How to use the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 fitness bracelet: from setup to advanced features

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is not just a pedometer, but a full-fledged assistant for health, sports and everyday tasks. Compact, stylish and feature-rich, this bracelet has become one of the most popular gadgets in the Xiaomi line. However, many users use it only 20-30% of the capabilities, limited to basic functions like counting steps or time. Meanwhile, the Smart Band 8 has much more to do, from monitoring sleep with phase analysis to controlling music on a smartphone and even paying for purchases via NFC (in the Pro version).

In this guide, we’ll take everything you need to know about a wristband, from first switching on and syncing with your phone to hidden features that aren’t mentioned in the official manual, how to wear the gadget correctly for accurate measurements, what settings optimize battery consumption, and how to use the Smart Band 8 for training, sleep and even work, and also, we’ll take a look at typical beginner mistakes that spoil the experience of use.

Whether you've unpacked the bracelet or you've been wearing it for a week, there's something new in this article for any level of training, and for convenience, we've divided the material into thematic blocks, so you can go straight to the section you're interested in or study everything in order.

1. Preparation for use: unpacking, charging and first activation

Start by unpacking the bracelet. In the box with Xiaomi Smart Band 8 you will find:

• 📦 The fitness bracelet itself with a strap (color depends on the version chosen).
• 🔌 Magnetic charging cable (USB-Type-C)
• 📄 Short instructions in several languages (including Russian).

Before you turn on the bracelet, fully charge it.Although there may be a small charge in the box, it is better to start with 100% - this will help avoid a sudden shutdown during settings. Connect the magnetic cable to the bracelet (the contacts are on the back of the case) and to any USB- port (charging from a computer, powerbank or adapter 5V/1A). Full charging takes about 1.5–2 hours.

After charging, press and hold the touch button on the bracelet screen for 3-5 seconds until the Mi logo appears. This is a sign that the device is turned on. If the screen does not respond, check if the cable fits tightly to the contacts - sometimes the bracelet does not turn on due to insufficient charge (less than 5%).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use adapters with voltages higher than 5V (e.g., from fast charging of smartphones) to charge. This can damage the bracelet battery and shorten its life.

2. Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness application

Without the official Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit), the bracelet will work like a regular watch - without synchronizing data, notifications or advanced features.

• 📱 Android: from Google Play.
• 🍎 iOS: From the App Store.

After installation:

1. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (if not, create it via email or phone number).
2. Click Add Device → Select Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 8
3. Allow the app to access notifications, location, and contacts (necessary for proper operation).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen: confirm the pairing on the bracelet (button on the screen) and wait for synchronization.

If the bracelet does not find the application:

• 🔄 Reboot both the bracelet and the smartphone.
• 📶 Make sure your phone is on Bluetooth and Geodata.
• 🚫 Turn it off. VPN Power saving modes – they can block the connection.

Important: After the first synchronization, update the bracelet firmware through the Device Profile → Software Update. New versions fix bugs and add features (for example, support for new types of workouts).

3. Basic functions: screen, notifications and control

The Smart Band 8 screen is touch-sensitive, but it's not like a smartphone. Here are the basic gestures:

• 👆 Swipe up/down: scroll through menus or notifications.
• 👈 Swipe left/right: switch between screens (time, steps, pulse, etc.).
• 🔘 Press the button: select a menu item or go back.
• 🔄 Long-term pressing: turning on/off the bracelet or resetting (if getting stuck).

To set up the display of notifications:

1. Open Mi Fitness → Device Profile → Notifications.
2. Turn on the “Notifications” switch and select the applications you want to see alerts from.
3. Set up the display style: full text or only the app icon.

The bracelet vibrates when incoming calls, messages and alarms. To turn off vibrations for a particular application (for example, for social networks at night), use Do Not Disturb mode:

On the bracelet: Swipe down → Moon sign (sleep mode)


In the app: Device profile → Do not disturb → Schedule setting

⚠️ Warning: If notifications don't come, check: 📵 Is Bluetooth enabled on the phone. 🔕 Is the Mi Fitness app added to the notification blacklist (on Android: Settings → Applications → Mi Fitness → Notifications). 🔄 Does a reboot of the bracelet (sometimes helps).

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To quickly find the phone, swipe down on the bracelet and tap the phone icon. The smartphone will emit an audible signal (even if it is in silent mode).

4. Health monitoring: pulse, sleep and stress levels

The Smart Band 8 is equipped with sensors to track key health indicators around the clock.

For accurate pulse measurement and SpO₂:

• 🧘 Wear a bracelet 2-3 fingers above your wrist (tightly but not compressively).
• 🛌 Measure SpO₂ in a calm state (sitting or lying down).
• ⏱️ Wait for the stabilization of the readings (usually 10-15 seconds).

The sleep data is collected automatically, but can be manually adjusted. For example, if you forgot to wear the sleep bracelet at night, add a sleep record to Mi Fitness → Sleep → Add manually. To improve sleep quality, the app makes recommendations based on your data (for example, go to bed earlier or reduce the time before screens before bed).

5. Training and sports functions

The Smart Band 8 supports over 150 training regimes, from walking and running to yoga and boxing.

1. On the bracelet, swipe to the right to the Training screen.
2. Select the type of activity (e.g., “Running Outside”).
3. Press the button to start. The bracelet will start tracking the time, pulse, calories and route (if the phone's GPS is connected).

For accurate tracking of running or cycling:

• 📍 Turn on GPS on your phone and allow Mi Fitness to access geodata.
• 🏃 Wear the bracelet on your work arm (for running) or fasten it on your sleeve (for a bicycle).
• 📊 After training, the data is synchronized with the application, where you can see the route map, pace and other metrics.

If you're in the gym, select Power Training mode, and the bracelet will count repetitions (like push-ups or squats), but you need to:

1. Enable the option in Mi Fitness → Training → Settings → Repeat Counter.
2. Keep your arm close to your body during exercise.

⚠️ Warning: When swimming, the bracelet is waterproof (5 ATM), but does not support tracking the route in water (duration, calories and pulse only). After swimming, wash the bracelet with fresh water to remove chlorine.

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To save battery, turn off automatic training tracking (such as walking) in the app settings if you don’t use this feature.

6. Additional features: NFC, music management and alarm clocks

The Smart Band 8 Pro version supports NFC for contactless payments via Mi Pay (works in Russia with banks that support Mir Pay or UnionPay).

1. Add the card to Mi Fitness → Wallet → Add the card.
2. Confirm the link via SMS from the bank.
3. To pay, bring the bracelet to the terminal (as a bank card).

The bracelet can also control music on the phone.

• 🎵 When playing the track, swipe down on the bracelet and tap the player icon.
• 🔀 You can switch tracks, pause or adjust volume (on Android) with buttons.

Setting alarm clocks:

• 🕰️ Appendix: Device profile → Alarms → Add.
• 🛌 On the bracelet: swipe down → alarm clock icon → plus.
• 🔕 To turn off the alarm clock vibration, swipe left on the signal screen.

Another useful feature is finding your phone, so if your smartphone is lost at home, swipe down on your bracelet and tap the phone icon, and the device will make a loud signal (even if it's silent).

7. Battery optimization and problem solving

When used actively (with notifications, training and sleep monitoring), the bracelet keeps the charge for 10 to 14 days.

• 🔋 Turn off the automatic measurement of SpO₂ at night (Mi Fitness → Profile → Sleep settings).
• 📵 Reduce your pulse rate to "Every 30 minutes."
• 🔔 Disable notifications from unnecessary applications.
• 🌙 Use dark dials (AMOLED-The screen consumes less energy).

If the bracelet discharges quickly:

• 🔄 Reboot it (hold the 10 seconds button).
• 📲 Update the firmware through Mi Fitness.
• 🔍 Check if the exercise mode is on all the time (for example, if you forgot to stop recording).

Typical problems and solutions:

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet stops turning on after it's completely discharged, plug it into charging and wait 10 to 15 minutes. Sometimes it takes several attempts to wake up the battery.

8. Resetting and flashing

If the bracelet began to work unstable (hangs, synchronization errors), resetting to factory settings will help.

1. On the bracelet, go to Settings → System → Reset.
2. Confirm the action on the screen.
3. After reset, sync the bracelet with the app again.

If the reset does not help, try to re-surface the bracelet manually:

1. Download the latest firmware from the official Xiaomi website (support section).
2. Connect the bracelet to the PC via a charging cable.
3. Use the Mi Fit Tool (for experienced users).

Please note that hand firmware can lead to a loss of warranty if it is not done correctly. If you are not sure, contact the service center.

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Before reset, save your workout and sleep data in Mi Fitness, as they will be removed from the bracelet.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)