How to install and configure the Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 5 fitness bracelet: instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 5 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular gadgets for tracking activity, sleep and health – despite the release of new models. SpO₂, The women's calendar and 11 sports modes make the device relevant even in 2026, but many users face difficulties when connecting for the first time: the bracelet is not determined by the smartphone, the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) does not see the device, or there are synchronization errors.

In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step installation of Mi Band 5 on Android and iOS, talk about the nuances of the configuration (including changing the dial and activating notifications), and give tips for solving typical problems.

1. What is included and how to prepare the bracelet for installation

Before connecting, check the contents of the Mi Band 5 box. Standard equipment includes:

• 📦 Fitness bracelet itself (capsule with display)
• 🔋 Charging cable (magnetic, with USB-type A)
• 📄 Short instructions in several languages (Russian is not always available)
• 🔄 Rubber strap (black, if you did not buy a version with a different color)

If the box is missing a charging cable or the bracelet looks damaged (for example, scratches or cracks are visible on the display), do not connect the device - contact the seller for replacement. Mi Band 5 fakes are often equipped with substandard accessories that can bring the gadget down.

Preparation of the bracelet for the first inclusion:

1. Remove the capsule from the strap by pulling it aside (do not make excessive efforts!).
2. Connect the magnetic cable to USB-port of charger or computer. Do not use fast charging - this can reduce the battery life.
3. Attach the bracelet to the cable – the magnets should “pull” with a characteristic click.
4. Charge the device to a minimum of 50% (full charge takes ~1.5 hours).

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If the bracelet does not respond to charging, try another one. USB-Sometimes it helps to sway the capsule to the sides for better contact.

2 What app do you need for Mi Band 5 in 2026?

Since 2022, Xiaomi has been gradually phasing out support for the old Mi Fit app, transferring users to a new platform - Mi Fitness (available for Android and iOS).

For most users, the best choice is Mi Fitness, which can be downloaded officially:

• 🤖 Google Play (Android)
• 🍎 App Store (iOS)

Important for iPhone owners: From 2023, the Mi Band 5 may not work correctly with iOS 17+ due to Apple's restrictions on the background activity of applications. If notifications come with a delay, check the energy saving settings in iPhone Settings → Battery → Battery status.

Step-by-step: how to connect Mi Band 5 to a smartphone

The pairing process is the same for Android and iOS, but there are differences in permission settings.

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and make sure the bracelet is at least 20% charged.
2. Install and open Mi Fitness. First run, you'll need to:

Add the device

Mi Smart Band 5

10–15 cm

If the bracelet is not present, try:

• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (press the touch button for 10 seconds until vibration appears).
• 📱 Disable/enable Bluetooth on your smartphone.
• 🔌 Connect the bracelet to charging for 1-2 minutes (sometimes it “wakes up” the Bluetooth module).

The bracelet is over 20% charged |

Bluetooth is on on your smartphone |

Mi Fitness app updated to latest version|

Geolocation permits and notifications granted-->

4.Initial setting: language, time, notifications

Once the app is successfully connected, it will suggest setting up the basic parameters.

1. Choice of language

The bracelet uses English by default.

1. In Mi Fitness, go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 5 → Device Settings → Language.
2. Select "Russian" (if it is not in the list, update the firmware of the bracelet).

2. Time synchronization

The bracelet automatically pulls up time from the smartphone, but sometimes there are discrepancies.

• 🕒 Check the time zone in the phone settings.
• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (press the button for 10 seconds).
• 📱 In Mi Fitness, update data manually (pull the screen down).

3. Set up notifications

To make the bracelet vibrate when calling and texting:

1. In Mi Fitness, go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 5 → Notifications.
2. Turn on the “Call Notifications” and “Notifications from Applications” switch.
3. Select the apps you want to see notifications from (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).

5. Update firmware: why and how to do it

The Mi Band 5 firmware is responsible for stability, adding new features (such as training modes) and bug fixing.

• 🐞 The bracelet glitches (spontaneously reboots, does not synchronize).
• 🌐 There is no Russian language on the menu.
• 🔋 Battery goes down quickly (new firmware optimizes power consumption).

How to update firmware:

1. Connect the bracelet to charge and make sure the charge level is > 50%.
2. Open Mi Fitness and go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 5 → Firmware Update.
3. If a new version is available, click Update. Do not turn off the bracelet from charging until the process is complete (it will take ~5-10 minutes).

If you see an error during the update, "Can't update":

⚠️ Attention: Interrupted firmware updates may brick the bracelet, rendering it inoperable. If the process is 0% or 100% longer than 15 minutes: Disable the bracelet from charging. Reboot it (press the button for 20 seconds). Repeat the update using another USB-If the bracelet is not activated, contact the service center.

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Update your firmware only through the official Mi Fitness app. Using third-party firmware (for example, with 4PDA) deprives you of warranties and can bring the device down.

6. How to change the dial and adjust the screen

One of the main advantages of the Mi Band 5 is the ability to install custom dials, which can be downloaded from both the official catalog and from third-party resources (for example, AmazfitWatchFaces).

Installation of the dial from Mi Fitness:

1. Select your favorite option and click “Install”.

Installation of a custom dial (via.bin file):

1. In Mi Fitness go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 5 → Dials → Add a dial.

Screen setting:

• 🔄 Turn on if you want the screen to turn when you raise your hand.

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If the face is not installed, check the firmware version of the bracelet. Some custom themes require firmware at least 1.0.3.54.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after setting up correctly, the Mi Band 5 may not work properly.

If the bracelet is not activated:

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet does not react to pressing and does not vibrate after charging: Connect it to charging for 30 minutes (even if the indicator does not burn). Press and hold the touch button for 20-30 seconds. If it does not help, try charging from another source (for example, from Power Bank). If the bracelet still doesn’t work, the power controller may have run out – repairs are needed.

8 How to Reset Mi Band 5 to Factory Settings

Reset is required if you sell the bracelet, it is glitchy or does not sync with the new smartphone.Caution: after reset, all data (steps, sleep, training) will be deleted from the device (but will be saved in Mi Fitness if synchronized).

Method 1: through the bracelet menu

1. On the bracelet, swipe your finger up the screen to open the menu.
2. Select "Settings"
3. Scroll to "Reset" (badge) 🔄) and confirm the choice.

Method 2: Through Mi Fitness

1. Select "Untie the device."

Method 3: hardware reset (if the bracelet is getting stuck)

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger.
2. Press the touch button for 30 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the button and the bracelet will drop.

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Once reset, you'll have to reconnect the bracelet, just like when you first turn on. If you're selling the device, remember to untie it from your Xiaomi account in Mi Fitness!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 5