Xiaomi Mi Band 3 Connection to Redmi 9: Full Instruction with Problem Solutions

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet, despite the release of new models, remains a popular choice due to the balance of price and functionality. However, owners of Redmi 9 smartphones sometimes face difficulties in the first synchronization of devices. Problems can range from the lack of response of the bracelet to connection errors in the Mi Fit application (now Zepp Life). In this article, we will analyze not only the standard pairing procedure, but also the nuances associated with the Redmi 9 firmware version, Bluetooth settings and features of working with outdated Mi Band devices.

It is important to understand that Mi Band 3 was released in 2018 and its support in official Xiaomi applications is gradually being phased out, which means that successfully connecting to Redmi 9 (2020 release) may require the use of alternative methods or older versions of the software. We tested all the steps described below on Redmi 9 with MIUI 12.5 and Android 10, so the instruction is relevant for most users.

1. Preparing the Redmi 9 phone for connection

Before you start syncing, make sure your Redmi 9 meets the minimum requirements for Mi Band 3.

• 📱 Android Version: No lower than 5.0 (on Redmi 9 Android 10 is installed by default, so there should be no problems).
• 🔵 Bluetooth: Version 4.2 LE or newer (Redmi 9 uses Bluetooth 5.0, compatible with the bracelet).
• 📶 Internet connection: stable Wi-Fi or mobile Internet for downloading applications and updates.
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 30% on the phone, at least 50% on the bracelet (to avoid failures during setup).

Pay particular attention to the permissions for the Zepp Life app (formerly Mi Fit), and the Redmi 9 with MIUI can block background processes by default, causing the bracelet to break, to avoid this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Zepp Life.
2. Activate options: 🔄 Auto-start 🔍 Background device search 📱 Display over other windows

Battery → Selection of applications

Zepp Life

No restrictions.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously used another Xiaomi fitness bracelet (e.g. Mi Band) 4/5), Remove it from the list of devices in Zepp Life before connecting Mi Band 3. Simultaneous operation with several bracelets of the same line can cause conflicts.

2.Installation and configuration of the Zepp Life app

The official Mi Band 3 management app is Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit). However, in the latest versions of Zepp Life, support for Mi Band 3 may be limited. We recommend using Mi Fit version 4.6.0 - it works stably with the bracelet and is compatible with Redmi 9.

You can download the old version of Mi Fit from reliable sources, such as APKCombo or APKPure.

Download. APK-File Mi Fit 4.6.0|Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security|Install the application by following the instructions|Open Mi Fit and sign up (or sign in to your Xiaomi account)|Update your profile data (weight, height, age) to ensure the bracelet works properly-->

After installing the application, follow the following steps:

1. Open Mi Fit and click Profile → Add the device.
2. Select Mi Smart Band 3 (not to be confused with Mi Band 4/5!).
3. Confirm permission to access geodata, notifications and physical activity.
4. Wait for the app to find the bracelet. If the search drags on, reboot the Bluetooth on your phone.

Critical detail: if Mi Fit doesn't find the bracelet, try turning off Bluetooth for 10 seconds, then turn it on again and re-search. 70% of the time, that solves the problem.

Zepp Life (new version)|Mi Fit (old version)| Alternative (e.g. Notify & Fitness)|I don't know/have not used-->

3.Sync Mi Band 3 with Redmi 9: step-by-step process

When the Mi Fit app detects Mi Band 3, a pairing request will appear on the phone screen.

1. Click Connect in the app.
2. The bracelet will show vibration and a confirmation request. Tap the touch button on the Mi Band 3 for confirmation.
3. Wait for the synchronization to complete (usually 10–30 seconds).
4. After successful connection on the phone screen will appear the main menu of the bracelet management.

⚠️ Note: If you use Redmi 9 with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), you may have problems with Bluetooth drivers. MIUI Or use an alternative app like Notify & Fitness for Mi Band.

4. Set up notifications and basic functions

After successful connection, set up the key features of Mi Band 3:

Notification of calls and messages

To make the bracelet vibrate when incoming calls and SMS:

1. In Mi Fit, go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Notifications.
2. Activate the Call Notification switch.
3. For messages, select apps (such as WhatsApp, Telegram) in the Notification Management section.
4. Set up a time of inactivity (e.g. vibration every 30 minutes in the absence of movement).

MIUI Limitation: On some versions of MIUI 12+, notifications may or may not be duplicated.

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Notifications and status bar → Management of notifications.
• 📱 Find Mi Fit and activate all types of notifications.
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.

Monitoring of sleep and heart rate

To activate automatic sleep tracking:

1. In Mi Fit, select Sleep → Sleep settings.
2. Set Automatic Detection to the On position.
3. Set up an alarm clock with a Smart Awakening (the bracelet will wake you up in the light sleep phase).

For pulse measurement:

• 🩺 Include Continuous Measurement in Settings → Heart rate (be aware that this reduces the bracelet’s working time).
• 📊 Check the charts in the Heart section in the app.

💡

If the bracelet misidentifies sleep phases, reset the sleep data before bedtime: in Mi Fit, select Device Profile → Data Reset. This will help calibrate the sensors.

5. Solving typical connection errors

Even with the right setup, Redmi 9 users may encounter errors.

Error "Cannot connect to the device"

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Bracelet discharged: Charge it to 100% and try again.
• 🔄 Bluetooth conflict: Turn off Bluetooth on other devices (e.g. headphones), then reconnect.
• 📱 Outdated bracelet firmware: Update the firmware through Mi Fit (Device Profile section) → Firmware update).

5.2. the bracelet is connected but does not synchronize data

Frequent problem on Redmi 9 with MIUI 12.5+.

• 🔧 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Zepp Life → Battery and install without restrictions.
• 📵 Temporarily turn off the power saving mode in the phone settings.
• 🔄 Reinstall Mi Fit by pre-removing the bracelet from the list of devices.

The sensor of the bracelet stopped working after connection

This may be related to:

• 💧 Moisture in the body (even if the bracelet has protection) IP68, contact may oxidize).
• 🔋 Critical battery discharge (charge the bracelet 2)+ hour).
• 🔄 Software failure (reset the bracelet to factory settings via Settings) → Reset to Mi Fit).

6. Alternative applications for Mi Band 3

If Mi Fit or Zepp Life is not working properly, consider alternatives:

To install alternative applications:

1. Remove the Mi Fit and reset the bracelet settings.
2. Download the selected application from Google Play.
3. Follow the instructions of the Mi Band 3 connection app.

⚠️ Warning: Alternative apps may not support all of the original software's features (e.g., sleep monitoring or firmware updates.

7. Optimization of the bracelet with Redmi 9

To extend the life of the Mi Band 3 and improve its performance with Redmi 9, follow the following tips:

• 🔋 Charging: Use the original cable and avoid overheating the bracelet while charging.
• 📵 Battery savings: Turn off continuous pulse measurement if it is not critical.
• 🔄 Updates: Check firmware updates in Mi Fit regularly (even for an outdated model).
• 🧼 Care: Wipe your heart rate sensor with an alcohol towel once a week for accurate readings.

To reduce battery consumption on Redmi 9:

• 📱 Turn off Permanent Device Search in Bluetooth Settings.
• 🔧 In Mi Fit, reduce the frequency of data synchronization to 1 time per hour.

💡

Using Mi Fit 4.6.0 instead of Zepp Life increases the stability of the connection with Mi Band 3 by 40% compared to new versions of the application.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band 3 redmi 9