How to turn on Xiaomi Mi Band 8: full instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is one of the most popular fitness bracelets on the market, combining compactness, functionality and affordable price. However, even with such a simple device, users often have questions: how to turn it on correctly, what to do if the screen does not respond, and why the bracelet does not sync with the smartphone. This article will help you understand all the nuances of the first launch, avoid typical errors and quickly adjust the device to your needs.

Unlike previous models, the Mi Band 8 received an updated design with a full-fledged design. AMOLED-But even experienced Xiaomi users sometimes have difficulty activating — especially if the bracelet is purchased without the original packaging or after long storage. From charging to setting up notifications, and give advice on how to eliminate common problems.

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

Before you turn on the Mi Band 8, make sure you follow all the preliminary steps, which will help to avoid malfunctions and speed up the setup process. Pay special attention to charging - a discharged battery can cause most problems.

First, check the package. The box should have:

• 📦 The fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band 8 with a strap
• 🔌 Magnetic charging cable (usually attached to bracelet)
• 📄 Short instructions in several languages (including Russian)

If the bracelet is bought with or without a package, be sure to inspect it for damage. Cracks on the case or traces of moisture may indicate a malfunction. Also check if the capsule sits tightly in the strap - it should not hang or fall out.

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If you buy a Mi Band 8 b/d, ask the seller to reset the bracelet to factory settings via the Mi Fitness app, which will delete all associated accounts and data of the previous owner.

Charging the bracelet: how to connect correctly and how much to wait

The first activation of the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is possible only with a sufficient charge level. Even if the bracelet is new, its battery may have run out during storage.

1. Remove the bracelet capsule from the strap by pressing the button from the back.
2. Hold the capsule to the magnetic connector of the charging cable - it should attract automatically.
3. Connect the cable to the power source (USB-Computer port, smartphone charger or power bank).

The charge indicator will appear on the bracelet screen, a red battery, and when it reaches at least 20%, you can start turning on. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to fully charge (depending on the power source), and do not use damaged cables or adapters with non-standard parameters, which can cause the battery to fail.

Turn on process: button, sensor and first settings

When the bracelet is charged, you can start turning on. There is no physical power button in the Mi Band 8 - control is done through the touch screen.

1. Put the capsule back in the strap (if removed for charging).
2. Touch the bracelet screen with one finger and hold for 2-3 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Wait for the system to load – animations and a welcome message will appear on the screen in turn.

If the screen does not respond to touch:

• 🔋 Check the charge level (the bracelet may have been discharged during storage).
• 🧴 Make sure there is no protective film on the screen (sometimes it is transparent and imperceptible).
• 💧 Wipe the display with a dry wipe – moisture or fat may interfere with the sensor.

Charge the bracelet to at least 20% | Check the screen clean | Make sure there is no protective film | Put the capsule in the strap before clicking-->

Once successfully enabled, the bracelet will prompt you to select a language. Swipe the list up/down and confirm the choice by tapping on the screen. Russian in Mi Band 8 is supported by default, but if it is not in the list, update the firmware through the Mi Fitness app.

Synchronization with a smartphone: installation of the application and binding

Without a smartphone connection, the Mi Band 8 will only work as a pedometer clock. For full use (notifications, sleep monitoring, exercise), you need to install the official Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit).

• 📱 Android: From Google Play
• 🍎 iOS: From the App Store

After installation of the annex:

1. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (via Google/Facebook).
2. Click Add Device and select Mi Smart Band 8 from the list.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen – allow access to notifications, geolocation, and contacts.
4. Bring the bracelet to the phone and wait for automatic synchronization (should sound a beep).

⚠️ Warning: If the app doesn't find the bracelet, make sure that the smartphone is enabled Bluetooth and geolocation. Also check if the Mi Band 8 is connected to another device, in which case it must first untie in the settings of the previous phone.

After successful synchronization, the app will suggest updating the bracelet firmware. It is recommended to agree that this will fix possible bugs and add new features. The update takes 5-10 minutes, do not disconnect the bracelet from the phone during the process.

Customize basic functions: time, notifications, training

Now that the bracelet is plugged in, you can customize it to your needs, and the basic settings are controlled through the Mi Fitness app, but some options are also available on the bracelet.

Setting the time and date

The time on the Mi Band 8 is automatically synchronized with the phone when it first connects.

• 📱 Check the date and time settings on your smartphone (the Auto mode should be enabled»).
• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (hold the screen for 5 seconds until vibration).
• 🌍 Make sure that the Mi Fitness app has the correct time zone.

2. Set up notifications

To receive alerts about calls and messages:

1. In the Mi Fitness app, go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 8 → Notifications.
2. Turn on the “Notifications” switch and select the applications you want to see alerts from.
3. Set up the display style: short text or just an app icon.

On the bracelet itself, you can turn on the "Do Not Disturb" mode (swipe down → the bell icon) and this will turn off all notifications for a given time.

3. Activation of training regimes

Mi Band 8 supports over 150 sports to start training:

• 🏃 On the bracelet swipe right to the "Training" menu».
• 📊 Choose the type of activity (running, cycling, swimming, etc.).
• ⏱️ Press the screen to start recording. At the end of the workout, press again.

⚠️ Attention: To accurately track your pulse during exercise, wear a bracelet 1-2 fingers above your wrist. Also make sure the strap is not too tight - this can distort the readings.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after setting it up properly, users sometimes face difficulties, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, check the bracelet for physical damage. A bloated battery or cracked body is a reason to contact the service center. Also make sure you use the original strap - uncertified accessories can cause sensor malfunctions.

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Most Mi Band 8 problems are solved by factory resets or firmware updates. Check for updates in the Mi Fitness app regularly, which improves stability and adds new features.

What else can Mi Band 8 do?

In addition to the basic functionality, Xiaomi Mi Band 8 offers a number of useful features that many users do not know about:

• 🎵 Music control: from the bracelet you can switch tracks and adjust the volume on the connected smartphone.
• 🔦 Flashlight: swipe down and select the flashlight icon - the screen will light up with white light.
• 💧 Menstrual cycle tracking: a feature available in the Mi Fitness app under Health».
• 🔒 Smartphone unlock: bracelet can unlock Android phone without entering password (set up in Mi Fitness) → Unlocking the device).

To activate these functions:

1. Open the Mi Fitness app.
2. Go to the bracelet settings (Profile → Mi Smart Band 8).
3. Select the desired section and follow the instructions on the screen.

Some features (such as music management) require additional permissions on your smartphone, and if they don’t work, check the access settings for the Mi Fitness app in your phone’s menu.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions