The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular gadgets for tracking activity, despite the release of new models, its main trump cards are ease of control, long-term autonomy and wide functionality for a reasonable price, but many users use only 20% of the deviceβs capabilities, without even knowing about hidden settings and life hacks.
In this article, you'll find step-by-step instructions for managing the Mi Band 5, from the first connection to fine-tuning notifications, training and energy saving, how to sync the bracelet to your phone, configure the display of data on the screen, activate sleep and exercise modes, and solve typical problems like no notifications or quick battery discharge. If you've just unpacked the device or want to squeeze the most out of it, read on.
Before diving into the settings, make sure your bracelet is at least 30% charged. Connect it to the charger (magnetic connector) and wait for the charging indicator to appear on the screen. The Mi Band 5 is compatible with Android 5.0+ and iOS 10.0+, but you will need the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) to work properly.
1. First Connection and Configurement of Mi Band 5
Start by turning on the bracelet: press and hold the touch button under the screen for 3-5 seconds until the Mi logo appears. After that, the device will automatically go into pairing mode, which is signaled by a flashing indicator on the screen.
Follow the algorithm further:
- π± Open the Mi Fitness app on your smartphone and log in (or create a Xiaomi account).
- π Press Β«+Β» top-right β Β«Add the deviceΒ» β Choose "BreasureΒ» β Mi Smart Band 5.
- π Allow the app to access Bluetooth, notifications and geolocation (the latter is needed for accurate jogging tracking).
- π Wait for the synchronization to be completed - the bracelet vibrates and displays the tick.
If the device is not located, check:
- π Bracelet charge level (at a discharge below 10% the pairing may not work).
- πΆ Telephone distance (maximum 10 meters without obstacles).
- π Restart Bluetooth on your smartphone and repeat the search.
β οΈ Note: If you have previously used Mi Band 4, reset your settings through Profile β Mi Smart Band 4 β Untie the device to avoid conflicts when connecting the new model.
2.Manage the main functions through the screen of the bracelet
Mi Band 5 is equipped with touch AMOLED-It's a single mechanical button underneath the display, and the navigation is intuitive, but it's nuanced:
- π Scroll the menu: swipe up/down the screen.
- π Back: Swipe left or press the physical button.
- β Select the item: touch the screen (do not press the button!).
- π Quick battery access: swipe right on the home screen.
The main screen displays the time, date, battery charge, steps and pulse to change the order or hide unnecessary widgets:
- Open Mi Fitness β Go to Profile β Mi Smart Band 5 β Screen settings.
- Select βDisplay Orderβ and drag the widgets in the desired order.
- Turn off the unnecessary ones by moving the slider to the left.
The unique feature of the Mi Band 5 is personal dials with animations, which can be downloaded for free in the application (Dials section) or create your own through services like Amazfit Watch Faces (compatible with Mi Band 5 via APK).
| Gesture. | Action. | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Touch the screen | Select a menu item | It doesn't work on the home screen. |
| Swipe up/down | Scrolling through the menu | In some dials, swipe down opens the weather |
| Swipe left | Going back | The alternative is a physical button. |
| Double touch. | Screen awakening | It only works if it is included in the settings. |
| Clutch the screen | Quick dial switching | You need to activate the settings. β Display. |
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If the bracelet screen does not respond to touch, wipe it with a wet wipe - fat and sweat can block the sensor. If the problem persists, restart the device (hold the 10 seconds button).
3. Set up notifications and calls
By default, Mi Band 5 shows notifications from calls, SMS and some messengers, but the list can be expanded.
- In the Mi Fitness app, go to Profile β Mi Smart Band 5 β Notifications.
- Turn on the Notifications slider and select the apps you want to see alerts from.
- Set up the display style: π Calls: vibration + subscriber. π¬ Messages: vibration + text (up to 120 characters). π Other: vibration only.
For Android, advanced configuration is available through system parameters:
- Open your phone settings β Applications β Mi Fitness β Notifications.
- Enable permission to "Access Notifications."
- Return to Mi Fitness and update your list of apps.
To start training:
- On the bracelet, swipe up to the point "Training".
- Select the type of activity (e.g., βRunningβ).
- Tap the screen to start β the bracelet will start tracking your pulse, pace and route (if GPS is enabled via your phone).
- Upon completion, click βCompleteβ and save the results.
For swimming, the Mi Band 5 has 5 ATM protection, allowing you to dive to depths of up to 50 meters. However, after bathing in salt or chlorinated water, wash the bracelet with fresh water and dry.
How to enable automatic recognition of training?
| Parameter | Automatically. | Manually. |
|---|---|---|
| Steps. | β | β |
| Pulse. | β (every 30 minutes) | β (continuously) |
| Son | β (22:00 to 8:00) | β |
| Training. | β (if recognition is enabled) | β (more precisely) |
5. Monitoring sleep and stress
Mi Band 5 analyzes sleep in 4 phases: wakefulness, light sleep, deep sleep and sleep. REM-phase (rapid eye movement) for accurate data:
- π Wear a bracelet on a non-working arm (usually the left arm).
- π Go to bed at the same time (bracelet takes into account the regularity of the time).
- π Battery charge must be above 20% (otherwise the tracking is turned off).
To view the statistics:
- In the Mi Fitness app, go to the Sleep tab.
- Select a date β a graph with phases and an assessment of sleep quality (from 0 to 100) will be displayed.
- Tap the chart to see the details: time to fall asleep, wake up and recommendations.
The stress monitoring function measures the level of tension by heart rate, and if it's above 75 percent, the bracelet vibrates and suggests that you do breathing exercises.
- On the screen of the bracelet will appear animation with the hint βBreatheβ.
- Follow the rhythm (inhale for 4 seconds, delay for 4, exhale for 6).
- After 1-3 minutes of exercise, the bracelet will show a new level of stress.
β οΈ Attention: Stress monitoring works only when continuous pulse measurement is turned on (battery discharge will accelerate by 10-15%). β Heart rate β Measurement mode, if autonomy is more important.
6. Energy saving and increase of working hours
Officially, the Mi Band 5 holds a charge of up to 14 days, but in practice, the time is dependent on the settings.
- π Turn off continuous pulse: Leave only automatic measurement (every 30 minutes).
- π΄ Reduce the brightness of the screen: in Settings β Display. β Brightness choose 2-3 divisions.
- π Limit notifications: leave only calls and SMS.
- π Turn on sleep mode: from 23:00 to 7:00 the screen will be activated only by the button.
If the bracelet is discharged in 3-5 days, check:
Continuous pulse measurement|Constant synchronization with the phone (Bluetooth)|Active tracking GPS|Frequent notifications|Old dial (some consume a lot of energy)-->
To reset the settings to factory (if the bracelet is glitchy or does not hold the charge):
- Untie the device in Mi Fitness (Profile β Mi Smart Band 5 β Untie).
- On the bracelet, go to Settings β Reset (last item).
- Confirm the action - the bracelet will reset.
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The most energy-intensive mode is GPS tracking, and one 30-minute pool workout can reduce autonomy by 20 to 25 percent.
7. Hidden functions and life hacks
Mi Band 5 does more than it looks. Here are some little-known things:
- π Phone search: in the bracelet menu, select βFind the phoneβ β the smartphone will start ringing at full volume.
- π΅ Music Management: Swipe left on the home screen β Player will appear (works with Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music).
- π‘ Weather for 5 days: add the weather widget to Mi Fitness (screen settings) β Weather).
- π Screen locking: in Settings β Lock it on. PIN-code (4 digits).
- πΈ Camera control: in the bracelet menu, select βCameraβ β works like a selfie remote (you need to open the camera on your phone first).
For advanced users:
- π Firmware via Amazfit Tools: allows you to install custom dials and activate hidden functions (for example, always on the screen.
- π Sync with Google Fit: in Mi Fitness go to Profile β Settings β Synchronize data and connect your Google account.
The Mi Band 5 is unique: menstrual control, and in the Mi Fitness app, you can enter cycle data in the Health tab, and the bracelet will remind you of critical days and fertile periods.
8. Solving typical problems
If the bracelet doesnβt sync, doesnβt show notifications, or behaves strangely, try these steps:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Not synchronizing. | Bluetooth failure | Reboot your phone and bracelet, then re-pair the pairing |
| Not showing notices | No permit. | Check notification settings in Mi Fitness and on your phone |
| It's discharged fast. | Continuous pulse/GPS | Turn off unnecessary functions in bracelet settings |
| Not an accurate pedometer | Wrong position | Wear a bracelet 2-3 fingers above your wrist |
| The screen is not responding. | Sensor contamination | Wipe the screen with a wet wipe |
If the bracelet has stopped turning on:
- Connect it to charging for 30 minutes (even if the indicator is not on).
- Press and hold the button for 15-20 seconds.
- If it doesnβt work, reset (see Section 6).
β οΈ Warning: If the bracelet doesn't work after falling or getting water, don't dry it with a hair dryer or battery - it could damage the battery.