First inclusion of Xiaomi Mi Band 5: full instruction from unpacking to synchronization

The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet has become one of the most popular gadgets for tracking activity due to its combination of functionality and affordable price. However, even such a simple device can raise questions for beginners — especially at the stage of first switching on. How to charge the bracelet before using? What buttons to press so that it “wakes up”? Why is not determined through the Mi Fit application? In this article, we will break the process from scratch, avoiding the typical mistakes that 80% of users make when they first start.

It's important to understand that the Mi Band 5 doesn't require complex manipulations, but it has a few pitfalls, like the bracelet won't turn on if it's under 15%, even after you've connected to the charger, or the fact that you'll need an additional Mi Fitness app to sync with your iPhone (not a Mi Fit like Android), and we've taken all the nuances and put them together into checklists, spreadsheets and step-by-step instructions with visual cues.

1. Unpacking and inspection of equipment

Before you first turn on, make sure that the box with Xiaomi Mi Band 5 contains all the necessary elements.

📦 The fitness bracelet Mi Band 5 (with a strap installed)
🔌 Charging cable with magnetic connector (model) M2004B19B)
📄 Short instructions in several languages (including Russian)
🔋 Battery capacity of 125 mAh (built-in, non-removable)

If you don't have any of these, you should go to the vendor, and pay special attention to the charging cable, which is different from the previous Mi Band 5 models (Mi Band 4) in terms of the connector, and if you use the old version of the cable, you can damage the contacts.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet or cable shows signs of opening, scratching or corrosion of contacts, do not connect the device to charging.

Also check the serial number on the back of the bracelet (under the touch button) and it should match the number on the box. To verify authenticity, you can use the official Xiaomi service at https://www.mi.com/global/verify/#/en/tab/imei.

Charging the bracelet before first switching on

The new Mi Band 5 comes with a minimum charge level (usually 20-30%), but before the first turn on, it is recommended to charge it to 100% to avoid synchronization failures.

Take the bracelet off your hand (if already worn) and turn it upside down.
Connect the magnetic connector of the charging cable to the contacts on the case. The correct connection is accompanied by a slight click.
Connect. USB-cable-connector (5V/1A) Don't use fast charging, it can shorten battery life.

Charging indication:

🔴 Red LED – Charging is coming (level below 80%)
🟢 Green LED – Charging completed (100%)

The full charge time from 0% to 100% is about 1.5-2 hours. If the indicator does not light up, check:

🔌 The density of the connector (try reconnecting)
🔋 Correction of the cable (try another one) USB-port)
📱 Cleanliness of contacts on the bracelet (wipe with an alcohol napkin)

📊 How to Charge the Mi Band 5?

Computer from the computer.

From charging for the phone

From power bank.

Another option

3. Bracelet activation: buttons and gestures

Once charged, you can start to turn on. The Mi Band 5 doesn't have a physical power button, it's controlled through the touchpad. Here are all the ways you can wake up the bracelet:

Method	Action.	Note
Touching the screen	Touch the touch button under the screen	It works if the bracelet has been activated before.
Raising your hand	Raise your hand with your bracelet on.	The “Lift to Unlock” function should be enabled in the settings
Charging.	Connect to the charger	The screen will automatically turn on when charging starts.
Reset	Touch the sensor and hold for 10 seconds.	Used when hanging or if the bracelet does not respond

If the bracelet does not respond to touch:

Make sure it is charged (green indicator).
Wipe the screen and sensor with a dry wipe – moisture or fat can block the operation.
Try resetting the settings by holding the sensor for 10-15 seconds before vibration.

Charging completed (green indicator)

Contacts clean and dry

The bracelet is worn on the arm (to activate sensors)

Mi Fit app installed on the phone-->

4. Installation of the application and preparation of the phone

For full operation of Mi Band 5 requires an official application. Depending on the operating system of the phone, select:

🤖 Android: Mi Fit (download to Google Play)
🍎 iOS: Mi Fitness (download in the App Store)

Important: the Mi Fit app for iPhone hasn't been updated since 2021, instead using Mi Fitness with similar functionality. Don't confuse them!

Before installation, check:

📱 OS version: Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+
📶 A stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi) 4G)
🔒 Permissions: Applications need geolocation, notifications, and contacts (for calls)

⚠️ Note: If you use a Xiaomi phone, pre-disable the dual apps feature in the security settings.It can block synchronization with the bracelet.

After installation:

Launch the app and sign up (or sign in via your Xiaomi/Google/Apple ID account).
In the menu, click "Add device" (Profile → + → Bracelet).
Choose the Mi Smart Band 5 (not to be confused with the Mi Band 4!).

5. Synchronize the bracelet with the phone over Bluetooth

This is the most important stage. Follow the instructions:

Activate Bluetooth on your phone.
In the Mi Fit app, click “Connect” and wait until the bracelet appears in the list of available devices.
The bracelet should display a 4-digit code - confirm it in the application.
Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 2-3 minutes).

If the bracelet is not present:

🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn off/on).
📱 Make sure that the distance between the devices is not more than 10 meters.
🚫 Check if the bracelet is connected to another phone (reset: hold the sensor for 10 seconds).

What if Mi Band 5 doesn’t connect to iPhone?

On an iPhone with iOS 14+, there may be a conflict with the Mi Fitness background mode. Solution: 1. Go to Settings → Mi Fitness → Background Update and turn on the option. 2. Restart the app. 3. If it doesn't help, uninstall the app, restart your iPhone and install Mi Fitness again.

After successful synchronization:

🔄 The bracelet will automatically update the firmware (if a new version is available).
⏱️ Time and date are synchronized with the phone.
📊 Gathering of steps, pulse and sleep data will begin (if appropriate settings are enabled).

6.Initial setup: what to set up first

After connecting, we recommend you to immediately configure the key parameters:

Notifications: 📞 Incoming calls (vibration) + caller) 💬 Messages from messengers (select the desired applications)
Activity tracking: 🏃 Steps by step (standard: 8,000 steps/day) 💤 Sleep monitoring (enable automatic tracking)

Security

🔒 PIN-code to unlock the bracelet (4 digits)
🚨 Phone Search (bracelet vibrates when communication is lost)

Don’t forget about personal settings:

👤 Indicate your age, weight and height for accurate calorie counts.
⏰ Set alarm clocks (up to 10 pieces with vibration).
🎨 Select a dial from the collection (or download a custom one through Amazfit).

💡

To save your bracelet, turn off constant monitoring of your pulse in the background, just take it every 30 minutes or manually.

Possible problems and solutions

Even with the right connection, there can be failures, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Problem.	Reason.	Decision
The bracelet does not vibrate when notified.	Notifications are disabled in Mi Fit	Go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 5 → Notifications and turn on the necessary options
Wrong time/date	No synchronization with the phone	Reconnect the bracelet or update the firmware
Fast battery discharge	Constant monitoring of pulse or GPS	Turn off the background pulse measurement in the settings
The bracelet doesn't count steps	Wrong position on the arm	Wear a bracelet 2-3 cm above your wrist, tightly fitting

If the bracelet is frozen (does not respond to touch, the screen does not turn on):

Connect it to charging for 30 minutes.
If it doesn’t work, reset: hold the sensor for 15 seconds until it doubles.
After reset, you will have to re-synchronize the bracelet with the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use foreign objects (needles, toothpicks) to reset, this can damage the touchpad. All manipulations are performed only with the finger.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Can I use Mi Band 5 without a phone?

The bracelet will count steps, tell time, and measure your pulse manually, but it won't: 📞 Accept notifications of calls/messages 📊 Synchronize data with Mi Fit 🔄 Update firmware For full work synchronization with the phone is mandatory.

❓ How to update the firmware on Mi Band 5?

Update is automatically activated when connecting to Mi Fit if: 📶 There is a stable Internet connection 🔋 Bracelet charge > 50% 📱 Mi Fit app updated to latest version To check for updates manually: Open Mi Fit. Go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 5 → Firmware update. If a new version is available, click Update».

❓ Why Mi Band 5 is showing the wrong number of steps?

The accuracy of the steps depends on: 📍 The position of the bracelet on the arm (should be 2-3 cm above the wrist). 🏃 Type of activity (when walking accuracy is higher than when riding a bicycle). 🔧 Calibration in settings (specify step length in Mi Fit). To improve accuracy: Calibrate the bracelet: walk 20 steps, then enter the real distance in Mi Fit. Wear the bracelet on a non-dominant hand (for right-handers on the left, for left-handers on the right).

❓ Can I swim with the Mi Band 5?

The bracelet is protected by standard 5. ATM, permitting: 🏊 Swim in the pool or open water (up to 50 meters deep). 🚿 Shower. 💦 Wash your hands with an bracelet: ❌ Hot water (temperature above 40)°C may damage leakage). ❌ Salt water (after swimming in the sea, wash the bracelet with fresh water). ❌ Pressure (e.g. diving to a depth of more than 10 meters).

❓ How to change the band to Mi Band 5?

To replace the strap: Turn the bracelet upside down. Find a small latch on the back of the strap (near the mount to the body). Press the latch with a screwdriver or nail and pull the strap to the side. Set the new strap by snapping it to the characteristic click. ⚠️ Use only original Xiaomi straps or certified counterparts. Non-original straps can damage the mounting.

💡

The first Mi Band 5 activation requires sequence: charging → Mi Fit installation → Bluetooth synchronization → setting notifications. Missing any stage can cause malfunctions.