't see new messages.

6. Features of connection for different models of Xiaomi Band

While the connection process for most Xiaomi bracelets is similar, some models have unique nuances.

Mi Band 3 (2018)

• 🔋 It uses an outdated Bluetooth 4.2 protocol, so it may not connect to Android 12 phones+ manually adjusted.
• 📱 Requires binding to the Xiaomi account – without authorization synchronization is impossible.
• ⚠️ Does not support notifications from Telegram and some other messengers.

Mi Band 4/5 (2019–2020 years)

• 🎨 Supports interchangeable dials, but their installation is possible only through Mi Fitness.
• 💳 The Chinese version has NFC for payment, but in the global firmware this function is disabled.
• 📊 The accuracy of the pulse measurement is improved compared to the Mi Band 3, but requires a tight fit to the wrist.

Mi Band 6 (2021)

• 🏃‍♂️ Added training regimens (swimming, yoga, HIIT), But to activate them, you need to update the firmware.
• 🔋 Battery life is reduced to 10–14 days (versus 20 days for Mi Band 5).
• 📱 Supports Bluetooth 5.0, but can conflict with phones on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro).

Mi Band 7/8 Smart Band 8 Pro (2022–2026 years)

• 📡 Use Bluetooth 5.2 with improved communication stability.
• 🎤 Support voice assistant (Alice or Google Assistant), but only on firmware for the global market.
• 💡 The screen has become brighter, but this has increased power consumption - now a full charge is enough for 7-10 days.

Smart Band 8 Pro models have autonomous function GPS, But it only works when you connect to a phone with Android 8.0+. iPhone. GPS-data is not synchronized.

7. Connect Xiaomi Band to phones of different brands

While Xiaomi bracelets are versatile, some phones can cause connectivity problems.

Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (MIUI)

• ✅ Optimized for Mi Band – Connection is faster than on other phones.
• ⚙️ In Bluetooth settings, enable "Dual Connection" for stable communication.
• 🔋 On the Battery menu. → Optimize add Mi Fitness to exceptions.

Samsung Smartphones (One) UI)

• ⚠️ Can block background Mi Fitness activity - check your Battery Optimization settings.
• 📱 On models with Android 13+ Manual permission to access notifications is required.
• 🔄 If the bracelet doesn’t connect, try using Bluetooth Compatibility Mode in Mi Fitness.

iPhone (iOS)

• 🍎 All Mi Band models are supported, but with limitations:
• ❌ No sync with Apple Health (only manual data export).
• 📵 Notifications work only for standard applications (Phone, Messages, Calendar).
• 🔋 Battery charge bracelet consumed faster due to Bluetooth features in iOS.

Phones of other brands (Huawei, Honor, Realme, Oppo)

• 📵 On devices with EMUI ColorOS may need to disable "Smart Energy Saving".
• ⚙️ In Bluetooth settings, enable "Visibility for all devices".
• 🔄 If the bracelet plugs in but shuts down quickly, try using Mi Fitness in Safe Mode (to check for conflicts with other apps).

⚠️ Note: On phones with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), the Mi Band may not work properly due to the lack of certified Bluetooth drivers. In this case, it is recommended to use the original firmware or phone with official software.

8. Alternative ways of connecting (without Mi Fitness)

While the official Mi Fitness app is the most reliable way to connect, there are alternative methods that will work if:

• 📵 You have an old phone that doesn't support Mi Fitness.
• 🔧 You want to get advanced features (for example, custom dials).
• 🛠️ You are developing your own apps for the Mi Band.

Method 1: Notify & Fitness for Mi Band

This third-party app lets you connect Mi Band without Mi Fitness and configure additional features:

• 🎨 Installation of custom dials (including animated ones).
• 📊 Expanded training statistics.
• 🔕 Controlling the music and camera of the phone from a bracelet.

There are, however, downsides:

• ⚠️ Failures in the operation of standard functions (for example, pulse measurement).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption of the bracelet.
• 📵 Not all models are supported (for example, Smart Band 8 Pro may not connect).

Method 2: Connect via Gadgetbridge (for Android)

Gadgetbridge is an open source wearable software that supports Mi Band. 3/4/5/6, but requires manual adjustment:

1. Download Gadgetbridge from the official website (not available on Google Play).
2. Enable Developer Mode on your phone and allow installation from unknown sources.
3. In Gadgetbridge, select "Add Device" → "Mi Band and follow the instructions.

⚠️ Note: Using Gadgetbridge may result in the loss of warranty on the bracelet, as it modifies standard software, SpO2) They may not work properly.

Method 3: Connect via Mi Band Master (older models only)

This app is suitable for Mi Band 1/2/3 allows:

• 🔧 Adjust vibration and lighting manually.
• 📊 Export data to Google Fit.
• 🎨 Install unofficial firmware (at your own risk).

You can download it. XDA Developers, but beware – some builds may contain malicious code.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Band connectivity