How to install and sync your watch on Xiaomi Mi Band 4

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 remains one of the most popular fitness bracelets even years after its release, and its main advantage is ease of use, but many users face problems when setting the time for the first time. Unlike modern models with automatic synchronization via GPS, the Mi Band 4 completely depends on the smartphone for correct display of date and time.

In this article, you will find 3 working ways to set a watch on a wristband: through the Mi Fit app, manually, and using alternative firmware. We will also analyze common errors that cause time to be confused or displayed incorrectly, and give recommendations for optimizing synchronization to save battery life.

Special attention will be paid to the hidden function "Autosynchronization by alarm", which allows you to update the time on the bracelet without constantly connecting to the phone - this is important for users who wear the Mi Band 4 separately from the smartphone (for example, during training or sleep).

Preparation for setting up: what to check before setting the time

Before you start changing the time on Mi Band 4, make sure you meet the basic conditions:

• 📱 The official application - Mi Fit (for the first time) Android/iOS) Alternative apps like Notify & Fitness or Mi Band Master may not support all sync features.
• 🔄 The bracelet is connected to your phone via Bluetooth. Check that your smartphone's Bluetooth settings show the Mi Band 4 as "Connected" (not just "Conjugated").
• 🕒 The phone has the right time. The bracelet takes the data from there, so if the smartphone has a clock down, it will also be incorrect on the Mi Band 4.
• 🔋 Battery charge above 20%.At low charge, some functions (including synchronization) can be blocked.

If you are using Mi Band 4 NFC, please note that this version may require additional firmware updates through the Mi Fit app. Check the relevance of the software in Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Firmware Update.

⚠️ Note: If you recently reset your bracelet to factory settings (Settings) → Reset on the device itself, the time will automatically reset to the default value (January 1, 2019, 00:00.

Method 1: Automatic synchronization via Mi Fit (recommended method)

This is the most reliable and simple way, and it works 95% of the time.

1. Open the Mi Fit app and wait until it connects to the bracelet (the Mi Band 4 icon with a tick will appear at the top of the screen).
2. Go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 (or Device in newer versions of the app).
3. Scroll down to the Settings Unit and select Date and Time.
4. Activate the switch Auto-Synchronization time. After that, the bracelet should automatically update the clock for 10 to 30 seconds.

If the synchronization has not occurred:

• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (press the touch button 10 seconds before vibration).
• 📱 Restart the Mi Fit app and reconnect the device.
• 🔌 Turn Bluetooth on/off on your phone.

In some regions (e.g. China), autosynchronization may be hidden.

Go to Settings → About device → The firmware version on the bracelet and press 5 times in a row. After that, the Sync Time option will appear on the menu (for firmware only up to version 1.0.9.54).

Method 2: Manual timing (if automatic synchronization is not working)

If your Mi Band 4 is not synced with your phone (for example, due to unofficial firmware or Bluetooth issues), you can set the time manually.

1. On the bracelet itself, swipe your finger up the screen to open the menu.
2. Select the Settings (cog icon).
3. Scroll to Additional and press Date and Time.
4. Turn off Auto Sync (if active) and manually install: 🕐 Time zone (select the nearest city) ⏰ Time format (12- or 24-hour) 📅 Date (day, month, year)

Once you save the settings, the bracelet will reboot and the new time will apply.

• ❌ The bracelet will not automatically update the time when switching to winter/summer time.
• ❌ When resetting settings or battery discharge, time will reset.
• ✅ This method works without a phone connection (good for travel).

⚠️ Note: On some informal firmware (e.g. Custom Firmware by Alex), manual timing may cause pedometer malfunctions.

Method 3: Alternative methods (for advanced users)

If the standard methods do not work, you can use one of the following solutions:

1 Use of the Notify & Fitness for Mi Band app

This third-party app offers advanced settings for the Mi Band 4, including forced time synchronization.

1. Install the app from Google Play (Android only).
2. Connect the bracelet via Menu → Connect device.
3. Go to Device settings → Time sync and press Force sync.

2. Update firmware through Mi Fit

Sometimes, the time display failures are due to outdated firmware.

1. Open Mi Fit and go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Firmware Update.
2. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (the bracelet will reboot).

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If the update is 0% down, try disabling VPN or switching to mobile internet – sometimes the issues involve locking Xiaomi servers on your network.

3. Reset bracelet settings

Extreme measure if nothing helps:

1. On the bracelet: Settings → Reset (confirmation required).
2. In the Mi Fit app, remove the device (Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Delete the device) and reconnect.

⚠️ Warning: After reset, all data (steps, pulse, alarm settings) will be deleted!

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after a successful setup, the time on the Mi Band 4 may not work properly.

1.Time on the bracelet lags behind or rushes

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Weak battery power - at levels below 15%, the bracelet can save energy by reducing the synchronization frequency.Solution: Charge the device to 100%.
• 📶 Unstable Bluetooth connection - if the signal is interrupted, the sync is not complete. Solution: bring the phone closer to the bracelet or reconnect the device.
• ⚙️ Firmware failure is especially true for unofficial versions. Solution: Go back to stock firmware via Mi Fit.

2.Time zone gets lost on flights

Mi Band 4 does not support automatic time zone detection by GPS.

• 🌍 Manually change the time zone on the bracelet (Settings) → Date and time).
• 📱 Or update your time via Mi Fit after arrival (requires internet on your phone).

3.Date is down as 1 January 2019

This is the standard behavior of the bracelet when:

• 🔄 Resetting settings.
• 🔋 Full battery discharge.
• ⚠️ Hardware failure (rarely).

Solution: Re-synchronize the time via Mi Fit or set manually.

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If the problem with time is repeated regularly, check the integrity of the battery bracelet - when the battery wears out (after 2-3 years of use), there may be malfunctions in the microcontroller responsible for the watch.

Optimizing synchronization to save charge

Constant time synchronization consumes battery power Mi Band 4.

• ⏳ Set the sync interval in Mi Fit: Go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Settings of the device → Select the Sync Interval and set the value of 1 hour or 3 hours (instead of the standard 30 minutes).
• 🛌 Use "Alarm Alarm Autosynchronization": This feature updates the time only during the alarm clock vibration, saving energy. → Alarm clocks → Synchronization settings.
• 📴 Turn off Bluetooth on your phone during periods of inactivity (such as at night) if you don’t use sleep tracking.