Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets are some of the most popular wearables on the market, but their similarity between generations often puts users at a loss. Did you buy a used gadget, lose the box or just forget which version of your tracker? In this article, we will analyze all possible ways of identification, from checking through the official application to analyzing hardware features.
Complicating the problem is that some models (such as the Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 5) are visually almost identical, and the functionality can vary dramatically, and a versioning error will lead to incorrect firmware, strap incompatibility, or even breakage when trying to upgrade, and we have collected unique markers of each generation that will help avoid confusion.
1.Verification through the official Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app
The most reliable way is to use proprietary software: download the latest version of Mi Fitness (for older models) or Zepp Life (for new ones) from the App Store or Google Play. Once the bracelet is synchronized with your phone, the model will appear in the device profile.
How to do this:
- 📱 Open the application and go to the Profile section → My devices.
- 🔍 Click on the bracelet icon – the model name will appear at the top of the screen
- ℹ️ In some versions of the software, the model is specified in the device settings → About the device
⚠️ Note: If the bracelet is not synced, check the model's compatibility with your version of the app. 1S Not supported in Zepp Life, but you need to use an outdated version of Mi Fit 4.6.0.
2. Visual differences between generations
If the app isn't available, look at the externalities, and the manufacturer has changed the design of the case, the screen and the location of the sensors in each generation, and the key visual markers below are:
| Model | Distinctive features | Photo (example) |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 1/1S | Monochrome OLED-screen, no touch button, body of matte plastic | 📷 [picture] |
| Mi Band 2 | Oval touch button under the screen, 0.42" OLED-display | 📷 [picture] |
| Mi Band 3 | Full touch screen 0.78, button under the screen is missing | 📷 [picture] |
| Mi Band 4 | Colored AMOLED-screen 0.95", round button under the screen, case with glossy finish | 📷 [picture] |
| Mi Band 5/6/7/8 | Screen 1.1" and larger, magnetic charging, no physical button | 📷 [picture] |
🔍 Hint: Pay attention to the charging method. Models up to the Mi Band 4 are charged inclusively through a crib with contacts, and starting with the Mi Band 5, through a magnetic cable.
💡
If the bracelet has the inscription MDZ-XX-XX (e.g. MDZ-46-DB), the first digits after the MDZ- indicate the generation: 46 is the Mi Band 6.
3. Analysis of technical characteristics
Each Mi Band generation has unique hardware options, compared to the official specifications:
- 🔋 Battery capacity: Mi Band 1-3: 70-110 mAh Mi Band 4: 135 mAh Mi Band 5-8: 125-190 mAh (depending on version)
- 📏 Screen size: 0.42" (Band 1) to 1.62" (Band 8)
- 🔄 Type of connection: Mi Band 1-3 Bluetooth 4.0, a starting with the Band 4 — Bluetooth 5.0
⚠️ Note: Some clones (such as Haylou Solar or Amazfit Bip U) outwardly copy the Mi Band but have different specs!
☑️ How to distinguish the original from the fake
Serial number and marking check
On the back of the case or inside the strap compartment, there's a marking that contains the model information.
- MIBAND3S - Mi Band 3 (NFC version)
- XMSH08HM — Mi Band 4
- XMSH10HM — Mi Band 5
- XMSH15HM — Mi Band 6
The serial number can also be used for verification through the services:
- 🌐 Official website mi.com/global/verify (enter the number SN)
- 📦 Service imei.info (for models with models with NFC)
🔍 Tip: If the marking is erased, try to remove the strap - sometimes the number is duplicated on the inside of the module.
5. Definition of functionalities
The function of the bracelet depends on the model.
- 🎨 Color screen: there is a Mi Band 4 If the screen is black and white, it's a Band. 1-3.
- 💳 NFC: It is supported in Mi Band versions. 3 NFC, Band 4 NFC, Band 5 NFC all the bands 6/7/8 (Other than basic versions for some regions).
- 🏊 50-metre-tightness (5 ATM): Only the Mi Band 5 And newer. Previous models have protection. IP67/IP68, but can't stand swimming.
- 📡 SpO₂ (Oxygen saturation: appeared in Mi Band 5.
💡 Example: If your bracelet measures blood oxygen levels but does not have NFC, This is probably the Mi Band 5 (basic version).
How to check water resistance without risk?
6. Verification through third-party applications
If the official software is not suitable (for example, for older models), use alternative utilities:
- 📲 Notify & Fitness for Mi Band (Android) - Supports Mi Band 1-5, Shows the model in Settings → Device information.
- 🍎 Mi Band Master (iOS) – works with Mi Band 3-7, displays the firmware version and model.
- 💻 Gadgetbridge (open-source) – for advanced users, supports all generations.
⚠️ Note: Third-party applications may require you to disable Bluetooth in the system settings before connecting, otherwise there will be a conflict with the official software.
🔧 Instructions for Gadgetbridge:
1. Install the application from F-Droid or GitHub
2. Enable the developer mode on the bracelet (5 times tap the screen in Mi Fitness)
3. Connect via Gadgetbridge → The model will appear in Device InfoPackaging and configuration analysis
If you still have a box, check:
- 📦 Article on the sticker: for example, BHR4275GL — This is the Mi Band 6 (Global Edition).
- 📄 Documentation: The user manual always lists the model (see the first page).
- ⚡ The plastic “crib” – Mi Band 1-4. Magnetic cable with USB-Type A – Mi Band 5-6. Magnetic cable with USB-C — Mi Band 7-8.
📌 Clones often copy packaging, but the original box Xiaomi always has:
- Hologram with brand logo
- Serial number matching the number on the bracelet
- QR-code leading to the official website
💡
If the box says Made in China without the manufacturer's address or contacts, it's a fake. Xiaomi's original products are always fully labeled.