How to turn on the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet: from charging to first synchronization

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular activity tracking gadgets, despite the release of new models, and its simplicity, reliability and affordable price attract users, but even with such a device, it can be difficult to turn on the first stage, especially if the bracelet has been idle for a long time, discharged to zero or was bought from hand without the original packaging.

In this article, we will discuss all possible scenarios for the Mi Band 4: from the basic procedure for a new device to recovery from deep discharge. You will learn how to properly charge the bracelet, which buttons are responsible for what, how to connect it to a smartphone through the official Mi Fit application (or alternative programs), and what to do if the bracelet does not respond to pressing or is not determined by the phone.

Preparation for the first inclusion: what to check before starting

Before you try to turn on the Mi Band 4, make sure that the minimum conditions for it to work are met.Neglecting these points is the main reason why the bracelet "does not turn on" or "does not charge."

First, check the completeness. The box with the new bracelet should have:

• 📦 Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet (with capsule installed)
• 🔌 Charging cable (c) USB-Type A connector and magnetic connector)
• 📄 Short instructions in several languages (including Russian)

If you buy a device from hand, check with the seller whether the capsule (module with electronics) has changed, this can affect compatibility with charging. Also pay attention to the condition of the contacts on the back of the bracelet: they must be clean, without oxidation or mechanical damage.

Second, get the power supply ready.

• 🔌 USB-port (5V/0.5A–1A)
• 🔋 Smartphone charger (5V/1A–2A, but not fast charging!)
• 🔌 Power Bank with Exit USB-A

Do not use chargers with voltages higher than 5V or currents greater than 2A, which can damage the bracelet battery, and avoid cheap “nouneime” cables that can transmit current unstablely.

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

The Mi Band 4 comes with a partially charged battery, but if it was in a warehouse or store for more than six months, the battery could run to zero, in which case the first turn on is possible only after minimal recharging (at least 5-10 minutes).

To charge the bracelet:

1. Remove the capsule from the strap by pulling it to the side (press the button on the side if not removed).
2. Bring the capsule to the magnetic connector of the charging cable - it should "stick" itself.
3. Connect the cable to the power supply (see recommendations above).

The charge indicator should appear on the bracelet screen, a battery icon with an animation of filling.

• ⚡ Check the density of the contacts (sometimes it helps to lightly press the capsule)
• 🔄 Try another one. USB-port
• 🕒 Wait 1-2 minutes – sometimes the indication appears with a delay

The full charge time is about 1.5-2 hours, but for the first turn on, 15-20 minutes are enough (the bracelet should show at least 10-15% charge). If after 30 minutes of charging the indicator does not appear, the problem may be:

• 🔋 Faulty battery (if the bracelet was long discharged)
• 🔌 Damaged charging cable
• 🛠️ Oxidized contacts on the capsule

First inclusion: buttons and combinations

When the bracelet is slightly charged, you can start to turn on. The Mi Band 4 has a single physical button (touch zone under the screen) that is responsible for:

• 🔘 Switch on/off
• 📱 Confirmation of actions in the menu
• 🔙 Return to the previous screen (retention)

To turn on the bracelet:

1. Make sure that the charging indicator is displayed on the screen (at least 1-5%).
2. Disconnect the capsule from the charging cable.
3. Press the touch button under the screen once and hold it for 3-5 seconds until the Mi logo appears.

If the bracelet does not respond to the button holding:

• 🔋 Charge is insufficient (plug in charge for another 10-15 minutes)
• 🔄 Try hard reset: connect to the charger and hold the button for 20-30 seconds
• 🛠️ Possible button failure (requires repair)

Once the Mi logo appears, the bracelet will start the initial setting, and you will see a greeting in English or Chinese (depending on the region of the firmware), where you can choose the interface language (if supported by your version of the software) or immediately switch to sync with your smartphone.

💡

If the bracelet turns on but immediately turns off, it is a sign of a deep discharge. Connect it to charging for 1-2 hours without trying to turn on, then repeat the procedure.

Connecting to a smartphone via Mi Fit: step-by-step instructions

Without synchronization with a smartphone, the Mi Band 4 will only work as a pedometer clock. To unlock all functions (notifications, sleep monitoring, pulsemeter), you need to connect the bracelet through the official Mi Fit app (or alternative programs like Notify & Fitness or Mi Band Master).

Install Mi Fit from official stores:

• 📱 Google Play for Android
• 🍎 App Store for iOS

Follow the instructions:

1. Launch Mi Fit and sign up (or sign in via your Xiaomi, Google, Facebook account).
2. Click "Add device" (the "+" icon in the upper right corner).
3. Choose from the list of Mi Smart Band 4.
4. Allow the app to access Bluetooth, notifications, and geolocation (required to work correctly!).
5. The bracelet will appear QR-code – scan it through the camera of the smartphone or enter the code manually.
6. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes).

If the bracelet is not in the list of devices:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone (turn off/on in settings).
• 📱 Make sure the phone is on. GPS (needle).
• 🔋 Check the bracelet charge (should be at least 20%).
• 🛠️ Update Mi Fit to the latest version.

💡

If you connect Mi Fit asks to update the firmware of the bracelet - agree! Outdated software can cause synchronization errors and sensor malfunctions.

Setup of the bracelet after connecting: what to do

After successful synchronization, the Mi Band 4 is ready to use, but for comfortable work, it is recommended to configure several key parameters.

Also, update the bracelet firmware (if available) and adjust personal data (gender, age, weight, height) to improve calorie counting and sleep analysis accuracy. Don't forget alarm clocks: they can be set up both in the app and on the bracelet (in the More → Alarm menu).

If you use the Mi Band 4 for training, activate Sport mode and select the desired activities (running, cycling, swimming, etc.) The bracelet supports up to 6 automatic recognition training regimes (such as walking or running), but for accurate tracking, it is better to start them manually.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after successful activation and sync, Mi Band 4 users may face a number of problems, including the most common ones and ways to fix them:

1.The bracelet does not vibrate at notifications

• 📱 Check notification settings in Mi Fit (Notifications section»).
• 🔕 Make sure the bracelet does not activate the Do Not Disturb mode (More) → Do Not Disturb).
• 🔄 Reconnect the bracelet to your phone (forget the device in Bluetooth and sync again).

2.The battery goes down fast.

• 🔋 Turn off constant pulse monitoring (leave only on schedule).
• 📴 Reduce the brightness of the screen in the bracelet settings.
• 🛠️ Update the firmware – in the old versions there were errors with energy consumption.

3. The pulse meter is not working.

• 🩺 Check whether the bracelet fits tightly to the wrist (should sit tightly, but not crush).
• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (hold the button for 10 seconds).
• 🩹 There should be no tattoos or scars on the arm at the measurement point.

4.The bracelet is not synchronized with the Mi Fit

• 📱 Reinstall the Mi Fit app.
• 🔄 Turn off/turn on Bluetooth on your phone.
• 🛠️ Reset the bracelet to factory settings (More) → Settings → Reset).

💡

If the bracelet has stopped responding to pressing, try to wake it up by plugging it into a charge for 1-2 minutes, often helping with temporary freezes.

Alternative ways of inclusion and firmware

If standard methods didn’t help turn on the Mi Band 4, alternative approaches can be tried, requiring a little more effort, but sometimes saving bricked-up devices.

1. firmware through Mi Fit (if the bracelet is defined but not turned on)

Connect the bracelet to charge and start the Mi Fit. If the app "sees" the device, it will suggest updating the firmware. Agree and wait for the process to complete (don't turn off the bracelet!). This method often helps with software failures.

2. Use of third-party tools (for experienced users)

Software like Mi Bandage or Gadgetbridge allows you to stitch the bracelet manually, but it's risky.

• ⚠️ You can finally “kill” the device with a firmware error.
• ⚠️ Xiaomi warranty is cancelled.
• ⚠️ Technical knowledge is required (work with the ADB, firmware).

3. Hardware reset (if the bracelet does not respond at all)

Connect the bracelet to charge and hold the button for 30 to 40 seconds. In some cases, this resets the frozen software. If it didn't work, try leaving the bracelet on charge for 12 to 24 hours - sometimes this will "resuscitate" a completely discharged battery.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions