How to use the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 fitness bracelet 2: a complete guide for beginners

Xiaomi Mi Band 2

2016

In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the Mi Band 2: from basic setup to advanced life hacks, how to sync your bracelet to your phone, set up notifications, extend battery life, and even use a device without a smartphone, and we’ll also answer some of the common questions: why the bracelet doesn’t count steps, how to reset it to factory settings, and what to do if it stops vibrating.

If you’ve just bought the Mi Band 2 or have been using it for a while, but you want to reach 100% of its potential, this is the guide for you.

Preparation of the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 bracelet for work

Before using the bracelet, be sure to charge it.Although the Mi Band 2 comes with a partial charge, it is best to bring the battery to 100% to avoid unexpected shutdowns during setup.

• 🔌 Connect the bracelet to the charging cable (includes) Contacts should fit tightly to the connector on the back of the case.
• ⚡ Put it in. USB-cable-connector (5V/1A) or directly USB-port.
• 🕒 It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to charge, and a fully discharged bracelet takes longer to charge.

While charging, the Mi Band 2 will display a battery level indicator. When the charge reaches 100%, the indicator will go out. Do not leave the bracelet on charging for longer than 3-4 hours, this can reduce the battery life.

While the bracelet is charging, download the official Mi Fit app (available for Android 4.4).+ iOS 9.0+). References:

• 🤖 Google Play (Android)
• 🍎 App Store (iPhone)

⚠️ Note: If you have an iPhone, check that Bluetooth is enabled in your phone settings and notifications are allowed for the app before installing the Mi Fit.

Synchronization of Mi Band 2 with a smartphone: step-by-step instructions

After charging the bracelet and installing the Mi Fit, you can start synchronizing. This process takes no more than 5 minutes if you follow the instructions:

1. Open the Mi Fit app and sign up (or sign in to an existing Xiaomi account).
2. Click Profile → Add the device.
3. Choose a bracelet. → Mi Smart Band 2.
4. Allow the app to access Bluetooth, Notifications and Geodani (required!).
5. Press Sync and wait until the bracelet vibrates.

If the bracelet is not present, try:

• 🔄 Reboot Mi Band 2 (press the touch button for 10 seconds until you feel the vibration).
• 📱 Restart Bluetooth on your phone.
• 🔌 Remove and re-insert the battery of the bracelet (carefully, do not damage the contacts!).

After successful synchronization, the app will suggest updating the bracelet firmware, updating to the latest version is mandatory — it corrects step counting errors and improves stability. Don't interrupt the process! If communication is interrupted during the update, the bracelet may stop responding to touch.

Link the bracelet to your Xiaomi account|Update the firmware to the latest version|Set up the basic parameters (gender, age, weight)|Check the notifications|Calibrate the pedometer (walk 50 steps)

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The main functions of the Mi Band 2: what does the bracelet

Xiaomi Mi Band 2 is not just a pedometer, but here is a full list of its features:

The most useful feature is automatic sleep monitoring, which detects when you've fallen asleep, and analyzes your rest quality, and in the morning, you can see a recommended sleep schedule on Mi Fit, for example, if you've been sleeping less than 20 percent of the time, you should go to bed earlier.

Mi Band 2 can unlock the smartphone (only for Xiaomi devices on the phone) MIUI). For that:

1. Open the Settings. → Unlocking the screen on the phone.
2. Choose Mi Band Unlocking.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.

⚠️ Warning: If you use the Mi Band 2 to unlock your phone, don't take it off your hand for long. After 30 minutes without moving, the bracelet locks and unlocking stops working.

How to set notifications and alarms

One of the main reasons to buy the Mi Band 2 is to be able to receive phone call and text notifications right on your wrist, so that it works.

1. Open Mi Fit and go to Profile → Notifications.
2. Turn on the Call Notification switch.
3. Below, select the apps you want to see notifications from (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
4. Set up an Inactivity Time – how many minutes after the last notification the bracelet will stop vibrating.

If notifications do not arrive:

• 📵 Check if Bluetooth is on on your phone.
• 🔕 Make sure that notifications are allowed in the phone settings for Mi Fit.
• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (press the button for 10 seconds).
• 📲 Update the Mi Fit app to the latest version.

The alarm clock on the bracelet is set separately from the phone, so you can create up to 10 repetitive alarm clocks with vibrations.

1. In Mi Fit go to Profile → Alarm clock.
2. Press Add an alarm clock.
3. Specify the time, days of the week and the strength of the vibration.
4. Save the changes.

The bracelet will vibrate at a given time, even if the phone is turned off or in another room, which is convenient for those who sleep soundly and do not hear the sound alarms.

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If the bracelet doesn’t wake you up the first time, set 2-3 alarm clocks at 5-minute intervals, and the vibration of the Mi Band 2 is strong enough to wake you up even in the deep sleep phase.

How to measure pulse and check the accuracy of data

Xiaomi Mi Band 2 is equipped with an optical heart rate sensor, but its readings may differ from medical devices.

1. Sit down and relax for 1-2 minutes (movement distorts results).
2. On the bracelet, swipe your finger up from the touch button to open the menu.
3. Choose an icon ❤️ (Heart rate).
4. Wait 15-20 seconds until the bracelet shows results.

For more accurate data:

• 🩺 Put on a bracelet 2-3 fingers above the wrist (there is a better palpable pulse).
• 🚫 Do not measure your pulse immediately after exercise – wait 5-10 minutes.
• 🔋 Make sure the bracelet is at least 20% charged (at low charge, the sensor works worse).

If the readings seem inaccurate, compare them with data from another device (for example, a tonometer with a pulseometer). ±5-10 beats/minute is considered normal for a fitness tracker.

Advanced settings and hidden functions

Many users don't know that the Mi Band 2 has more than just counting steps.

• 🔄 "Rise your hand" gesture: the bracelet automatically turns on the screen when you raise your hand. → Bracelet settings → Raise your hand to activate the screen.
• 🏃 Exercise mode: tracks running, cycling or walking with separate statistics.
• 🔋 Battery savings: Turn off automatic pulse measurement and inactivity notifications to keep the bracelet running for up to 20-25 days without recharging.
• 📱 Music control: You can switch tracks on your phone right from the bracelet (works with most players).

And the Mi Band 2 can be used without a smartphone! The bracelet stores steps and sleep data in its memory for 7 days. To see them, just sync with Mi Fit the next time you connect.

If you want to reset the bracelet before factory settings (for example, before selling), do the following:

1. Open Mi Fit and untie the bracelet from your account.
2. On the bracelet, press the touch button for 15 seconds until you feel 3 vibrations.
3. The bracelet will reset and be ready for new synchronization.

⚠️ Warning: Reset removes all data from the bracelet, including sleep and foot history. If you want to keep the statistics, export it to Mi Fit first (Profile section) → Export of data).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even a reliable device like the Mi Band 2 sometimes fails, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If the bracelet stops turning on, try:

1. Put it on charge for 30-60 minutes (even if the indicator does not burn).
2. Press and hold the touch button for 20 seconds (sometimes helps with deep discharge).
3. If nothing works, the battery may have gone down, and then it will need to be replaced. ~500-800 rubles).

To replace the battery, it is better to contact the service center, since the body of the Mi Band 2 is glued together and easily damaged during disassembly.

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If the bracelet is not responsive to charging, check the cable and power supply. Mi Band 2 requires a current of at least 1A - charging from the battery. USB-The computer port may be too weak.

Care and extension advice

To make Xiaomi Mi Band 2 last longer, follow these guidelines:

• 🚿 Protect yourself from water despite the protection class IP67, The bracelet is not designed to swim, and he'll survive showers or rain, but diving in water can make him unfit.
• 🔥 Avoid extreme temperatures: Do not leave the bracelet in the sun or in the cold (optimally: from 0)°C to 45°C).
• 🧼 Clean regularly: wipe the body and strap with a wet wipe once a week.
• 🔋 Charge correctly: Do not use unoriginal cables and do not leave the bracelet on charging for more than 4 hours.

If the strap is torn or stretched, it is easy to replace. The original straps for the Mi Band 2 cost 200-400 rubles, and the universal (20 mm) - even cheaper.

1. Turn the bracelet over and find a small latch.
2. Carefully pull the strap aside until it comes out of the groove.
3. Install a new strap by inserting it before clicking.

The average life of the Mi Band 2 is 2-3 years when handled carefully, the most vulnerable elements are the battery (loss capacity after 300-500 charging cycles) and the touch button (may stop responding to touch due to moisture).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions