How to turn on Xiaomi Mi Band 4 correctly: all ways and solutions to problems

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular wearables due to its combination of functionality and affordable price. However, even such a simple gadget can have problems turning on β€” especially if you just bought it, did not use it for a long time or faced battery discharge. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to turn on the Mi Band 4, from the standard procedure to forced reboot, and also tell you what to do if the bracelet does not respond to presses.

It is important to understand that the activation process can vary depending on the state of the device: a new bracelet requires initial configuration through the Mi Fit application, and the one already used sometimes needs to be reset. We will also look at typical user errors that prevent correct inclusion, and give recommendations for troubleshooting without contacting the service center.

The standard way to include Mi Band 4

If your Mi Band 4 is completely discharged or you just unpacked it out of the box, the first thing you need to do is connect the bracelet to the charger. Unlike newer models (for example, the Mi Band 6 or 7), the fourth version has a removable module that is inserted into a special dock connector.

1. Remove the bracelet from the package and find a charging cable with a USB-connector type A.

2. Carefully remove the bracelet capsule from the strap by pressing the button from the back.

3. Insert the capsule into the charging dock so that the contacts coincide (the case has marks in the form of arrows).

4. Connect the cable to the power source: adapter (5V/1A) or USB-port.

Remove the capsule from the strap | Check the integrity of the contacts | Connect to charging for 30+ minutes | Make sure the charge indicator flashes-->

When you connect to the charger, the charge indicator should appear on the bracelet screen, a red battery with an animation of filling. If the indicator is not on, check:

  • πŸ”Œ Density of the adjoining contacts (sometimes the capsule is not inserted until the end).
  • πŸ”‹ Cable and power supply performance (try another charger).
  • πŸ•’ Charging time: If the bracelet has been unloaded for a long time, it may take 10-15 minutes before the indicator appears.

When the charge level reaches at least 10-15%, the bracelet will automatically turn on. If this does not happen, press and hold the touch button under the screen for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.

Activation through the Mi Fit application

The new Mi Band 4 won't work without being tied to a smartphone through the official Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life for new firmware versions), without which the bracelet will turn on but won't be able to sync data, show notifications or update. Here's how to properly do the binding:

1 Download and install Mi Fit from Google Play or the App Store.

2. Register or sign in to your Xiaomi account (required! without an account synchronization is not possible).

3. Click Profile β†’ Add Device β†’ Bracelet β†’ Mi Smart Band 4.

4. Follow the instructions on the screen: Allow access to notifications, geolocation and contacts (this is necessary for proper operation).

πŸ’‘

If the app doesn’t find the bracelet, try turning off Bluetooth on your smartphone for 10 seconds, then turn it on again. Also check that the bracelet is on a white search indicator (double pressing the button).

After successful synchronization, the bracelet will automatically update the firmware (if a new version is available) and offer to configure the main parameters:

  • ⏰ Time zone (should coincide with the smartphone).
  • πŸ“± Notifications (select the applications you want to see alerts from).
  • πŸƒ Monitoring functions (stepmeter, pulse, sleep).
  • πŸ”’ Password for unlocking (optional).

Important! If the bracelet has stopped responding to touch after you've tied it, reset to factory settings (instructions in the next section), which often helps with failures after you update your firmware.

What to do if Mi Band 4 is not turned on

If the bracelet doesn't respond to charging or pressing a button, the causes can range from deep discharge to hardware malfunctions, and we've put together all the possible solutions, starting with the simplest ones:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
No charge indicator on.Discharged to 0%, cable damagedWait 30 minutes on charging, check the other cable
Vibrates, but the screen doesn't turn on.Firmware failureReset via Mi Fit or Forced Reset
Reacts only to charging.Touch button stickingWipe the button with alcohol, press several times.
No updates are included after the updateIncompatible firmwareRemove the firmware via Mi Fit or Notify & Fitness

Forced reboot helps in 80% of cases when the bracelet is "hang."

  1. Connect the bracelet to the charger.
  2. Press the touch button for 10-15 seconds.
  3. Wait for the double vibration and the appearance of the Mi logo.

If the reboot didn't help, try resetting to factory settings:

  1. In the Mi Fit app, go to Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Untie the device.
  2. On the bracelet, perform a forced reset (see above).
  3. Tie the bracelet again, as when you first switch on.
What to do if the bracelet is not determined by the application?
If Mi Fit doesn’t see the bracelet even after reset, try: 1. Delete the app cache (Phone Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Mi Fit β†’ Memory β†’ Clear cache). 2. Use another synchronization app, such as Notify & Fitness for Mi Band (available in the Play Market). 3. Check smartphone compatibility: Mi Band 4 requires Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+. 4. If nothing helps, the problem may be in the Bluetooth bracelet module (repairing is required).

Critical information: If the bracelet does not turn on after falling or getting moisture, DO NOT connect it to the charging! This can cause a short circuit.

Battery charge check and indication

One of the common reasons for Mi Band 4 not to turn on is the misinterpretation of charge indicators, which has several states that users confuse with a malfunction:

  • πŸ”΄ Red battery without animation – bracelet discharged to 0%, charging at least 30 minutes is required.
  • πŸ”΄ Red battery with animation - charging, level below 20%.
  • 🟒 Green battery – charge above 80%, bracelet can be turned off.
  • βšͺ White screen with logo - bracelet turned on and ready to set up.

To check the current charge level without connecting to a charge:

  1. Touch the touch button under the screen.
  2. Flick the menu to the right until you find the battery icon.
  3. Click on it, and the percentage of charge will be displayed.

Once every 3-5 days | Once a week | Less than once every 10 days | Only when completely discharged-->

The average lifetime of the Mi Band 4 on a single charge is 10–14 days in standard use (notifications, sleep monitoring, pulse every 30 minutes).

  • πŸ“Ά The frequency of synchronization with the phone (in Mi Fit you can set the interval).
  • πŸ’€ Sensor activity (constant pulse monitoring reduces operating time).
  • πŸ”„ Auto-update firmware (turn off in bracelet settings).

Updating the firmware and its impact on inclusion

Mi Band 4 power failures are often due to outdated or damaged firmware. Xiaomi regularly releases updates that fix bugs and add new features (such as support for new dials or an improved sleep algorithm), but a failed update can lead to the bracelet becoming β€œbrickled” when it stops responding to any action.

To update the firmware:

  1. Open the Mi Fit and go to the bracelet profile.
  2. Click Firmware Update (if available).
  3. Confirm the installation and wait until the completion (the bracelet will reboot automatically).

πŸ’‘

Never interrupt the firmware update process! If the bracelet vibrates and the progress bar is on the screen, disconnecting from charging or the smartphone can lead to complete loss of performance.

If the bracelet is not activated after the update:

  • πŸ”„ Try a forced reboot (click the button for 15 seconds).
  • πŸ“± Reinstall the Mi Fit app and re-attach the bracelet.
  • πŸ”™ Roll back the firmware through third-party utilities (such as Mi Band 4 Tools) if official methods don't help.

Attention! Using unofficial firmware can take away your warranty and cause the bracelet to work in an unstable way, only if you have exhausted all other options.

Frequent errors of users when switching on

Many Mi Band 4 problems are caused by user misconduct, and here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

⚠️ Warning: Never use a higher voltage adapter to charge your bracelet 5V/1A (This can damage the battery and the power controller!

  • 🚫 Connecting to charging through USB-There's no power to the hub. USB-Keyboard ports or passive hubs where there is not enough current.Always use a charger or active USB-port.
  • 🚫 Pressing the screen, not the touch button. 4 The screen is not touchscreen (unlike the Mi Band). 5/6)! All actions are performed through a physical button under the display.
  • 🚫 Ignoring firmware updates: Outdated firmware can cause conflicts with new Mi Fit versions, leading to problems with enabling.
  • 🚫 Keep the bracelet discharged for more than a month, lithium polymer batteries degrade when the bracelet is discharged. If you haven't used it for a long time, charge it 50% before storing it.

Another typical situation is that the user tries to turn on the bracelet without inserting the capsule into the strap, in which case the vibration and touch button may not work properly due to lack of fixation. Always check that the capsule is tightly attached to the strap before use.

Hardware malfunctions and when to contact the service

If all software methods have been tried, but Mi Band 4 still doesn't turn on, the problem may be hardware.

  • πŸ”₯ The bracelet warms up when charging or using.
  • πŸ’§ On the screen or under the button, traces of corrosion are visible (moisture getting into the screen).
  • πŸ”Œ Charging contacts are blackened or deformed.
  • πŸ“‰ The charge level drops from 100% to 0% in a few hours (battery malfunction).

The cost of repairing the Mi Band 4 depends on the type of malfunction:

Problem.Cost of repair (approximately)Is it possible to do it yourself?
Battery replacement500–800 β‚½Yes (with a soldering iron and experience)
Repair of charging contacts300–600 β‚½Yeah (microscope and solder needed)
Screen replacement800–1200 β‚½No (specialized equipment required)
Recovery after moisture is ingested1000–1500 β‚½No (needs ultrasound cleaning)

Tip: If the bracelet is warranty (usually 12 months), don't disassemble it yourself! this will void the warranty. Contact your Xiaomi Authorized Service Center with your check and box.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band 4 inclusion

My Mi Band 4 vibrates, but the screen doesn't turn on.
This is a typical sign of a firmware failure or a screen malfunction. Try: Forced reset the bracelet (press the button for 15 seconds); Connect to charge for 1 hour β€” sometimes the screen does not turn on when the charge is low; reset the settings through Mi Fit (untie and re-tether); If it does not help, hardware malfunction (possibly the screen plume has departed).
The bracelet turns on, but it turns off.
Most likely battery problem: Battery is worn out and does not hold charge (needs a replacement); Battery contacts are oxidized (try to clean with alcohol); Power controller failure (requires diagnostics in the service); Try to hold the bracelet on charging for 2-3 hours without interruptions; if it turns off immediately after switching off, the battery is defective.
Can I turn on Mi Band 4 without charging cable?
No, the Mi Band 4 has no alternative charging methods. The cable is the only official way. However, in emergency cases, you can: Use the universal dock for the Mi Band (sold separately). Connect the capsule contacts to the 5V power supply via wires (risky!). Warning: Incorrect power connection can burn the bracelet fee!
After the firmware update, the bracelet doesn't turn on. How do you roll back?
Firmware rollback is possible through third-party applications, such as Notify & Fitness for Mi Band: Install the app and plug in the bracelet. Go to Settings β†’ Firmware β†’ Select version. Download the old firmware version (e.g. 1.0.9.54). Start the upgrade process - the bracelet will reboot. If the bracelet is not determined, try to reset it via Mi Fit before rolling back.
How long does it take to charge the Mi Band 4 for the first turn on?
When fully discharged: 10-15 minutes, the charging indicator will appear; 30-40 minutes, the bracelet will turn on (charge level ~ 20%); 1.5-2 hours, full charge to 100%; If the indicator does not light up after 30 minutes on charging, check the cable or try another charger.