How to turn on the Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelet: from unpacking to the first synchronization

Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets have long been synonymous with affordable and functional wearables. However, even with such popular gadgets, the first launch can raise questions — especially if you have never used a smart bracelet before. Turning on the Mi Band is simple, but there are nuances: from properly charging before first use to synchronizing with the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life).

Many people mistakenly think that it is enough to press the button of the bracelet - but in new models (Mi Band). 7/8) There's no physical button, and instead, we use a touch screen and gestures, and we'll tell you how to activate the wristband without a button, what to do if it doesn't respond to touch, and how to check that the device is ready to go. You will also learn why the bracelet may not turn on after long storage (the category below). 3%) And how to fix it.

If you've just unpacked a box with a Mi Band, don't rush to put it on your hand right away. First, make sure the battery is sufficiently charged -- that's critical for the first switch on. USB-cable (newer models have magnetic charging), but the power adapter will have to use its own.

Another important point: the firmware version. Xiaomi bracelets often receive airborne updates (OTA), but if your device has been in stock for several months, the first turn on may take longer due to the automatic installation of current software, we will describe in detail how to speed up this process and what to do if the update is “hanged”.

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

Before you turn on the Mi Band, follow a few mandatory steps, which will save you from the typical problems like "bracelet does not respond to touch" or "does not connect to the phone."

Check the complete set:

• 📦 The fitness bracelet itself in a protective film
• 🔌 Charging cable (in Mi Band) 7/8 — plug-in)
• 📄 Short instructions (often in several languages, but without details)
• 🔄 Strap (in some sets - spare)

The absence of at least one of these elements (except the strap) is an excuse to go to the store, and the cable is especially critical: without it, you can not charge the bracelet, and therefore you can not turn it on.

Charging before the first turn on is a mandatory step. Even if the indicator shows a residual charge, connect the bracelet to the power source for 15-20 minutes.

1. Remove the bracelet capsule from the strap (pull towards the screen).
2. Connect it to the charging cable (magnetic connector is attracted automatically).
3. Connect the cable to USB-port 5V/1A.

If the lightning battery is not on, try another cable or port, and there may be a contact problem.

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Use the original cable from the kit! Cheap analogues can damage the bracelet contacts due to unstable voltage.

2.How to turn on Xiaomi Mi Band: step-by-step instructions

The switching process depends on the bracelet model, and let’s consider two options: for devices with a physical button (Mi Band 4/5) and without it (Mi Band 6/7/8).

For models with a button (Mi Band 5 and older):

1. Make sure the bracelet is charged (the charging indicator is out after connecting to the USB).
2. Press and hold the physical button under the screen for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.

For models without a button (Mi Band 6/7/8):

If the bracelet is not activated:

• 📱 Make sure the bracelet temperature is between 0-45°C (when overcooled or overheated, it will not turn on).

3. Connect to the phone: synchronization with Mi Fitness

Without a smartphone connection, the Mi Band will only work like a pedometer clock, and to unlock all functions (notifications, sleep monitoring, pulsemeter), you need to sync it with the official app.

Install the Mi Fitness app:

• 📱 For Android: Download from Google Play.

Note: The app was previously called Zepp Life and Mi Fit, and if you have an older version, update it or you may have trouble syncing.

Connection process:

If the bracelet is not present:

• 🔄 Reboot the Mi Band (hold the screen for 10 seconds).
• 📶 Turn Bluetooth on/off on your phone.
• 🚫 Make sure the bracelet is not connected to another device (check the list of conjugated gadgets in the Mi Fitness settings).
• 🔋 Check the bracelet charge (below 5% it may not show up in search).

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To work smoothly, turn off the power saving mode for the Mi Fitness app in your phone settings, otherwise the data synchronization (steps, sleep) will occur with a delay.

4.Initial setting: what to set up immediately after turning on

After successful synchronization, we recommend you to immediately configure the key parameters. This will save you from unnecessary actions.

The main settings in the Mi Fitness app:

Settings on the bracelet itself (available via swipes on the screen):

• 🕒 Time format (12/24 (O) Change the settings to the settings → Display.
• 🔋 Power saving mode – turn off if you want to receive notifications around the clock.
• 🔔 Vibration at notifications – adjust the intensity in Settings → Notifications.

Important: After changing the settings, wait for sync (the cloud icon in the upper corner of the bracelet screen should disappear).

⚠️ Warning: Reboot the wristband and phone, then re-synchronize the data in Mi Fitness. Sometimes it helps to remove the device from the application and reconnect.

Typical problems in the first inclusion and their solutions

Even with the right actions, users face challenges, and we'll look at the most common ones.

Problem 1: The bracelet does not turn on after charging

• 🔋 Check the cable and port – try charging from another source.
• ⏳ Wait 30 to 60 minutes: If the battery is completely discharged, it may take time to set the minimum charge.
• 🔄 Reset the bracelet: connect to charging and hold the screen for 15 seconds.

Problem 2: Can't connect to the phone

• 📱 Make sure your phone is Bluetooth 4.0 enabled.+ geolocation (required to search for devices).
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 🚫 Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugate devices in the phone’s Bluetooth settings, then reconnect.

Problem 3: The screen does not respond to touch

• 🧼 Wipe the screen with a dry wipe – dirt or moisture can block the sensor.
• 🔋 Charge the bracelet to 50% – with a low charge, the sensitivity of the screen decreases.
• 🔄 Reset the settings (see spoiler in section 2).

Problem 4: The bracelet discharges quickly after switching on

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If the bracelet discharges in 1-2 days, check if it has third-party dials installed, which often contain errors that lead to increased power consumption.

6. Firmware Update: Why It’s Important to Do It Immediately

After the first turn on, the Mi Band automatically checks for firmware updates. Don't ignore this notification - fresh firmware fixes bugs, adds new features and improves stability.

How to update firmware:

1. Open Mi Fitness and go to the section of your bracelet.
2. Put three points on it (⋮) in the upper right corner and select "Firmware Update".
3. If the update is available, click Download and wait until it is completed (the bracelet will reboot automatically).

What to do if the update is suspended:

• 🕒 Don't interrupt the process! Wait at least 30 minutes.
• 🔋 Make sure the bracelet charge is above 50%.
• 📶 Check the stability of the Internet connection on the phone.
• 🔄 If the update is not completed for more than an hour, restart the bracelet and try again.

The advantages of the latest firmware (on the example of Mi Band 7):

• 🩺 Improved measurement algorithm SpO₂ (oxygenation).
• 🏃‍♂️ New training regimes (e.g. boxing and dancing).
• 🔋 Optimizing energy consumption (10-15% longer battery life).
• 🛡 Correcting security vulnerabilities.

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After updating the firmware, reset the bracelet to factory settings (in Settings → System → Reset).

7. How to check that the bracelet is working correctly

Once set up, make sure all Mi Band features are working as intended. Here's a quick checklist to check:

Basic function test:

If a function does not work:

⚠️ Warning: Check the permissions for the Mi Fitness app in your phone settings. Often, notification or sleep monitoring problems are caused by disabled access to alerts or motion sensors.

FAQ: Frequent questions about incorporating Xiaomi Mi Band