The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular wearables even years after its release. Its combination of affordable prices, long autonomy and rich features makes it an ideal choice for beginners and experienced users. But many buyers face the challenge of how to properly configure and use all the features of Xiaomi’s smartwatches to bring real benefits.
In this article, we'll look at not only basic functions like measuring a pulse or pedometer, but also hidden features that the manufacturer doesn't mention: how to sync the bracelet to your phone, adjust notifications, use exercise modes, and even extend battery life; and we'll also debunk myths about sensor accuracy and tell you what functions really work and what should be turned off.
Whether you bought the Mi Band 5 in 2026 or have been using it since its launch, this guide will help you unlock the device’s full potential, starting with the most important thing: connectivity and first setup.
Connection and first setup of Mi Band 5
Before you first use the bracelet, you need to tie to your smartphone through the official Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit), install it from Google Play or the App Store, then follow the instructions:
- 📱 Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (you can use it) Google/Facebook).
- 🔍 Click "Add device» → Choose the Mi Smart Band 5.
- 📶 Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and wait for the bracelet to be detected.
- 🔄 Confirm pairing on both devices (vibration will appear on the bracelet).
Once connected, the app will prompt you to update your firmware — opt out if the software version is on a 1.0.6.14 bracelet or later. Older updates may have contained data synchronization bugs.
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet does not connect, check that the phone is enabled Developer Mode (in Android settings) and turned off energy saving programs like MIUI Battery Saver – They block Mi Fitness background work.
Register with Mi Fitness | Update the app to the latest version |Enable Bluetooth and geolocation |Disable power saving for Mi Fitness |Sync data with the cloud-->
Managing the main functions through a bracelet
The Mi Band 5 has a touchscreen with a single physical button under the display. Here's how to manage the basic options:
- 🔄 Scroll the menu: swipe up/down the screen.
- 🏠 Return to the home screen: Press the physical button or swipe left on any screen.
- ✅ Select the item: touch the screen (do not press the button!).
- 🔋 View Charge: Swipe right on the main screen.
The main screen displays the time, date, battery charge, weather (if synchronized) and current heart rate. To change the order of the displayed data, go to the Mi Fitness app → Device Profile → Screen settings.
| Gesture. | Action. | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Touch the screen | Select a menu item | Does not work on a blocked bracelet |
| Walk left. | Go back. | Analogue of the button "Back" on the smartphone |
| Swipe right on the main screen | Show the battery charge | It only works when the screen is unlocked. |
| Double touch. | Unlock the screen | Configured in Settings → Screen |
Every day |3-4 times a week | Only for training |Rare or never-->
Set up notifications and calls
One of the key features of the Mi Band 5 is to alert you about calls and messages, so you can set them up.
- Open Mi Fitness → Device Profile → Notifications.
- Turn on the Call Notification and Notifications from the apps switch.
- Select the apps you want to see alerts from (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
- Set up the vibration style in Settings → Vibration.
The bracelet supports quick responses to messages (Android only) to customize them:
- Go to Notifications. → Quick answers.
- Add up to 10 templates (e.g., “I’m busy,” “I’ll be back later”).
- When receiving a message, swipe up the notification on the bracelet and select the answer.
⚠️ Note: On iPhone, notifications only work for incoming calls and SMS. Alerts from third-party messengers (such as Viber) are not supported due to iOS restrictions.
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To ensure that notifications arrive without delay, add the Mi Fitness app to the “No Limits” list in your smartphone battery settings.
Health monitoring: pulse, sleep and stress
The Mi Band 5 is equipped with an optical heart rate sensor PPG, which measures the pulse every 5-30 minutes (configurable in the app).
- 🩺 Wear a bracelet 2-3 fingers above the wrist bone.
- 💧 Avoid measurements immediately after shower or pool - moisture distorts data.
- 🚫 Don’t wear the bracelet too tight – it can squeeze the vessels.
- ⏱️ To measure stress (function) PAI) You must wear the device for at least 7 consecutive days.
Sleep tracking works automatically, but for greater accuracy:
- Turn on the Smart Alarm in your sleep settings – it will wake you up in the phase of light sleep.
- Turn off the screen lighting at night so as not to wake up from accidental touches.
- Check the sleep schedules in the app: deep sleep should take up 20-25% of the total time.
How does the sensor work? SpO₂?
Training regimes and sports functions
The bracelet supports 11 sports modes, including running, cycling, swimming and even yoga.
- On the bracelet, select Training → scroll the list to the desired mode.
- Tap the screen to start. During the workout, the screen will show time, pulse and distance traveled.
- To pause, press the button under the screen, to complete - hold it for 2 seconds.
After training, the data is automatically synchronized with the application, where you can view:
- 📊 Graphic pulse during loading.
- 🏃♂️ Step pace and length (for running/walking).
- 🔥 Number of calories burned (calculated based on your weight and height).
⚠️ Attention: For accurate distance tracking without a phone, turn on GPS It's a phone setting in training mode. GPS The distance is calculated by steps and can have an error of up to 10%.
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Swimming mode automatically recognizes the style (brass, crawl, butterfly) and counts the number of strokes, but for this bracelet must be tightly fixed above the wrist (so that water does not fall under the strap).
Autonomy and tips for saving battery
Officially, the Mi Band 5 holds a charge of up to 14 days, but the actual duration depends on the use of:
| Function | Impact on the battery | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Constant pulse (every 5 minutes) | Reduces autonomy by 30% | Set the interval for 30 minutes. |
| Vibration notifications | Cuts it down by 10 to 15 percent. | Turn off vibration for unimportant applications |
| Lighting when raising your hand | Cuts 5 to 7 percent. | Use the button to turn on the screen |
| SpO₂ (oxygen) | Reduces by 20% with frequent measurements | Only turn on when necessary |
To extend the life of the battery:
- 🔋 Turn off sleep autodetermination (if you sleep on schedule, manually specify sleep time).
- 📵 Turn on the bracelet mode at night (unless notifications are required).
- 🌡️ Avoid overheating/supercooling (optimum temperature: 0-35)°C).
Every 2 weeks | Once a week | Every 3-4 days | Less than once a month-->
Hidden functions and life hacks
Many users don’t know that the Mi Band 5 is much more than it seems.
- 🔍 Phone search: in the menu bracelet select More → Find the phone – the smartphone will emit a loud signal (works even in silent mode).
- 🎵 Music control: while playing a track on the phone, you can switch songs directly from the bracelet (swipe left on the notification screen).
- 🌙 Night mode: turns off screen illumination from 22:00 to 6:00 (configured in Settings) → Screen).
- 💡 The screen is always on: activated in Settings → Display. → Display time (severely reduces autonomy!).
Another useful trick is changing the dial: Xiaomi offers dozens of free themes, but you can download custom ones through third-party apps like Amazfit Watch Faces (requires registration in the Chinese version of Mi Fitness).
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If the bracelet is no longer synchronizing, reset it to the factory settings: Settings → Reset. After that, you have to reconnect the device to the phone.