The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains a popular gadget even years after its release, thanks to its combination of functionality, compactness and affordable price. One way to personalize the device is by changing the wallpaper on the screen, but not everyone knows how to do it correctly, especially if it comes to unofficial dials or synchronization problems.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change wallpaper to Mi Band 4, including standard methods through the Mi Fit application and alternative solutions using third-party utilities. You will also learn why new dials may not be installed, how to avoid errors when downloading and what to do if the bracelet “does not see” the updated wallpaper, instructions are suitable for both owners of the original firmware and those who use custom versions of the software.
Why Mi Band 4 can’t just download wallpaper like on a smartphone
Unlike smartphones, where wallpaper changes in two clicks, Xiaomi Mi Band 4 has strict restrictions on the installation of dials.
- 🔒 Closed ecosystem: Xiaomi controls distribution of branded dials through official software, blocking third-party sources by default.
- 📱 App Dependence: All changes are made via Mi Fit or Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit), which sync with the Bluetooth bracelet.
- 🖥️ Limited memory: Everything is allocated in the device ~1 MB for custom dials, so you can store no more than 5-10 pieces at the same time.
The bracelet also does not support direct image loading – wallpapers are special.bin or.fw files that contain not only a picture, but also the logic of displaying time, steps, notifications – this complicates the process for beginners, but opens up opportunities for customization through third-party tools.
The official way: changing wallpaper through Mi Fit
The easiest and safest method is to use the branded Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life for newer versions).
- Open Mi Fit on your smartphone and connect to the bracelet via Bluetooth.
- Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 4.
- Select Dials (or Wallpaper in some versions of the application).
- Scroll through the list of available wallpaper and tap on your favorite option.
- Press Set and wait for synchronization (the bracelet vibrates after successful installation).
The official catalogue usually features 10 to 15 free dials, including classic watches, minimalist designs and themed options (for example, for holidays), but the choice is limited, and new wallpapers rarely appear, and if you want unique designs, you will have to use alternative methods.
Synchronize the bracelet with Mi Fit|Check the level of charge (minimum 20%)|Update the application to the latest version|Shut down. VPN (can block the loading of dials)-->
Alternative methods: third-party applications and custom dials
If standard wallpaper is not enough, you can install informal dials through third-party utilities.
- 🌐 Notify & Fitness for Mi Band (Android): Allows you to download dials from the community, as well as create your own based on templates.
- 🖥️ Mi Band Master: Supports custom.bin files with preview capability.
- 📲 AmazTools: Expands Mi Fit functionality by adding support for unofficial wallpapers and widgets.
The installation process through these applications usually includes:
- Download the dial file (for example, from MiBandMods or XDA Developers sites).
- Import a file to the application (via the menu Install dial or Custom Firmware).
- Synchronization with the bracelet (it may be necessary to restart the device).
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Before installing the custom dial, back up the original one through Mi Fit (Backup section) to help restore the bracelet to function when it fails.
Important: Unofficial dials may contain errors that will cause the bracelet to overheat, discharge quickly, or display time incorrectly. Always check the reviews of a particular file before installing.
Table: Comparison of ways to change wallpaper to Mi Band 4
| Method | Difficulty | Security | Choosing wallpaper | Need root? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official (Mi Fit) | ⭐ (simple) | ✅ Tall. | Limited. | ❌ No. |
| Notify & Fitness | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ⚠️ Medium | Big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big | ❌ No. |
| Mi Band Master | ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ⚠️ Low. | Huge. | ❌ No. |
| Hand-held firmware | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ❌ Risk of “bricking" | Anybody. | ✅ Yes. |
Frequent mistakes and how to fix them
When changing wallpaper, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
- 🚫 Sync error: check if Bluetooth is on on your smartphone and if the bracelet is within range (not more than 10 meters.
- 🔄 Dial does not change: sometimes helps reset the bracelet to factory settings (Settings) → Reset to Mi Fit. note that this will delete all data from the device.
- 🔋 Bracelet discharges faster: some custom dials are poorly optimized. Delete the problem file and select another.
- ⏳ Long load: If the wallpaper loads for more than 5 minutes, reload the bracelet (press the button for 10 seconds) and try again.
What to do if the bracelet freezes after installing the dial?
If none of these methods worked, the problem may lie in the firmware of the bracelet, in which case it is recommended to update the software through the official application or manually (instructions are available on the 4PDA or XDA forums).
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Before installing unofficial dials, always check that they are compatible with your firmware version. Inconsistency can cause bracelet malfunctions.
How to Create Your Own Wallpaper for Mi Band 4
For those who want a unique design, you can create your own dial.
- The wallpaper template is in.psd or.png format (you can download it on MiBandMods).
- Image editor (such as Photoshop or free GIMP)
- A program to convert to.bin format (for example, Mi Band 4 Face Editor).
The main requirements for the image:
- 📏 Permission: 120×240 pixels (for full-screen wallpaper).
- 🎨 Color palette: no more than 64 colors (due to the limitations of the bracelet screen).
- 🕒 Time zones: Leave room for numbers (usually at the top of the screen).
Once the design is created, it must be converted to a.bin file and uploaded to the bracelet via Notify & Fitness or Mi Band Master. Ready-made templates and design instructions can be found on thematic forums.