You just got the lucky owner of Xiaomi's new fitness bracelet - whether it's the Mi Band 8 Pro, the classic Mi Band 7 or the budget Mi Band 6? The first turn on of the device can raise questions even among power users. Unlike smartphones, the bracelets don't have the usual screen with hints, and the instructions in the box are often laconic to the point of obscenity.
In this article, we will examine the entire activation process, from removing the bracelet from the package to the first synchronization with the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life), focusing on common mistakes: why the bracelet does not turn on after charging, how to properly tie it to a Xiaomi account, and what to do if the device is not determined by the phone, and you will find hidden features that the manufacturer does not mention – for example, how to reset the bracelet to factory settings without a smartphone.
Important: the inclusion procedure for Mi Band 5 and newer models is almost identical, but there are nuances for the Mi Band 8 Pro (sic). GPS) and Mi Smart Band 7 Pro (c) NFC). We will note all the differences in the respective sections.
1.Preparation for the first turn on: what to do before charging
Before you connect the bracelet to charging, follow a few simple steps – this will save you time and nerves:
- 📱 Update the app. Install the latest version of Mi Fitness (for the first time). Android/iOS) Older versions may not support newer bracelets.
- 🔋 Check the charger, complete with the Mi Band 8/7 The USB Type C is a magnetic cable, and for the Mi Band 6 — USB-A. Make sure the connector fits your power source.
- 🔄 Turn off Bluetooth on other devices. If the bracelet was previously paired with another phone (for example, in a store), this can cause conflicts when connecting.
- 📋 Prepare your account details. You'll need a Xiaomi account (or Zepp for some regions) to link the bracelet.
Tip: If you bought the bracelet with your hands, be sure to reset to the factory settings before first turning on. To do this, press the touch button on the bracelet screen for 10-15 seconds until the vibration and the Mi logo appear.
💡
If you have a Mi Band 8 Pro with GPS, before the first activation, activate geolocation on your smartphone - this will accelerate the setting of the satellite modules of the bracelet.
Charging the bracelet: how much to wait and how to check the status
Xiaomi’s new bracelets come with a minimum battery charge (around 10-20%), and you need to charge it at least 30 percent to power the device up.
- Connect the magnetic cable to the connector on the back of the bracelet, and the contacts should match, and you'll hear a slight click.
- Connect the other end of the cable to the power source (computer, charger) 5V/1A power bank).
- On the screen of the bracelet will appear a charging indicator - the battery icon with lightning.
Charging time before first switching on:
| Model bracelet | Charging time up to 30% | Full charge. |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 8 / 8 Pro | 15-20 minutes | 1 hour |
| Mi Band 7 / 7 Pro | 10-15 minutes | 50 minutes. |
| Mi Band 6 | 20-25 minutes | 1 hour 10 minutes |
⚠️ Note: If the charging indicator does not appear within 1-2 minutes, check:
- The density of the cable (try reconnecting).
- Correction USB-Port (try another power source).
- No contamination on the contacts of the bracelet (wipe them with a dry napkin).
3 First Including: buttons, gestures and hidden combinations
When the bracelet is charged to 30%, it will turn on automatically. If this does not happen, do one of the following:
- 🔘 Press the touch button below the screen (for Mi Band) 6/7/8).
- 👆 Swipe your finger up the screen (for Mi Band) 7 Pro/8 Pro with full-screen display).
- 🔄 Press the button for 5 seconds to force the bracelet to turn on (if the bracelet does not respond).
After you turn on, you will see:
- Mi or Xiaomi logo (depending on the model)
- Load animation (progress bar or rotating indicator).
- Welcome screen with a suggestion to connect to the application.
🔹 Hidden functions when included:
- 🔍 Checking the firmware version: go to Settings → On the bracelet (swimming down the main screen) Compare the latest version on Xiaomi's website.
- 🔄 Reset without phone: Press the button for 15 seconds until the vibration and the Reset message appear.
- 🔋 Saving mode: if the bracelet is discharged to zero, connect it to charging and immediately press the button - this will speed up the start.
What to do if the bracelet is stuck on the logo?
4. Synchronization with Mi Fitness: step-by-step instructions
Without a smartphone connection, Xiaomi’s bracelet only works as a clock and pedometer. To unlock all the features, do the binding:
☑️ Preparation for synchronization
- Open Mi Fitness and click Profile → Add the device.
- Select your bracelet model from the list (e.g. Mi Smart Band 8).
⚠️ Note: if the bracelet is not in the application:
- 📱 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (Settings) → Bluetooth → Off./On.).
- 🔄 Reset the bracelet (press the button for 10 seconds).
- 📴 Make sure there are no active phones on the phone. VPN or firewalls blocking the connection.
After successful synchronization, the application will offer:
- ⏰ Select the dial (you can download additional ones from the Mi Fitness store).
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If you have a Mi Band 8 Pro with NFC, activate contactless payments in the bracelet settings after synchronization. This will require you to link your bank card through the application.
5. Set up the main functions: what to include first
After linking the bracelet to the account, set the key parameters for comfortable use:
🔹 Health monitoring
- 🩺 Heart Rate Frequency: Turn on Continuous Monitoring (once every 1-5 minutes) or Intelligent (on movement).
- 😴 Sleep Tracking: Activate Deep Sleep Analysis for Detailed Phase Statistics.
- 💪 Oxygen levels (SpO₂): Set up automatic measurements during sleep.
🔹 Notifications and alerts
- 📱 Applications: Select which messengers to show notifications (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).
- 🔔 Alarm clocks: Add Vibrational Smart Alarms (they are triggered in the light sleep phase).
- 🚶 Motion reminders: Turn on long-sit alerts (every 45 to 60 minutes).
🔹 Additional functions
- 🎵 Music Control: Allow the bracelet to control the player on the phone.
- 🔦 Flashlight: activate in settings (useful for Mi Band 8 Pro with bright screen).
- 🏃 Exercise regimens: Add frequently used sports (running, cycling, swimming).
💡 Advice for the Mi Band 7 Pro/8 Pro: in bracelet settings, turn on Autobrightness - this will save battery power in bright light.
Typical errors and their solutions
Even after successful synchronization, users face problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The bracelet does not turn on after charging | Discharged to 0%, firmware failure | Connect to charge on 30.+ minutes, then press the button for 15 seconds. |
| Not synchronized with the phone. | Bluetooth conflict, an old version of Mi Fitness | Update the app, reboot Bluetooth, reset the bracelet |
| Not showing notices | Lack of permits, energy saving on the phone | Check notification settings in Mi Fitness and on your phone |
| It's discharged fast. | Constant monitoring of heart rate, bright screen | Turn off the continuous pulse, reduce the brightness |
⚠️ Note: if after updating the firmware bracelet began to glitches (for example, Mi Band 7 stopped counting steps), reset through the application:
- Open Mi Fitness. → Profile → Your device. → Untie.
🔧 For advanced users: if the bracelet is not updated through the application, try the manual firmware through Mi Band Tools (requires root rights on the phone). 4PDA or XDA Developers.
7. Sensor calibration: why it matters
To accurately track your steps, your heart rate and your sleep, you need to calibrate your sensors, which takes 5-10 minutes, but it improves accuracy.
🔹 Pedometer calibration
- Go to Mi Fitness. → Profile → Your device. → Accuracy of steps.
- Select Calibration and follow the instructions (take 20-30 steps with your phone in your hand).
- Repeat the procedure 2-3 times for better results.
🔹 Pulsemeter setting
- 🩺 Put the bracelet on 2-3 cm above the wrist (for sensor accuracy).
- 📊 In the app, enable Castomized Heart rate Monitoring and specify your maximum heart rate (220 minus age).
- ⚠️ Avoid measurements immediately after exercise – wait 5-10 minutes.
📌 Useful life hack: If the bracelet underestimates the number of steps, wear it on a non-dominant hand (for right-handers, left-handers, right.
8. Hidden functions you didn't know about
Xiaomi bracelets can do much more than the instructions say. Here are some tips for power users:
- 🔍 Search for phone: in the menu of the bracelet, select Find the phone - the smartphone will begin to vibrate and make sound (works even in silent mode).
- 📸 Camera control: in bracelet settings, activate Remote Shutter – now you can take pictures on your smartphone by pressing the button on the bracelet.
- 🔐 Phone Lock: Enable Bracelet Unlock in Phone Security Settings (Requires Android 6.0)+).
- 🌙 Do Not Disturb: Press the button on your bracelet for 3 seconds to turn off all notifications (useful in meetings or while sleeping).
- 🎮 Game mode: Mini-games (e.g. 2048) can be played on the Mi Band 8 Pro via a hidden menu (swipe down the screen 3 times in a row).
🔥 For the Mi Band 8 Pro: If you have a model with a NFC, You can use the bracelet as:
- 💳 Travel (in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities with the support of Troika or Strelka).
- 🔑 The door key (if your intercom supports Mi Home).
- 🏦 Bank card (attach via Mi Pay in the application).
⚠️ Attention: functions NFC Only in regions where Xiaomi officially supports contactless payments (see Mi Pay website for a list of countries).