How to know exactly the model of Xiaomi fitness bracelet: from Mi Band 1 to Smart Band 8 Pro

You found an old Xiaomi fitness bracelet in the drawer, gave it for your birthday or bought it with your hands, but you don't know what model it is? Or maybe your Mi Band stopped syncing with your phone, and to restore work you need to specify the version of the device exactly? Situations when you want to identify the model of the bracelet, weight - and in each of them, a mistaken definition can lead to problems with firmware, accessory compatibility or even device breakdown.

In this article, we will explore all possible ways to identify a model, from visual inspection of the case and packaging to hidden menus in the company’s application and specifications. You will learn how to distinguish the Mi Band 5 from the Mi Band 6 by appearance, where to look for a serial number, and why even the original box can sometimes be misleading. And for the most difficult cases, we have prepared a unique difference table for all Xiaomi bracelets from 2014 to 2026, which you will not find in the official documentation.

πŸ“Š What kind of fitness bracelet Xiaomi?
Mi Band 1-4
Mi Band 5
Mi Band 6
Mi Band 7 / Smart Band 7
Smart Band 8 / 8 Pro
I don't know.
Another brand

Inspection of the case: where to look for model marking

The quickest way is to look carefully at the bracelet itself, and most Xiaomi models have labels on them, but their layout has changed from generation to generation.

  • πŸ” Under the capsule (back): On the Mi Band 1-4 and Mi Band 5/6 model is indicated in small print next to the technical specifications (for example, MIBAND6 or XMSH15HM). Remove the strap and light up with a flashlight - the inscription may be barely noticeable.
  • πŸ“ On the inside of the strap: The Smart Band 7 Pro and Smart Band 8 Pro model is duplicated on the plastic lock of the strap (for example, the model is duplicated on the plastic lock of the strap, M2229B1).
  • πŸ”‹ Under the charger contact cover: The Mi Band 7 and later are sometimes given the full name (e.g., Xiaomi Smart Band 7).

⚠️ Note: If the bracelet has been repaired or repainted, the marking may have been erased or smeared. In this case, you can not trust only it - use other methods from this article.

Also pay attention to the design features:

  • πŸ–₯️ Screen: Mi Band 1-4 β€” monochrome OLED; Mi Band 5 β€” coloured AMOLED with a button under the screen; Mi Band 6 Full screen without a physical button.
  • πŸ”„ The way to fasten the strap: Mi Band 1-5 The band is removed sideways, at the Mi Band 6 and newer - up (by pressing the button at the back).
  • πŸ”‹ Charging cable: Mi Band 1-4 Charging through the "crab" clip, Mi Band 5 And newer, through magnetic USB-C (Except for the Smart Band. 8 Pro, which has wireless charging).

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet does not turn on, bring it to a bright light - on AMOLED screens (Mi Band 5 and later) even in the off state you can see the contours of the icons, which will help determine the model.

2. Identification by original packaging and documents

If you have a box, check the following items:

  • πŸ“¦ Inscriptions on the front: On the boxes of Mi Band 1-6 The model is indicated large (for example, Mi Smart Band). 6). Smart Band. 7/8 The Pro can only be a Xiaomi logo and the inscription Smart Band Pro.
  • πŸ”– Barcode and article: Under the barcode is usually a model number (e.g., a model number, XMSH14HM For the full list of items, see the table below.
  • πŸ“„ Documentation: The manual or warranty card always shows the model (sometimes in multiple languages) and pay attention to the date of printing – if the document is older than 2020 and the bracelet looks like the Mi Band 6, it is likely a fake.

⚠️ Note: Fake bracelets often copy the original packaging but make mistakes in the articles or fonts. Compare the photo of your box to the official images on Xiaomi's website - differences in colors or logos will give you counterfeit.

ModelArticle (model number)Year of releasePackaging features
Mi Band 1SXMSH03HM2015Blue box, the inscription Pulse (pulsemeter)
Mi Band 5XMSH10HM / XMSH11HM2020Black box with red accents, 11 sport modes
Smart Band 7 ProM2229B12022White box with blue elements, always-on display
Smart Band 8M2303B12023Gradient effect box, full-screen touch
Smart Band 8 ProM2313B12023Black box with gold accents, with the inscription Wireless Charging

3. Model definition via Mi Fit/Zepp Life app

If the bracelet is switched on and connected to the phone, the most reliable way is to use the official app, the instructions are relevant for Mi Fit (old version) and Zepp Life (new version for bracelets from 2022):

Download the Zepp Life app (App Store/Google Play)| Sign up or log in to Xiaomi | Click Add Device (+ in the upper right corner)| Select Bracelet β†’ Mi Smart Band | Follow the connection instructions | After synchronization, the model will appear in the device profile-->

After connecting the bracelet model will be indicated:

  • πŸ“± In Zepp Life: Open the Profile tab β†’ The name of the model is displayed under the name of the bracelet (for example, Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro).
  • πŸ”§ In Mi Fit (Old): Go to Profile β†’ The device β†’ It's going to be a line called Model with an article (e.g., a line called "Model, XMSH15HM For the Mi Band 6).

⚠️ Note: If the app displays an incorrect model (e.g. Mi Band 5 instead of Mi Band 6), this is a sign of a bad model:

  • πŸ”„ Incorrect firmware (reflash through Mi Fit required) β†’ Update of the PO).
  • πŸ› οΈ Hardware modification (for example, replacement of the fee for non-original).
  • 🚨 Fakes (often counterfeit bracelets emulate old models in software).
What to do if the bracelet does not connect to the application?
If the device is not defined in Zepp Life, try: 1. Reset the bracelet to factory settings (for Mi Band 5-8: press the touch button for 10 seconds). 2. Delete the app cache (Phone Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Zepp Life β†’ Memory β†’ Clear the cache). 3. Use old software: Some Chinese versions of the Mi Band 6 require Mi Fit instead of Zepp Life. 4. Check compatibility: bracelets for the Chinese market (with the CN suffix in the article) may not work with global versions of the applications.

4. Serial number check (IMEI/SN)

Each Xiaomi bracelet has a unique serial number (SN) or IMEI (for models with SIM, such as Mi Band 4 NFC) and can be used to authenticate and determine the model through official services.

Where to find SN/IMEI:

  • πŸ“Ÿ On the box: usually on a barcode sticker (line) S/N or IMEI).
  • πŸ” In the bracelet settings: Mi Band 5-8 β†’ swipe down on the main screen β†’ About the programme β†’ Serial number.
  • πŸ“± Appendix: Zepp Life β†’ Device profile β†’ Device information.

How to check by serial number:

  1. Go to the official Xiaomi checkout site.
  2. Enter the serial number in the S/N field.
  3. If the bracelet is original, the system will show the model, the date of production and the status of the warranty.

⚠️ Note: Serial numbers of fake bracelets often consist of a random set of digits or repeat patterns of the original (for example, the original ones, 2207XXXXXX If Xiaomi is running an error on the Invalid SN, Device guaranteed to be non-original.

πŸ’‘

Serial number is the only reliable way to distinguish the original from the fake, and even visually identical bracelets (such as copies of the Mi Band 6) will not be checked on the official website.

Comparison of technical characteristics

If visual techniques don't work, compare your bracelet's technical specifications to the official specifications.

ParameterMi Band 5Mi Band 6Smart Band 7 ProSmart Band 8 Pro
Screen typeAMOLED, 1.1"AMOLED, 1.56"AMOLED, 1.64"AMOLED, 1.74"
Permission126Γ—294152Γ—486280Γ—456336Γ—480
Battery125 mAh125 mAh235 mAh289 mAh
NFCOnly in the NFC versionOnly in the NFC versionNo.Yes (Chinese version)
Sensors.Pulsemeter, accelerometer+ SpOβ‚‚ (oxygenation)+ Gyroscope, barometer+ 6-axis sensor

How to measure the parameters yourself:

  • πŸ“ Screen size: Take a ruler and measure the diagonal of the visible area (not including the frame). ~3.5 cm, this is Mi Band 5 (1.1 inches).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery capacity: fully discharge and charge the bracelet, time-stamping. Mi Band 6 charges for ~2 hours (125 mAh) and Smart Band 7 Pro is over ~3.5 hours (235 mAh).
  • πŸ” Sensor availability: check the available features in the Zepp Life app. SpOβ‚‚, This is Mi Band 6 or newer.

⚠️ Note: Some fakes mimic the interface of new models, but have outdated sensors. For example, a copy of the Smart Band 8 Pro can show menus with a new model. SpOβ‚‚, But you can actually only measure your heart rate, and you can check all the functions that you're claiming to be working!

6. Alternative methods: when nothing helps

If the bracelet is not turned on, the box is lost, and the application does not determine the model, try these methods:

  • πŸ”Œ Charging cable: Connect the bracelet to charging and look at the indicator.Mi Band 1-4 have a red/green LED, Mi Band 5-8 β€” A magnetic cable with a white indicator. 8 Pro is charged wirelessly (no connector).
  • πŸ› οΈ Disassembly: Carefully remove the back cover (for Mi Band) 1-5). The board is usually marked with a model (for example, HST-W01 for the Mi Band 4). ⚠️ Risk of damage!
  • πŸ“· Database comparison: Take a photo of the bracelet from different angles and compare it with the images on the sites: Official site Xiaomi (section Wearables). GSMArena (filter by Wearables).

If you bought a wristband and can’t identify the model, pay attention to:

  • πŸ’° Deal price: Mi Band 6 in 2026 can not be cheaper than 1,500 β‚½ (The price is below 1,000. β‚½ β€” sign.
  • πŸ“… Purchase date: If a seller claims to have purchased the bracelet in 2023 but is speculated to be the Mi Band 5 (released in 2020), it is a scam.

πŸ’‘

When buying a used bracelet, ask the seller to send a video demonstrating the operation of all functions (pulsemeter, SpOβ‚‚, Counterfeiting is often "glutched" in testing.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When defining a model, users often make these mistakes:

  • πŸ”„ Mi Band 5 and Mi Band 6 confuse: the main difference is that the Mi Band 6 screen occupies the entire front panel (no black bezel at the bottom), and the touch button (on the Mi Band 5 – physical).
  • πŸ“¦ Trust the labels on the box: Counterfeit bracelets are often packed in boxes from other models.Always check the article!
  • πŸ“± Use unofficial apps: Programs like Mi Band Master or Notify & Fitness can show the wrong model if the bracelet is fake.
  • πŸ”‹ Ignore the firmware version: The bracelet settings (About the program) specify the software version. For example, 1.0.1.56 corresponds to Mi Band 6, and 1.16.0.14 - Smart Band 7 Pro.

To avoid errors, follow this algorithm:

  1. Check the markings on the case.
  2. Compare it with the table of articles (section 2).
  3. Get Zepp Life on.
  4. Check the serial number on Xiaomi’s website.
  5. If you have any doubts, compare the technical specifications.

πŸ’‘

The most common mistake is to confuse the Mi Band 6 and Smart Band 7. The second screen is larger (1.64" vs 1.56"), and the body is thinner. The Smart Band 7 has an aluminum frame, and the Mi Band 6 has a plastic one.

Can we define a model by MAC-bracelet?
Yes, but only indirectly. MAC-Xiaomi bracelet address begins with manufacturer's prefix: 78:11:DC β€” Mi Band 3-5. A4:17:31 β€” Mi Band 6. D8:96:E0 β€” Smart Band 7/8. Find out. MAC You can use the Zepp Life app (About the device) or the Bluetooth scanner (NRF Connect, for example). 100% guarantees, as counterfeits can emulate the original MAC-address.
How to distinguish the Chinese version of the bracelet from the global one?
Chinese versions (with suffix) CN in the article) have features: πŸ“Ά Support NFC Payment services (e.g. Mi Band 5) NFC It only works with Mi Pay). πŸ—£οΈ Voice assistant Xiao AI (It's not in the global versions). πŸ“‘ Absence of some languages (e.g. Russian in early versions). πŸ”‹ Other firmware (Chinese bracelets are not updated via global Zepp Life) Check the article on the box or in the settings. Global versions have Global or Global suffixes EU.
What if the bracelet is defined as an "Unknown device"?
This is a typical problem for: πŸ› οΈ Bracelets with unofficial firmware (for example, custom Amazfit). 🚨 Fakes emulating original models. πŸ”„ Bracelets after a failed update (firmware dropped). Solutions: Reset the bracelet to factory settings (press the button for 15 seconds). Remove the device from Zepp Life and reconnect. Update the firmware through Settings β†’ About the programme β†’ If nothing helps, contact the Xiaomi service center.
How to find out the bracelet model if it is not turned on?
If the bracelet does not respond to the charger or button, try it: πŸ”Œ Connect to another charger (use the original cable). πŸ•’ Wait. 30 Minutes – sometimes a discharged battery takes time to wake up". πŸ” Check the box for markings (see section). 1). πŸ“¦ Check the box and documents (see section) 2). πŸ› οΈ If the bracelet is disassembled, look at the marking on the board (see section). 6). If the bracelet does not show signs of life, it may be completely discharged (requires charging). 1-2 or is out of order (repair required).
Where can I find the firmware for my bracelet model?
Official firmware distributed by models: Mi Band 1-4: Updates via Mi Fit (old version). Mi Band 5-6: Via Zepp Life or Mi Fit (depending on the region). Smart Band 7/8 Pro: Only through Zepp Life.Recent versions: Official Xiaomi Update Center. XDA-Developers Forum (unofficial firmware). ⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial software may result in loss of warranty or bracelet breakage.