How to turn on Xiaomi Mi Band 4 NFC: a step-by-step guide

Activation of a new activity tracker is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to the popular Xiaomi Mi Band 4 with support for NFC. Many users are faced with the fact that the device does not respond to touch immediately after being removed from the package, which causes confusion and questions about the health of the gadget.

The initial launch of the Mi Band 4 requires a certain algorithm of actions, ignoring which can lead to a false conclusion about the defect of the device. Xiaomiโ€™s modern wearable gadgets are designed to save battery life during storage in warehouses and stores, which is why they come to the buyer in a so-called โ€œsleepโ€ mode, from which they must be removed by force.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of primary activation, setting up the region for work. NFC-You will learn why battery power is critical before first turning on and how to properly prepare the phone for sync. Following the instructions will avoid common errors and quickly move to using all the functions of the tracker.

Initial preparation and battery charge check

Before you try to activate the bracelet, you need to make sure that there is enough energy in its battery. Factory charge is usually about 50-60%, but long-term storage on the store shelf could significantly reduce this figure. If the battery indicator on the screen does not light up when you connect to the charger, it does not always mean breakage.

The Mi Band 4 uses a special dock connector to be removed from the main body of the tracker. The capsule should be inserted into the USB connector in a specific way, controlling the position of the contacts. Usually, on the back of the capsule there is a marking indicating which side to connect the device to charge.

โš ๏ธ Note: If the screen is black after 10-15 Lithium polymer batteries at deep discharge take time to "swing" before the screen gives a sign of life.

The process of restoring power can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the degree of discharge. USB-computer port or power supply with a current of no more than 1 Ampere, so as not to damage the charge controller.High current can be dangerous for a compact battery fitness bracelet.

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Use USB 2.0 ports on your computer or old smartphone power supplies (5V 1A) to charge, as modern fast charging can incorrectly detect a low-power device.

Installation and configuration of the Mi Fit application

The main control tool for Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is the Mi Fit app (known in some regions as Zepp Life). Without this software, the bracelet is just a screen with time, since all settings, dials and data synchronization occur through a smartphone.

Once installed, you need to register an account or log in to an existing one using email, phone number or social network. The account region is key, especially if you plan to use NFC functions for payment. For users from Russia and CIS countries, it is recommended to choose the region "Russia" or "China", depending on the version of the device's firmware.

In the app settings, it is important to allow all requested permissions, including access to geolocation, Bluetooth and notifications. Without these permissions, background sync will not work, and you will not be able to receive notifications about calls or messages on your wrist.

๐Ÿ“Š What app do you use for Mi Band?
Mi Fit (Zepp Life)
Mi Fitness
Notify for Mi Band
Other

The interface is intuitive, but you should look at the Profile tab where new devices are added. This is where your Mi Band 4 is searched and paired. Make sure your phone is Bluetooth enabled and you start looking for new devices before you start the procedure.

First incorporation and interface process

The process of switching on Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is as simple as possible and does not require finding hidden buttons. Once the bracelet receives sufficient charge, it goes into standby mode. To activate the screen, you just need to touch the touch area or shake the wrist if the wrist lifting function is already activated.

However, in order for the bracelet to come to life fully and begin searching for the phone, it is often necessary to confirm the action on the tracker screen itself. QR-code, which means that the device is ready for (pairing) In some cases, you need to press the touch area for a long time. 3-5 seconds.

โ˜‘๏ธ Activation checklist

Done: 0 / 5

When the pairing request appears in the app, a vibration and confirmation icon may appear on the bracelet screen, you must click on the touch area to confirm the pairing, and after a successful connection, the bracelet will suggest updating the firmware, which is highly desirable for stable operation.

โš ๏ธ Warning: During a firmware update, do not move far from your phone or close the app.

If you don't automatically connect, try "forgetting" the device in your phone's Bluetooth settings and re-searching the app, sometimes by rebooting the Bluetooth module on your smartphone or completely restarting the phone itself.

Features of activation NFC-module

The Mi Band 4 NFC version differs from the usual presence of a contactless payment chip and more advanced smart home interaction features. However, for the NFC to work, it is not enough to just turn on the bracelet. You need to properly configure the region and tie the payment system, if it is supported in your country.

In most cases, NFC requires switching the region in the Mi Fit app to China, because Mi Pay and transport cards are initially targeted at the Chinese market, and after a region change, the bracelet may require re-pairing and updating to a special version of the firmware.

ParameterThe usual versionNFC version
Communication chipBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0 + NFC
PaymentNot supportedSupported (Mi Pay)
Weight.22.1 g g22.3 g g
Price.Below.Higher.

In some regions of Russia, bank cards may not be added directly through the app due to the limitations of payment systems, and users often use card emulation or third-party utilities, but this requires more technical knowledge.

Secrets of the NFC in Russia
Officially, in Russia, only Troika (Moscow) and Pomorodnik (St. Petersburg) cards can be added via Mi Fit, and other cards require complex manipulations with emulation through third-party Android apps.

Resolving Typical Problems During Startup

Even if all instructions are followed, users may encounter difficulties. One of the common problems is when the phone sees the bracelet, but the connection is constantly disrupted. This may be because the device has already been paired with another phone and has not been reset.

To solve this problem, you need to reset to the factory settings. On the bracelet itself, this is done through the settings menu (the gear icon or swipe to the end to the right), where you need to find the item "Unbind" or "Reset." If the menu is not available, you can use the "Add device" function in the application, which itself will suggest resetting the gadget.

Another common mistake is the wrong date and time. If the bracelet displays an incorrect time, check the time settings on your smartphone and make sure you automatically sync over the network. After re-pairing, the time should be updated.

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Most connectivity problems are solved by completely removing the device from the phoneโ€™s Bluetooth list and re-binding exclusively through the Mi Fit app.

Configuring the interface and basic functions

Once successfully enabled and paired, itโ€™s time for personalization. Xiaomi Mi Band 4 allows you to change dials, customize displayed widgets and activity goals, all of which are located in the corresponding sections of the Mi Fit app.

You can choose which data will be displayed on the monitor screen: pulse, steps, calories or weather. It is also recommended to set the target number of steps and alarms, since the vibration motor of the bracelet works very quietly and efficiently. Personalization makes using the device much more comfortable.

  • ๐ŸŽจ Dials: Choose a static image or animated background from an extensive library.
  • ๐Ÿ”” Notifications: Enable the display of calls, SMS and messages from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber).
  • โค๏ธ Monitoring: Activate a continuous or periodic pulse measurement to collect statistics.
  • ๐Ÿ’ง Waterproof: Donโ€™t forget to enable water lock in the settings so the screen doesnโ€™t react to drops.

Remember that activating all monitoring functions, especially constant pulse measurement and notifications from all applications, can significantly reduce battery life.

How to remove the bracelet if it is frozen?
If the sensor is not responding, put the bracelet on charge, 90% of the time it will take the device out of its freeze state, if that doesn't work, find two small holes (contacts) on the back of the capsule and carefully lock them with a metal object (like a paper clip) at the same time as you connect to the USB, which will force the controller to restart.
Can I use a bracelet without a phone?
Yes, the Mi Band 4 can work offline as a clock and pedometer, but without periodic synchronization with your smartphone, you wonโ€™t be able to see detailed statistics, sleep schedules and activity, and you wonโ€™t be able to adjust the time if it goes off after a discharge.
Why can't the bracelet see the phone when searching?
Make sure you donโ€™t try to find the device through the phoneโ€™s standard Bluetooth settings menu.Search should run strictly inside the Mi Fit app.Also check if the bracelet is connected to another nearby phone, as it can only support a connection to one device at a time.