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

Xiaomi Mi Band 4

How to properly turn on the device

Many people mistakenly think that the wristband is switched on with a button, but the process actually starts with charging the battery, without which even the factory settings are not activated, and we'll take a look at not only the basic steps, but also the hidden features that are not written in the official instructions, like how to reset the wristband to factory settings without a phone or why sometimes the Mi Band 4 is not defined in the Mi Fit app.

If you bought a used bracelet or it was long gone, the switching algorithm may be different, there's a separate section for this case, with proven ways to "resuscitate" the device, and for those who like experimentation, we've added an alternative firmware instruction via Notify & Fitness or Mi Band Master.

Finally, we have collected answers to the 5 most common problems with the Mi Band 4 powering on, from no charging response to synchronization errors, all solutions tested on current software versions (2026).

1.Preparation for the first turn on: what to do before charging

Before you connect the bracelet to charging, check the configuration and condition of the device. In the box with Xiaomi Mi Band 4 should be:

• 📦 The fitness bracelet itself in a protective film
• 🔌 Charging cable with USB-connector (magnetic connector)
• 📄 Short instructions in several languages (including Russian)
• 🔧 Rubber strap (if purchased in the kit)

Pay special attention to the factory film: it must be removed from the screen and from the back (where the heart rate sensor is located). If you leave the film, the bracelet may not correctly read the pulse or not respond to touch. Also check if the contacts are not charged with oxidation or contaminants - they can be neatly cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

If you bought a used bracelet, be sure to ask the previous owner to untie the device from his account in Mi Fit. Otherwise, you will not be able to link the Mi Band 4 to your phone. Check the binding by the behavior of the bracelet: if when you touch the screen it vibrates, but does not turn on - most likely, it was already in use.

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 doesn’t have a physical power button. All manipulations are done via the touch screen or automatically when charging. If the bracelet doesn’t respond to the charging connection, the problem may be a discharged battery (you have to wait 10-15 minutes) or a faulty cable.

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

The first Mi Band 4 starts with charging. Here's a step-by-step algorithm:

1. Remove the bracelet capsule from the strap by pulling it aside (do not make excessive efforts!).
2. Hold the magnetic connector of the charging cable to the contacts on the back of the capsule, and the correct position is when the metal pins of the cable match the holes on the bracelet.
3. Connect the USB- cable connector to the power source: computer, phone charging (5V/1A) or power bank.

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

• 🔌 Check the connector's adjoining density (sometimes light pressing helps)
• 🔋 Try another one. USB-port
• 🕒 Wait 5-10 minutes – in a deep discharge, the indicator may not immediately light up.

The full charge time is about 1.5-2 hours, but for the first turn on, 10-15 minutes is enough for the bracelet to start and undergo initial settings, the optimal charge level before turning off is 80-100% (the green battery will be displayed on the screen).

Tip: Do not use adapters above 5V to charge the Mi Band 4 (e.g. from a laptop) and this can shorten battery life.

3. First on: what to do after charging

When the bracelet is charged to the minimum level, it will automatically turn on (the Mi logo will appear on the screen).

1. Touch the touch screen of the bracelet – sometimes you need to “wake up” the device.
2. If there is no reaction, turn off and reconnect the charging for 1-2 minutes.
3. Make sure the bracelet is not linked to another account (see Reset section).

When you first turn on, you'll be asked to choose a language.

1. Swipe through the options with swipes up/down.
2. To select the language, click on the screen (the tick will appear next to the selected item).
3. Confirm your choice by touching the screen again.

If the list does not contain Russian, then the bracelet has outdated firmware installed. Update it through the Mi Fit app (instructions in section 5).

Once you've chosen the language, the bracelet will suggest you tuck in with your phone, and at this point you can skip the process (by clicking on the cross), but then you won't be able to use notifications, pedometers, or other features, and you'd better go straight to setting up via Mi Fit.

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If the bracelet does not respond to touch, try resetting it to factory settings: press the screen for 10-15 seconds before the vibration appears.

4. Connection with the phone: step-by-step instructions

To fully work Xiaomi Mi Band 4 you need to connect it to the smartphone through the official application Mi Fit (available for Android and iOS).

Step 1: Installation of the application

• 📱 Download Mi Fit from Google Play or the App Store.
• 🔓 Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (you can use Google/Facebook).
• 📋 Accept a request to access notifications, contacts and location (necessary for proper operation).

Step 2: Adding a device

1. In the main menu Mi Fit press "+" (Add device).
2. Choose a bracelet. → Mi Smart Band 4.
3. Allow the app to use Bluetooth.
4. Wait for the phone to find the bracelet (it should flash on the screen).
5. Confirm the pairing on the phone and on the bracelet (touch the screen when a request appears).

Step 3: Set up a profile

• 👤 Specify your gender, age, weight, and height (this is for accurate calorie and step counting).
• ⏰ Select the main arm (to correctly display the time when lifting your arm).
• 🔔 Set up notifications: Enable call alerts, SMS and apps (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram).

If the bracelet is not in Mi Fit, try:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone.
• 📱 Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugated devices in the phone settings and repeat the search.
• 🔋 Charge the bracelet to 50% or more.

5. Firmware Update: Why It Matters and How to Do It

After the first turn on, it is recommended to update the firmware Mi Band 4 to the latest version, which will fix bugs, add new features (for example, additional dials) and improve stability.

Method 1. via Mi Fit (recommended)

1. Open the Mi Fit app and go to the bracelet profile.
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner and select Firmware Update.
3. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (the bracelet will reboot automatically).

Method 2. Through alternative applications

If Mi Fit does not offer an update, you can use:

• 🔄 Notify & Fitness – supports custom firmware and dials.
• 🔧 Mi Band Master – allows you to manually download firmware from forums (e.g. 4PDA).

⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial firmware may result in loss of warranty and unstable bracelet performance. Do this only if you are confident in the source of the files.

After the update, check the firmware version:

1. On the bracelet, go to Settings → About the bracelet.
2. View the line Firmware version - current for 2026: 1.0.9.54 or higher.

6. Problem Solving: Bracelet not switched on or synchronized

If the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is not responding to charging or is not connecting to your phone, use this guide:

Problem 1: The bracelet is not charged

• 🔌 Check the cable: Try charging the bracelet from another source (computer, power bank).
• 🧲 Make sure the magnetic connector fits tightly to the contacts.
• 🔋 If the bracelet has been lying unused for a long time, wait 30-60 minutes - sometimes the battery does not "wake up" immediately.
• 🔨 In extreme cases, try to clean the contacts of the bracelet and cable with alcohol.

Problem 2: The bracelet does not turn on after charging

1. Connect the bracelet to charging and hold for 10-15 minutes - sometimes the indicator does not burn, but charging is going.
2. Reset: Press the screen for 10-15 seconds before vibration.
3. If the reset did not help, try to "wake up" the bracelet with a bright light (point the flashlight to the screen).

Problem 3: Mi Fit can't see the bracelet

• 📱 Reboot your phone and bracelet.
• 🔄 Turn off/turn on Bluetooth on your phone.
• 🗑️ Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugated devices in your phone settings and repeat the search.
• 🔄 Reinstall the Mi Fit app.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet was previously linked to another account, it must first be untie, and the previous owner must remove the device in his Mi Fit or reset the bracelet to factory settings (press the screen for 15 seconds).

Problem 4: The bracelet vibrates but doesn't turn on

This is a sign that the device is linked to another account.

• 🔄 Reset the bracelet to factory settings (clamp the screen for 15 seconds).
• 📱 Ask the previous owner to untie the bracelet in the Mi Fit.
• 🔧 Use alternative applications (e.g. Mi Band Master) to force reset.

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If the bracelet is not responding to either charging or reset, check it on another phone. If the problem persists, the battery or board may be faulty.

7. Alternative ways of setting up: without Mi Fit

If you don’t want to use the official Mi Fit app, there are alternatives with advanced features:

1. Notify & Fitness

Advantages:

• 🎨 Support for custom dials (more than 1,000 variants)
• 🔔 Flexible notification settings (application filtering).
• 📊 Expanded training statistics.

How to connect:

1. Download Notify & Fitness from Google Play.
2. Enable the developer mode on the bracelet (in Mi Fit go to Bracelet Settings → Firmware version and tap 5 times on the version number).
3. In Notify & Fitness, select Connect your device and follow the instructions.

2. Mi Band Master

Functions:

• 🔧 Manual firmware update.
• 🔋 View detailed battery information.
• 📲 Export training data to Google Fit.

⚠️ Warning: Alternative applications may conflict with Mi Fit. Untie the bracelet in the official app before use.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions