How to Manage Xiaomi Mi Band 4: From Connection to Hidden Features

Why you need Mi Band 4 and what it can do

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular wearables even years after its release, with its main advantages being compact, up to 20 days of autonomy and rich functionality at a modest price, but many users use only 20% of the gadget’s capabilities, unaware of how deeply they can customize it.

Not only can it count steps and display notifications, but it can also help you control sleep by phase, start automatic activity recognition workouts, control music on your smartphone, and use hidden gestures (such as raising your hand to illuminate the screen), but without the right setup, most of the features remain unavailable.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways Mi Band 4 is managed, from basic connectivity to advanced tricks that aren’t mentioned in the official manual, and learn how to sync the bracelet with Android and iOS, set up notifications, update the firmware manually, and even reset the device if it stops responding.

Connecting Mi Band 4 to a smartphone: step-by-step instructions

The first step after buying is pairing the bracelet with a smartphone. Without that, you won't be able to set up notifications, workouts or update firmware. The process is different for Android and iPhone, but in both cases, you'll need the official Mi Fit app (or its Zepp Life alternative for newer versions).

Download the app from Google Play or the App Store, then follow the instructions:

• 📱 Install the app and register (you can use Google, Apple) ID phone number).
• 🔍 Click "Add device» → Choose "Breasure» → Mi Smart Band 4.
• 🔗 Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and wait until the bracelet appears on the list.
• 🔄 Confirm pairing on both devices (vibration will appear on the bracelet).

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet is not in place, make sure it is charged (the indicator should flash when connecting to charging). Also check if it is connected to another phone - Mi Band 4 supports only one active pairing.

Once connected, the app will suggest updating the firmware. Don't refuse - the new version fixes synchronization errors and adds new features (for example, support for additional dials). The update takes 5-10 minutes, the bracelet will reboot automatically.

Basic gestures and touch screen control

Mi Band 4 is equipped with color AMOLED-It's a touchscreen, but not everyone knows how to use it effectively:

• 👆 Swipe up/down – scroll through menus or notifications.
• 👈 Swipe left/right – switch between screens (main screen, statistics, weather, etc.).
• 🔘 Touch – selecting a menu item or opening a notification.
• 🔙 Long press (2-3 seconds) – return to the main screen from any menu.

By default, the bracelet screen only turns on when you raise your hand or press a button. If this function is unstable, check the settings in the application:

1. Open Mi Fit. → Choose your bracelet.
2. Go to Screen Settings → Raise your hand to activate.
3. Adjust the sensitivity or turn off the function if it works too often.

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If the Mi Band 4 screen doesn’t respond to touch, wipe it with a dry wipe — sometimes fat or sweat is the cause. Also check if the “Screen Lock” mode is turned on in the bracelet settings.

Hidden function: If you quickly shake the bracelet (as when you shake the thermometer), it will show the current time, even if the screen is locked. This only works when the gesture in the settings is turned on (Gesturals → Shake to display the time).

Set up notifications: calls, SMS and messengers

One of the main features of the Mi Band 4 is to alert you about calls, messages and events in the calendar. By default, the bracelet vibrates and shows the notification text, but you can adjust filtering to avoid receiving spam.

To include notifications:

1. In Mi Fit, select the bracelet → Notifications.
2. Activate the "Enable notifications" switch.
3. Select the apps you want to see alerts from (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).

⚠️ Note: On iPhone, notifications are limited due to Apple's policy.The bracelet will only show an incoming call or SMS, Not Telegram or Viber alerts unless configured via Mi Fit as "system".

To prevent notifications from discharged the bracelet, set the "Do Not Disturb" mode:

• 🕒 In Mi Fit go to Don't Disturb.
• 🔄 Set a schedule (for example, from 23:00 to 7:00).
• 🔔 Or turn on the manual swipe mode down on the bracelet's home screen.

Exercise management and health monitoring

The Mi Band 4 supports 6 training regimes: running, walking, cycling, gym, swimming and general training.

1. On the bracelet, swipe to the right to the Training screen.
2. Choose the type of activity (e.g., running).
3. Press the screen to start. Use the same button to pause or stop.

After training, the data is automatically synchronized with Mi Fit, where you can view:

• 📊 Graphic of pulse and calories.
• 🏃‍♂️ Route map (if included) GPS smartphone).
• 🏆 Achievements (e.g. calories burned or distance traveled).

Important: To accurately measure your pulse during exercise, wear a bracelet 2-3 fingers above your wrist and tighten the strap tighter than usual, otherwise the sensor may show incorrect data due to the movement of the hand.

In addition to training, Mi Band 4 tracks:

• 💤 Sleep in phases (deep, light, REM).
• 🩺 Real-time pulse (with adjustable measurement interval).
• 😓 Stress level (requires inclusion in Mi Fit settings).

Update firmware and reset settings

Regular firmware updates fix bugs, add new dials, and improve autonomy.

Method 1: Mi Fit (recommended)

1. Open the app and select a bracelet.
2. If an update is available, a notification will appear. Click "Update".
3. Wait until the bracelet is completed (reboot automatically).

Method 2: Manually via firmware file

If the automatic update does not work (for example, due to regional restrictions), you can install the firmware manually:

Download the latest firmware from amazfitwatchfaces.com

Connect the bracelet to charge and make sure the charge is >50%

Install Notify & Fitness for Mi Band (Android)

Turn off Bluetooth in your phone settings (to avoid conflicts)

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Instructions for manual firmware:

1. Download the firmware file (.fw or.bin format).
2. Place it in the MiFit/firmware folder on your phone.
3. In Mi Fit, check for updates – the bracelet should detect the file.

⚠️ Warning: Interrupting the refresh process may cause the bracelet to "brick" (it will stop turning on). If the screen is out and does not respond to charging, try resetting: Connect the bracelet to charging. Press and hold the touch button for 15-20 seconds until you feel the vibration. After the reboot, do re-pairing. Hidden features and life hacks for Mi Band 4 Even experienced users are unaware of some of the bracelet's features. Here are some useful tricks: 🔍 Phone search: in the bracelet menu, select “More» → «Find the phone. The bracelet will make the smartphone emit an audible signal (works even in silent mode). 🎵 Music Management: Swipe down on the home screen → Choose Music. You can switch tracks and adjust volume (requires a phone connection). 🔋 Saving Charge: Turn off the screen’s constant lighting (Settings) → Display. → Illumination) and reduce the pulse rate to "Every 30 minutes». 🌙 Night mode: in Mi Fit, set up automatic screen dimming from 22:00 to 6:00 so as not to blind at night. Another little-known feature is unlocking your smartphone (Android only). → Unlock your phone. Follow the instructions for setting up your Smart Lock (you will need to enable Settings). → Security → Smart Lock on your phone). 💡If the bracelet stopped synchronizing data, try "reset cache" in Mi Fit: Profile → Settings → Clear the cache. This often solves problems with displaying steps or sleep. Troubleshooting: what to do if the Mi Band 4 doesn't work. Problems and solutions: Problem Possible cause Not to turn on Battery Discharged or Misfired Power up Charge 30 minutes. If it doesn't work, reset the settings (see above). Don't sync the Bluetooth Failure or app cache Reboot the phone and bracelet. Clean the Mi Fit cache. Incorrect position on the hand Wear the bracelet on the non-working hand (for right-handers - on the left) and tighten the strap tighten tighten to touches Sensor Pollution Fit or Fit device reset. If you don's hold the phone on the vibe on the phone again on the phone after you use the battery. If nothing works, try alternative apps like Notify & Fitness or Tools & Mi Band. They often work better with outdated firmware. FAQ: Questions about the Mi Band 4: Can I swim with the Mi Band 4? Yes, the bracelet has 5 protections ATM, But you don't want to go deeper than 50 meters or expose it to hot water, like in a sauna, and then you can wash it with fresh water and dry it, and how do you change the strap? The strap is mounted on standard pins, and you can remove it. Turn over the bracelet and find the little button next to the mount. Press it with a screwdriver or a nail, while pulling the strap to the side. Install a new strap (any 20mm for the Mi Band 4 will do). The original Xiaomi straps are standing. ~500 rubles, but you can use compatible from third-party manufacturers. How long does the battery last and how do you replace it? The average battery life is 2-3 years when you're in active use. If the bracelet starts to run out in 1-2 days, it's time to change the battery. Self-replacement is possible, but requires care: Remove the strap and put the back cover on a plastic card (it's on the latches). Unplug the screen plume and carefully remove the battery (stick on double-sided tape). Install a new battery (e.g., a new battery, BL-T08 135 mAh, and put the bracelet back together — ~1,000-1,500 rubles. Can you use the Mi Band 4 without a smartphone? Yes, but with limitations: 🕒 Show the time and date (if they were synchronized earlier). 🏃‍♂️ Counting steps and calories (data will be stored in the memory of the bracelet). ❤️ Measure your pulse manually (but not automatically). However, notifications, firmware updates and detailed statistics will not be available without connecting to Mi Fit. How to transfer data to a new bracelet? Xiaomi officially does not support data transfer between devices, but you can save history: In Mi Fit, export data to Google Fit or Apple Health. Connect a new bracelet and wait for the first synchronization. Import old data back (for example, through Google Fit). Note that sleep and training will not be fully transferred - only general indicators (steps, calories).