The first switch on of the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is a process that seems simple but often raises questions from new owners.The device can lie on the store shelf for a long time, so the battery often runs to zero. Which is why a standard tap on the touch screen immediately after unpacking may not give the expected result.
Modern Chinese trackers do not have physical buttons, and the control is completely tied to the capacitive sensor. If the screen does not respond, it is not always a sign of malfunction. In most cases, it is enough to provide power. It is important to understand that activation occurs only after successful pairing with the smartphone.
In this article, we'll go through all the steps, from checking the kit to setting up notifications, how to tell a marriage from a dead battery, and what applications are needed to make a fitness tracker work properly. Following the algorithm, you'll start the device in a few minutes.
Preparation for the first launch and inspection of the completeness
Before you can find a way to activate the device, you need to make sure that the components are intact. In the box, you'll find a tracker capsule and a strap. Sometimes they're sold separately, but most often they're a single kit. Visually inspect the contacts on the bottom of the capsule for contamination or oxidation.
The key element is the charger. The fifth-generation model uses magnetic charging, which doesn't require the capsule to be removed from the strap. This is a significant difference from previous versions where the tracker had to be taken out. Make sure you have a USB-connector cable and a power adapter.
You will also need a smartphone with an Android or iOS operating system. Without a mobile phone, you will not be able to fully use the gadget, since the time setting and data synchronization occur exclusively through the application.
- 🔋 Charger (cable included)
- 📱 Smartphone with Bluetooth 4.0 or higher
- 📲 Installed application Mi Fit (Zepp Life)
- ⚡ Access to the power grid or Power Bank
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to charge the device from low-current computer ports or old power supplies.This can result in extremely slow charging that the user will mistakenly mistake for a malfunction.
Charging process before activation
The most common reason Mi Band 5 doesn't turn on is because the battery is so deep, after long periods of storage, the lithium polymer battery loses charge, so the first step is to connect to the power source. USB-cable to the power supply and attach the magnetic connector to the contacts on the back of the tracker.
The magnets should clearly fix the device, you will feel a slight vibration or see the vibration of the icon of the battery on the screen, if the charge is still left. If the screen is black, do not panic. Leave the gadget on charging for at least 15-20 minutes. Only after that try to wake the screen with a touch.
When charging, the indicator will show the current energy level. The full cycle takes about 2 hours. You don't have to wait for 100% charge to turn on, 10-15% is enough to do the initial setup. If after 30 minutes of charging the screen does not light up, try to wipe the contacts with dry cloth.
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Use the power supply from a smartphone with current 1A. Charging from powerful units 2A and above (Quick Charge) may not start due to the power controller of the tracker.
Sometimes the protection system will block the current from running when the voltage is surge, so the change of power will help. USB-port or use of other connector compatible cable, make sure that the magnetic pints fit tightly to the metal pads on the case.
Installation and configuration of the Mi Fit application
The tracker uses the Zepp Life app (formerly known as Mi Fit) to manage the tracker, which is the central hub for all settings, dials and activity analysis. Download the app from the official Google Play store or App Store. Avoid third-party builds as they may contain bugs or viruses.
Once installed, start the program and create a Xiaomi Account, you can register via email, phone number or social networks, this procedure is mandatory for storing statistics. Without authorization, the functionality of the device will be severely limited.
In the main menu of the app, go to the Profile tab and select Add Device. In the list, find Mi Smart Band 5. The app will request permission to use Bluetooth and geolocation. This is necessary for stable connection and time synchronization.
☑️ Pre-conjugation check
When you start searching, hold the tracker next to your smartphone. If the device has been in use before, you may need to reset. The app will request a new gadget to be linked. Confirm the action, and the verification code will appear on the bracelet screen.
Interconnection of the bracelet with a smartphone
The pairing process is the moment when the smart bracelet and phone "meet." The smartphone screen will display a vibration signal and a numerical code. identical code should appear on the Mi Band 5 display. Press the touch button on the bracelet (a tick icon or vibration) to confirm (conjugation).
If the codes don't match or the request doesn't come, check the list of Bluetooth devices in your phone's settings. Sometimes the bracelet stays in your phone's memory from previous connection attempts, in which case you need to remove the device from the Bluetooth list and re-search through the app.
Once the connection is successful, the tracker will automatically update the firmware if the software version is outdated, which is an important step as new versions fix bugs and add features. Don't interrupt the update process, keep the devices nearby.
| Parameter | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Version 4.0+ | I'll be sure. |
| GPS | Included | For a search. |
| Internet | Wi-Fi or 4G | For synchronization |
| Charge. | > 10% | Recommended |
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Successful pairing is possible only through the Zepp Life app. Attempting to connect the bracelet directly through the phone's Bluetooth settings is doomed to failure.
Configure the main functions and interface
Once you're on and pairing, you'll be faced with personalization. Mi Band 5 offers flexible dial settings. You can choose from thousands of options in the app, from classic watches to animated images. To set the new face of the dial, go to the dial store and click Download.
An important aspect is the setting of notifications. You can choose which apps will wake your wrist: calls, SMS, messengers. To do this, select Application Notifications from the device menu and activate the desired sliders, which allows you to keep your phone out of your pocket all the time.
You also have to set your activity goals. You have 10,000 steps by default, but you can change that value depending on your fitness, and the system will vibrate when you reach your goal, to motivate you to move on, and remember to turn on sleep and heart rate monitoring for a full picture of your health.
- 🎨 Selection and installation of dial
- 🔔 Setting vibration and volume
- 🏃 Setting goals by steps and calories
- 🌙 Activation of sleep monitoring
⚠️ Attention: When you turn on a large number of notifications, the autonomy of work decreases. If you want long-term work without charging, leave only calls and important messages.
Problem Solving: The bracelet is not turned on
If the screen is black after all the manipulations, the device may be frozen or have a hardware defect. Try to keep the bracelet on charge for a long time (2-3 hours).
The second method is to find the reset button. There is no physical button on the Mi Band 5, but you can try to reset the device through the app if it reacts at all. If there is no reaction at all, try to gently (without fanaticism) press the sensor area while charging.
In rare cases, cold reboot helps: Put the tracker in the refrigerator (in a sealed bag, no condensation inside) for 15 minutes, then put it on charge immediately.This method sometimes resuscitates lithium batteries, but use it at your own risk.
What to do if only the lightning icon is on?
If nothing works and the bracelet does not show signs of life for more than 4 hours on charging, most likely, this is a warranty.