Xiaomi Mi Band 5 remains one of the most popular fitness bracelets even years after its release, thanks to the balance of price, functionality and customization. One of the most popular questions from owners is how to change the background on the screen to make the device look fresh and style. Unlike newer models (Mi Band 6/7/8), where changing wallpaper is implemented intuitively, in the “five” this process is nuanced – especially if it is informal firmware or custom images.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the background to the Mi Band 5 in 2026, from standard wallpaper through Mi Fit/Zepp to installing your own images using third-party tools. You will also learn why sometimes new wallpapers are not used, how to circumvent Xiaomi restrictions and what to do if the background is reset after updating the firmware.
Method 1: Standard background change via Mi Fit or Zepp
The official Mi Fit app (or its successor, Zepp for some regions) lets you choose one of the pre-installed backgrounds offered by Xiaomi, the easiest and safest method, but with limited choices — usually around 10-15 options, including abstract patterns, natural landscapes and minimalist designs.
To change the background:
- 📱 Open the Mi Fit or Zepp app on your smartphone.
- 🔗 Connect to the bracelet via Bluetooth (unless connected automatically).
- 🎨 Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 5 → Screen. → Screen background.
- 👆 Scroll through the available options and choose your favorite. Click Apply.
- ⏳ Wait for synchronization (bracelet vibrates when you change successfully).
⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. China), the background list may differ due to firmware versions. If your app does not have a screen background, upgrade to the latest version of Mi Fit or try changing your account region (instruction below).
💡
If the bracelet does not vibrate after changing the background and the screen does not update, reboot it: press the touch button for 10 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears.
Method 2: Install custom wallpaper with Notify & Fitness
For those with few standard backgrounds, you can upload your own images using the third-party Notify & Fitness for Mi Band app, which requires more action but gives you access to an unlimited number of wallpapers, from photos to cyberpunk or anime-style art.
Step-by-step:
- Download Notify & Fitness from Google Play (for Android) or the App Store (for iOS).
- Connect the bracelet to the app (notification and location permissions will be required).
- Go to the Wallpapers section → Custom Wallpaper.
- Upload your image (recommended size: 120×240 pixels, PNG or JPEG format).
- Cut the picture from the template (the application will show the zones that will be visible on the screen).
- Press Send to Band and wait for sync.
🔹 Important: The image should be contrasting - on the screen Mi Band 5 (AMOLED, But low resolution, fine details and light colors will be hard to see. Use Photoshop or Pixlr for preprocessing:
- 🖌️ Increase saturation and contrast.
- 📏 Cut to size. 120×240 px (or) 80×160 px for simplified firmware).
- 🎨 Add a black frame around the edges if the background is light.
Image in PNG/JPEG| format
Size 120×240 pixels |
High contrast and saturation |
Black frame for light backgrounds |
Test viewing on a monochrome screen-->
Method 3: Change the background through alternative firmware (Advanced)
If you’re willing to take the risk, you can install custom firmware (such as the Amazfit Mod or Mi Band 5 Custom Firmware) that extends the bracelet’s capabilities, including access to additional wallpaper, which is suitable for advanced users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and can potentially lead to a loss of warranty or device blink.
Advantages of custom firmware:
- 🌈 Access hundreds of wallpapers from the community (e.g., themed for Star Wars, Marvel or Cyberpunk 2077).
- 🔄 The ability to change the background directly from the bracelet (without a smartphone).
- 🛠️ Additional features: Weather, Steps, etc.
🚨 Note: Installation of unofficial software may lead to:
- ❌ Loss of communication with the original Mi Fit app.
- ❌ Failures in the operation of sensors (pulse, SpO₂).
- ❌ Automatic updates that will reset the firmware.
If you decide to take this step, follow the instructions from proven resources, for example:
- 4PDA (Russian-speaking community)
- Reddit r/miband
Risks of custom firmware
Table: Comparison of ways to change the background to Mi Band 5
| Method | Difficulty | Number of wallpapers | PC required | Risk of a brick | Reset after update |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official Annex (Mi Fit/Zepp) | ⭐ | 10–15 | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Notify & Fitness | ⭐⭐ | Unlimitedly | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (sometimes) |
| Custom firmware | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Hundreds. | ✅ Yes (for some firmware) | ✅ High-pitched | ✅ Yes. |
| Manual file replacement (ADB) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Unlimitedly | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Medium. | ✅ Yes. |
Solving problems: The background is not changing or resetting
Sometimes users find that the new background is not applied or resets after synchronization, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:
Problem 1: The Mi Fit app doesn’t have a screen background item.
- 🔄 Update the application to the latest version.
- 🌍 Check your account region: some features are only available in China or the Global version:
Mi Fit
Problem 2: The castom background is not displayed through Notify & Fitness.
- 📏 Make sure the image size is exactly the same. 120×240 px.
- 🔌 Reconnect the bracelet to the app.
- 🔄 Reset the bracelet (press the button for 10 seconds).
- 🛠️ In Notify & Fitness settings, enable Force custom wallpaper.
Problem 3: After the firmware update, the background dropped.
- 🔙 Return to the standard background via Mi Fit, then reapply the custom.
- ⚠️ Turn off automatic firmware updates in bracelet settings.
- 📥 If you use custom firmware, re-flash the bracelet after the update.
Standard wallpaper via Mi Fit|
Castomium via Notify & Fitness|
Alternative firmware |
Don't change backgrounds.|Another option-->
How to create the perfect background for Mi Band 5: designer tips
The Mi Band screen 5 — it AMOLED-resolution 126×294 pixels, but the useful area under the background is only 120×240 To make your image look sharp and stylish, follow these guidelines:
Color palette:
- 🖤 Use dark colors – they save battery power (on the other hand). AMOLED black pixels off).
- 🟢 Avoid bright white – it eats up to 20% of the charge in a day.
- 🟣 Optimal colors: purple, blue, green (well visible in daylight).
Composition:
- 🕒 Place key elements (digits, logos) in the central area (60×60 px) as the screen is cut off at the edges.
- 📊 Avoid small text – minimum readable font size: 12 pt.
- 🖼️ Use high-contrast filters for photos (like Clarendon on Instagram).
Format and optimization:
- 📄 Save the image in PNG-24 (without compression for better quality.
- 🗜️ Maximum file weight: 50 KB (otherwise the bracelet will not accept it).
- 🎨 Use the templates to create wallpapers: