Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is one of the most popular fitness bracelets on the market, combining accessibility, functionality and stylish design. Even years after its release, it remains the current choice for those who want to track activity, sleep and health without unnecessary costs.
In this article, you will find a detailed guide to how to work with the Mi Band 4, from the first turn on to fine-tuning notifications, training, and smartphone integration, how to properly charge the bracelet, interpret health data, and uncover some non-obvious features that make using the device even more convenient, if you just bought the bracelet or want to squeeze the most out of it, this is the guide for you.
Preparation for the first use: unpacking and charging
Before you first turn on the Xiaomi Mi Band 4, you need to follow a few simple steps: start with unpacking: in the box you will find the bracelet itself, the charging cable (without the power supply!), and a brief instruction in several languages. Note that the charging cable in the Mi Band 4 is unique – it is magnetic and only suitable for this model (and partly for the Mi Band 5).
Charging the bracelet has its nuances:
- 🔋 Connect the cable to anyone. USB-port (computer, phone charger or power bank).
- 🧲 Attach the bracelet to the cable with a magnetic side - it should "stick" with a characteristic click.
- ⚡ The bracelet will display a charge indicator (battery with lightning). Full charging takes 1.5-2 hours.
- 📱 While the bracelet is charging, download the Mi Fit app (Android/iOS) — it will be required for adjustment.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use unoriginal charging cables - they can damage the contacts of the bracelet. If the magnetic mount is weakened, gently wipe the contacts with an alcohol napkin.
Important: Mi Band 4 doesn’t have an on button — it activates automatically when you connect to a charge or after syncing with your smartphone.If the screen doesn’t respond to touches after charging, try rebooting the bracelet by holding the touch button under the screen for 10 seconds.
Sync with phone and first setup in Mi Fit
After charging, you need to connect the bracelet to the smartphone through the official Mi Fit application. This process takes no more than 5 minutes, but has several critical moments:
- Click Add Device → Select Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 4
If the synchronization fails:
- 📶 Make sure your phone is Bluetooth 4.0 enabled.+ (check in the settings).
- 🔄 Reboot the bracelet (hold the 10 sec button) and try again.
- 🚫 Turn it off. VPN Power saving modes – they can block the connection.
Once synchronized successfully, the app will suggest updating the bracelet firmware. Always agree to updates — they fix bugs and add new features. The firmware takes 5-10 minutes, during which time do not disconnect the bracelet from the phone.
Turn on Bluetooth on your phone |Install the Mi Fit|Register Xiaomi |Allow all permissions requested |Update the bracelet firmware-->
Set up the main parameters: time, notifications, alarm clocks
After synchronization, you can start personalizing the bracelet. The main settings are available in the Profile section → “Mi Smart Band 4Mi Fit. Let’s consider the key parameters:
| Function | Where to set up | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic sleep detection | Profile → Sleep → Auto-tracking | Turn on if you want to analyze sleep phases without manually starting. |
| Notifications | Profile → Notifications | Select applications whose notifications will be duplicated on the bracelet. |
| Raising your hand to activate the screen | Profile → Display → Raise your hand | Conveniently, but reduces battery life by 10-15%. |
| Alarm clocks | Profile → Alarms | You can set up to 10 vibration alarms. |
Pay special attention to the notification settings. By default, the bracelet vibrates when incoming calls and SMS, but you can add any messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) or social networks, to make the notifications work correctly:
- 📱 In your phone settings, allow Mi Fit to show notifications on top of other apps.
- 🔔 In the messenger itself, enable the option “Show notifications” for Mi Fit.
- 🔕 If notifications are duplicated, turn them off in bracelet settings for unnecessary apps.
⚠️ Note: On iPhone notifications can come with a delay of up to 5 minutes due to the limitations of iOS.
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To quickly turn on/off notifications, swipe down the bracelet screen and click on the bell icon.
Activity tracking: Steps, exercise and pulse
The Mi Band 4 is equipped with sensors to track steps, distance, calories burned and heart rate, and the accuracy of the measurement depends on the correct setting and wearing of the bracelet.
- 🏃♂️ For accurate steps count, wear a bracelet on a non-dominant hand (left for right-handed, right for left-handed).
- 💓 The pulse sensor only works when it's tightly attached to the skin. If the bracelet dangles, the data will be inaccurate.
- 🏊♀️ To swim, select the pool mode in the training menu - the bracelet automatically recognizes the style and counts circles.
To start training:
- On the bracelet, swipe to the right to the "Training" section.
- Choose the type of activity (running, cycling, walking, etc.).
- Press the screen to start. During exercise, the bracelet will display time, pulse and distance traveled.
- To pause or complete, click on the screen and select the appropriate icon.
After training, the data is automatically synchronized with Mi Fit, where you will see detailed statistics: pulse charts, route map (if the phone's GPS was turned on), and recommendations for recovery. Please note that you need to accurately track your distance when running or cycling:
- 📍 Turn it on. GPS on the phone (bracelet itself) GPS lacking).
- 👟 Specify your height and weight in the profile Mi Fit – depend on this calculation.
How to reset the training data if they were recorded incorrectly?
Sleep control and advice on improving sleep quality
One of the most useful features of the Mi Band 4 is its sleep analysis, which automatically detects deep, light, REM sleep and wake periods, so that the data is accurate:
- 😴 Wear a bracelet every night so the app can build a dynamic.
- 🕒 Going to bed at the same time will improve the quality of your analysis.
- 📵 Turn off overnight notifications or activate the “Do Not Disturb” mode in the bracelet settings.
In the Mi Fit app, you will see:
- 📊 Total sleep duration and percentage of deep phase (normal 15–25%).
- ⏱️ Time to fall asleep and wake up.
- 💡 Tips for improving sleep (e.g., “go to bed 30 minutes early»).
If the bracelet does not record sleep:
- 🔄 Reset it before bedtime.
- 🛏️ Make sure you don’t move your hand while sleeping (for example, don’t put it under your head).
- 🔋 Check battery power – at levels below 10%, some features are turned off.
⚠️ Note: The sleep data on Mi Band 4 is an evaluation and does not replace polysomnography. If you have insomnia or apnea, see your doctor.
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For the most accurate sleep analysis, wear a wristband on your arm that moves less while resting (usually a non-dominant hand).
Advanced features: music management, phone search, weather
In addition to the basic features, the Mi Band 4 can perform a few non-obvious actions that make it even more useful:
| Function | How to activate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Managing music | Swipe down → icon of the note | It works with Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and a standard player. |
| Phone search | Swipe down → phone icon | The phone must be within Bluetooth range (up to 10 m). |
| Weather. | Swipe right before the weather. | Data is taken from Mi Fit (to allow geolocation). |
| Timer. | Swipe to the right → icon of the clock | You can set the time to 1 hour with vibration at the end. |
The music management feature is particularly useful, and for example, when you're running, you can:
- Pause/resume playback (click on the note icon).
- Switch tracks (swipe left/right on the screen during playback).
- Adjust the volume (in some firmware).
If the phone search function is not working:
- 📱 Make sure your phone is Bluetooth enabled and Mi Fit has access to geodata.
- 🔊 Check if the phone is silent – the bracelet will make it squeak even if the sound is turned off.
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To quickly switch between widgets, use swipes right/left. Double tap on the screen returns to the main menu.
Care of the bracelet and solving typical problems
Xiaomi Mi Band 4 has IP68 protection, which means resistance to dust and short-term immersion in water (up to 1.5 m for 30 minutes).
- 🚿 After getting water (for example, after a shower or pool), wipe the bracelet with a dry napkin.
- 🧼 For cleaning, use a soap solution and a soft brush (for example, a toothbrush).
- 🔥 Do not leave the bracelet in direct sunlight or in a sauna – this can damage the screen.
- 🔋 Charge the bracelet at least 1 time in 10-15 days, even if it is not completely discharged.
Let’s look at the typical problems and their solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The bracelet is not synchronized. | Bluetooth or firmware failure | Reboot the bracelet and phone, update the Mi Fit. |
| The screen doesn't respond to touch. | Sensor pollution or low charge | Wipe the screen and charge the bracelet to 50%+. |
| Inaccurate step counting | Wrong position on the arm | Wear a bracelet 2-3 fingers above your wrist. |
| The battery goes down fast. | Constantly on display or notifications | Turn off the “Hand Raise” and unnecessary notifications. |
If the bracelet has stopped turning on:
- Connect it to charging for 30 minutes.
- If the screen is not responding, hold the touch button for 20 seconds to reset.
- If it doesn’t help, try resetting your settings via Mi Fit (Profile → Untie the device).
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet doesn't sync after reset, check if Xiaomi's phone account has changed!