How to connect Xiaomi fitness bracelet with your phone: full instructions from A to Z

Xiaomi fitness bracelets are some of the most popular wearables on the market, thanks to a combination of affordable prices, extensive functionality and reliable synchronization with smartphones. However, even with proven devices such as the Mi Band 7, Redmi Band 2 or Amazfit GTS 4, the process of connecting to your phone can be questionable, especially if you are experiencing this for the first time or switching from a different device.

In this article, we’ll explore not only basic synchronization steps through the official Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life), but also nuances that are rarely mentioned in standard instructions, such as why the bracelet is not determined by an Android 14 phone, how to circumvent iOS restrictions when you first connect, or what to do if the gadget connects but does not sync data, and you’ll find a table of compatibility of the bracelet models with smartphone firmware versions and a checklist for troubleshooting.

If you’ve tried to connect the bracelet to your phone and you’ve encountered an error like “Disconnected” or “Not found,” don’t rush to reset your device settings. 80% of the time, the problem is solved by setting up permissions or updating the software — and we’ll show you how to do it without unnecessary manipulation.

1.What Xiaomi bracelets support phone connection?

Before you start syncing, it’s important to make sure your bracelet model is designed to work with a smartphone at all. Xiaomi has several lines of wearables, and not all of them require a phone connection. For example, the Mi Band Lite (simplified version) can work autonomously, but with limited functionality.

Below is the current list of models that must be synchronized with a smartphone for full-fledged work:

• 📱 Mi Band 3/4/5/6/7/8 — all versions, including NFC-modification
• 📱 Redmi Band and Redmi Band 2 (including the version with the Redmi Band) SpO₂)
• 📱 Amazfit Bip U, Bip U Pro, GTS 2/3/4, GTR 2/3/4
• 📱 Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro (C) GPS and AMOLED-display)

Note that the Amazfit bracelets (such as the Amazfit GTR 4) are Xiaomi-branded, but they use another app, Zepp (formerly Amazfit), which is important to consider when choosing a synchronization program. Some models, such as the Mi Band 8 Pro, support independent work without a phone, but you still need to connect to update the firmware and adjust notifications.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi bracelets are not compatible with HarmonyOS phones (e.g. Huawei without Google services). APK-file.

2. Preparation of the phone to connect the bracelet

To avoid synchronization errors, the phone must meet several key requirements, and neglecting these conditions is the main reason why the bracelet doesn’t connect the first time.

Here is what you need to do before the procedure:

• 📲 Make sure that the phone has the latest version of the OS: Android - not lower than 7.0 Nougat (for new bracelets like Mi Band 8, Android 10 is recommended).+) iOS is not lower than iOS 12, but for Amazfit GTS 4 required for iOS 14+)
• 🔄 Turn on Bluetooth and geolocation (yes, it’s a must even for bracelets without a bracelet). GPS)
• 📥 Download the official appendix: For Mi Band/Redmi Band - Mi Fitness (Google Play / App Store) For Amazfit - Zepp (Google Play / App Store)
• 🔒 Allow the application to access: Contacts (to display notifications) Warehouse (for data backups) Phone (to manage bracelet calls) Physical activity (to synchronize steps)

On Android, it is also recommended to disable battery optimization for the Mi Fitness/Zepp app, otherwise sync may be interrupted. You can do this in the phone settings along the way: Settings → Applications → Mi Fitness → Battery → No restrictions.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect the bracelet to the phone

Now, to the synchronization process itself, the instructions are universal for most models, but we'll give you some nuances for specific devices.

Step 1. Turn on the bracelet.

New Xiaomi bracelets (such as the Mi Band 8) are activated automatically when connected to charging. If the screen does not catch fire, press and hold the touch button (or screen area) for 5 seconds. On the Mi Band 6 and older, you may need to connect the bracelet to the charger to turn on.

Step 2: Launch the app and create an account

Open Mi Fitness or Zepp and sign up (or sign in to an existing Xiaomi/Zepp account).If you already have a Mi Account, you can use it - the bracelet data will sync with the cloud.

Step 3: Start the connection process

In the app's main menu, click Add Device (or + in the upper right corner). Select your bracelet model from the list. If your model is not available, select Mi Smart Band (for Mi Band) or Amazfit (for devices in this line).

Step 4: Allow access to Bluetooth

The app will ask for permission to use Bluetooth and geolocation. Be sure to confirm both requests — without this connection is impossible. iOS may also request access to the Local Network — that's okay, agree.

Step 5. Synchronize the bracelet

Wait for the app to find your bracelet on the list of available devices (it can take up to 30 seconds). Click on the name of the bracelet, then confirm the pairing on the phone and on the bracelet itself (it will show vibration and a request for confirmation).

Step 6: Update the firmware (if required)

Once connected, the app may suggest updating the bracelet firmware. We recommend you agree, as new versions fix sync errors and add features. The update will take 2-5 minutes - do not interrupt the process and turn off Bluetooth.

If the bracelet is not detected, try:

• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (hold the 10 seconds button until vibration)
• 📱 Reboot the phone
• 🔗 Remove the bracelet from the list of associated Bluetooth devices in the phone settings and reconnect

4. Set up notifications and basic functions

Once successfully connected, the bracelet will be displayed in the app's main menu, and you can now configure key features:

Notifications of calls and messages

Go to Notifications and turn on the option to Show Notifications. Then select the apps you want to see on your bracelet (like WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail). On iOS, you also need to allow notifications in your settings: Settings → Notifications → Mi Fitness → Allow notifications.

Setting up the screen and dials

In the "Display" section you can:

• 🕒 Change the order of the screens (for example, make the first screen with steps)
• 🎨 Install a new dial (more than 100 options available, including animated ones)
• 🔦 Set up the brightness and time of the screen lighting

Health monitoring

In the Health or Health Monitoring menu, activate:

• ❤️ Measurement of pulse (automatic or on request)
• 🛌 Sleep tracking (including deep and superficial sleep phases)
• 🩺 Blood oxygen levels (SpO₂ — Available on the Mi Band 6+ newer)
• 😓 Stress level (requires calibration in the first 7 days)

⚠️ Note: On iPhone, the continuous pulse function may not work smoothly due to iOS limitations. To fix this, select Measure Every 30 Minutes mode in the bracelet settings instead of Continuous».

💡

If notifications come with a delay, in the phone settings, turn off battery optimization for the Mi Fitness app and add it to the "No Limits" list.

5.Table compatibility of Xiaomi bracelets with phones

Not all Xiaomi bracelets work equally well with different smartphones, and below is a table of compatibility of popular models with versions of Android and iOS, as well as the features of their interaction.

Important: Xiaomi bracelets do not support simultaneous connection to two phones.If you are trying to sync the gadget with a new smartphone, first remove it from the application on the old device.

6. Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even with the right connection, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The bracelet is connected but not synchronized with data Reason: Conflict with other Bluetooth devices or background battery optimization.

• Disable other Bluetooth gadgets (earphones, speakers)
• In your phone settings, add Mi Fitness to the “Optimization Exceptions” list.
• Reset the bracelet (hold the button for 10 seconds)

Problem 2: The app can't find the bracelet. Reason: The bracelet's outdated firmware, or the phone's already paired with another device.

• Update the bracelet firmware through the charger (if there is such a feature)
• Remove the bracelet from the list of Bluetooth devices in your phone settings
• Try connecting from another phone to reset your bracelet settings

Problem 3: Notifications don't come to the bracelet Reason: Android has no permissions, iOS has system limitations.

• On Android: Check that the Mi Fitness app settings include “Notifications” and “Sunset”
• On iOS: go to Settings → Notifications → Mi Fitness and turn on “Sounds” and “Icons”
• Make sure the bracelet is not in Flight Mode (some models have it switched on randomly)

Problem 4: The bracelet discharges quickly after connection Reason: Frequent pulse measurement or GPS enabled (on models with support).

• Reduce the pulse rate in the bracelet settings (e.g., once every 30 minutes instead of 1 minute)
• Turn off GPS if you don’t use route tracking
• Check if background sync processes are running (e.g. Google Fit)

7. Alternative ways of connecting (if the standard one does not work)

If the bracelet stubbornly does not want to connect through the official application, you can try workarounds, they are suitable for power users and in cases where standard synchronization is not possible (for example, on phones without Google Play Services).

Method 1: Connect via Notify & Fitness (for Mi Band)

Notify & Fitness (Google Play) allows you to connect Xiaomi bracelets without official software.

• 📲 It works on phones without Google Services (e.g. Huawei)
• 🔧 More notification settings than in Mi Fitness
• 🛠 Possibility of firmware bracelet custom firmware

Instructions:

1. Install Notify & Fitness and open it.
2. Turn on Bluetooth and allow access to notifications.
3. Select the bracelet model from the Devices menu.
4. Click "Connect" and confirm the pairing on the bracelet.

Method 2: Manual firmware updates via Mi Band Tools

If the bracelet is not connected due to outdated firmware, but the official application does not offer an update, you can use Mi Band Tools (Google Play).

• 🔄 Forced to update the bracelet firmware
• 🎛 Configure hidden functions (for example, change the order of screens)
• 📊 Export activity data to Google Fit

⚠️ Note: Using third-party applications to firmware the bracelet may lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the device.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)