Xiaomi Mi Band 4 remains one of the most popular fitness bracelets even years after its release, due to the balance of price, functionality and reliability. However, many users have difficulties connecting the device to a smartphone, especially if it is a first turn on or reset settings, the main problem lies in the incorrect activation of the Bluetooth module, without which the bracelet simply cannot sync with the Mi Fit or Zepp Life application.
In this article, we will not only look at the standard way to turn on Bluetooth, but also at alternative methods (such as bracelet settings or forced reboot), as well as the typical errors that make the Mi Band 4 not see the phone. We will focus on compatibility with Android and iOS, because the connection algorithms on these platforms differ. If you have tried to connect devices, but the bracelet stubbornly "does not catch" the signal, here you will find a solution.
Why Bluetooth on Mi Band 4 might not work?
Before we get to the instructions, it's important to understand the root of the problem, because 80 percent of the problems are not hardware-related, but software-related failures or user-generated missteps.
- π At a charge level below 15%, the bracelet automatically shuts down energy-intensive modules, including Bluetooth, to extend the work.
- π± Mi Fit or Zepp Life older than 2022 may not support Mi Band 4 communication protocols.
- π Conflict with other devices: If the bracelet was previously paired with another smartphone, it can "hang" in standby mode of connection.
- π οΈ Firmware failure: After a failed update or reset, the Bluetooth module may not work properly.
Another nuance is the regional restrictions, some versions of the Mi Band 4 (like the Chinese). XMSH08HM) They have specific communication protocols, which is why they do not want to connect to phones with European or American SIM-So, you can do this by changing the region in the bracelet settings or by firmware to the global version.
Method 1: Standard Bluetooth Enabling Through an Application
This is a basic method that works 95% of the time, and it works for new bracelets or after resetting, and it's important to make sure that your smartphone is Bluetooth enabled and that notifications for the Mi Fit/Zepp Life app are allowed before you start.
- Install the app: Download the latest version of Mi Fit (for Android) or Zepp Life (for iOS) from the official store. Avoid third-party APKs - they may contain viruses or outdated libraries.
- Register an account: If you donβt already have a Xiaomi profile, create it via email or phone number. Without an account, the bracelet wonβt be able to sync data.
- Add the device: In the application, click Profile β Add the device β Mi Smart Band 4. The bracelet should be located next to the smartphone (up to 10 meters away).
- Activate Bluetooth on the bracelet: On the Mi Band 4 screen, swipe up to open the menu, then select Connect (Bluetooth icon).If the screen isn't responding, press the physical button under the display.
Once you've successfully connected, the app will have a "Device Ready to Use" notification, and if you haven't, move on to the next method.
Make sure the bracelet is charged at least 20 times%|
Update the Mi Fit/Zepp Life app to the latest version|
Turn off VPN or proxy on your smartphone |
Reset the bracelet (press the button for 10 seconds)-->
Method 2: Turning Bluetooth on via the bracelet menu
If the automatic connection doesnβt work, you can force the Bluetooth module directly onto the Mi Band 4. This method is useful when the bracelet has previously been paired with another device and has βforgotβ the current phone.
Instructions:
- On the bracelet screen, swipe your finger up to open the main menu.
- Scroll the list to Settings (cog icon) and select it.
- In the submenu, find Bluetooth (usually the second or third item) and click on it.
- The bracelet will start searching for devices. Simultaneously, on the smartphone in the Mi Fit application, start the connection process (Profile β Add device).
Important: If there is no Bluetooth option on the menu, your firmware does not support manual activation, in which case only resetting will help (see next section).
What to do if the menu on the bracelet does not open?
Method 3: Resetting and Forced Connection
If the first two methods didn't work, it's likely that the bracelet has a software failure, and the factory reset will bring all the parameters back to their original state, including the Bluetooth settings, which is safe and requires no special skills.
Step-by-step:
- On the bracelet, open the menu (swipe up) and go to Settings β Reset.
- Confirm the action by clicking the tick. The bracelet vibrates and reboots.
- After the reboot, a Chinese/English greeting will appear on the screen, which means that the reset was successful.
- Now re-run the connection process through the Mi Fit/Zepp Life app (see Method 1).
The critical nuance is that once reset, all data (steps, pulse, sleep) will be deleted from the wristband, but if you previously synced it with the app, the information will be stored in the Xiaomi cloud.
β οΈ Warning: Do not interrupt the reset even if the bracelet vibrates for a long time or the screen is out.The full cycle takes up to 2 minutes.
Compatibility of Mi Band 4 with different devices
Not all smartphones work equally well with the Mi Band. 4. Below is a table of compatibility with popular models and operating systems. If your device is not listed, focus on the version. Android/iOS.
| The device | OS | Bluetooth support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 10/11 | Android 11β13 | Complete. | Automatic connection without failure |
| iPhone 12/13/14 | iOS 15β17 | Partial | Zepp Life application required. Notifications are delayed |
| Samsung Galaxy S20/S21 | Android 12β14 | Complete. | Sometimes you need to reboot the bracelet after connecting |
| Huawei P40/P50 | EMUI 11β13 | Limited. | Synchronization issues may arise due to Huawei policy |
| PC with Windows 10/11 | β | No. | The bracelet does not support connection to computers. |
If your device is not on the list, check the Bluetooth version in your smartphone settings. Mi Band 4 works with Bluetooth 4.2 protocols and later. Outdated versions (such as Bluetooth 4.0 on older Android) may not provide a stable connection.
Solving common connection errors
Even after successfully turning on Bluetooth, users face typical problems, including the most common ones and ways to fix them:
- π "Bracelet plugs in and off immediately": Reason: conflict with background processes on the smartphone. Solution: in Android settings, disable battery optimization for the Mi Fit app (Settings) β Annexes β Mi Fit β Battery β No restrictions).
- π΅ "Can't find the device": "Cause: the bracelet is in power-saving mode. Solution: plug it into charging for 10 to 15 minutes, then try again.
- π "Required. PIN-Code": Reason: Some firmwares request a confirmation code. Solution: type 0000 or 1234 (standard combinations for Xiaomi).
- β‘ "Bracelet vibrates but doesn't connect": Reason: failure in Bluetooth module.Solution: perform resetting (see Method 3).
If none of these methods worked, check the physical condition of the bracelet, and if the charging contacts are damaged or moisture is injected into the case, the Bluetooth module will be disabled, and repairs will be required at the service center.
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Before resetting, try a soft reboot: press the button on the bracelet for 5 seconds until the shutdown menu appears. Select Restart (reboot) - this often solves connection problems without losing data.
Additional Bluetooth features on the Mi Band 4
The Bluetooth module in the Mi Band 4 is used not only for syncing with the phone, but also for other useful functions.
- π΅ Music control: From the bracelet you can pause music, switch tracks and adjust volume (works with Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music).
- πΈ Remote camera shutter: In the Mi Fit app, activate the Camera Control function β you can now take photos from your smartphone by pressing the bracelet screen.
- π Call and Message Alerts: Bluetooth transmits notifications from your phone (SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. To set up the filter, go to Profile β Notifications.
- π Phone search: If the smartphone is lost, in the bracelet menu, select Find the phone - the device will start ringing at maximum volume.
To activate these functions, you need Bluetooth to be on all the time, and if you turn it off to save charge, the bracelet will lose communication with the smartphone and stop displaying notifications.
π‘
To extend the braceletβs life without recharging, turn off unnecessary notifications in the Mi Fit app. For example, alerts from social networks consume up to 15% of the charge per day.