Xiaomi’s modern wearables have become the benchmark for accessibility and functionality, especially the popular fourth version of the fitness tracker. Many users face difficulties when first launching a gadget, since the synchronization process has its own nuances, different from the standard pairing of Bluetooth headphones. The correct setup begins long before you press a button on the smartphone screen, and requires careful consideration of the choice of software.
First of all, you need to understand that a direct connection through the standard Bluetooth menu of the Android or iOS operating system will not lead to the desired result. The Mi Band 4 bracelet is designed to work exclusively in conjunction with a specialized intermediary application. Ignoring this rule is the most common reason why the gadget does not appear in the list of available devices or refuses to transmit data about the pulse and steps.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the entire algorithm of actions that will allow you to activate the tracker in minutes. We will consider choosing the right version of the application, the procedure for resetting the device in the case of previous unsuccessful pairing attempts, as well as methods for solving typical connection errors that can occur due to the peculiarities of Bluetooth modules on different smartphones.
Preparation for pairing: choice of application and software version
The first and most critical step is to install the right software. There are two main applications for the Mi Band 4: Mi Fit (now renamed Zepp Life) and Mi Fitness (formerly Xiaomi Wear), which depends on the region of purchase of the device and personal preferences, but historically, the stability of the fourth version of the bracelet is higher in the Mi Fit application.
You need to download the installation file from the official Google Play store or App Store. It is highly recommended not to use modified versions of applications (Mods) or download. APK-files from questionable resources, as this could lead to personal health data leakage or unstable sync work. GPS-Module and geolocation, as modern versions of Android require location permission to search for Bluetooth devices.
Once installed, you will need to register for a Xiaomi Account or log in via a Google/Facebook profile.This step is mandatory to save statistics in the cloud. If you already had an account used on other Xiaomi devices, just log in under the same data to combine your activity history.
⚠️ Warning: Before you start searching for the device, make sure that the bracelet is charged at least 20-30% A fully discharged battery may not provide enough voltage for a stable Bluetooth radio, which will lead to permanent connection breaks on the first attempt.
The application interface may vary depending on the version of your phone’s operating system. In some cases, the system may request additional permissions to access contacts or notifications immediately after launch. Grant all the rights requested, otherwise the smart notifications and calls functionality will not work.
Activation and initial configuration process
After successful authorization in the Mi Fit app, you need to go to the Profile tab (usually located in the lower right corner of the screen), where the Add Device button or the Plus icon in the upper corner is located. The system will prompt you to select the type of device from the list; you need to find and click on the Mi Band 4.
Now, look at the screen of the bracelet itself, and it should show a vibration and a graphical image of the Bluetooth symbol, which indicates that it will go into search mode. If the bracelet is new, it will enter this mode automatically after being removed from the package. If the device has been in use before, it may be necessary to manually start the pairing mode through the settings menu on the tracker screen.
☑️ Checking before connection
When the app detects the device, the smartphone screen will show an image of your bracelet and its unique ID. Press "Confirm" or "Tie". On the Mi Band 4 screen will also be a request for confirmation of pairing - tap the touch button on the bracelet (the tick icon), then the process of synchronizing time and updating the firmware begins.
- 📱 Make sure that the smartphone screen does not go out during the firmware update.
- 📶 Keep your bracelet and phone at a distance of no more than 1 meter from each other.
- 🔋 Do not let your phone be below 15% during the upgrade process.
Updating firmware is an important step that should not be missed. Newer versions of firmware often contain Bluetooth stack bug fixes that can interfere with stable connection, a process that can take anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes, depending on the speed of the Internet connection and the current version of the software.
Work with Mi Fit and Zepp Life
Recently, Mi Fit has been rebranded and integrated into the Zepp ecosystem. For Mi Band 4 users, this may mean offerings to upgrade to a new app. It is worth noting that the functionality of the fourth version of the bracelet is fully supported in both applications, but the interface and settings may differ.
In the app's main menu, you'll see your device card. You click on it and you'll be taken to the Mi Band 4 settings menu. You can set dials, manage notifications, set your goals by step and pulse, and that's where you fine-tune which apps will be transmitting notifications on your wrist.
Pay special attention to the section "Application Notifications." By default, all switches can be turned off. You need to manually activate the services that are important to you: calls, SMS, messages from messengers. Remember that you can not respond to a message from the Mi Band 4 bracelet due to the lack of a keyboard and microphone, only the "Disable Call" or "Remind later" function is available.
⚠️ Note: If you are using Android 12 and above, the system can automatically "kill" the application's background process to save energy.This causes the bracelet to stop receiving notifications until you reopen the application.
To adjust the dials, go to the in-app theme store. There are hundreds of free and paid designs available for the Mi Band 4. The new dial is automatically installed after selection and takes about a minute. Customization allows you to display the most important data, such as your current pulse or weather.
Solving Bluetooth Connection Problems
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users often experience a phone that “can’t see” the bracelet or the connection is constantly broken. One of the most common reasons is that there is an old, “forgotten” device in the Bluetooth system called Mi Band 4. If you previously tried to connect the bracelet and the process was interrupted, the phone could have stored it in memory as an erroneous device.
To fix this problem, go to your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings, search the Mi Band 4 list, and click “Forget the device” or “Unpair the pairing.” Only then you should try again to connect through the Mi Fit app. Also, rebooting the Bluetooth module helps: turn off and turn on Bluetooth on the phone.
Hidden Bluetooth Settings for Android
Another cause of problems can be the overcrowded app cache: Go to your phone's settings, find the Apps section, select Mi Fit, and click Clear Cache and Clear Data, which will return the app to a state immediately after installation, which often resolves software conflicts.
If the bracelet flashes blue but doesn’t connect, try bringing it as close as possible to the smartphone antenna (usually the top of the case).In rare cases, a temporary Wi-Fi shutdown on the phone helps, as 2.4 GHz frequencies can interfere with the Bluetooth connection.
Reset bracelet settings to factory
If the software methods don’t help and the device doesn’t want to connect to any phone, it may require a full reset, which will return the Mi Band 4 to the factory settings, deleting all the accumulated data and breaking the connection with previous accounts.
You can do the reset in two ways: One is software, through the app. Go to the device profile in Mi Fit, scroll to the bottom and select Unbind. Confirm the action. The bracelet vibrates and returns to the pairing standby mode.
The second way is through the brast menu itself. On the tracker screen, look for the "More" or "Settings" section, then select "System" and "Factory Reset" section. The confirmation usually requires pressing and holding the touch button for 3-5 seconds.
| Parameter | Before dumping. | After discharge |
|---|---|---|
| Data stored | Got it (steps, pulse) | Removed. |
| Tethering | Linked to an account | Not tied. |
| Time settings | Synchronized | Downed (00:00) |
| Dial | Customized | Standard. |
Once reset, the device is ready for a new (pairing) device, which is especially true if you bought the bracelet from your hand or want to tie it to a new phone, and the old one is no longer available. Remember that data that is not synchronized with the cloud before reset will be irretrievably lost.
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If you plan to sell the bracelet, be sure to undo it through the app, not just reset with a button, which ensures that the new owner can easily link the device to his Xiaomi account.
Configure notifications and additional functions
Once you've successfully connected, it's time to customize what many people buy this gadget for: notifications. In the Mi Fit app, go to App Notifications, and here you'll see a list of all the apps installed on your phone, activate the ones you want to see on your wrist.
It's important to understand the limitations of operating systems. On iOS (iPhone), the text of a message is often hidden for security purposes, and on the wristband screen you will see only "New Message." On Android, the possibilities are wider: you can see the text, but you need to give the Mi Fit app permission to "Access Notifications" in the phone's system settings.
- 📞 Call management: allows you to reject incoming calls or put them on hold.
- 🌤 Weather: automatically updated when synchronized with the phone.
- 📸 Camera Control: Works as a Remote Shutter for a Smartphone Camera.
- 🔍 Phone Search: Makes your phone make a loud sound if you lose it at home.
You also need to set up the wrist lift to turn on the screen, which allows you to see the time just by turning your hand, but you should consider that frequent use of this feature can slightly increase battery consumption, although this is not critical for the Mi Band 4 due to the capacious battery.