How to turn on the fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band 5: 5 proven ways

The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet has become one of the most popular activity-tracking gadgets, but even such a simple device sometimes raises questions among new users, the main one being how to turn on the bracelet if it does not respond to taps or behaves unusually after buying / discharging. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios from basic activation to solving problems with a dead gadget.

It’s important to understand that the Mi Band 5 doesn’t have a traditional power button — it’s built on a combination of touch controls and automatic processes. If you’re holding this bracelet for the first time or are faced with it stopping after upgrading/discharge, our instructions will help bring it back to life without going to the service center.

1. Basic method of inclusion: charging and first connection

The new Mi Band 5 or bracelet, after full discharge, automatically turns on when connected to the charger.

• 🔌 Connect the bracelet to the original charging cable (use an adapter). 5V/1A or USB-port).
• ⏳ Wait. 3-5 seconds – the charging animation should appear on the screen (battery with percentages).
• 📱 Install Mi Fit or Zepp Life on your smartphone (Android/iOS) and follow the pairing instructions.

If the screen does not light up within 10 seconds of connecting the charger:

1. Check the density of the contacts (the magnets must match on the bracelet and cable).
2. Try another one. USB-port.
3. Clean the contacts of the bracelet from dust / moisture with a dry cotton swab.

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If the bracelet doesn’t respond to charging, try holding it on the cable for 10-15 minutes – sometimes a discharged battery takes time to “wake up.”

2. Forced reset of the bracelet

If the Mi Band 5 freezes on the logo, doesn't respond to touch, or makes errors, a forced restart will help, and this method will work even if the screen doesn't turn on:

• 🔋 Disconnect the bracelet from charging (if it was connected).
• 👆 Press and hold the touch button under the screen for a period of time. 15-20 seconds.
• 🔄 Release the button when the Mi logo appears on the screen (vibration will confirm the reset).

Once you reboot, the bracelet will return to factory settings, but all data will be synced with the app the next time you connect, and if that doesn't work, move on to the next section.

3. Enable via Mi Fit/Zepp Life app

Sometimes the bracelet is on, but the screen is inactive because of the power saving settings, and the app will help.

1. Open Mi Fit or Zepp Life on your smartphone.
2. Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 5.
3. Press the device settings → Screen.
4. Activate the option to raise your hand to turn on the screen.

If the bracelet is not displayed in the list of devices:

• 🔍 Make sure that the Bluetooth on your phone is on.
• 📱 Restart your smartphone and re-start the application.
• 🔄 Click Add Device and select Mi Band 5 manually.

4.Battery problems: When the bracelet doesn't charge

One of the most common reasons why the Mi Band 5 doesn't turn on is because the battery or charging cable malfunctions.

Critical information: If the bracelet heats up above 40°C during charging, it is a sign of a malfunction of the power controller.

Check the cable for damage | Clear the bracelet contacts |Try charging from another source |Wait 30 minutes on charging |Check the bracelet temperature-->

5. Reset to factory settings

If all previous methods fail, it's a complete reset, which will remove all the data from the wristband, but often solves software problems.

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger.
2. Press and hold the touch button for 10 seconds until you feel the vibration.
3. Release the button and press it again 5 times in a row (reset should appear).
4. Confirm the reset by pressing the button.

Once reset, the bracelet will reboot and be ready to reset through the app, which helps in 80% of cases where the Mi Band 5 is not turned on due to software errors.

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Resetting to factory settings is the last chance to bring the bracelet back to life without repair, and after this procedure, all data (steps, pulse, notifications) will be lost if it is not synchronized with the application.

6. Hardware malfunctions: when to carry in the service

If none of these things worked, it's probably hardware, and here are some signs you should go to the service center.

• 💥 The bracelet fell from a height or was subjected to severe blows.
• 🌊 Water intake (despite water protection) IP68, Salt water or steam destroys contacts).
• 🔥 Visible damage to the board or battery (bloating, oxidation).
• 📵 Complete lack of response to charging and resetting.

The cost of repairing the Mi Band 5 in 2026:

• Battery replacement: 800-1200₽
• Replacement of display: 1000-1500₽
• Repairs after water intrusion: 1500-2000₽
• Replacement of motherboard: 2000-2500₽ (costlessly)

⚠️ Note: Do not try to disassemble the bracelet yourself - its body is sealed, and the display plumes are extremely fragile. 90% of "home repairs" end in complete failure of the device.

Prevention of inclusion problems

To make sure that the Mi Band 5 lasts longer and doesn’t have any problems with inclusion, follow these guidelines:

• 🔋 Charge the bracelet once in a while. 7-10 Days (do not allow complete discharge).
• 🚿 Remove the bracelet before swimming in the sea/pool (chlorine and salt destroy seals).
• 📱 Update your firmware regularly through the Mi Fit app.
• 🧴 Clean the charging contacts once a month with a cotton swab with alcohol.

The average life of the Mi Band 5, when properly operated, is 2-3 years, and after that, it usually requires a battery replacement or a switch to a new model.

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If you don’t use the bracelet for a long time (for example, in winter), store it with a charge of 40-60% in a dry place. Full discharge or 100% charge on long-term storage reduces the battery life.

Frequently asked questions