How to turn on the Xiaomi Mi Band 1S fitness bracelet: full instructions from charging to activation

Xiaomi Mi Band 1S is one of the most popular fitness trackers of its time, which is still used by many users due to its simplicity, reliability and availability. However, owners often ask questions: how to turn on the bracelet correctly if it does not respond to pressing, how to charge it after a long downtime or what to do if the indicator does not burn. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios from first charging to synchronizing with the Mi Fit application, and also consider typical errors and ways to fix them.

It's important to understand that the Mi Band 1S doesn't have a traditional power button -- it activates automatically after you connect to a charger or sync with your smartphone. If the bracelet doesn't show signs of life, the problem may lie in a dead battery, a damaged cable, or a software failure. Next, we'll go through each step in detail, starting with preparation for the first turn on.

Preparation for the first turn on: what to check before launch

Before you try to turn on the Mi Band 1S, make sure that all the conditions for its proper operation are met. Often users face problems due to trivial omissions: a discharged battery, an inappropriate charger or the lack of a compatible smartphone.

• 🔋 Charge level: If the bracelet has been unused for more than 3-6 months, its battery may have run out completely, in which case it will require an initial charge for 2-3 hours before it starts responding to the connection.
• 📱 Smartphone compatibility: Mi Band 1S works with Android 4.4+ or iOS 7.0+ devices. Make sure your phone meets these requirements.
• 🔌 Cable malfunction: The original charging cable has magnetic contacts. If they're damaged or oxidized, the bracelet won't charge. Try to clean the contacts with alcohol or replace the cable.
• 📲 Mi Fit App: Install the latest version of the official app from Google Play or the App Store. Older versions may not support Mi Band 1S.

Also check the physical condition of the bracelet: if there are cracks, dents or traces of moisture on the body. If the Mi Band 1S fell from a height or came into contact with water (despite the declared IP67 protection class), this could damage the internal components, in which case the inclusion may not be possible without repair.

How to charge Xiaomi Mi Band 1S: step-by-step instructions with a photo

Charging is the first and most important step before turning on the bracelet. Unlike current models, the Mi Band 1S does not have a USB- connector: a special cable with magnetic contacts is used to connect to the network.

1. Remove the bracelet capsule from the strap, and then pull it aside to overcome the resistance of the locks.
2. Connect the capsule to the charging cable, the magnets must securely lock it in the correct position, and if the contacts don't match, flip the capsule over.
3. Connect the cable to the power source: an adapter on the 5V/1A or USB- port of the computer. Do not use charges with a current greater than 2A - this can damage the battery.
4. Wait for the indication to appear. When you start charging, a red indicator should light up on the bracelet screen, which will change to green in 10-15 seconds (if the battery is not completely discharged).

The full charge time is 1.5-2 hours. If the indicator does not burn, try the following steps:

• 🔄 Reconnect the capsule to the cable, making sure you are in close contact.
• 🔌 Try another power source (e.g., use an adapter instead of a computer).
• 🔍 Check the contacts on the capsule and cable for contaminants, and clean them with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol if necessary.

Capsule correctly installed in charging cable |

Original or certified cable used |

The power supply is 5V/1A|

Contacts on capsule and cable are clean |

The charger lights up within 30 seconds-->

If the bracelet is not charged after all the manipulations, the problem may be a faulty battery or power controller, in which case it is recommended to contact a service center or consider replacing the battery.

Bracelet Activation: How to Turn on Mi Band 1S After Charging

After a successful charging, the Mi Band 1S should automatically turn on, but sometimes additional activation is required via the Mi Fit app.

1. Install the Mi Fit app on your smartphone and sign up (or sign in to your existing Xiaomi account).
2. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and allow the application to access geodata (this is necessary to search for devices).
3. In the main menu of the application, click Profile → Add device → Bracelet → Mi Band 1S.
4. Wait for the app to find the bracelet, which can take up to 1-2 minutes, and if the search drags on, restart the Bluetooth on the phone.
5. Once detected, click on the bracelet name in the list and confirm the pairing. The indicator (white or blue light) should flash on the bracelet screen.

If the bracelet is not detected, try the following steps:

• 📱 Reboot your smartphone and re-start your Mi Fit.
• 🔄 Remove the capsule from the strap and re-insert it (sometimes this resets temporary communication errors).
• 🔋 Make sure the bracelet is at least 20 to 30 percent charged, and if it's low, it may not respond to the connection.

Important: After the first connection, the bracelet can automatically update the firmware. Do not interrupt this process - wait for completion (the progress bar will be displayed on the bracelet screen). Interrupting the update can lead to a software failure that will require resetting.

Set up time and basic functions after switching on

After successful activation of the Mi Band 1S, you need to adjust the basic parameters: time, notifications and activity goals. Most of the settings are done through the Mi Fit application, but some functions (for example, reset) are available directly on the bracelet.

To synchronize time:

1. Open the Mi Fit app and select your bracelet from the device list.
2. Go to Device Profile → Additional settings → Time Synchronization.
3. Press Sync. The bracelet should vibrate, confirming the time update.

To set up notifications:

• 📳 Enable Call Notification in the bracelet settings.
• 🔔 Select applications that will be duplicated by the bracelet (e.g. WhatsApp, SMS, Calendar).
• ⏰ Set alarm clocks through the Alarms section of the app.

If the time on the bracelet is lost, check:

• 🕒 Time zone settings on the smartphone (must match real time).
• 🔄 Synchronization regularity (it is recommended to do this every 1-2 days).
• 📶 Stability of Bluetooth connection (time can be reset at frequent breaks).

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If the bracelet shows the wrong time after synchronization, try rebooting it: remove the capsule from the strap for 10 seconds, then insert it back. This often helps to reset temporary errors.

Typical Problems and Solutions: Why Mi Band 1S Doesn't Turn on

Even after charging and connecting properly, the Mi Band 1S may not show signs of life, and consider the most common causes and ways to eliminate them:

If none of the methods worked, the bracelet may have a hardware malfunction, in which case it is recommended:

• 🔧 Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (if the device is warranty-worthy).
• 🛠️ Replace the battery (if you have experience with electronics)
• ♻️ Consider buying a new model (e.g. Mi Band 6 or Mi Band 7) as repairing the Mi Band 1S may not be cost-effective.

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If the bracelet is not responsive to charging and is not determined by the application, 90% of the time the problem is a dead battery or a damaged cable.

Resetting Mi Band 1S: When and How to Do It

Factory resets can help if the bracelet is unstable: it spontaneously shuts down, doesn't sync with the phone, or shows incorrect data. There are two ways to reset: through the app and manually.

Reset via Mi Fit:

1. Open the app and select your bracelet.
2. Go to Device Profile → Additional settings → Disable the device.
3. Confirm the shutdown. After that, the bracelet will be reset and it can be reconnected.

Manual reset (if the bracelet is not connected to the phone):

1. Remove the capsule from the strap.
2. Find a small hole on the back of the capsule (near the charging contacts).
3. Insert a paper clip or toothpick into the hole and hold for 5-10 seconds until the bracelet vibrates.
4. Insert the capsule back into the strap and try connecting via Mi Fit.

⚠️ Warning: Manual reset erases all data from the bracelet, including activity statistics, and use this method only as a last resort if other methods have not worked.

Once reset, the bracelet will be like a new one, and it will need to be reconnected to the phone and set up, and if the reset doesn't solve the problem, it's likely to be a hardware malfunction.

How to extend the life of Xiaomi Mi Band 1S: tips for operation

While the Mi Band 1S is not new, it can last for several more years if properly maintained.

• 🔋 Charging: Don't leave the bracelet on charge for more than 3 hours. Recharging shortens battery life.
• 💦 Moisture resistance: Although the bracelet has IP67 protection, it is not recommended to swim with it or be exposed to prolonged water exposure (e.g., in the shower).
• 🌡️ Temperature: Avoid overheating (e.g., leaving the bracelet in direct sunlight) and hypothermia (below -10°C).
• 🔄 Updates: Check firmware updates regularly through Mi Fit. They fix bugs and improve stability.
• 🧼 Clean: Clean the bracelet and strap from sweat and dirt with a soft cloth soaked in soapy solution. Do not use abrasives.

If you notice that the bracelet has become discharged faster, try:

• 📴 Disable unnecessary notifications.
• 🔍 Reduce the data synchronization frequency in Mi Fit.
• 🔋 Replace the battery (if the bracelet has been in use for more than 2-3 years).

The average lifetime of the Mi Band 1S in heavy use is 2-4 years. If the bracelet has started to turn off for no reason or does not hold a charge, this is a signal that the battery or the device itself needs to be replaced.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Xiaomi Mi Band 1S