The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular gadgets for monitoring activity, despite the release of new models. iPhone owners often face difficulties in connecting it, from the lack of compatibility with the latest versions of iOS to synchronization errors. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step process of connecting, alternative ways to customize through third-party applications, and solve typical problems that arise when working with the Mi Band 4 on Apple devices.
It's important to understand that Xiaomi doesn't officially support all of the features of the bracelet on iOS as widely as it does on Android, for example, call notifications and quick responses can be unstable, but with the right settings, you can use 90% of the bracelet's capabilities, including sleep monitoring, pedometer and heart rate control, and then you can see detailed instructions for current software versions for 2026.
1.Preparation for connection: what to check before starting
Before you start syncing, make sure your iPhone and Mi Band 4 meet the minimum requirements.This will eliminate most of the bugs in the connection phase.
First, check the iOS version: the bracelet is officially supported on iPhone 5s and later with iOS 10.0 and higher. However, iOS 13+ is recommended for stable operation. If your device is running iOS 9 or older, an update is mandatory - otherwise the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app will simply not install.
Second, charge the bracelet to at least 50%. Low battery power can interrupt the synchronization process. To check the charge level, tap the touch button on the Mi Band 4 and find the battery icon in the main menu.
- 📱 iOS version: no less than 10.0 (optimum 13)+)
- 🔋 Bracelet charge: minimum 50%
- 📶 Bluetooth: enabled on iPhone (settings) → Bluetooth)
- 🌐 Internet: stable connection to Wi-Fi or mobile network
Also, you should disable VPN and power saving mode on your iPhone if they are active, which can block background data synchronization between the wristband and the phone.
2. Installation of the official application: Mi Fit or Zepp Life?
To connect the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 to the iPhone, you will need an official app, and there are two options available to choose from: Mi Fit (the old interface) and Zepp Life (an updated version from Huami, the developer of Xiaomi bracelets), both apps are compatible with the Mi Band 4, but have different functionality.
Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit) offers a more modern design and enhanced sleep analysis capabilities, but some users note that Mi Fit is more stable with notifications.We recommend trying Zepp Life first, and if you have problems, switch to Mi Fit.
| Annex | Link to the App Store | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zepp Life | Download | Modern interface, detailed sleep analytics, support for new firmware | Sometimes unstable notifications on iOS |
| Mi Fit | Download | More stable work with notifications, a simple interface | Outdated design, fewer features for data analysis |
After installing the app, don't start it right away. First, turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone and make sure the bracelet is nearby (no more than 1 meter away). Then open the app and follow the instructions of the customization wizard.
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If the app doesn't find the bracelet, reboot Bluetooth on your iPhone: open Control Point, turn off and turn on Bluetooth again.
3. Step-by-step connection of Xiaomi Mi Band 4 to the iPhone
Now, to the synchronization process itself, follow the instructions carefully, and skipping any step can cause a connection error.
- Activation of the bracelet: Press the Mi Band 4 touch button and select the language (if the bracelet is new). Then find the Pair (phone icon) and confirm the choice.
- Launch the app: Open Zepp Life or Mi Fit. Click Add Device → Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 4.
- Bluetooth Scanner: The app will start searching for devices. Make sure the Mi Band 4 appears in the list, and select it. If the bracelet is not found, restart it by holding the touch button for 10 seconds.
- Code Confirmation: The iPhone and bracelet will have a 4-digit code on their screen. Compare it and confirm the pairing in the app.
- Firmware update: Once connected, the app will suggest updating the bracelet firmware. Don't refuse - this will fix possible bugs and add new features.
If at the stage of code confirmation there is an error "Can not connect", try the following steps:
- 🔄 Reset the bracelet (hold the button 10 seconds before vibration).
- 📱 Remove the bracelet from the list of Bluetooth devices in the iPhone settings (Settings) → Bluetooth).
- 🗑️ Remove and reinstall the app (Mi Fit or Zepp Life).
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled |Reset the bracelet |Remove old application data |Update the app in the App Store |Check the bracelet's charge-->
4. Set up notifications and basic functions
Once you’re connected, you need to configure notifications, activity monitoring, and other features. In iOS, not all of the Mi Band 4 features are available, but the basic options work consistently.
To enable notifications of calls and messages:
- Open the app (Zepp Life or Mi Fit).
- Go to the Device Profile → Notifications.
- Activate switches for Incoming Calls, SMS and Applications.
- In the Applications section, select messengers (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram), notifications from which you want to see on the bracelet.
Note that you can’t respond to messages from your wristband on iOS, just view them, and some apps (like Viber or Skype) may not be notified unless they’re integrated with Mi Fit.
To adjust sleep and pulse monitoring:
- 💤 Sleep: Enable automatic mode in Profile → Sleep monitoring. The bracelet will track sleep phases (deep, light, REM).
- ❤️ Pulse: Activate continuous measurement in Profile → Heart rate. Keep in mind that this reduces battery life.
- 🏃 Stepmer: Calibrate the bracelet to Profile → Steps if you notice inaccuracies in the calculation.
Why don’t you get notifications on the Mi Band 4 with your iPhone?
5. Solving common connection problems
Even with the right setup, iPhone users often encounter errors, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
5.1 The bracelet is not in the annex.
If the Mi Band 4 is not listed in the list of available devices:
- Make sure the bracelet is not connected to another phone (untie it in the settings of the previous device).
- Check that the iPhone is enabled Bluetooth and geolocation (Zepp Life requires location access).
- Reboot both devices and try again.
5.2. error "Failure to update the firmware"
If the firmware update is interrupted:
- Make sure the bracelet is over 60% charged.
- Connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network (mobile internet may interrupt download).
- Close all background apps on your iPhone to free up resources.
5.3 The bracelet is off in a few minutes.
If the connection is interrupted:
- Turn off the energy saving mode on the iPhone.
- In Bluetooth settings on your iPhone, find Mi Band 4 and forget the device, then plug in again.
- Update the Mi Fit/Zepp Life app to the latest version.
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If none of these methods worked, try resetting the bracelet to factory settings. Go to Bracelet Settings → Reset (in the app) or hold the touch button for 20 seconds until vibration appears.
6. Alternative ways of connecting: third-party applications
If the official Mi Fit or Zepp Life apps are unstable, you can use third-party solutions, which offer advanced settings, but may require a paid subscription or manual configuration.
The most popular alternatives are:
- 🔄 Notify & Fitness for Mi Band: Supports Mi Band 4, allows you to customize vibrations for different notifications and adds additional dials.
- 📊 Mi Band Master: Offers detailed activity statistics and is compatible with iOS 12+. There is a function of exporting data to Google Fit or Apple Health.
- 🔓 Tools & Mi Band: Allows you to unlock additional bracelet features, such as music control or repetition alarm clocks.
Warning: Third-party applications may violate Xiaomi’s privacy policy and result in loss of warranty.Use them at your own risk by previously backing up data in the official app.
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Before using a third-party app, untie the bracelet from Mi Fit/Zepp Life to avoid synchronization conflicts.
7. Optimizing the work of the bracelet with iPhone: tips for saving battery
Xiaomi Mi Band 4 on iOS can discharge faster than on Android, due to the peculiarities of background synchronization. To extend the life from a single charge, follow these recommendations:
- ⚡ Turn off continuous pulse monitoring (only during exercise).
- 🔔 Reduce the number of notifications – leave only important (calls, SMS, 1-2 messenger).
- 🌙 Use dark dials (AMOLED-The screen uses less energy on a black background).
- 🔄 Update your firmware – newer versions often optimize your power consumption.
You can also turn off automatic data sync with the cloud if you are not using analytics in the application. To do this, go to Profile → Settings → Data Sync and deactivate the option.
| Function | Impact on the battery | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous pulse | High (discharge in 2-3 days) | Only in training. |
| Notifications from 5+ applications | Average (discharge in 4-5 days) | Leave 2-3 beaked messenger |
| Bright dial (white background) | Average. | Use dark themes. |
| Autosynchronization with the cloud | Low. | Disconnect if you don’t need analytics |
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At optimal settings, the Mi Band 4 on the iPhone lasts 5-7 days without recharging. If the battery runs down in 1-2 days, check the background processes in the application or reset the bracelet.