How to turn on Xiaomi Mi Band 4 after charging for the first time

Many users are faced with a situation where a new or long-standing fitness bracelet does not respond to pressure after connecting to a power source. This often causes panic, but in most cases the device is simply in deep sleep or requires initial activation via a smartphone. The Mi Band 4 model has a specific logic of working with the battery, which is different from the usual gadgets.

The first thing to do is to be patient, because if the tracker was in the store for several months, its battery could go into a deep discharge, in which case the indicators may not light up immediately, and the screen may remain black even when the charger is connected. The lithium polymer battery inside the capsule takes time to gain a minimum charge before the system allows it to turn on.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will help activate your gadget. We will consider not only the standard procedure, but also the possible nuances associated with the software and physical contact of charging pins. Understanding these processes will save you time and nerves when you first get acquainted with the device.

Why the bracelet does not respond to charging

Lack of response to the charger is the most common problem when first started. Often the cause lies in the oxidation of the contacts or protective film, which can remain on the back of the capsule, charging contacts on the tracker and at the docking station should be perfectly clean and fit tightly together.

Another factor is the state of the USB-Power port or adapter. Xiaomi Mi Band 4 does not require powerful power supplies, it is enough standard current in 0.1-0.2 Ampere, which gives a normal port of a computer or a simple charge from a phone, but the use of damaged cables or unstable energy sources can prevent the start of the charging process.

Technical reference on indicators
The green light on the back of the Mi Band 4 capsule only lights up when you're measuring your pulse or charging, and if you see a brief flash of green light when you're connected, that's a good sign that the circuit is closed and the current is coming to the battery.

If the device is in the cold (for example, when delivered in winter), the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down, in which case the activation may take longer, and the initial charge will go extremely slowly, and it is recommended to let the device warm to room temperature before trying to charge.

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Use soft dry cloth to wipe the golden contacts on the back of the tracker before being placed in the charger.Even a subtle layer of fat from your fingers can make contact worse.

Preparation for the first start of the device

Before you try to turn on the gadget, you need to make sure that all the necessary components are available. For the full operation of the Mi Band 4, it is critical to have a smartphone with the Mi Fit application installed (or Zepp Life, as it is now called).

The preparation process involves several key steps that can lead to pairing errors, you will need a stable Internet connection on your phone to initially set up your account and upload profiles, and make sure that your smartphone includes Bluetooth and geolocation (GPS) modules, as in modern versions of Android and iOS, this is a mandatory requirement for finding devices.

πŸ“Š What is your version of the operating system on your smartphone?
Android 10 and below
Android 11-13
iOS 14 and below
iOS 15 and higher
The other OS

It is important to check the compatibility of your smartphone. Although the Mi Band 4 is a versatile device, on very old versions of operating systems, the application may not work correctly. Updating the phone's software to the current version often solves problems with the visibility of the bracelet in the list of available devices.

How to turn on Mi Band 4: How to turn on Mi Band 4

The process of turning on after charging does not require complex manipulations, but it has its own peculiarities. Unlike smartphones, there is no physical "Power" button. All control is done through the touch button on the front panel or through software.

Follow the following steps in strict sequence:

β˜‘οΈ The activation algorithm of Mi Band 4

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  • πŸ”Œ Connect the tracker to the charger and leave it at least on 15-20 minutes, even if the screen does not immediately light up.
  • πŸ‘† After the device is lying on the charger, press and hold your finger on the touch area at the bottom of the screen during the course of the test. 3-5 seconds.
  • πŸ“± If the Mi logo or the image of a running person appeared on the screen, then the device turned on successfully.
  • πŸ“² Open the app on your smartphone and click "Add device" by selecting your bracelet from the list.

Sometimes activation requires removing the capsule itself from the silicone strap, which may be necessary if the strap is clamping the body or hindering the tight fit to charge. Carefully squeeze the capsule out of the tape, taking care not to damage the elastic material of the attachment.

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If after 20 minutes of charging and holding your finger on the screen for a long time, there is no reaction, try changing the screen. USB-charger.

Setting up the screen and interface after turning on

Once you're successful, you'll be able to experience a world of interface settings. By default, the Mi Band 4 offers language and brightness. Brightness is an important parameter that affects autonomy. In the sun, you're encouraged to set maximum values, and indoors or at night, minimum values, so you don't blind your eyes.

In the settings menu, you can also change the orientation of your wrist, which is a critical parameter for the proper function of the wrist lift function. If you wear the wristband on your right hand, be sure to select the appropriate mode, otherwise the screen will light up at inappropriate moments or not respond to movement.

ParameterRecommended valueImpact on the battery
Screen brightnessCar or 30-40%High.
Glow time5-10 secondsAverage.
Pulse monitoringEvery 10-30 minutesAverage.
NotificationsOnly important.Low.

Don't ignore the dial settings. There are a lot of options available in the Mi Band 4 for displaying time and data. Changing the dial through the app not only personalizes the device, but can also slightly change the energy consumption depending on the amount of information displayed.

Connection with a smartphone and update firmware

Immediately after activation, the bracelet may suggest software updates, which is standard for devices that have been in stock for a long time, and the firmware on the device may be an old version that contains errors or does not support new application functions.

The process of updating is as follows: the Mi Fit app detects a new version of the software and requests permission to install. During this process, the billing screen will show the progress bar. It is strongly recommended not to interrupt this process or take the smartphone away from the bracelet.

⚠️ Note: Do not press buttons on the bracelet during firmware updates or attempt to break the Bluetooth connection. Interrupting the data record may cause a software failure, after which the device will stop turning on.

Once the upgrade and reboot is successful, you need to re-pair the pairing procedure, at which point encryption keys are exchanged and time synchronization is performed. If the time on the bracelet is confused or displayed incorrectly, check the time settings in the app itself on the phone, as the tracker takes time from there.

What to do if the update is suspended?
If the upgrade process lasts more than 15-20 minutes and progress is not moving, try rebooting the Mi Fit app (close completely and open again).If that doesn't help, empty the bracelet to zero and repeat the charging and updating procedure.

Diagnosis: Bracelet not included

If all of the above steps didn't work, and the Mi Band 4 still shows no life, it's worth a deeper diagnosis. One of the common reasons is the incompatibility of the charging cable. Although the connectors look standard, the current and voltage may differ.

Try using a different power source. Connecting to a computer port is often more "soft" and safer for deep-discharged batteries than using the powerful fast chargers from modern smartphones, which may not see a low-power device.

  • πŸ” Check contacts for contamination or oxidation, wipe them with alcohol.
  • πŸ”‹ Leave the device on charge for a few hours (until then) 3-4 Periodically checking the heating of the capsule.
  • πŸ“± Try pairing with another smartphone to rule out problems with your phone’s Bluetooth module.

There is also a hard reboot method, although on the Mi Band 4 it is implemented more through a full discharge. Leave the bracelet lying uncharged for a few days until the battery is completely exhausted, and then put it back on charge. This can reset the power controller.

⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to open the capsule body or mechanically impact it (shocks, compression) in the hope of "reviving" contacts, guaranteed to damage the battery and loss of warranty.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist of diagnostics

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to charge the Mi Band 4 when you first turn on?
When first switched on, especially if the device has been lying for a long time, it is recommended to charge it for at least 1-2 hours until a stable charge indicator appears. Full charging usually takes about 1.5 hours, but it is better to give more time to "rock" the battery.
Can I turn on the bracelet without a phone?
Basic features such as time mapping (if it’s saved) and pedometer can work autonomously, but connecting to the Mi Fit app on your smartphone is a must for initial language setting, time and activation of all functions.
What does a flashing red light mean when charging?
A flashing red light usually signals a critically low charge or charging error, which could mean contact is lost or the battery has gone deep and takes a long time to recover.
Do I need to completely discharge the bracelet before the first charge?
No, modern lithium polymer batteries don't have a memory effect. You can charge the device at any time, but if the bracelet is new, it's best to charge it fully before you use it.
Why does the bracelet warm up while charging?
Heating the capsule slightly while charging is normal, but if the device gets so hot that it is unpleasant to hold it in your hands, you should immediately stop charging and check the charger.