Sync Mi Band 3 with Xiaomi phone: a complete guide from preparation to error fixing

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet remains a popular gadget even years after its release, thanks to its reliability, long work time and wide functionality. However, many users face difficulties in first syncing a device with a phone, especially if both devices are from Xiaomi. In this article, we will discuss not only the standard procedure for connecting through the Mi Fit application, but also the nuances that will help to avoid typical errors, from problems with Bluetooth to conflicts of firmware versions.

It is important to understand that the process of syncing Mi Band 3 with a Xiaomi phone (be it Redmi Note 10, POCO X3 Xiaomi 13 has its own features, for example, on devices with a high-end MIUI 14+ You may need to adjust the permissions for the app, and older smartphone owners sometimes have to manually update the firmware of the bracelet. We'll cover all of these cases so you can use the gadget without restrictions.

Preparing for synchronization: what to do before connecting

Before you start syncing, make sure your phone and bracelet are ready for the procedure.Neglecting these steps often leads to Mi Band 3 malfunctions or inability to connect.

First, check the version of the operating system on your phone. Mi Fit requires Android 5.0 or later to work smoothly. MIUI It is also recommended to update the firmware to the latest version - this will eliminate possible conflicts with the Bluetooth connection. → The phone. → Updating the system.

Second, prepare the bracelet itself:

• 🔋 Charge Mi Band 3 to at least 50% – the discharged device can interrupt the synchronization process.
• 📱 Make sure your phone has Bluetooth and geolocation enabled (the latter is needed for some Mi Fit features to work properly).
• 🚫 Disable other wearable devices (such as headphones or smartwatches) to avoid connection conflicts.
• 📲 Download the latest version of the Mi Fit app from Google Play or AppGallery (for Huawei devices).

If you have previously used another fitness bracelet and it was tied to your Xiaomi account, we recommend untie it in the Mi Fit settings to avoid errors. → Annexes → Mi Fit → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

Installation and configuration of the Mi Fit application

The Mi Fit app is the only official way to sync the Mi Band 3 with your phone, but its installation and initial setup have a few nuances, especially on Xiaomi devices with a mobile phone. MIUI.

Download Mi Fit from a verified source:

• 📥 Google Play for most devices)
• 📥 AppGallery (for Huawei phones without Google services)
• 📥 APKPure (if you do not have access to official stores)

Attention!

APK

Settings → Applications → Special access → Installation of unknown applications

After installation, start Mi Fit and follow the following steps:

1. Select a region (Russia or Global – this will affect the available features).
2. Sign in through your Xiaomi account (if not, register a new one).
3. Accept a confidentiality agreement and allow access to geolocation, notifications, and physical activity.
4. In the main menu, click Profile → Add Device → Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 3.

On devices with MIUI 12+ You may be asked to allow automatic start-up and background operation for Mi Fit. Failure to do so will result in permanent breaks in the bracelet and no notifications. To enable them manually, go to Settings. → Annexes → Mi Fit → Auto Start and Background Operation.

Install the latest version of the application|Sign in to your Xiaomi account|Allow access to notifications and geolocation|Enable auto-start and background work (for MIUI)|Disable other Bluetooth devices-->

Step-by-step instructions for syncing Mi Band 3 with Xiaomi phone

Now, let's go directly to the bracelet connection. Follow the instructions carefully, because even one step can fail.

Step 1 Activation of the bracelet

Put the Mi Band 3 on your hand and touch the touch button below the screen. The bracelet should vibrate and show the Mi logo. If the screen is not responding, plug the bracelet into charging for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2. Search for the device in Mi Fit

In the Mi Fit app, click Add Device and select Mi Smart Band 3. Start searching for available devices. Make sure the bracelet is near the phone (no further than 1 meter).

Step 3: Confirmation of connection

When the bracelet is found, it will have a 4-digit code on its screen, the same code will appear in the Mi Fit app. Compare them and click Confirm on your phone. If the codes don't match, reload the bracelet (hold the touch button for 10 seconds) and repeat the search.

Step 4: Update the firmware (if necessary)

Once connected, Mi Fit may suggest updating the bracelet firmware. Don't interrupt this process! The update will take 2-5 minutes and the bracelet will reboot automatically. Disabling Bluetooth or closing the application during the upgrade may result in a device blink (reset via the charger will be required).

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If the bracelet is not detected, try connecting to it via the phone's standard Bluetooth menu: find the device MI Band 3 is on the list and do the pairing manually. Then go back to Mi Fit and repeat the sync.

Configure notifications and basic functions after synchronization

After successfully connecting the Mi Band 3 to Xiaomi’s phone, you need to configure notifications and basic settings, without which the bracelet will not show incoming calls, messages or physical activity data.

1. Allow notifications in Mi Fit

Go to the Profile menu → Mi Smart Band 3 → Notifications of calls and messages and switch on switches for:

• 📞 Incoming calls
• 💬 Communications (SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram and others.)
• 📅 Event reminders

On devices with MIUI additionally check the notification settings in the system: Settings → Notifications → Mi Fit → Allow notices.

2. Personalization of the bracelet screen

In the Screen section → Dials can be selected from preset styles or download custom through Mi Fit. For Mi Band 3, there are more than 50 options available, including dials with weather, steps and pulse.

Attention! Some third-party dials may contain advertisements or collect data. Install only verified versions from the official Mi Fit catalog.

3. Set up activity tracking

To correctly count the steps, sleep and pulse, activate the following options:

• 👟 Step tracking (on by default)
• 💤 Sleep monitoring (it is recommended to include only at night to save charge)
• ❤️ Pulse measurement (you can set an automatic measurement every 30 minutes)

Solving common synchronization problems

Even with all the steps done correctly, Mi Band 3 and Xiaomi phones sometimes encounter errors.

1. The bracelet connects but does not synchronize data

This problem often arises from:

• 📵 Unstable Bluetooth connection – reboot both devices.
• 🔄 Older version of Mi Fit – update the app in the store.
• 🚫 Background Activity Blocks – Check the permissions for Mi Fit in the settings MIUI.

If the problem persists, try:

1. Untie the bracelet in Mi Fit → Profile → Mi Band 3 → Shut down.
2. Clear the app cache (Settings → Applications → Mi Fit → Storage → Clear the cache).
3. Reconnect the bracelet.

2 Mi Fit app doesn't see bracelet

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Bracelet discharged - charge it to at least 30%.
• 📱 Bluetooth is disabled or running in power saving mode – turn it on and turn off the mode.
• 🔄 Conflict with other devices – turn off headphones, smartwatches, etc.
• 📲 Outdated bracelet firmware – try updating it with Mi Fit or Amazonfit (alternative software).

3.The bracelet is permanently off.

This problem is typical of Xiaomi phones with aggressive battery optimization.

1. Open the Settings. → Annexes → Mi Fit → Battery → No restrictions.
2. Enable Auto Start and Background Activity for Mi Fit.
3. Add Mi Fit to the list of Secure Apps (in some versions) MIUI).

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If none of these methods worked, try using the Notify & Fitness for Mi Band alternative app (available on Google Play).It supports Mi Band 3 and often runs more stable than the official Mi Fit.

Update firmware Mi Band 3 via Xiaomi phone

Regular firmware updates to the Mi Band 3 fix bugs, add new features and improve stability, but on Xiaomi devices, this process can be nuanced.

Method 1: Update via Mi Fit

It's the simplest method.

1. Open Mi Fit and go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 3.
2. If an update is available, a firmware update notification will appear.
3. Connect the bracelet to charging and confirm the update.
4. Do not turn off Bluetooth or close the app until the process is complete (about 5 minutes).

Method 2: Hand-held firmware through Amazonfit

If Mi Fit doesn’t offer an update, but you know there’s a new firmware version, you can use Amazonfit:

1. Download the latest firmware for Mi Band 3 from the site.
2. Install the Mi Fit app (if not installed).
3. Connect the bracelet to your phone via Mi Fit.
4. Follow the instructions on Amazonfit for manual firmware.

Warning! Manual firmware updates can result in loss of warranty and unstable bracelet performance. Use this method only if official updates via Mi Fit are not available.

Method 3: Reset and Re-Sync

If the bracelet is not working properly after the update:

1. Perform reset via bracelet settings → Reset.
2. Untie the device in Mi Fit.
3. Reconnect the bracelet and repeat the update.

Alternative applications for synchronization Mi Band 3

If Mi Fit is unstable or not working well, you can use third-party apps. They often offer advanced settings and better compatibility with the user. MIUI.

1. Notify & Fitness for Mi Band

The app supports all the features of Mi Band 3, including:

• 📊 Extended activity statistics.
• 🔔 Flexible notification settings (filtering by application).
• 🎨 More dials and those.
• 🔋 Optimized energy consumption.

You can download it from Google Play. You need to pre-connect the bracelet via Mi Fit.

2. Mi Band Master

This application is suitable for experienced users, as it allows:

• 🔧 Adjust the vibration and brightness of the screen.
• 📈 Exporting Sleep and Activity Data to Google Fit.
• 🛠 Use unofficial firmware.

Attention! Some Mi Band Master features may conflict with Mi Fit. It is recommended to disable automatic synchronization in the official app.

3. Tools & Mi Band

Minimalist app with an emphasis on:

• 🔄 Fast data synchronization.
• 📱 Support for notifications from all messengers.
• 🔋 Monitoring of the bracelet charge level.

It is suitable for users who do not need additional features, but stability is important.

Before using third-party apps, make sure they are compatible with your version. MIUI. Some features may not work on phones with MIUI 14+ system constraints.

FAQ: Frequent questions about synchronizing Mi Band 3 with Xiaomi