Changing the face on a fitness bracelet is not just a way to personalize the device, but also the ability to display the most important data for you at any time. The owner of the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 gets access to a huge library of styles that allow you to turn a utilitarian gadget into a fashion accessory. The process of replacing the interface takes only a few seconds, if you know where to look for the right settings in the companion application.
Unlike earlier models, the fifth version of the bracelet received a significantly improved color. AMOLED-A display that literally requires a bright and contrasting design. Standard dials preinstalled by the manufacturer can seem boring after first familiarizing themselves with the possibilities of customization. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available ways to replace the dial, including the installation of unique images.
It is worth noting that the control of the look of the tracker is carried out exclusively through the smartphone. Independently, without connecting to a mobile device, you will not be able to choose a new style from an extensive catalog, although switching between the already downloaded options is available directly on the bracelet. Let's consider the step-by-step algorithm of actions for Android and iOS users.
Preparation for the installation of new dials
Before you start downloading new styles, make sure your hardware is ready to sync. The first and most important condition is that you have a Mi Fit app installed and properly configured (or Xiaomi Wear if youβre using a new ecosystem), which is the software interface that serves as a bridge between your smartphone and your wearable device.
Make sure that the Bluetooth on the phone is activated and the bracelet is within a confident reception radius, usually up to 10 meters without significant obstacles. If the connection is unstable, the loading process of the heavy graphics file may be interrupted and the dial will not be set.
β οΈ Warning: Before starting to load new dials, make sure that the bracelet is at least 20% charged. Interrupting the process of updating the interface due to battery discharge can lead to temporary incorrect display operation.
Also check for free space in the app's memory. Although the dial files themselves weigh a little, the Mi Fit app's cache can grow over time, which sometimes causes synchronization errors, and it's recommended that you periodically clear the cache in your phone's settings or reinstall the app if you encounter connection problems.
It is important for iOS users to give the app all the permissions requested, especially access to Bluetooth and notifications. Without these permissions, background data synchronization and downloading of new graphics elements can be blocked by the operating systemβs security system.
Use of the built-in dial store
The easiest and most reliable way to diversify the look of your gadget is to use the official catalog built into the app. Developers regularly update the collection, adding seasonal themes, animated dials and styles developed in collaboration with well-known brands.
To get to the store, open the Mi Fit app on your smartphone and go to the Profile tab. From the list of connected devices, find your Mi Band 5 and click on it. From the device management menu that opens, select dial settings or dial store.
Here you'll see a list of options available for download, which are divided into categories: popular, new, animated and classic. Each dial has a preview showing what it will look like on the bracelet screen, and you can flip through the tape and choose any option you like.
- π¨ Animated dials β dynamic images that bring the screen to life when the wrist is raised.
- π Informative Styles β Maximum amount of data on the screen, including weather, footsteps and pulse.
- πΌοΈ Minimalism β laconic solutions for those who prefer the classic look of watches.
- π Special series β thematic sets dedicated to holidays or events.
Once you have selected the right option, click Download or Install. You start the process of transferring the file to the bracelet. You'll see a progress bar on your smartphone screen showing the percentage of execution. Don't turn off your phone screen and don't go far from the bracelet at this point.
Installation of your own photo as a screensaver
One of the most popular features of Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is the ability to set any zdjΔcie from the gallery of your smartphone as a background for the dial.This allows you to always keep photos of loved ones, pets or favorite places on your wrist.
The process of creating a custom dial is a little different from downloading ready-made styles. In the same dial settings menu where you chose ready-made options, look for the + button or the Add Your Dial option. The app will offer you access to the image gallery on your device.
Select the photo you want. The system will automatically prompt you to crop the image, because the bracelet display is elongated with a resolution of 120x240 pixels. You will need to select the area that looks best in this format, shifting the selection frame.
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For better photo quality, choose high-resolution images with a contrast center so that the time and date are clearly read against the background of the picture.
After framing, you can choose the location of the time and date elements, and there are several layout options available: top, bottom or center. Once you approve the layout, click "Apply" and the image will be sent to the bracelet.
Itβs important to understand that custom dials take up slightly more memory space than standard vector styles. If you set a lot of photos, the old ones can automatically be removed to free up space, or the app will alert you to overflow.
Configuring the displayed information
It's not enough to just change the picture, it's important to adjust what data will be displayed on the screen. Different dials support different sets of indicators and widgets. Some styles only show time, while others can display up to 5-7 parameters at a time.
In the dial editing menu (available for most downloadable styles), you can customize the visibility of individual items, for example, you can hide the step counter if you don't need one, or, conversely, make the pulse indicator more visible.
| Parameter | Description | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse. | Current value of BPM | Average. |
| Steps. | Distance travelled | Low. |
| Weather. | Temperature and conditions | Medium (requires synchronization) |
| Date. | Day of the week and number | Low. |
| Charge. | Residue of bracelet energy | Low. |
Note that the active use of complex widgets, especially those that are updated in real time (like weather or pulse), can slightly increase energy consumption. However, on the Mi Band 5 optimization is performed so well that the difference is almost invisible in everyday use.
Managing dials directly on the bracelet
Once youβve downloaded a few design options through the app, the question is, how do you quickly switch between them in your daily life? Fortunately, Xiaomi has a handy mechanism for quickly changing style right from the tracker screen.
You don't have to pull out your smartphone every time, just unlock the bracelet screen (lift your wrist or press the touch button) and hold your finger on the central area of the display for 1-2 seconds, and the screen will go into preview mode of all the dials installed.
In this mode, you can swipe the available options left or right, and the style you choose is applied as soon as you release your finger, and it allows you to instantly adapt the device to the situation: put a strict style for a meeting or a bright animated one for a walk.
- π Long press β activates the selection mode on the home screen.
- π Swipe left/right β switching between saved dials.
- β Release β Confirmation of choice and return to normal mode.
- β Swipe up/down β exit from the selection mode unchanged (in some versions of the software).
Remember, this menu only displays dials that have already been downloaded from the app, and if the desired style is not on the list, you will have to contact the phone again for its initial installation.
Solving and eliminating errors
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users sometimes face difficulties: the dial may not be installed, the download process may freeze or the image may be displayed incorrectly, most often the problem lies in the version of the software of the bracelet itself.
Make sure your Mi Band 5 has the latest firmware installed. Older versions of the software may not support new dial formats or have limitations on the size of the image file. Update is done via the Mi Fit app in the device profile section.
β οΈ Note: If the dial "flashes" or is displayed in a black square, try removing it from the app and downloading it again.
Another common cause of error is the braceletβs overcrowded memory, which, while small, can exhaust the available space by storing dozens of heavy photos, in which case, remove unused user dials through the app.
βοΈ Diagnostics of installation problems
If nothing works, reset the bracelet to factory settings through the app, which will clear all data and return the device to its original state, after which try to sync the dials again.