The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular wearables thanks to its combination of affordable price, functionality and reliability. However, even with such a simple gadget, the first launch can raise questions: how to properly charge, turn on and sync with your phone? Especially if you have never used a smart bracelet before.
In this article, we will not only explain how to turn on the Mi Band 4, but also analyze the typical mistakes of beginners, explain why the bracelet may not respond to presses, and give tips on optimal configuration, and you will learn how to avoid common problems with connecting to a smartphone and what to do if the charging indicator is not on.
Despite the apparent simplicity, the process of first switching on has nuances - from the correct position on the charge to the choice of region in the application, following our recommendations, you can avoid unnecessary manipulation and immediately start using all the functions of the bracelet.
Preparing for the first turn on: what to do before launch
Before you turn on the Mi Band 4, make sure you have everything you need. Many users miss this stage and then run into problems - for example, the bracelet discharges during setup or does not sync with the smartphone.
Here is the minimum set you will need:
- 🔌 Charging device from the set (cable with USB-A at the end and a magnetic bracelet connector).
- 📱 Smartphone on Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+ with Mi Fit or Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit) installed).
- 🔋 power supply: USB-port of the computer, charger for the phone (5V/1A or 5V/2A) power bank.
- 📶 Stable Internet connection on the phone (for downloading the application and updating the bracelet firmware).
If you don't have the original charging cable, you can use compatible analogues, but pay attention to the polarity of the contacts - the wrong connection can cause the bracelet to fail, and also make sure that the magnetic connector does not have any contamination or oxidation that interferes with contact.
⚠️ Note: Do not use chargers with higher voltage 5V (This can cause the bracelet battery to overheat and shorten its lifespan.
Before the first turn on, it is recommended to fully charge the bracelet - even if the indicator shows a partial charge. This will help calibrate the battery and avoid problems with autonomy in the future. The full charging time of the Mi Band 4 is about 1.5-2 hours.
How to Charge Xiaomi Mi Band 4 Before First Enablement
Charging the bracelet is a seemingly simple procedure, but there are nuances here too: improper connection can cause the indicator to not light up and the bracelet to not respond to pressing. Let's take the process Step-by-step.
1. Remove the bracelet capsule from the strap. To do this, pull it toward the screen, it will slip out of the slots easily. Don't put too much effort into it so that it doesn't damage the mount.
2. Connect the magnetic connector. There are metal contacts on the capsule -- pair them with the charging cable connector. The magnets will help to lock in position, but make sure the contacts fit tightly.
3. Connect. USB-You can use a computer port, a phone charger, or a power bank, and the main thing is that the voltage is not higher than the voltage. 5V.
When you plug in, the charge indicator should appear on the bracelet screen, a battery icon with an animation of filling.
- 🔄 Check the contact density – sometimes it is enough to move the capsule slightly.
- 🔌 Try another one. USB-port.
- 🧹 Clean the contacts on the capsule and connector from dust or oxidation (you can use a cotton swab dipped with alcohol).
- ⚡ If the bracelet is discharged to zero, wait 5-10 minutes - sometimes the indicator does not appear immediately.
During charging, the bracelet screen may periodically turn on, showing the charge level. When charging is completed, the indicator will disappear, and the screen will appear a message 100%.
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If the bracelet is not charging, try to flip the capsule in the charger - sometimes users plug it upside down, and the contacts do not match.
How to turn on Mi Band 4 for the first time
When the bracelet is charged, you can start to turn on, it takes no more than a minute, but requires precise execution of steps.
- Place the capsule back in the strap. Make sure it's tightly fixed -- you should hear a slight click.
- Find a button on the screen. On the Mi Band 4, it's touch-sensitive and it's underneath the display. You touch it once, it's going to come alive.
- Wait for the download. The Mi logo will appear on the screen, then the download animation. This can take up to 30 seconds.
- Select a language. Once you download the bracelet, you'll want to select an interface language. Use up/down swipes to navigate and click on the screen to confirm.
If the screen does not respond to touch:
- 🔋 Make sure the bracelet is charged (the indicator should show at least 10-20%).
- 👆 Try to touch the screen not with your nail, but with a finger pad - the sensor may not work on hard objects.
- 🔄 Reboot the bracelet: plug it into charging, then turn it off and try turning it on again.
After choosing a language, the bracelet will be ready to sync with the smartphone, but before that, it is recommended to update the firmware - this will fix possible bugs and add new features.
Check the bracelet's charge.|Clear the charger contacts|Try another one. USB-port|Reset the bracelet (plug/unplug from charging)|Update the firmware through Mi Fit-->
Sync with your phone: Connect via Mi Fit or Zepp Life
Without a smartphone connection, the Mi Band 4 will only work like a pedometer clock, and to unlock all the functions — notifications, sleep monitoring, pulse monitor — you need to sync the bracelet with the app.
1. Download and install the application:
- For Android: Mi Fit or Zepp Life (available on Google Play).
- For iOS: Mi Fit only (in the App Store).
2. Sign up or sign in to Xiaomi account. Without an account, sync is impossible.
3. Add the device: in the application, click Profile → Add the device → Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 4.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. The application will prompt you to turn on Bluetooth, allow notifications and select a region (important for the correct operation of the pulsemeter).
If the bracelet is not present:
- 🛡️ In your phone settings, allow the Mi Fit app to access location and contacts (necessary for notifications).
Once synchronized successfully, the app will have basic information about the bracelet — charge level, firmware version and available features — and you can now set notifications, alarm clocks and other settings.
⚠️ Note: If you use the Mi Band 4 with your iPhone, some features (such as quick notification responses) may be limited due to Apple's policy.
Firmware Update: Why It Matters and How to Do It
The firmware bracelet is responsible for stability, bug fixing and adding new features. Mi Band 4 received updates for several years after release, so the first thing to do after turning on is to update the software.
How to check and update the firmware:
- Open the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app.
- Go to the section of your bracelet (usually it is displayed on the home screen).
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Firmware Update.
- If a new version is available, click Update and wait for the process to complete.
During the update:
- 📵 Do not disconnect the bracelet from your phone or leave the app.
- 🔋 Make sure the bracelet charge level is not below 50%.
- 📶 Connect your phone to a stable Wi-Fi network (mobile internet updates may be interrupted).
The upgrade takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the speed of the Internet, and when it is completed, the bracelet will reboot automatically.
- 🔄 Reset the bracelet (plug in to charge for 10 seconds).
- 📱 Reinstall the Mi Fit app.
- 🛠️ Try updating the firmware through another smartphone.
The last official firmware for the Mi Band 4 (version 1.0.9.54) was released in 2022.If your bracelet offers an upgrade to a newer version, it may be custom firmware, which is not recommended to install without experience.
What does a firmware update do?
Set up the basic functions: what to do immediately
Once you've successfully connected and upgraded, you can start customizing your bracelet to suit your needs, and here are the key settings that you should set up first:
| Function | Where to set up | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Notifications | Mi Fit → Device Profile → Notifications | Turn on alerts for calls, SMS and instant messengers. iPhones may need additional settings in Settings → Bluetooth. |
| Automatic sleep tracking | Mi Fit → Device Profile → Sleep | Turn on if you want to analyze the sleep phases, and turn off if the bracelet interferes at night (for example, due to the vibration of the alarm clock). |
| Raising your hand to turn on the screen | Bracelet settings → Display | Conveniently, but slightly reduces the time of autonomy, the alternative is double tapping on the screen. |
| Dials | Mi Fit → Device Profile → Dials | Choose from the standard or download additional ones via Amazfit Watch Faces (Android only). |
| A reminder of inactivity | Mi Fit → Device Profile → Activity Purposes | Useful for office workers: Set up the interval (e.g., every 60 minutes). |
Also note:
- 🔒 Screen lock: in bracelet settings you can enable PIN-code so you don't accidentally press buttons (useful during training).
- 🏃 Exercise modes: Add frequently used activities (running, cycling, swimming) for quick access.
- 🌙 Night mode: turns off the screen light at a given time so as not to interfere with sleep.
Remember that some settings (such as pedometer sensitivity) can be finely adjusted through the Laboratory in Mi Fit. However, it is not recommended to change them unnecessarily - this can lead to incorrect operation of the sensors.
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The more you adjust the bracelet to your daily routine, the more useful it will be, for example, if you sleep from 23:00 to 7:00, specify this in your sleep settings for proper analysis.
Typical problems and their solutions
Even after you turn on and configure correctly, Mi Band 4 users sometimes run into problems, and let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.
1.The bracelet is not synchronized with the phone
- 📱 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone and bracelet (plug in charge for 10 seconds).
- 🔄 Remove the bracelet from the list of devices in Mi Fit and add again.
- 🛡️ Check if the antivirus or power saving mode is blocking Mi Fit.
2.The screen does not respond to touch
- 🔋 Check the charge level – at a discharge below 5%, the sensor may turn off.
- 🧼 Wipe the screen with a wet wipe (it may be fat or sweat on it).
- 🔄 Reload the bracelet through the charger.
3. The battery goes down fast.
- 📵 Turn off constant data synchronization (set up manual mode).
- 🌙 Reduce the brightness of the screen and turn off the raising of your hand to activate.
- 🛠️ Update the firmware – in the old versions there were errors with energy consumption.
4. incorrectly counts steps or pulse
- 👕 Make sure the bracelet fits tightly to your wrist (not too loose or too tight).
- 📏 Enter exact height, weight and age data in your Mi Fit profile.
- 🚶 For accurate calculation of steps, wear a bracelet on a non-dominant hand (for right-handers - on the left).
5.The bracelet does not vibrate at notifications
- 🔔 Check notification settings in Mi Fit and on your phone (app permissions).
- 📳 Make sure your phone is on Bluetooth and internet.
- 🔕 In the bracelet settings, check if the "Do Not Disturb" mode is turned off".
If the problem is not solved, try resetting the bracelet to factory settings: in Mi Fit go to Device Profile → Settings → Reset. Attention: this will delete all data from the bracelet!