Activating a new wearable gadget often becomes a test for the user's nervous system, especially when the device does not respond to usual actions. Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is a fitness bracelet that requires initial synchronization with the smartphone for full operation, since it does not have a full-fledged interface to independently control all functions. Many owners face a situation where the tracker simply lies on his hand and does not light up, which causes panic and thoughts of marriage.
In fact, the device is most often in deep sleep mode to save battery power during long-term storage in the warehouse. Lithium polymer battery inside the case can discharge to minimal values, which does not turn on the tracker just by pressing a touch button. You will need to perform a number of consecutive actions, from charging to properly configuring the software on the mobile device.
In this guide, we will go into detail all the steps that will help activate your gadget and make it work correctly, and we will look not only at the standard scenario, but also at possible problems that you may encounter during the initial setup process.
Primary charging and activation of the tracker
The first and critical step is to provide the device with enough power. Since the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 could have been lying on the store shelf for several months, its battery is in a deep discharge state. Connect the tracker to the charger using the original cable-dock or quality analogue compatible with the AC30 model.
Notice the screen: when you connect to the power source, the display should display a battery icon, even if the device is completely off. 5-10 Just a minute, try changing. USB-port or power supply, as some computer ports may not produce enough current to "wake up" the controller.
⚠️ Warning: Don't use Quick Charge, Power Delivery chargers from high-powered smartphones unless you have control over the process. While the Mi Band 4 power controller has protection, power surges in cheap units can damage the chip.
Once the charge indicator is on the screen, leave the device for 15-20 minutes, which is usually enough time for the battery to gain the minimum charge to turn on. Don't try to turn on the bracelet immediately after connecting to the network, let the system stabilize.
If after 20 minutes of charging the screen is still black, gently wipe the contacts on the tracker itself and on the charging dock with an alcohol wipe. Contact oxidation is a common reason why energy is not transferred to the device and it cannot come out of sleep mode.
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Use the power supply from an old smartphone with a current of 1 Ampere (5V/1A) - this is the most gentle and stable option for charging wearable electronics.
Installation and configuration of the Mi Fit application
Without any software on your smartphone, the bracelet is simply a screen with a watch. To work properly, you need to install the Mi Fit app (in new regions it may be called Zepp Life), download it from official Google Play stores or the App Store, which guarantees the latest version without viruses.
Once you install the app, you’ll need to create an account or log into your existing Xiaomi Account profile, which is necessary to synchronize your health data and keep your activity history in the cloud. When registering, choose your region carefully, as the server on which your data will be stored depends on it.
- 📱 Go to the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone and make sure the wireless module is activated.
- 🔋 Make sure the bracelet is at least charged. 10-15% stable operation of the communication module.
- 📡 Don’t try to pair your device through your phone’s standard Bluetooth menu – it won’t work.
It is important to give the application all the permissions requested, especially access to geolocation and notifications. Without a geolocation permission (GPS) in Android, the system can block the search for Bluetooth devices, considering this a security threat.
Interconnection of the bracelet with a smartphone
The process of connecting the Mi Band 4 to your phone is different from connecting a regular headphone. You don't have to search for the device in the list of available Bluetooth gadgets in the phone settings. The whole procedure is done exclusively through the Mi Fit application interface.
Open the app, go to the Profile tab, and select Add Device. In the list of available gadgets, find Mi Band 4. The app will go into search mode and start scanning the space around it, at which point a vibration or Bluetooth icon may appear on the bracelet screen to signal the start of the search.
Once the app detects the tracker, the device image and the confirmation button will appear on the smartphone screen. Press it, and the bracelet will have a pairing request on the screen. You will need to tap the touch button on the tracker to confirm the action. This is a security measure to prevent someone else's phone from connecting to your device.
| Parameter | Meaning/Action | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Communication module | Bluetooth 5.0 (BLE) | Tall. |
| Distance | Up to 10 meters (no obstacles) | Medium |
| Android OS | Version 5.0 and higher | Critical |
| iOS | Version 10.0 and higher | Critical |
If you have a problem pairing, try restarting Bluetooth on your phone or restarting the app itself. Sometimes cleaning the Mi Fit app cache in your smartphone settings helps. Make sure the bracelet doesn't have a "Conjugated" status on it with another phone, as the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 can only hold one active connection in memory at a time.
☑️ Pre-conjugation check
Update of device firmware
Once paired successfully, the app may suggest updating the bracelet software, a critical step that should not be missed. Factory firmware on new devices often contains errors or is incompatible with the current version of the application, which can cause notifications or sensors to malfunction.
The upgrade process takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the speed of the Internet connection and the firmware version. At this time, the screen of the bracelet will burn, displaying the progress bar. It is strictly not recommended to interrupt the process or carry the phone away from the bracelet.
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet battery dies during the upgrade or the phone loses connection, the device may turn into a brick.
Once you have completed the installation of new files, the bracelet will automatically restart, you will notice changes in the menu interface or new features such as music control or new dials, and the updated firmware also improves the accuracy of heart rate and pedometer measurements.
What to do if the update is suspended?
Configure notifications and functions
Once the device is on and updated, it’s time for personalization. Mi Band 4 allows you to display notifications from any apps installed on your smartphone. To do this, you need to go to the bracelet settings in the Mi Fit app and select “Application Notifications”.
Here you can activate the display of messages from WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, SMS and system notifications. Please note that the text of messages comes only if they are displayed in the notification curtain of the phone. If the application hides the contents of notifications for privacy purposes, only the name of the application will appear on the bracelet.
- ⌚ Set the time display format (12 or 24 hours) according to your preferences.
- 🌍 Select your time zone so that notifications arrive at the right time.
- 📳 Set Do Not Disturb Mode with a schedule so that the bracelet doesn’t vibrate at night.
You also need to look at the wrist-raising function to turn on the screen, which is very convenient, but can consume battery power if you have restless hands. In the sensitivity settings, you can choose the level "Mediocre" or "Low" so that the screen only lights up when you move confidently.
Diagnostics and Addressing Inclusion Problems
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the bracelet stops responding to charging or pressing even after performing all the above actions, in which case the procedure of forced reboot or reset to factory settings can help.
To reset through the app, find the bracelet settings for "Sever a pair" or "Unbind." This will delete all data from the tracker and return it to the state it was in when it left the factory.
If the bracelet warms up while charging, but the screen does not light up, it may be a problem in the hardware — the plume of the display has gone away or the battery has failed. In such cases, the software methods are powerless, and you need to contact the service center or replace the device under warranty.
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Most of the problems with inclusion are solved by long-term charging (more than 1 hour) on low current and reconnecting the cable in the process.