How to use Xiaomi fitness bracelet: from unpacking to advanced features

The Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets have long become the standard among wearables due to the combination of affordable prices and wide functionality. However, even experienced users often use only 30% of the gadget’s capabilities, limiting themselves to basic functions like pedometer and alarm clock. This article will help you understand all the nuances from the first turn on to hidden features that the manufacturer does not mention in the official instructions.

We're going to look at not only standard operations like synchronizing with your phone or setting up notifications, but also advanced scenarios: how to use a sleep bracelet without a smartphone, what data can be exported to third-party apps for analysis, and why calorie counting algorithms on different models show different results, and focus on typical novice errors, such as why the bracelet runs out in a day or stops displaying notifications after a firmware update.

The instructions are relevant for all modern models: Mi Band 6/7/8/9, Smart Band 7 Pro, Smart Band 8 Pro and their modifications with NFC. Separately, we note the differences in functionality between budget and pro versions - this will help to understand whether it is worth overpaying for additional features.

Unpacking and first switching on: what to do with the bracelet immediately after purchase

Start with a visual inspection of the equipment.

• 📦 Bracelet itself (capsule with screen and strap)
• 🔌 Charging cable (magnetic) USB-A or USB-C model-wise)
• 📄 Short instructions in several languages (including Russian)
• 🔄 Spare straps (included in Mi Band) 8/9 and pro versions)

The first switch requires recharging, even if the indicator shows residual charge. Connect the bracelet to the charging cable (magnetic contacts must coincide with metal pads on the back of the capsule). Charging up to 100% on the first turn on will take about 1.5-2 hours. Do not interrupt the process if the indicator flashes red - this is normal mode for a fully discharged battery.

After charging, press and hold the touch button (the round area under the screen) for 3-5 seconds until the Mi logo appears.

1. The density of the charging cable (sometimes the contacts are oxidized during storage).
2. Battery condition – if the bracelet has been in storage for more than a year, deep discharge is possible.
3. Strap integrity – Some models (such as the Mi Band 7) are not turned on if the capsule is loosely fixed in the strap.

⚠️ Attention: If after 10 The indicator did not catch fire for a minute on charging, try connecting the cable to another one. USB-port or use the charger with the exit 5V/1A. Some powerful adapters (for example, from laptops) can block charging due to protocol incompatibility.

Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness (Zepp Life) application

The bracelet requires an official app to work properly, and since 2023, Xiaomi has moved all wearable devices to the Zepp Life platform (formerly Mi Fit).

• 📱 App Store for iOS (requires iOS 12.0 and later)
• 🤖 Google Play for Android (Android 6.0)+)

After installation:

1. Register via email, phone number or account Xiaomi/Google.
2. Click "Add device" and select your bracelet model from the list.
3. Allow all application requests: access to notifications, location (for weather), contacts (for incoming calls).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen for pairing over Bluetooth.

If the bracelet is not included in the appendix:

• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (hold the button 10 seconds before vibration).
• 📱 Restart Bluetooth on your phone and turn on Visibility for All for 2 minutes.
• 🔋 Make sure the bracelet is over 20% charge – at low levels it does not appear in the list of devices.

Once the application is successfully connected, it will prompt you to update the firmware. If the bracelet charge is below 50%, the interruption of the process can lead to the device being “bricked”, in which case you will need to reset through a physical button (instructions in the error section).

Basic functions: pedometer, pulse, sleep and notifications

By default, the bracelet tracks:

• 👟 Activity: steps, distance, calories burned (algorithm takes into account weight, height and gender from the profile).
• ❤️ Heartbeat: Automatically measure every 30 minutes + manual measurement.
• 😴 Sleep: phases of deep/light sleep and wakefulness (more precisely on models with the SpO₂).
• 📱 Notifications: calls, SMS, messengers (configured in the application).

For manual pulse measurement:

1. Tap the bracelet screen to unlock it.
2. Scroll the menu to the right to the item "Pulse" (icon) ❤️).
3. Press the icon and do not move your hand for 15 to 30 seconds.

If the pulse data seems inaccurate:

• 🩺 Check the density of the bracelet fit – there should be no gap between the sensor and the skin.
• 🚫 Avoid measurements immediately after exercise (wait 5-10 minutes).
• 🔄 Reset the sensor calibration in the application settings (Device Profile) → Sensors. → Reset).

⚠️ Attention: On models without SpO₂ (For example, Mi Band 6) blood oxygen data are calculated indirectly by heart rate and can differ from medical devices by 5-10.

Advanced Opportunities: Training, Payments and Automation

Xiaomi bracelets support up to 150 types of workouts, but by default only the basic ones (walking, running, cycling) are included.

1. Open the Zepp Life app.
2. Go to Profile. → Exercise. → All exercises.
3. Click "Edit" and add the desired views (for example, "Swimming", "Yoga" or "High rope").

For training with GPS (Smart Band Pro models):

• 📍 Activate Precise Tracking mode in your workout settings – this will turn on offline GPS-module.
• 🔋 Keep in mind that GPS Reduces working time from 14 to 6-8 hours.
• 📊 The route data is synchronized with the application only after the training is completed.

Function NFC-Payments available on models with a mark NFC (For example, Mi Band 7 NFC). To set up:

1. Open Zepp Life. → purse → Add the map.
2. Select a bank from the list of supported banks (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, etc.).
3. Enter the card details and confirm via SMS.
4. Install the bracelet as the primary payment device in Android settings (Settings) → Connected devices → NFC and).

Automation via Mi Home (only for Xiaomi smart home owners):

• 🏠 Link the bracelet to the Mi Home app via Profile → Smart devices → Add.
• 🔄 Set up scenarios, for example: 💡 Turning on the light when waking up (according to sleep data). ☕ Starting a coffee maker when the pulse exceeds 100 beats (after training).

Screen setting: dials, brightness and gestures

Xiaomi bracelets support interchangeable dials, but not all of them are optimized for battery savings.

1. In the Zepp Life app, go to the Device Profile → Dials.
2. Select a category (e.g., "Sport" or "Minimalism").
3. Press "Install" - the dial is synchronized with the bracelet for 10-20 seconds.

To create your own dial:

• 🎨 Use services like Amazfit Watch Faces (suitable for Mi Band).
• 📲 Download the dial file (.bin) and import via Zepp Life → Dials → My dials.
• ⚠️ Avoid dials with animations – they drain the battery in 1-2 days.

Setting brightness and lighting time:

• 🌓 In bracelet: Settings → Display. → Brightness (5 levels).
• ⏱ Annex: Device profile → Screen. → Backlight time (from 5 to 15 seconds).
• 👆 Activate the "Raising the Wrist" to automatically turn on the screen.

💡

If the screen does not respond to raising your hand, check the sensitivity of the motion sensor in the bracelet settings (Settings) → Gestures → Sensitivity: Set the value of "High" if you wear a bracelet on your sleeve.

The Smart Band Pro models have "Always On" mode to activate:

1. Go to Settings. → Display. → Always On.
2. Select the display style (time/date or time/pulse).
3. Note that the function reduces autonomy from 14 to 5-7 days.

Mistakes and problems: why the bracelet is glitzy and how to fix it

The most common problems and their solutions:

If the bracelet is frozen (does not respond to touch, the screen is frozen):

1. Connect it to charging for 10 minutes - sometimes it resets the hanging processes.
2. If it doesn’t work: Hold the touch button for 15-20 seconds until you vibrate twice (hard reset).
3. After reset, you will have to re-synchronize the bracelet with the application.

⚠️ Attention: On Mi Band models 8/9 Hard reset erases all data on the device, including your workout history. Before reset, export the data to Zepp Life. → Profile → Data export (format) CSV).

If the bracelet is not activated after discharge:

• 🔌 Connect to charging and wait 30 minutes – sometimes it takes time for the power controller to “wake up.
• 🔋 Try another cable or power supply (use the original adapter on the 5V/1A).
• 📦 If the bracelet is new, check the integrity of the sealing film on the battery (if damaged, a break in contact is possible).

Tips for extending the life of the bracelet

The average lifespan of Xiaomi bracelets is 2-3 years if used correctly.

• 🚿 ← The Relief: Despite the Claimed 5 ATM, avoid prolonged contact with soapy water (for example, in the shower) - this spoils sealed pads.
• 🔥 Temperature: Do not leave the bracelet under direct sunlight (for example, on the dashboard of the car) AMOLED burn out.
• 🔋 Battery: Try not to drain the bracelet to 0%. Optimal range is 20-80%. Complete discharge-charging cycle is done every 2-3 months to calibrate the controller.
• 🧼 Clean: Clean the sensors on the back with an alcohol wipe once a week. Use a soap solution (non-aggressive detergents) for the strap!).

To replace the strap:

1. Press the lock button on the back of the capsule.
2. Pull the strap aside to free the grooves.
3. Install a new strap, making sure that the lock is latched (the click should be heard).

If the screen gets scratched:

• 🛡 For the Mi Band. 6/7 You can buy a protective film (sets are sold for sale). 5–10 piece).
• 🔧 On Smart Band Pro, the screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, but deep scratches are eliminated only by polishing (in the service center).

💡

Regular cleaning of pulse sensors and SpO₂ Improves measurement accuracy by 15-20%. Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol, but don't press hard - the sensors are covered with a thin protective layer.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions