Xiaomi Mi Band 3
all-inclusive
Mi Band 3
Many people mistakenly think that the bracelet is switched on with a button, because it doesn't really work here. If you've just unpacked the device or it's gone to zero, you'll need to charge the battery properly first, and then sync it to your smartphone using the Mi Fit app (or its analogues), and then we'll tell you how to do it without errors and what to do if the bracelet doesn't respond to actions.
Important: the instruction is suitable for the original version of Xiaomi Mi Band 3 (model) XMSH07HM) If you have another modification (for example, Mi Band 4 or the other one). NFC-version, some steps may differ.
Preparation for the first inclusion: what to check before the start
Before you try to turn on the bracelet, make sure that all the prerequisites are met, which will save time and eliminate unnecessary manipulation.
1. Charge the device. Mi Band 3 comes with a discharged battery - even if the indicator on the charger flashes, this does not mean that the battery is full. Connect the bracelet to charge for at least 30 minutes (optimally 1-2 hours).
2. Phone compatibility: The bracelet works with Android 4.4+ or iOS 9.0+ devices. Make sure your smartphone meets the requirements.
- 📱 Bluetooth (in phone settings)
- 📶 Access to geodata (for the Mi Fit application)
- 🔄 Automatic time synchronization (in date and time settings)
3. Original cable, if you use a non-native cable USB-The cable, the bracelet, may not charge or charge very slowly. The original cable has a magnetic connector and Xiaomi markings on the back.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to charge the Mi Band 3 from a power bank or a low-current laptop (less than 0.5A).This may result in undercharging or battery failures.
How to Charge Xiaomi Mi Band 3 Before Turning On
The charging process of the Mi Band 3 is different from the newer models. There's no USB-Type C or wireless charging, just a proprietary connector. Let's take a Step-by-step.
1. Remove the capsule from the strap. Carefully pull the top of the bracelet (where the screen is) away from the strap.
2. Connect to the charger. Put the capsule in the charger so that the contacts on the bracelet match the contacts on the cable. The magnet will help to lock the position. USB-port 5V/1A.
3. Wait for the indication. When you start charging, the battery icon with the animation of the filling will appear on the bracelet screen. If the screen does not turn on, check:
- 🔌 The density of the contacts (sometimes helps to slightly press the capsule against the cable)
- 🔋 Possibility of work USB-port (try another connector or adapter)
- ⚡ Cleanliness of contacts (when oxidized, wipe them with an alcohol napkin)
4. Turn it off after you're fully charged. When the cable light turns green and the bracelet screen shows 100%, you can disconnect the device. Don't keep the bracelet on charge for more than 3 hours, which can shorten battery life.
☑️ Checking the charging of the Mi Band 3
First activation: activation of the bracelet
After charging, the Mi Band 3 should turn on automatically. If this does not happen, follow the following steps:
1. Press the touch button. There's a sensitive area under the screen (not a physical button!) You tap it once, the bracelet should vibrate and turn on.
2 Wait for the download. The Mi logo will appear on the screen, then the main interface with time (if the bracelet has already been paired) or a welcome message (if it is the first on).
If the bracelet does not respond:
- 🔄 Try rebooting it: plug it into charging for 10 seconds, then turn it off and press the touch button.
- 📱 Make sure the bracelet is not in power saving mode (the screen will go out after 5 seconds of inactivity - tap the button to wake up).
- 🔧 If the screen remains black, you may need to reset (instructions in the next section).
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet has been in water or has been subjected to extreme temperature changes, dry it for at least 24 hours in a dry place before turning on.
Resetting: if the bracelet does not turn on or freezes
If the Mi Band 3 doesn't respond to taps, freezes on the logo, or doesn't work properly, a hard reset will help, and this procedure will bring the device back to factory settings.
How to reset your settings:
- Connect the bracelet to the charger.
- Press and hold the touch button for 10-15 seconds until you feel a double vibration.
- Release the button and the bracelet will reboot and show the Mi logo.
What to do after the discharge:
- 🔄 The bracelet will return to factory settings (all data will be deleted).
- 📱 Re-pairing with the phone via Mi Fit.
- ⚙️ Notifications, alarms and user profile settings will have to be reconfigured.
If the reset didn’t work, the problem could be a firmware or hardware malfunction, in which case try updating the software through the app or contact the service center.
What if the bracelet does not vibrate when reset?
Connect to the phone via Mi Fit
Without pairing with a smartphone, the Mi Band 3 only works like a watch. To unlock all the functions (stepmer, notifications, sleep monitoring), you need to connect it through the official application.
Step-by-step:
- Download Mi Fit from the App Store or Google Play.
- Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (required!).
- Click Profile → Add Device → Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 3.
- Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and wait for the app to find the bracelet.
- Confirm the pairing on the phone and bracelet (it will appear on the request – touch the touch button).
Frequent errors when connecting:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The bracelet is not | Bluetooth is disabled or the bracelet is discharged | Turn on Bluetooth, charge the bracelet to 50% |
| The "failed to connect" error | The bracelet is already paired with another phone. | Reset your bracelet settings (see section above) |
| The application freezes at the connection stage | An outdated version of the Mi Fit | Update the app in the store |
| The bracelet is connected, but the data is not synchronized | Wrong permission settings | In the phone settings, allow Mi Fit to access notifications and geodata |
Once successfully connected, the bracelet will automatically update the firmware (if a new version is available) and synchronize the time, and you can now set up notifications, alarms, and other functions.
💡
If Mi Fit doesn’t find the bracelet, try restarting Bluetooth on your phone or using an alternative app like Notify & Fitness for Mi Band (available for Android).
Solving common inclusion problems
Even after charging and resetting properly, the Mi Band 3 can be unstable. Let's look at typical scenarios and how to fix them.
1. The bracelet is switched on but immediately switched off.
- 🔋 Reason: Critically low charge (less than 5%).
- ⚡ Solution: Charge the bracelet for at least 1 hour, even if the indicator shows charging.
2.The screen flashes but does not respond to presses.
- 💧 Reason: Moisture getting under the screen or contact oxidation.
- 🛠️ Solution: Dry the bracelet in rice or silica gel for 24 hours. Don't use a hair dryer!
3.The bracelet vibrates, but does not tell the time.
- ⏱️ Reason: Time synchronization failure with the phone.
- 📱 Solution: In Mi Fit, go to Device Profile → Additionally. → Synchronize time.
4. After updating the firmware bracelet is not turned on.
- 🔄 Reason: Failed update (interrupted process).
- 🔧 Solution: Reset the bracelet to factory settings and repeat the update.
⚠️ Note: If the bracelet fell from a height or was subjected to heavy mechanical stress, the problem may be damage to the screen plume. In this case, self-repair is not recommended - contact the service.
💡
If the bracelet doesn’t turn on after all the manipulations, check it on another phone, which will help to eliminate problems with Bluetooth or your smartphone software.
Alternative activation methods (without the phone)
Can you use the Mi Band 3 without a smartphone? Partly yes. The bracelet retains basic features even without connecting to the Mi Fit, but with limitations.
What works without a phone:
- ⏱️ Time display (if previously synchronized).
- 🏃 Stepmer (data stored in the memory of the bracelet).
- 🔔 Alarm clock (if set up earlier).
- 💤 Sleep monitoring (without detail in the app).
How to activate without a phone:
- Charge the bracelet to 100%.
- Press the touch button to turn on.
- If a reset is required, use the button retention method (see section above).
Limitations:
- 🚫 No notifications of calls and messages.
- 🚫 It is impossible to update the firmware.
- 🚫 Activity data is not stored for longer than 7 days.
For full operation, you will still need at least a one-time connection to Mi Fit to adjust the time and basic parameters.