How to turn on Xiaomi fitness bracelet: video + instructions for Mi Band 5, 6, 7 and 8

Have you just purchased a Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelet and don't know how to turn it on correctly? Or has the device suddenly stopped responding to the presses and the instructions got lost? In this article, we'll look at all the ways to turn on the Mi Band 5, 6, 7 and 8 bracelets, from the basic procedure to solving typical problems. We'll attach step-by-step videos for each model and explain what to do if the bracelet doesn't turn on after charging.

The activation process seems simple, but many users are faced with nuances: for example, the Mi Band 7 bracelet may not respond to touch until full charge (at least 2 hours), and the Mi Band 8 requires binding to the Mi Fitness app for the first turn on, we took all these points into account and collected current instructions for 2026, including hidden features like forced reboot.

Preparation before activation: charging and checking the bracelet

Before you try to turn on the Xiaomi Mi Band, make sure the device is fully charged.New bracelets often come with a discharged battery - even if the indicator flashes when charging is connected, this does not mean that the charge is sufficient to start.

  • πŸ”‹ Mi Band 5/6: 1.5–2 hourly 100%
  • πŸ”‹ Mi Band 7/8: 2–2.5 hour (enlarged battery)
  • ⚑ Use the original cable – cheap analogues may not provide the desired voltage.

Check the physical condition of the bracelet:

  • πŸ” Check the charging contacts on the case – they should be clean, without oxidation.
  • πŸ’§ If the bracelet is stored in a wet place, dry it 24 hours before charging.
  • πŸ”„ Make sure the button (touch or physical) doesn’t go off.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Band bracelet 8 Does not respond to charging, try connecting it to another USB-port or power supply. Some models require a power source. 5V/1A β€” Standard laptop ports may not be suitable.

πŸ“Š What kind of fitness bracelet Xiaomi?
Mi Band 5
Mi Band 6
Mi Band 7
Mi Band 8
Another model

Standard inclusion: instruction for all models

The basic way to turn on is the same for most Xiaomi bracelets. Follow the steps:

  1. Connect the bracelet to charge for 10-15 minutes, even if it seems discharged. Wait for the indicator to flash (Mi Band 8 - LED strip).
  2. Disconnect the charging and place the bracelet on a flat surface with the screen up.
  3. Press and hold the touch button (or the physical key on the Mi Band 5) for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  4. Wait for the download: the screen should display a welcome screen asking to connect to the application.

If the bracelet is turned on, but the screen does not respond to touch, perform the sensor calibration:

  • πŸ“± Open the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp Life for new models).
  • πŸ”„ Go to the Device Profile β†’ Screen settings β†’ Sizing.
  • βœ… Follow the instructions on the screen (usually touch the center of the display 3 times).

β˜‘οΈ Checklist before inclusion

Done: 0 / 4

3. Video instructions for each model

Visual instruction often helps better textual. Below is a selection of official and verified videos with step-by-step inclusion of Xiaomi bracelets:

Model braceletVideo linkFeatures of inclusion
Mi Band 5Watch on YouTubeThe physical button requires 8-10 seconds to hold.
Mi Band 6Watch on YouTubeTouch button, sometimes you need a double tap to activate.
Mi Band 7Watch on YouTubeIt requires at least 30% charge for the first switch.
Mi Band 8Watch on YouTubeYou need to be tied to Mi Fitness within 5 minutes after switching on.

Note that the Mi Band 8 video shows the forced sync process with the phone, which is a must if the bracelet is not defined by the app.

  1. Turn on Bluetooth and Geolocation on your phone.
  2. In Mi Fitness, click Add Device β†’ Fitness Bracelet β†’ Mi Band 8.
  3. Hold the phone to the bracelet at a distance of 5-10 cm and wait for vibration.

πŸ’‘

If the Mi Band 7/8 bracelet doesn’t turn on after charging, try plugging it into charging and holding the 15-second button at the same time – this will reset the power controller’s temporary errors.

4.What to do if the bracelet is not turned on?

If after all the manipulations Xiaomi Mi Band does not show signs of life, check the following points:

  • πŸ”Œ Charging: Try another one USB-Mi Band 8 may not have a charging indicator if the battery is completely discharged (you have to wait 30 minutes).
  • πŸ“± Reset via app: In Mi Fitness, remove the bracelet from the list of devices and try to add again.
  • πŸ”„ Forced reboot: Connect the bracelet to charge and hold the button for 20 seconds – this will work even when β€œhanging".
  • πŸ› οΈ Physical damage: If the bracelet has fallen or got wet, check the corrosion charge (disassembly required).

For Mi Band 7/8 models, the problem with locking after the upgrade is relevant. If the bracelet turns on but immediately turns off or shows an E1 error, do:

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger.


2 Hold the button for 15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.




3. Without releasing the button, turn off the charging and hold for another 5 seconds.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Band bracelet 5/6 post-discharge PIN-code, use a combination 0000 or 1234. For the Mi Band. 7/8 PIN Reset via Mi Fitness in the Security section.

5. First setup via Mi Fitness (Step-by-step)

After successful activation, the bracelet must be tied to the Xiaomi account. Use the official Mi Fitness app (for the purpose of the application). Android/iOS):

  1. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store.
  2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (required for data synchronization!).
  3. Add the device: Click Profile β†’ Add the device. Select the fitness bracelet β†’ Mi Band [your model]. Allow access to Bluetooth, notifications and geolocation.

Synchronize the data

During the setup process, the application will suggest:

  • ⏱️ Set goals by steps (recommended value of 8000 steps/day).
  • πŸ’€ Set up sleep monitoring (turn on Smart Alarm for a smooth wake-up).
  • πŸ“Š Activate a continuous pulse (increases battery consumption, but is useful for exercise).
How to reset the bracelet to factory settings?
To complete a full reset, go to Mi Fitness in Device Profile β†’ Settings β†’ Data Reset. Once confirmed, the bracelet will reset and delete all local data (steps, training).

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even after successful inclusion, users face typical problems.-5 errors and ways of eliminating them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
The bracelet is switched on but not synchronized with the phone.An outdated version of Mi Fitness or conflict with other apps (e.g. Zepp)Update the app and turn off other fitness trackers in Bluetooth settings.
The screen doesn't respond to touch.Sensor calibration failure or display contaminationCalibrate in Mi Fitness or wipe the screen with an alcohol napkin.
Bracelet discharges quickly (less than 2 days)Active pulse/sleep monitoring or background updatesTurn off the Continuous pulse in the settings and reduce the synchronization frequency.
E2 error occurs when chargingBracelet cable or contacts damagedTry another cable or gently brush your contacts with a toothpick.
The bracelet vibrates but does not show notificationsThere are no permissions for Mi Fitness in the phone settingsGo to Phone Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Mi Fitness β†’ Permissions and enable all options.

If none of these methods worked, check the bracelet for hardware malfunctions.

  • πŸ” Connect the bracelet to the PC via charging – if the computer does not identify it as a device, the problem is the power controller.
  • πŸ“¦ Check the warranty card: Xiaomi bracelets have a warranty of 12 months from the date of purchase.

πŸ’‘

If the Mi Band 8 bracelet does not turn on after a fall, the flexible board of the display is likely damaged, in which case the repair will cost 60-80% of the cost of the new device, it is more profitable to buy a replacement.

7. Hidden functions after inclusion

After successfully activating the Xiaomi bracelet, reveal its hidden potential:

  • 🎡 Music Management: On the Mi Band 7/8 You can switch tracks directly from the bracelet (enable the option in Settings). β†’ Music).
  • πŸ“Έ Remote camera shutter: In Mi Fitness, activate Camera Control – the bracelet will fire as a trigger button.
  • πŸ”‹ Power Saving Mode: Disables all functions except time, increasing autonomy up to 20 days (included in Settings) β†’ Battery).
  • πŸƒ Autodetection of training: The bracelet itself recognizes running, walking and cycling (set up in Profile). β†’ Training).

The Mi Band 8 has a "Always-On Display" feature, but it reduces the time to 3-4 days to enable it:

  1. Open Mi Fitness and go to Device Profile β†’ Screen Settings.
  2. Activate the Always-On Display option.
  3. Select the style of the dial (3 options are available).

Frequent Questions (FAQ)

❓ How to turn on Xiaomi Mi Band bracelet if it is completely discharged and does not respond to the button?
Connect the bracelet to charge and leave it for 2-3 hours. Even if the indicator does not burn, charging is going. After that, hold the button 10-15 seconds for forced activation. For the Mi Band 8, it can take up to 4 hours of first charging.
❓ Why Xiaomi bracelet requires firmware update after it is turned on, but the process has stalled?
This is a typical problem with a weak Internet connection. Solutions: Connect your phone to Wi-Fi (not mobile Internet). Close all background apps that consume traffic. If the update freezes by 50%, reboot the bracelet (hold the button for 20 seconds) and try again.
❓ Can you turn on Xiaomi fitness bracelet without the Mi Fitness app?
Technically yes, but with limitations: Mi Band 5/6: Only basic functions (time, steps) will work. Mi Band 7/8: You will need an app for the first activation, otherwise the bracelet will turn off after 5 minutes.
❓ Xiaomi bracelet turns on but doesn't vibrate or show notifications?
Check: Mi Fitness: Device Profile β†’ Notifications β†’ Enable Vibration. On Phone: Permissions for Mi Fitness in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Permissions β†’ Notifications. In Bluetooth settings: Turn off Energy Saving mode for the connected bracelet. If the vibration doesn't work even afterward, the motor may be damaged (requires repair).
❓ How to check if the Xiaomi Mi Band bracelet is original?
The original bracelets have: πŸ“¦ Packaging with hologram and barcode (checked through the official website of Xiaomi). πŸ” Serial number on the back of the case (coincides with the number in Mi Fitness). πŸ”‹ Branded cable with a magnetic connector (fakes often micro-USB). Counterfeiting usually gives low quality plastic, no vibration or synchronization errors.