Personalizing the Xiaomi Mi Band smartwatch is not only a convenience, it's a way to stand out. One of the most popular ways to customize your own background is to set your own dial. You want to see your favorite photo, meme or logo on the screen? It's easier than it sounds! Depending on the watch model (Mi Band 5, 6, 7 or 8) and the firmware version, the process may be slightly different, but the overall scheme remains the same.
Many users have a hard time: the image is not the right size, the application does not see the loaded picture, then after synchronization the background is reset. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways of installing a custom dial, including hidden chips and circumventing possible restrictions. And you will learn how to optimize the photo so that it looks clear and does not “eat” the battery.
If you've never changed the background to a Xiaomi Mi Band before, don't worry, it doesn't require root rights or technical skills. It's enough of a smartphone, an original app (Mi Fitness or Zepp Life) and 5 minutes of time. Ready to get started? Then get started!
Which Xiaomi Mi Band models support changing the background of the dial?
Not all Xiaomi smart bracelets allow custom dials to be installed, and here is the current list of supported models for 2026:
- 📱 Mi Band 5 is the first model to officially support uploading its images (only via Mi Fitness).
- 📱 Mi Band 6 - Advanced Customization Features, Including Animated Dials.
- 📱 Mi Band 7 — improved screen resolution (192×490 pixels, support for Zepp Life.
- 📱 Mi Band 8 - Full Color AMOLED-display, the ability to set backgrounds through Zepp Life and third-party apps.
- ❌ Mi Band 4 and older – do not support uploading custom images (standard themes only).
Important: Even if your model is on the list, check the firmware version. For example, Mi Band 5 with firmware below 1.0.3.54 may not work with background download via Mi Fitness. Update your device through the app before you start setting up.
Also, keep in mind that the screen resolution of the models is different:
| Model | Screen resolution | Max. size of the downloaded image | Supported formats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 5 | 126×294 px | 300 KB | JPEG, PNG |
| Mi Band 6 | 152×486 px | 500 KB | JPEG, PNG, GIF (static first-frame) |
| Mi Band 7 | 192×490 px | 1 MB | JPEG, PNG, WEBP |
| Mi Band 8 | 192×490 px (AMOLED) | 2 MB | JPEG, PNG, WEBP, GIF (animation up to 5 frames./sec) |
⚠️ Attention: On the Mi Band 8 mounting GIF The dial can brake. The optimal size for smooth operation is up to 1 MB permitting 192×490 px.
Image Preparation: Photo Requirements for Xiaomi Mi Band
You can't just download any picture from your phone, it has to be in accordance with the technical limitations of your model.
- 📏 Resolution: Scale the image under the screen of your watch (see table above). 7 perfect-size — 192×490 px.
- 🖼️ Format: Preferably PNG (free of loss of quality; or JPEG top-quality.
- 🎨 Color scheme: On AMOLED-screens (Mi Band) 7/8) Black doesn't consume energy. Use dark colors to save your battery.
- 🔍 Details: Avoid small text or complex patterns – on a small screen they will be indistinct.
Free applications are suitable for cropping and optimizing images:
- 📱 Photo & Picture Resizer (Android) – Quickly changes resolution.
- 🖥️ GIMP Paint.NET (PC) – for accurate cropping and color adjustment.
- 🌐 Online Services: iLoveIMG or ResizeImage.
Lifehack: If you want a professional face, use community templates. Sites like AmoledWatchfaces have pre-made background images for Xiaomi Mi Band, optimized for different models.
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Convert the image to black and white before downloading (for Mi Band) 5/6) Or reduce the saturation of the flowers – it will save you 15% battery charge per day.
Method 1: Install the picture through the official application Mi Fitness
This is the most reliable method for Mi Band owners. 5/6. The instructions are relevant for the Mi Fitness version 4.6.0 higher.
- Open the Mi Fitness app and connect to the bracelet via Bluetooth.
- Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 5/6 → Dials.
- Select the tab My and click Add the dial.
- Slap the icon. + in the lower right corner and select Download background.
- Select an image from the phone gallery (or take a photo directly in the app).
- Cut the picture under the watch screen (the application will show the trim frame).
- Press Save and wait for sync with the bracelet (can take up to 2 minutes).
If the Download Background button is inactive:
- 🔄 Update the Mi Fitness app to the latest version.
- 📱 Reboot your smartphone and bracelet.
- 🔌 Make sure the Mi Band charge level is above 20%.
⚠️ Note: On some Mi Band 6 firmwares, after upgrading to Zepp Life, the background download function via Mi Fitness may disappear.
Update Mi Fitness to the latest version|
Charge the Mi Band to at least 20%|
Connect the bracelet to your phone via Bluetooth|
Prepare an image of the required permission-->
Method 2: Installation with Zepp Life (for Mi Band) 7/8)
S 2022 Xiaomi has started to transfer smart bracelets to the Zepp Life platform (formerly Amazfit). 7/8 and some of the Mi Bands. 6 revamped.
- Download Zepp Life from Google Play or App Store.
- Register (you can use your Xiaomi account) and connect the bracelet.
- Go to the Device. → Dials → My dials.
- Click Create a dial and select From the gallery.
- Download the image and trim it under the screen (for Mi Band 8, you can adjust the position of the watch and widgets).
- Save and sync with the bracelet.
Zepp Life offers more features than Mi Fitness:
- 🎨 Customization of widgets: you can move elements (steps, pulse, weather) over the background.
- 🔄 Auto-change dials: setting different backgrounds for day/night.
- 🖼️ Animation support: Dynamic wallpapers are available for the Mi Band 8 (e.g. falling snow or moving clouds).
Limitation: The free version of Zepp Life can download up to 5 custom dials. unlimited amounts require a premium subscription (from 49).₽/month).
Mi Fitness|
Zepp Life|
Both in turn |
Apps (Notify & Fitness, Tools & Mi Band)|
Method 3: Party of application for advanced customization
If standard methods don't work (for example, you want an animated dial on the Mi Band 6), third-party utilities come to the rescue.
- 📱 Notify & Fitness for Mi Band — allows you to set any dials, including unofficial. 5/6/7/8.
- 📱 Tools & Mi Band – Advanced settings including manual download of.bin dials.
- 🖥️ Mi Band Master (PC) – to create custom firmware with unique backgrounds.
Instructions for Notify & Fitness:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Connect the bracelet and provide all the permissions requested.
- Go to the dials. → Download the dial.
- Select the dial file (.bin or.json format) or create your own through the built-in editor.
- Press Set and wait for the bracelet to reboot.
Where can I get the ready dials?
- 🌐 Sites: MiBandFaces, AmoledWatchfaces.
- 💬 Telegram chats: @MiBandThemes, @XiaomiWatchFaces.
- 📁 Forum 4PDA: Cyferblatts section for Mi Band.
⚠️ Note: Installing unofficial dials may cause malfunctions in the bracelet. Before experimenting, back up the data through the original application (Profile) → Mi Band → Backup).
What if after setting the dial, the bracelet stopped synchronizing?
Solving common problems
Even when following the instructions, errors can occur, and we will discuss the most common ways to eliminate them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The “Low Background” button is inactive | An outdated version of the application or firmware | Update Mi. Fitness/Zepp Life and bracelet firmware |
| Image not displayed or cropped | Incorrect resolution or format | Resave the picture to PNG permittingly 192×490 px |
| After synchronization, the background is reset | Conflict with third-party applications | Disable Notify & Fitness and reboot through the original software |
| The dial brakes or twitches | Too heavy an image (especially) GIF) | Reduce the file size to 500 KB Or turn off the animation. |
| The app doesn't see the bracelet | Problems with Bluetooth or cache | Reboot the phone, clear the Mi Fitness cache, turn on geolocation |
If none of these methods helped, try resetting the bracelet settings:
- In Mi Fitness, go to Profile → Mi Band → Untie the device.
- On the bracelet, go to Settings. → Reset (for Mi Band) 7/8 hold the button 10 sack).
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Before resetting your bracelet, export your steps and sleep data through the original app – it will be lost!
How to save battery when using a custom dial?
Bright and detailed background images can increase battery consumption by 10 to 30 percent.
Battery consumption test:
We did an experiment with Mi Band 8:
- 🔋 Standard dial: discharge per day - 8%.
- 🔋 Castomic static background (PNG, dark tones: discharge - 12%.
- 🔋 Animated GIF: discharge - 25%.
- 🔋 Castomy background + 5 widgets: digit - 18%.
Bottom Line: If you want autonomy, choose static dark background images without unnecessary elements.