Step-by-step: how to install and configure the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular activity tracking gadgets even years after its release. Its simplicity, reliability and rich functionality — from sleep monitoring to smartphone notifications — make the device relevant for beginners and advanced users. However, the first setup may raise questions: how to put the capsule on, which apps to use, and why the bracelet does not sync? In this guide, we will examine the installation process from scratch, including preparing a smartphone, pairing with Mi Fit and solving typical problems.

It's important to understand that the Mi Band 4 is proprietary firmware based, and it works properly depending on the version of the app and the phone's operating system. For example, Android 13+ may experience notification resolution errors, and iOS may experience functionality limitations due to Apple's policies. We'll take these nuances into account and give recommendations for different platforms. If you just unpacked the bracelet or encountered difficulties after resetting, follow the instructions below - it covers all the steps from physical installation to fine-tuning.

Preparation for installation: what will be needed

Before you start setting up the Mi Band 4, make sure you have everything you need. Without some components, the process can be delayed or even failed.

• 📱 Smartphone on Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+ (for Mi Fit).
• 🔋 Charged bracelet capsule (minimum 20% charge, otherwise synchronization will be interrupted).
• 🔌 Charging cable (comes complete but is often lost – check in advance!).
• 🌐 Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile Internet for downloading firmware).
• 📲 Mi Fit app (version no lower than 4.6.0 for full compatibility).

Pay special attention to the charging cable: the Mi Band 4 uses a proprietary connector, and replacing it with a non-original one can damage the contacts. If the cable is lost, order an official analogue - cheap Chinese copies often do not provide stable power. Also check if the bracelet contacts are oxidized or dirt, which is one of the reasons why the device does not turn on after prolonged storage.

If you are upgrading from an older model (e.g. Mi Band 3), note that the capsules are not interchangeable – the strap from the previous version will not fit with the Mi Band 4 due to the modified mounting, but the straps themselves (silicon, leather) are compatible between all generations of the Mi Band since version 4.

Unpacking and physical installation of the bracelet

Start by removing the bracelet from the box. In the standard kit, you'll find:

• 📦 Bracelet capsule (main module with screen).
• 🔌 Charging cable with USB-A (charger).
• 📄 A short guide (usually in several languages but without details).
• 🔄 Strap (color depends on the configuration; in the basic version - black).

First thing you do is put the capsule in the strap.

1. Turn the capsule with a screen to your face.
2. Insert it into the groove of the strap from the side with a metal latch (it should click).
3. Fix the second end of the strap by adjusting the length under the wrist.

Make sure the bracelet sits tight but doesn't hold your hand tight, which is important for measuring your pulse accurately. If the strap is too loose, the sensors may not be reading the data correctly. To check, put the bracelet 2 to 3 cm above the wrist bone (like a normal watch) and try to move your hand - the capsule should not move.

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If you have a thin wrist, use the strap hole closer to the capsule. For children, you can buy a separate baby strap with additional holes.

Charging the bracelet before first switching on

Even if the bracelet is new, the battery is discharged after long storage, the first charge must last at least 1-2 hours for the battery to stabilize.

1. Remove the capsule from the strap (click on the lock on the back side and pull up).
2. Connect the charging cable to USB-port of charger or computer.
3. Insert the capsule into the cable connector with contacts down (the capsule has a mark in the form of an arrow).
4. Wait for the charging icon (battery with lightning) to appear on the screen.

Note: If the bracelet does not respond to the connection to charging, try:

• 🔄 Turn the capsule (sometimes users insert it with contacts upwards).
• 🔌 Use the other USB-port or charger (some PC ports do not provide sufficient current).
• 🧹 Clean the capsule and cable contacts of dust or oxidation (use a cotton swab dipped with alcohol).

It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to fully charge, and when the battery is full, 100% will appear on the screen, and the bracelet can be turned off. Don't leave it on charge for more than 3 hours, which can shorten battery life.

Installation and configuration of the Mi Fit application

To work Mi Band 4, you must have the official Mi Fit app (developer – Xiaomi).

• 🤖 Google Play for Android
• 🍎 App Store for iOS

After installing the application, follow the following steps:

1. Open Mi Fit and register (you can use Mi Account, Google or Apple ID).
2. Click Profile → Add the device.
3. Choose from the Mi Smart Band 4 list (don’t be confused with other models!).
4. Allow the app to access notifications, geolocation, and fitness data (on iOS, it’s a must!).

Problems can arise in the interface phase, and here are the typical mistakes and solutions.

Once you've successfully connected, the app will suggest you update the bracelet firmware, and you'll agree that it will fix the bugs and add new features, it'll take 5-10 minutes to update, don't interrupt the process! If the battery runs out or the connection goes missing, the bracelet may "brick" (stop turning on).

Initial bracelet setting via Mi Fit

Once paired, Mi Fit will automatically suggest setting the basic parameters.

• ⏰ Time and Date: Synced with the phone, but can be set manually (useful when traveling to other time zones).
• 🏃 Activity goals: 10,000 steps per day by default, but you can change the value (we recommend starting with 6,000-8000 steps).
• 🔔 Notifications: Select applications that will duplicate alerts on the bracelet (calls, SMS, messengers).
• 💤 Sleep monitoring: Turn on automatic tracking (the bracelet will detect sleep phases if you wear it at night).
• 🔒 Unlocking phone: On Android, you can configure unlocking your smartphone when the bracelet approaches (you need to turn on Smart Lock in the phone settings).

Pay special attention to the lock screen settings. In Mi Band 4, you can choose:

• 🔐 Password (4-6 digits, protects against accidental clicks).
• 🔄 Automatic locking (after 5–30 minutes of inactivity).
• 📴 Turning off the screen when removing from the hand (saves charge).

If you plan to use the bracelet for running or swimming, activate the Training mode in the settings. Select the pool option and specify the length of the track for swimming, this will improve the accuracy of the lap count. Remember that the Mi Band 4 has 5 ATM protection, that is, it can withstand immersion up to 50 meters, but is not designed for diving or hot baths (maximum temperature is 40 ° C).

Updating the firmware and installing dials

The Mi Band 4 firmware is regularly updated, adding new features and fixing bugs to check the relevance of the version:

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

Important nuances:

• 🔋 Battery charge must be more than 50%, otherwise the update will be interrupted.
• 📶 The phone must be connected to Wi-Fi (update via mobile Internet may not work).
• ⏳ It takes 5-15 minutes to complete – don’t interrupt your Bluetooth connection!

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After updating the firmware, reset your bracelet settings (in Mi Fit: Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Untie the device) if you notice screen glitches or synchronization problems.

One of the features of the Mi Band 4 is the support for custom dials, which can be installed in two ways:

1. Through Mi Fit: Open Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Dials. Choose your favorite design from the collection (there are animated options). Click Sync - the dial will set in 10-20 seconds.
2. Through third-party apps (e.g. Amazfit or Notify & Fitness): Download the app from Google Play. Connect the bracelet through it (you may need to disable Mi Fit). Select the dial from the directory (there are unofficial designs with additional widgets).

When using third-party dials, keep in mind that they may be reset after a firmware update or not work properly. Official dials from Mi Fit are more reliable, but their choice is limited.

Solving typical problems after installation

Even with the right setup with the Mi Band 4, there can be problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If the bracelet is no longer synced after the update Android/iOS, Try disabling battery optimization for the Mi Fit app. On Android, it's done in Settings → Annexes → Mi Fit → Battery → No restrictions.

• 📵 Bracelet not connecting to phone: Reboot both devices. Remove the bracelet from the phone's Bluetooth device list and reconnect. Update Mi Fit to the latest version.
• 🔄 Data not synced: Check the Internet connection on your phone. in Mi Fit go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Synchronize the data. If it doesn't work, untie and re-tie the bracelet.
• 🔋 Battery discharges quickly: Turn off constant heart rate monitoring (Profile) → Settings of the device → Pulse frequency → Manually! Reduce the brightness of the screen. Turn off notifications from unnecessary apps.

The bracelet does not count steps or shows incorrect data

1. Check if the bracelet is tight on the arm (should touch the skin).
2. Reset the steps data to Mi Fit and recalibrate (Profile → Settings → Data Reset).
3. Wear the bracelet on the non-dominant hand (for right-handed - left, for left-handed - right).

For those who like to experiment, there are some unofficial firmware, such as Custom Firmware for Mi Band 4, which add:

• Support for languages that are not in the official firmware (Ukrainian, Turkish, etc.).
• Additional widgets (such as blood pressure or oxygen levels)
• Customizable gestures (shake to turn on the phone flashlight).

After the reset, all data on the bracelet will be deleted, but will be stored in the Mi Fit account.