Synchronization of fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band with the phone: full instruction with pictures and tips

Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets have long been an integral part of the daily lives of millions of users, helping to track physical activity, monitor sleep, measure heart rate and even receive notifications from the phone. However, many people face difficulties when connecting a device to a smartphone for the first time. This article will help you understand how to properly sync the fitness bracelet Mi Band with a phone based on Android or iOS, avoiding typical mistakes.

The synchronization process seems simple only at first glance, and in practice, users often face problems: the bracelet is not detected by the phone, the application does not see the device, or the synchronization is interrupted halfway. We will discuss each step in detail, from installing the necessary software to configuring notifications, as well as give tips for troubleshooting common problems. 7/8 Pro and Mi Fitness (formerly Zepp Life).

If you've just unpacked a new wristband or decided to reconnect your old one to a new phone, this instruction will save you time. We'll also look at alternative synchronization methods for users who have not had the standard method. Ready to start? Then let's get started!

Preparation for synchronization: what to do before connecting

Before you start synchronizing, make sure all the preconditions are met, which will save you most of the problems later on.

First, check your smartphone’s compatibility with the bracelet. Officially, the Mi Band supports Android 6.0+ and iOS 12.0+ devices. If your phone is older, there may be problems with the app. Also make sure that the smartphone is enabled:

• 📶 Bluetooth 4.0 or later (without it, connection is impossible)
• 📱 Geolocation (required for initial setup)
• 🔋 Bracelet charge at least 20% (at low charge synchronization may be interrupted)

Second, download the official app. Since 2023, Xiaomi has moved from Mi Fit to a new app, Mi Fitness (available on Google Play and the App Store). Older versions of Mi Fit are still working, but they don't support new features. If you already have an app, upgrade to the latest version.

⚠️ Note: On Huawei phones without Google services (e.g. Huawei) P40 Pro) Mi Fitness may not be installed, in which case use alternative synchronization methods via Notify & Fitness or Tools & Mi Band.

Finally, prepare the bracelet itself:

1. Remove it from the package and remove the protective film from the charging contacts.
2. Connect to the charger for 10-15 minutes, even if the indicator shows charge.
3. Press the touch button of the bracelet to wake up the screen (on the Mi Band 8 Pro, it is enough to raise your hand).

2. Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness application

Once we're ready, we move on to software installation, which is critical, because without a properly configured application, synchronization is impossible.

Download Mi Fitness from the official app store. Avoid third-party sources, they may distribute outdated or modified versions that will not work correctly with the bracelet.

1. Open the application and select the language (Russian is available by default).
2. Accept the terms of the user agreement and the privacy policy.
3. Sign up or sign in through your Xiaomi, Google, Apple ID or Facebook account. Without authorization, sync is impossible!

If you already have a Xiaomi account, use it, which will make it easier to recover data when you change your phone. After you sign in, the system will suggest adding a new device. Click Add Device and select your Mi Band model from the list. If your model is not, select Other Device and manually specify.

At this stage, the application will request access to:

• 📍 Geolocation (required to search for a bracelet)
• 📱 Notifications (to have the bracelet show incoming calls and messages)
• 🏃 Health data (for synchronizing steps, pulse and sleep)

Allow all requests, otherwise some of the bracelet functions will not be available.

3. Step-by-step instructions for synchronizing Mi Band with phone

Now, to the process of connection, follow the instructions carefully to avoid errors.

Step 1: Activate Bluetooth on your phone and make sure the bracelet is on (the screen must respond to touches).In the Mi Fitness app, click "Add device" → Select your Mi Band model. It'll appear on the screen. QR-code.

Step 2: On the bracelet, swipe up the screen to open the menu. Find the "Plug" item (on the Mi Band 7/8, this is the phone icon) and confirm the selection. The bracelet will start searching for the phone.

Step 3: The phone will have a connection request, and you can confirm it by clicking "Plug" or "Pair," and then the bracelet vibrates, and the phone screen will show a message about successful synchronization.

If the bracelet is not connected:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn off and turn on again).
• 📱 Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugate devices in Bluetooth settings and try again.
• 🔋 Check the bracelet charge – at a level below 10%, synchronization may not start.

⚠️ Note: Phones with custom firmware (like LineageOS) may require additional permission settings for the Mi Fitness app. Open the app settings and manually grant all rights, including access to Bluetooth Admin.

Once the app is successfully connected, it will prompt you to update the bracelet firmware, and we recommend you to agree, as new versions fix bugs and add features. The update will take 5-10 minutes - do not interrupt the process!

4.Configure notifications and basic functions after synchronization

The synchronization is complete, but this is just the beginning, so now you need to adjust the bracelet to suit your needs.

The first thing you should do is set up notifications. For this, in the Mi Fitness app, go to the Device Profile section" → "Notifications. You can go here:

• 📞 Enable call alerts (the bracelet will vibrate when the call is incoming)
• 💬 Select notification apps (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS)
• 🔕 Set up Do Not Disturb (turn off notifications overnight)

For Mi Band 7 Pro and later, you can set up response templates (such as “I’ll call you back” or “OK”) and send them straight from the bracelet.

Next, set up activity tracking:

Mi Band 8 Pro models have a function to measure blood oxygen levels (SpO₂). For accurate readings, measure SpO₂ resting, sitting or lying down, not immediately after exercise.

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If notifications come with a delay, open your phone settings → Apps → Mi Fitness → Battery and turn off power optimization for that app.

5. Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even with the right synchronization, users sometimes have problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The bracelet doesn’t sync after the app update

This is a typical issue after the major Mi Fitness updates.

1. Remove the bracelet from the application (Profile → Delete the device).
2. Forget the device in your phone's Bluetooth settings.
3. Reboot your phone and bracelet (to reboot the bracelet, plug it into charging and hold the 10 seconds button).
4. Repeat the synchronization process again.

Problem 2: Data not updated (steps, sleep, pulse)

The reasons may be different:

• 📵 Weak Bluetooth connection – bring your phone closer to the bracelet.
• 🔋 Low Bracelet Charge – Charge to 50% or higher.
• 📱 Background activity restrictions – check battery settings for Mi Fitness.

Problem 3: The bracelet is constantly off

Most often it has to do with energy saving on your phone. On Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, open Settings → Applications → Mi Fitness → Battery and select “No Limits.” On Samsung, add the app to the “Do Not Optimize” list.

⚠️ Warning: If after all the manipulations, the bracelet still does not sync, try resetting it to factory settings. → Additionally. → Reset. Once reset, all data from the bracelet will be deleted! 💡90% of sync problems are solved by rebooting the bracelet and phone, as well as checking the permissions for the Mi Fitness app. 6. Alternative synchronization (if the standard one doesn't work) If the official Mi Fitness app refuses to work, you can use third-party solutions. These are suitable for users with non-standard firmware or phones without Google services. Method 1: Notify & Fitness for Mi Band is the most popular alternative software for the Mi Band, it supports all bracelet models and offers advanced notification settings. Download it from Google Play (for Android) or the App Store (for iOS: ✅ Support for all Mi Band models, including old ones ✅ Flexible notification settings (you can choose vibration, backlight color) ✅ Works without Xiaomi account Method 2: Tools & Mi Band (Android only) This app is suitable for advanced users, as it allows you to configure hidden features of the bracelet. For example, you can change the order of the screens, turn off unnecessary notifications or adjust gestures. 4PDA. Method 3: Connect via Mi Home (for users of the Xiaomi ecosystem) If you have other Xiaomi devices (such as a smart lamp or robot vacuum cleaner), you can try connecting the bracelet through the Mi Home app. Select "Wearable devices" → Follow the instructions on the screen (similar to Mi Fitness). Note that there are fewer features available in Mi Home to set up the bracelet, but the basic data (steps, sleep) will be synchronized. 7. How to transfer data from one phone to another If you change your smartphone, you do not necessarily lose your entire activity history. Data can be transferred if you used the same Xiaomi account. Step 1: On the old phone, open Mi Fitness and make sure that all data is synchronized with the cloud. To do this, go to Profile → Setting → Synchronize Now and click on the new phone, install Mi Fitness, and take a few minutes to download from the new phone. All settings (notifications, activity goals) will have to be reconfigured, but the history of steps, sleep and training will remain. ⚠️ Note: If you don't remember the password from your Xiaomi account, restore it here. Without access to your account, you can't transfer data — it's tied to your profile, not your bracelet. For users who haven't used cloud sync, there's an alternative way to export data manually. In Mi Fitness go to Profile → Export the data and save the file to the old device. Then transfer it to the new phone and import it through the same menu. Note that this method does not work with all versions of the application. 8. Tips for extending the life of the bracelet and stable synchronization To ensure that your Mi Band works without failure, follow these recommendations: 1. Regularly update the firmware Manufacturer releases updates that correct errors and improve stability. To check for updates, open Mi Fitness, go to Device Profile → Update the firmware. Only update when the bracelet is at least 50% charged. 2. Keep your contacts clean. Sweat and dirt can disrupt the connection between the bracelet and the charger. Once a month wipe the contacts on the bracelet and dock with an alcohol napkin. Avoid moisture in the connector! 3. Optimize battery settings On Android phones, add Mi Fitness to the power saving exception list. On iPhone, check that the app is allowed background mode in Settings → Mi Fitness → Background update. 4. Avoid overheating and cold Do not leave the bracelet in direct sunlight (for example, on a car torpedo) or in the freezer. Optimal operating temperature - from 0°C to 45°C. When overheating, the bracelet can turn off, and in severe cold - show incorrect pulse data. 5. If you decide to sell or give the bracelet, be sure to reset it to the factory settings. This will delete all your data and untie the device from the account. → Additionally. → Reset. 💡Regular firmware updates and proper contact care extend the life of the bracelet on the phone. 30-50% longer than standard service life. FAQ: Frequently asked questions: Can you sync the Mi Band with two phones at once? Officially, no. The bracelet is tied to one device, but you can manually switch the binding, removing the bracelet from the app on one phone and adding it to the other. This will be duplicated in both accounts if you use the same Xiaomi profile. Why does the bracelet show the wrong number of steps? This may be due to: Wrong position of the bracelet on your hand (wear it on your hand) 2-3 Active gestures (e.g. if you wave your hands often), calibration failure. Try resetting pedometer data in bracelet settings. How to turn off bracelet call notifications? Open Mi Fitness, go to Device Profile → Notifications → Calls and turn off the slider. You can also set up exceptions for individual contacts. How long does it take to fully synchronize data? When you first connect, synchronization can take up to three times a day. 10 minutes, especially if you have a long history of activity, and with regular use, the data is updated almost instantly (within a few minutes). 1-2 You can use Mi Band without your phone? Yes, the bracelet will count steps, measure pulse and track sleep offline, but to view detailed statistics, update the firmware and adjust notifications, the phone will still need to be stored in the wristband memory for about 7 days, after which it begins to be rewritten.