How to turn on the fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band 3 for the first time: detailed instructions with photos

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular activity tracking gadgets even years after its release, and its simplicity, reliability and affordable price attract millions of users, but beginners often have questions about how to turn on the bracelet when they first use it, what to do if it does not respond to clicks, and how to avoid typical setup errors.

In this article, we will take a look at the entire process, from unpacking to first syncing with your smartphone, how to charge the bracelet before first switching on, what buttons and gestures are used to control, and how to solve common problems (for example, if the Mi Band 3 does not turn on or connect to the application), and pay special attention to nuances that are not written in the standard instructions, such as why the bracelet can discharge overnight after the first setting and how to avoid this.

If you just bought Mi Band 3 or got it out after a long storage – this guide will help you start the gadget the first time without any problems.

Preparing for the first turn on: what to do before launch

Before you press the button on the bracelet, follow a few important steps that will save you from typical errors, such as discharging during setup or connection problems.

Step 1: Check the package. The box with the Mi Band 3 should have:

• 📦 The fitness bracelet itself (module with screen)
• 🔋 Charging cable (with magnetic connector)
• 📄 Short instructions in several languages (including Russian)
• 🔄 The band (usually already installed on the module)

If something is missing (such as a cable), don’t try to turn on the bracelet – without charging it just won’t start.

Step 2: Install the Mi Fit app. The bracelet doesn't work autonomously -- you need a smartphone with the official app installed to set up.

• 📱 For Android: Google Play
• 🍎 For iOS: App Store

Note: On iPhone, some features (such as call notifications) may work in limited ways due to Apple’s policies.

Step 3: Charge the bracelet. The Mi Band 3 comes with a battery dead. Connect it to charging for 1-2 hours, even if the indicator shows a charge. This is because the bracelet spends a lot of energy on synchronizing and updating the firmware when it is first turned on.

How to Charge Mi Band 3 Before First Enablement

Charging the bracelet seems like a simple procedure, but there are nuances that affect the longevity of the battery. Many users make mistakes that cause the battery to fail after a year.

Charging instructions:

1. Remove the bracelet from your hand and find two metal contacts (magnetic) on the back of the module.
2. Hold the charging cable to the bracelet, and it's got to stick with a magnet. Don't force it! If you don't make contact, check if the strap is in the way.
3. Connect the cable to the power source: ⚡ It is recommended to use charging from a smartphone (5V/1A or 5V/2A). ❌ You can't connect to USB-The port of the computer - there is insufficient current. ❌ Quick Charges (Power Delivery) are prohibited – this reduces the battery life.

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Mi Fit

The first charge can take up to 2.5 hours, which is normal. Don't interrupt the process, even if the bracelet is already 80-90%. The full charge cycle calibrates the battery and prolongs its life.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet does not charge for more than 30 minutes and the indicator does not burn, check: Integrity of the cable (often rubbed at the base), Cleanliness of the contacts on the bracelet (wipe with an alcohol napkin), performance of the socket or USB-The Mi Band 3 has no removable battery, so if the charging controller breaks, repairs will be required.

First inclusion: step-by-step instructions with photo

When the bracelet is charged, you can start turning on. The whole process takes no more than 5 minutes, if you follow the instructions.

Step 1: Press the button on the bracelet. On the Mi Band 3, it is located below the screen (unlike the newer models, which use touch control). Hold it for 3-5 seconds until you feel the vibration and see the Mi logo.

Step 2: Select a language. When you download, you'll see a menu with flags. Swipe up/down, confirm the choice by clicking on a button. For Russian, look for a flag. 🇷🇺.

Step 3: Connect to the Mi Fit app. Open the app on your smartphone and do the following:

1. Press "+" or "Add device" in the upper right corner.
2. Select Mi Smart Band 3 from the list.
3. Allow access to notifications, contacts and geodata (this is necessary for the bracelet to function properly).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen – the application will find the bracelet itself and offer to confirm the pairing.

If the bracelet is not present, try:

• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (hold the 10 seconds button until vibration).
• 📱 Restart Mi Fit and turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone.
• 🔋 Make sure the bracelet's charged. > 50% (at low charge, the connection may be interrupted).

Make sure the bracelet is charged.|Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone|Install the latest version of Mi Fit|Allow all requests of the application-->

Configure the main parameters after inclusion

Once you've successfully connected, you need to customize the bracelet to suit your needs, which will take another 10 to 15 minutes, but avoid problems in the future.

1. Update the firmware. When you first connect, Mi Fit will suggest you update the firmware of the bracelet. Don't refuse! Updates fix bugs and add new features. It will take 5-10 minutes, don't interrupt it or turn off Bluetooth.

2. Profile settings. In the Mi Fit app, go to the Profile section and specify:

• 👤 Gender, age, weight and height (this is necessary for accurate calorie counting).
• 🏃‍♂️ Steps by step (recommended starting with 6,000–8,000 per day).
• ⏰ Sleep time (bracelet will remind you of preparation for sleep).

Screen personalization: In the bracelet menu (available via swipe up on the home screen), you can configure:

• 🕒 Time format (12/24 hour).
• 🔋 Battery charge display.
• 🔔 Vibration on notifications.

Mi Fit → Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Synchronize time

Notifications: To have the bracelet show incoming calls and messages:

1. In Mi Fit, go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Notifications.
2. Enable the option to “Show notifications”.
3. Select the apps you want to see notifications from (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS).

On iPhone, you additionally need to allow notifications in iOS settings: Settings → Mi Fit → Notifications → Permission.

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If the bracelet does not vibrate at notifications, check the sound settings on your smartphone: in the “No Sound” or “Do Not Disturb” mode, the vibration can be blocked.

Frequent problems in the first inclusion and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, there can be difficulties, and let's look at the most common ones and how to eliminate them.

1. The bracelet is not switched on. Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery discharged. Connect to charging for 30 to 60 minutes, then try turning it on again.
• 🔧 Stick the button. Tap the button carefully or blow it with compressed air (for example, a spray to clean the equipment).
• 🔄 Hold the 15-20 second button for forced reboot.
• 💧 If the bracelet is wet, dry it for 24 hours in rice or silica gel before turning on.

2. Doesn't connect to the phone.

• 📶 Bluetooth. It should be on on your smartphone, and the distance to the bracelet is no more than 10 meters.
• 📱 Mi Fit version. Update the app to the latest version in the store.
• 🔗 Remove the bracelet from the list of Bluetooth devices on your phone and reconnect.
• 🚫 Antivirus. Some programs (e.g., Avast) block the connection to the Mi Band. Add Mi Fit to the exceptions.

3. The screen is not responding to pressing.

• 🧴 Screen contamination.Wash it with a soft cloth soaked in alcohol.
• 👆 Mi Band 3 only supports up/down swipes and push buttons. side swipes don't work!
• 🔋 Low charge, battery level. < 10% of sensors may be switched off.

⚠️ Attention: If the bracelet has stopped responding to the presses after the fall, but the screen is on, most likely, the display plume is damaged, in this case only repairs at the service center will help.

How to prolong battery life after the first switch on

Many users complain that the Mi Band 3 discharges in 2-3 days instead of the stated 20, most often due to the wrong settings.

1. Turn off unnecessary notifications. Each alert turns on the screen and vibration, which consumes the charge. Leave only important applications (calls, SMS, messengers).

2. Reduce the synchronization frequency. By default, the bracelet syncs with the phone every 30 minutes. Change the interval by 1-2 hours:

1. Open Mi Fit.
2. Go to Profile. → Mi Smart Band 3 → Synchronization of data.
3. Select “Manual Synchronization” or increase the interval.

3. Turn off the constant pulse. Measuring your heart rate every 5 minutes eats up to 30% of your charge per day. Set up automatic measurements only during sleep or exercise:

Mi Fit → Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Heart Rate Rate Rate → Sleep/Exercise Mode

4. Use dark dials.Mi Band 3 screen — OLED, So dark themes save you charge. Put a black dial in the wristband menu.

5. Watch the temperature. Do not leave the bracelet in direct sunlight or in the cold (below). -10°C. Extreme temperatures reduce battery life.

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With the right settings, the Mi Band 3 runs without recharging for 10 to 14 days. If the battery goes down faster, check the notification settings and pulse measurements.

Additional functions that should be configured immediately

The Mi Band 3 has a lot more to do than count steps, and after the first turn on, we recommend you to set up these useful chips:

1. An alarm clock. The bracelet can wake you up with a vibration without disturbing others.

1. In Mi Fit go to Profile → Alarm clocks.
2. Click on “Add an alarm clock” and select the time.
3. Please indicate the days of the week (for example, only on weekdays).
4. Turn on the "Repeat" option.

Advice:

Smart alarm clock

2. Sleep tracking, so that the bracelet accurately detects the phases of sleep:

• 🛏️ Go to bed at the same time (incorrectness) ±30 minutes).
• 📵 Do not put your phone near the bracelet – it interferes with sensors.
• 🔋 Charge the bracelet to 100% before bedtime (at night is spent) ~5% charge).

In the morning at Mi Fit, you will see a sleep schedule with recommendations for improving your rest.

3. Do Not Disturb Mode: Turns off alerts and alarms at specified times (e.g., in meetings or in movies) Activated via:

Mi Fit → Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Don't disturb.

You can set the schedule or switch manually down on the bracelet.

4. Phone search. If you lose your smartphone, the bracelet will help you find it.

1. On the bracelet, swipe up to the "More" menu.
2. Choose a phone icon (📱).
3. The bracelet will make the phone emit a loud signal (even if it is silent).

5. Music control. You can switch tracks from the bracelet and adjust the volume.

• 🎵 Start the player on your phone (Spotify, Apple Music, VK Music).
• 🔄 On the bracelet swipe up and select the note icon (🎶).

Limitation:

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About First Mi Band Including 3