How to turn on the fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band 5: instructions with pictures and tips

Xiaomi Mi Band 5

all stages of inclusion

Many users experience a problem when the bracelet does not respond to presses after charging or does not connect to the phone, most often due to the wrong sequence of actions or an outdated version of the Mi Fit application (now Zepp Life), we have prepared a step-by-step instruction taking into account the latest firmware updates and features of different regions (including Russia and CIS countries).

If you have just purchased the Mi Band 5 or pulled it out after a long downtime, this article will help avoid common mistakes. For example, the bracelet will not turn on if the charge level is below 5% - even after connecting to the charger, you need to wait 10-15 minutes.

Preparation for the first inclusion: unpacking and inspection

Before you turn on the Mi Band 5, make sure you have everything you need.

• 📦 The fitness bracelet itself in a protective film
• 🔌 Magnetic connector charging cable (USB-Type A)
• 📄 Short instructions in several languages (including Russian)
• 🔄 Band (usually already installed, but can be supplied separately)

Pay attention to the condition of the charging contacts on the back of the bracelet, which should be clean, without oxidation. If you notice any contamination, gently wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

Also check the integrity of the strap: the Mi Band 5 uses a removable silicone bracelet with a metal lock. If the lock is damaged, the bracelet can spontaneously unbutton during wear, in which case we recommend replacing the strap with an original or compatible one (for example, from Mi Band 6, since the mounts are identical).

⚠️ Warning: Don't force the strap off the body, it can damage the plastic latches. To remove the strap, gently press the button on the side and pull it sideways.

Charging the bracelet before first switching on

The Mi Band 5 comes with a partially discharged battery (usually 20–40%) and to avoid power problems, you need to fully charge the device before first use.

1. Connect the magnetic connector of the charging cable to the contacts on the back of the bracelet, and the correct connection is accompanied by a slight click.
2. Connect. USB-cable-connector (5V/1A) computer.
3. Wait for the display of the charging indicator on the screen (battery icon with filling animation).

The full charge time is about 1.5-2 hours, if the indicator does not appear:

• 🔄 Check the density of the magnetic connector fitting – sometimes it shifts.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port or charger (some ports on PCs do not produce sufficient current).
• 🔋 If the bracelet doesn’t respond at all, hold it on a charge for 10-15 minutes – perhaps the battery is completely discharged.

After charging, disconnect the cable and press the touch button below the screen to wake the bracelet. If the screen does not respond, try a long press (3-5 seconds) - this will force the device to turn on.

3. Enable the bracelet and basic setting

When the bracelet is charged, start turning on:

1. Click on the touch button below the screen. The Mi logo and download animation should appear.
2. After downloading, you’ll see the main screen with time (if the bracelet has already been synced) or the welcome menu (if it’s the first on).
3. Scroll up/down on the screen to familiarize yourself with the basic features (stepmeter, pulse, weather, etc.).

If the bracelet is not activated:

• 🔋 Make sure it is charged (the indicator should show at least 5%).
• 🔄 Try resetting: connect the bracelet to charging and hold the touch button for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
• 📱 Check compatibility with your smartphone: Mi Band 5 requires Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+.

After successful inclusion, we recommend you to immediately update the bracelet firmware through the application - this will fix possible bugs and add new functions.

1. Open Zepp Life and go to the profile of the bracelet.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Firmware Update.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (the bracelet must be charged at least 50%).

4.Sync with the Zepp Life app (Mi Fit)

To work properly, the Mi Band 5 needs to be connected to the official app, and since 2023, Mi Fit has been renamed Zepp Life, but the functionality has remained the same.

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

Instructions for connection:

1. Start Zepp Life and register (you can use Mi Account, Google or Apple ID).
2. Click Add Device → Select Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 5.
3. Allow the app to access Bluetooth, notifications, and geolocation (the latter is needed to properly display the weather).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen: the application will prompt you to confirm the connection on the bracelet (click on the tick on the Mi Band 5 screen).

If the bracelet does not find the application:

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If you have two smartphones (for example, a work and a personal), the bracelet can only be connected to one device at a time.

5. Configure the main functions after the inclusion

After successful synchronization, we recommend setting the key parameters for comfortable use:

• 🕒 Time and Date: Automatically synced with your smartphone, but you can customize the format (12/24 (hours) in Bracelet Profile → Screen settings.
• 🔔 Notifications: Enable call alerts, SMS and messengers in Notifications → Notification management: WhatsApp and Telegram will need to be separately allowed access in the settings Android/iOS.
• 🏃 Fitness Tracking: Activate automatic activity recognition (walking, running, cycling) in Profile → Monitoring of activity.
• 💤 Sleep: Set up sleep phase tracking and smart wake alarm in Profile → Son.

Pay special attention to the lock screen settings. By default, the bracelet unlocks when you raise your hand, but you can turn this off to save you charge:

1. Open the Bracelet Profile → Screen settings.
2. Turn off the option to raise your wrist to wake up.
3. Set the time to automatically turn off the screen (recommended 5-10 seconds).

For advanced users, additional settings are available:

• 🔧 Gestures: You can set up double-pressing to switch screens or turn on backlights.
• 🎨 Dials: Zepp Life has over 100 free dials.To install, go to Profile → Dials.
• 🔋 Power saving: Enable Charge saving if you want to extend the autonomy up to 20 days (disables some sensors).

6. Resetting settings and troubleshooting

If the Mi Band 5 is not working properly (it doesn’t sync, freezes, doesn’t show notifications), you may need to reset to factory settings, which will delete all data from the bracelet, including settings and activity statistics.

Method 1: Through the Zepp Life app

1. Open Zepp Life and go to your bracelet profile.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Untie the device.
3. Confirm the action – the bracelet will be reset and disconnected from the account.

Method 2: Hardware reset (if the bracelet is not connected to the phone)

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger.
2. Hold the touch button for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. After rebooting, the bracelet will be reset to factory settings.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting, the bracelet may not immediately appear in the list of available devices in Zepp Life. In this case, reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone (turn off and turn on again) and try again to connect.

If the bracelet doesn't work anyway:

• 🔌 Check the charger, the cable may be damaged. Try charging the bracelet from another source.
• 📱 Install an alternative control app (such as Mi Band Master) to check the bracelet's performance.
• 🔧 Contact Xiaomi Support if the warranty period is still valid (usually 12 months).

7. Optimization of autonomy and tips for use

The Mi Band 5 promises up to 14 days of battery life, but in practice, this figure depends on the settings.

• 🔋 Turn off constant heart rate monitoring (only during exercise).
• 📵 Reduce notification frequency or disable unnecessary apps in Notifications → Management of notifications.
• 🌙 Use sleep mode – it turns off the screen and sensors at night.
• 🔄 Update the firmware only when connected to charging – this will prevent discharge during the upgrade.

Also, consider compatibility with other devices:

• 💻 The bracelet can be connected to Windows or Mac via Zepp Life for PC (available on the official website).
• 🎧 Some users use Mi Band 5 to control music on their smartphone (switch tracks straight from the bracelet).
• 🏠 If you have Xiaomi smart devices (lamps, sockets), the bracelet can be integrated into the Mi Home system for quick control.

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To keep the bracelet lasting longer, avoid water entering the charging socket (despite the IP68 moisture protection claimed) and wipe the bracelet with a dry wipe after swimming or showering.

8. Frequent Questions and Answers (FAQ)