Xiaomi Mi Band 5: From unpacking to syncing with phone

Where to start: Preparing the bracelet for the first launch

You just bought the Xiaomi Mi Band 5, one of the most popular fitness trackers on the market, but you don't know how to turn it on and set it up correctly? This article will help you avoid the typical mistakes of the first start. Let's start with the most important thing: the bracelet does not turn on with a button. Unlike smartphones, there is no physical power button - activation occurs automatically after charging.

Before you start, make sure you have a smartphone on Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+ (to install the Mi Fitness app), an original charging cable (included) and internet access. If you bought a used bracelet, be sure to reset it to factory settings through the in-app menu - otherwise it will remain tied to the previous owner.

Step 1: Charging the bracelet before first switching on

The Mi Band 5 comes with a discharged battery — it's normal practice for lithium batteries.

  1. Remove the bracelet capsule from the strap by pulling it towards the screen.
  2. Connect the capsule to the charging cable (the contacts must match the metal pins on the bracelet).
  3. Connect the cable to the power source (USB-port 5V/1A).

The bracelet screen will display a charging indicator in 5-10 seconds, a red battery. It takes ~1.5-2 hours to fully charge. Do not turn off the cable until the indicator shows 100% - interruption of the process can lead to a failure of the battery calibration.

Remove the capsule from the strap |

Combine the contacts of the bracelet and cable |

Use the original cable (not from Mi Band 4!)|

Connect to a stable power source (not a power source) USB 3.0!)-->

Step 2: Automatic activation after charging

Once the charge reaches ~20%, the bracelet automatically turns on, the Mi logo appears on the screen. This process takes 10-15 seconds.

  • 🔋 Check if the charging cable contacts fit tightly.
  • 🔌 Try another one. USB-power-port.
  • ⏳ Wait 5-10 minutes – sometimes it takes time to initialize.

If the screen is black after an hour of charging, the problem may be a battery discharged to zero (for example, during prolonged storage). In this case, leave the bracelet on charging for 3-4 hours, even if the indicator is not on. Using non-original cables can damage the power controller - this is one of the most common causes of "non-living" bracelets.

Xiaomi Mi Band 5|Xiaomi Mi Band 6/7|Huawei Band|Samsung Galaxy Fit|Other-->

Step 3: Install the Mi Fitness app and pair

Without a smartphone, the Mi Band 5 only works as a pedometer - you need the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) to be fully used.

  • 📱 Android (Google Play)
  • 🍎 iOS (App Store)

After installation:

  1. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (required!).
  2. Click Add Device → Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 5.
  3. Allow the app to access notifications, geolocation, and contacts (otherwise calls and SMS won’t work).
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen – the bracelet should vibrate when paired successfully.

💡

If the app doesn’t find the bracelet, reboot the Bluetooth on your phone or try connecting via the Settings → Bluetooth menu manually.

Step 4: Set time, date and notifications

Once paired, the bracelet automatically syncs time with the phone, but some settings require manual adjustment:

ParameterWhere to set upRecommendations
Time format (12/24 hours)Profile → Mi Smart Band 5 → Display.Choose a 24-hour format for convenience
Call notificationsProfile → Notifications → Incoming callsTurn on the vibration and backlight of the screen
Communications alertsProfile → Notifications → MessagesSelect applications (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)
Automatic synchronizationProfile → Synchronization of dataEnable to automatically update steps

If the time on the bracelet is lost, check:

  • 📶 Internet connection stability on the phone (bracelet synchronized through it).
  • ⏰ Time zone settings in the smartphone (Settings) → System system → Date and time).
  • 🔄 Bracelet firmware version (update to Profile) → Firmware update).

What to do if the bracelet shows the wrong time after changing the time zone? reset the connection in the application (Profile) → Mi Smart Band 5 → Turn it off, then reconnect the bracelet. That's forced to sync the data.--> Step 5
The screen and features personalization of the Mi Band 5 supports removable dials and fast features.To customize: Open Profile → Mi Smart Band 5 → Dials. Choose your favorite design (there are animated options). Set the screens to swipe left/right in the Display menu. → Screen order. Useful features for quick access (configured in Profile) → Fast functions): 🏃‍♂️ Exercise mode (running, cycling, swimming). 💤 Sleep monitoring (enable automatic tracking). 🔍 Phone search (bracelet will sound if the phone is lost) Typical errors on the first turn on and how to avoid them Even with instructions, users often encounter problems: ⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet doesn’t vibrate when paired, check if the phone is on Do Not Disturb or Energy Saving – they block notifications from Mi Fitness. Problem 1: The bracelet doesn't turn on after charging. Solution: Try a different cable (even if it looks identical). Connect to charging at 10.+ Check the capsule for moisture (if the bracelet was stored in a damp place). Problem 2: The app does not find the bracelet when paired. Solution: Turn off Bluetooth on the phone, then turn it on again. Remove the bracelet from the list of mated devices in the Bluetooth settings. Reboot the phone and try again. → Mi Smart Band 5 → Sync data and click Sync manually. If it doesn't work, reinstall the app.--> FAQ: Frequent questions about the first inclusion of Mi Band 5 Do I need to register a Xiaomi account to work with the bracelet? Yes, without a Xiaomi account you can not hide the bracelet with your phone. Registration is free and takes 2-3 minutes. If you already have an account for your smartphone Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco, You can use it. Can I turn on the Mi Band? 5 No phone? Technically, the bracelet will turn on after charging, but without the phone you can't: Set up time and notifications, update firmware, use most of the functions (pulse, exercise, weather), Minimum functionality: pedometer and alarm clock (if it was set up earlier). How long does the new Mi Band charge? 5? In standard use (notifications, sleep monitoring, 1–2 Exercise per day: Bracelet works 10–14 If you turn on continuous pulse monitoring, the autonomy is reduced to 5–7 For maximum operating time, turn off: Automatic pulse measurement (in Profile) → Heart rate monitoring. Raise your hand to activate the screen. Animated dials. How to reset Mi Band 5 to the factory settings, if it is not included? If the bracelet does not respond to charging: Connect it to charging and wait for the battery indicator to appear. Press and hold the touch button under the screen for 15-20 seconds until the Mi logo appears. Release the button - the bracelet will reset. ⚠️ Warning: Reset removes all data from the bracelet, including training settings and alarm clocks. Reset will require re-pairing with the phone. Can I use the Mi Band 5 with an iPhone? Yes, the bracelet is fully compatible with iPhone (iOS 10.0 and higher), but there are limitations: 🚫 No support for Google Fit (Apple Health only). 📱 Call notifications work only for the standard Phone app". 🔄 Data sync can be slower than on Android. Use the same Mi Fitness app from the App Store to connect.