Modern wearables have become an integral part of Xiaomi’s ecosystem, providing users with detailed statistics on health and activity. The initial installation process can seem confusing due to the need for specialized software and the right course of action.
In this article, we will discuss every step of activating your fitness tracker from connection to first synchronization. It is important to strictly adhere to the sequence of operations, since skipping even one step of setting up Bluetooth can block the further operation of the device. We will look at the nuances of working with the Mi Fitness application and Zepp Life, which are key to managing the bracelet.
Before starting the procedure, make sure your smartphone meets the minimum system requirements, usually with Android operating system version 6.0 or iOS 12.0 and higher, and Bluetooth module enabled. Do not try to connect the device through the phone's standard settings, ignoring the proprietary application, as this will not allow you to activate all the functions.
Preparation of the device and smartphone for synchronization
The first step is to physically prepare the tracker for operation, and if you just removed the device from the package, it can be in deep sleep mode to save battery life. You need to activate the screen by connecting the bracelet to the charger or simply pressing the touch button if the model provides for it. QR-brand code or logo that signals a willingness to pair.
In parallel, you should prepare your smartphone. Make sure that Bluetooth and geolocation (GPS) are activated in the wireless network settings. For proper route tracking and automatic time synchronization, access to geolocation is mandatory. Also check for a stable Internet connection, as the application will need to download the current configuration files for your model.
There is a common mistake when users try to find the bracelet through the Bluetooth menu in the phone settings. This is unnecessary and even harmful to the installation process. Direct connection through the system menu can reserve the device, after which the application will not be able to access it. Wait for a command from the proprietary utility to start the search.
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Before you start installing, restart your smartphone – this will clear the cache of the Bluetooth module and eliminate possible conflicts with previously connected devices.
Selecting and installing the right application
The key element of the ecosystem is control software. Depending on the year of release of your model and region, different platforms can be used. For new devices such as the Mi Smart Band 7, 8 or 9, as well as for global versions, the main application is Mi Fitness (formerly known as Xiaomi Wear).
Download the program should be exclusively from official stores: Google Play Market for Android or App Store for iOS. APK-files or modified versions may lead to leakage of personal data or unstable synchronization. After installing the application, you need to create an account or log in through an existing Xiaomi Account.
When registering, consider the region you choose. If you are in Russia or Europe, the region must be set accordingly.This affects the operation of sync servers and the availability of certain features, such as weather or news feed. Once you log in, the app will request permissions to access notifications, contacts and geolocations - all of which must be allowed.
The interface process through the application
Once you log in to the app, go to the user profile and select the option to add a new device. Usually the button is called "Add device" or has a "plus" icon. The system will prompt you to select the type of gadget from the list - select "Bracelet" or a specific model if it appears in the recommended ones.
When your tracker name appears on your smartphone screen (like Mi Smart Band 8), click on it. The bracelet and phone should have the same confirmation codes. Check them and confirm pairing on both devices, a security mechanism that protects against accidental connection to other devices.
⚠️ Note: If the app is searching for an error, “Device is busy” or “Disabled to connect”, it means that the bracelet was previously paired with another phone.
The pairing may require updating the firmware of the bracelet itself. Don't interrupt this process and keep the devices nearby. During the upgrade, the tracker screen may go out and light up again, which is normal behavior. Once the updates are successfully installed, the device will be synchronized, and you will see the main screen with step and pulse data.
☑️ Pre-conjugation check
Set up notifications and health features
Once successfully connected, there is a fine-tuning phase, and by default many functions can be disabled to save power. Go to the Device Profile section of the app to access the detailed settings, and you can configure the display of dials, the order of widgets, and the sensitivity of the sensors.
Special attention should be paid to the notification section. In order for the bracelet to vibrate when incoming calls or messages from messengers, you need to activate the appropriate switches in the Application Notifications menu. It is also important to check the permission to autorun the application in Android, otherwise the operating system can “kill” the synchronization process in the background.
For accuracy, calibrate your sensors. Go to your health monitoring settings and make sure that you have continuous heart rate and sleep monitoring enabled. For SpO2-enabled models, you can adjust the frequency of your blood oxygen measurements. Remember that frequent measurements consume a lot of battery power.
How do you set up dials?
Comparison of models and compatibility of functions
Different generations of wristbands have different functionality, and the app adapts the interface depending on the model connected. Below is a table showing the differences in supported features between popular versions of trackers.
| Function/Model | Mi Band 6 | Mi Band 7 / 8 | Mi Band 9 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in GPS | No (Connected GPS) | No (Connected GPS) | Yes (Independent) |
| NFC pay | Only in the NFC version | Only in the NFC version | Support |
| Always On Display | No. | There is. | There is. |
| Removable strap | Yeah (classic) | Yeah (capsule) | Yes (metal/skin) |
NFC models allow you to pay for purchases and use as an electronic pass, but this feature only works in certain regions and banks. Owners of basic versions do not have this feature hardware. It is also worth noting that the feature “always on display” (Always On Display) appeared only in the 7th series and later, which significantly affects autonomy.
When choosing accessories and straps, consider the mounting mechanism. Since the 6 Series, the mounting mechanism of the capsule has changed, making straps from the Mi Band 5 and below incompatible with new models, an important point when buying additional accessories to expand functionality.
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The compatibility of the straps is broken after the 5th version: for the Mi Band 6, 7, 8 and 9 need specific mounts, despite the visual similarity of the capsules.
Solving installation problems
Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have technical difficulties, and one of the most common problems is that the bracelet doesn't charge or turn on, and you have to wipe the contacts on the back of the capsule and on the charging cabal with an alcohol napkin, and the oxidation of the contacts often prevents the transmission of current.
If the app doesn't see the device, try "forgetting" the device in your phone's Bluetooth settings, completely uninstall the app, restart the smartphone, and install the utility again. Sometimes it helps to reset the bracelet to factory settings via the System -> Unbind menu.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use powerful chargers from smartphones (Quick Charge, Power Delivery) to charge the bracelet. 1 Ampere can damage the power controller. USB 2.0 computer or conventional adapters 5V/1And.
If time is out of sync, check your time zone settings in the app. The bracelet doesn't have its own real-time clock and relies entirely on the time it gets from your smartphone. If the phone is timed down or automatic sync is disabled, the bracelet will also display incorrect time.