How to turn on and configure Xiaomi Mi Band 4: from charging to syncing

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular gadgets for tracking activity, despite the release of new models, its simplicity, long battery life and rich functionality (including color). AMOLED-However, beginners often have questions about how to turn on the wristband after buying, what to do if it does not respond to clicks, and how to sync it with a smartphone. In this article, we will analyze the activation process by steps, pay attention to typical errors and give tips on the initial setup.

It is important to understand that the Mi Band 4 does not have a physical power button – it is activated automatically after charging and connecting to the application. If you have just unpacked the device, do not rush to press the screen: first make sure that the bracelet is charged. Next, we will take a detailed look at each step, from preparing for the first turn on to setting up notifications and training.

Preparing for the first turn on: what to do before activation

Before you turn on the Xiaomi Mi Band 4, check the equipment and prepare the necessary accessories.

  • πŸ“¦ Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet (with capsule installed)
  • πŸ”Œ Charging cable (magnetic connector)
  • πŸ“„ Short instructions in several languages (including Russian)
  • πŸ”„ The band (usually already on the capsule)

If something is missing, go to the store, you may have been sold an incomplete device, and make sure you have:

  • πŸ“± Smartphone on Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+ (installing the Mi Fit application)
  • πŸ”‹ Power supply for bracelet charging (USB-port of the computer, charger for the phone)
  • 🌐 Stable Internet connection (for downloading the application and synchronization)

Pay special attention to the charging cable: the Mi Band 4 uses a magnetic connector that attaches to the back of the capsule. Don't try to insert the cable into the connector by force, it must magnetize itself. If the contacts are contaminated, gently wipe them with a dry wipe.

⚠️ Note: Do not use charging cables from other Mi Band models (e.g. Mi Band 3 or Mi Band 5). Despite the similarity, the pins may differ, which will damage the battery.

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi fitness bracelet you already had?
Mi Band 3
Mi Band 4
Mi Band 5
Mi Band 6
No, it's my first.

Bracelet charging: how long it takes and how to check the battery level

The first activation of the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is impossible without charging. Even if the bracelet is new, its battery is discharged to the minimum level for storage. USB-port (you can use a charger from your phone or computer) and attach it to the back of the capsule:

  • πŸ”΄ Red indicator on the bracelet screen (blinks while charging)
  • πŸ”Š Light vibration (if the battery is completely discharged, vibration may not be possible)

Full charge time is 1.5-2 hours, and the battery level can be checked in two ways:

  1. Click on the touch button below the screen and the charge indicator will appear in percentage.
  2. After synchronization with the Mi Fit app, the battery level will be displayed in the main menu.

If the bracelet does not respond to charging:

  • πŸ”Œ Check the cable and USB-Port (Try a different power source).
  • 🧹 Clean the contacts on the capsule and cable from dust or oxide film.
  • ⏳ Wait 5-10 minutes – sometimes the discharged battery starts to charge immediately.
Status of the indicatorMeaningAction
πŸ”΄ Red flashesCharging's coming.Wait for completion (1.5-2 hours)
🟒 Green is burning all the time.Charging complete.You can turn off the cable.
⚫ The indicator is not on.No contact or bracelet dischargedCheck the connection, clear the contacts
πŸ”΄ Red flashes 3 times and goes outCharging error (possibly damaged cable)Try another cable or contact the service

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet doesn’t turn on after charging, try resetting it to factory settings, plug it into charging and hold the touch button for 10-15 seconds until you feel the vibration.

First Enablement: How to Activate Mi Band 4 After Charging

When the bracelet is charged, it will turn on automatically, and you'll see the Mi logo on the screen, and then the device will go to standby mode.

  1. Touch the touch button under the display (don’t press hard – light touch is enough).
  2. Bring the bracelet close to the smartphone with the Mi Fit app installed.
  3. If nothing happens, reboot the bracelet: connect it to charging and wait for the restart.

The screen will display a welcome message in English or Chinese (depending on the regional firmware) and you will need to continue setting up:

  • πŸ“± Install the Mi Fit app (available for Android and iOS).
  • πŸ”— Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone.
  • πŸ“Ά Connect to the Internet (to download the bracelet firmware).

If the bracelet is on but the screen is not responding to touch, it is possible that the protective film interferes with the sensor. Carefully remove it (usually a transparent sticker on the display). Also check if moisture has fallen under the body - Mi Band 4 has 5 ATM protection, but condensation can temporarily disrupt the sensor.

Check the charge (the indicator should flash)|Clear the contacts of the capsule and cable|Hold the touch button for 10 seconds to reset.|Try another one. USB-port-->

Synchronization with the Mi Fit application: step-by-step instructions

Without connecting to the Mi Fit, the bracelet will only work like a pedometer clock. To unlock all the functions (notifications, sleep monitoring, exercise), follow the following steps:

  1. Install the app: πŸ€– For Android: Download Mi Fit from Google Play. 🍎 For iOS: Find Mi Fit in the App Store.

Register or enter.

The app will require you to create a Xiaomi account (you can use email, phone or Google/Facebook account). If you already have an account, just log in.

Add the device.

Click Profile β†’ Add Device β†’ Bracelet β†’ Mi Smart Band 4. Turn on Bluetooth and allow the app to access geodata (necessary to search for the bracelet).

Confirm the conjugation

The bracelet will have a 4-digit code on its screen, enter it in the app. If the code doesn't show, tap the touch button.

Update the firmware

After synchronization, Mi Fit will offer to update the firmware of the bracelet. It is not recommended to refuse - without an update, notifications in Russian may not work.

If the app does not find the bracelet:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone (turn off and turn on again).
  • πŸ“± Make sure there are no active phones on the phone. VPN or firewalls blocking the connection.
  • πŸ”‹ Check the charge level of the bracelet (must be at least 20%).

⚠️ Note: When you first connect, Mi Band 4 may request access to contacts, SMS Without these permissions, you won't be able to receive alerts about calls and messages. On Android 10+ You will also need to allow Mi Fit to work in the background.

Set up the main parameters: language, time, notifications

After synchronization, the bracelet will be ready for use, but for comfortable work it is recommended to configure:

Interface language

By default, the Mi Band 4 can display menus in English or Chinese to change the language:

  1. Open Mi Fit and go to Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Display settings.
  2. Select the language of the bracelet and install Russian (if available).
  3. If there is no Russian, update the firmware of the bracelet through Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Update the firmware.

2. Time format

The bracelet automatically syncs time with your smartphone, but you can change the format:

  • πŸ•’ 12-clockwork (AM/PM)
  • πŸ•“ 24-hour (recommended for Russia)

The setting is in the bracelet settings β†’ Time format.

Notifications

To make the bracelet vibrate when incoming calls and messages:

  1. In Mi Fit, go to Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Notifications.
  2. Turn on the Call Notification and Notifications from the apps switch.
  3. Select the apps you want to see alerts from (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS).

The iPhone additionally requires:

  • πŸ“± Allow Mi Fit to send notifications in iOS settings (Settings) β†’ Notifications β†’ Mi Fit).
  • πŸ”— Enable contact synchronization in the application settings.
How to reset the bracelet settings to the factory?
If the bracelet is not working properly, reset: 1. Open the Mi Fit and untie the device (Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Disable). 2. Connect the bracelet to charging. 3. Hold the touch button for 10-15 seconds until you feel the vibration. 4. After rebooting, reconnect the bracelet via Mi Fit.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even after the right switch on, users face problems. Consider the most common ones:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The bracelet does not vibrate when notified.Notifications in Mi Fit or on your phone are disabledCheck the notification settings in the app and permissions on your smartphone
The screen doesn't respond to touch.Protective film, moisture or firmware failureTake off the film, dry the bracelet or update the firmware
Bracelet discharges quicklyConstant synchronization, screen lighting enabledTurn off autosynchronization in Mi Fit and reduce screen brightness
No weather or footsteps are displayedNo Internet connection on your phoneCheck the network connection and permissions for Mi Fit
The bracelet does not connect to the phone.Conflict with another Bluetooth deviceForget the device in Bluetooth settings and repeat pairing

If the bracelet stopped syncing after the Mi Fit update, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reinstall the application.
  • πŸ“± Clear the Mi Fit cache in the phone settings (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Mi Fit β†’ Memory. β†’ Clear the cache).
  • πŸ”‹ Reboot the bracelet (plug in to charge and wait for the restart).

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet doesn’t work after all the manipulations, check it on another smartphone. If the problem persists, contact the Xiaomi service center with a check and a box.

What is the Mi Band 4: What is the Mi Band 4?

In addition to basic step tracking and sleep, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 supports:

  • πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈ Tracking of training: running, cycling, swimming, yoga, etc. (up to 6 modes).
  • ❀️ Heart rate monitoring: Automatic pulse measurement throughout the day.
  • πŸŒ™ Sleep analysis: deep, light and REM-Sleeping with recommendations for improvement.
  • πŸ“± Music management: switching tracks straight from the bracelet (works with Spotify, Apple Music, etc.).
  • πŸ”’ Unlocking phone: bracelet can unlock Android smartphone (requires setting in Mi Fit).

To activate these functions:

  1. Open Mi Fit and go to bracelet settings.
  2. Select the section you want (such as Heart Rate Monitoring or Training).
  3. Set up parameters (measurement interval, step goals, etc.).

For training:

  • On the bracelet, tap the touch button and select Training.
  • Choose the type of activity (such as Running or Bicycle).
  • After the training is completed, the data is automatically synchronized with the Mi Fit.

πŸ’‘

To extend the life of the battery, turn off auto-measurement of the pulse (leave only manual mode) and reduce the frequency of data synchronization to 1 time per hour.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

πŸ”‹ How long does the battery last on the Mi Band 4?
In standard use (notifications, sleep monitoring, pulse measurement 1 time in 30 minutes), the bracelet works for 10–14 days. If you actively use screen illumination and training, the time is reduced to 7–10 days.
πŸ“± Can you use Mi Band 4 without a smartphone?
Yes, but the functionality will be limited, the wristband will show time, steps and heart rate, but it won't synchronize data, display notifications or update the weather.
🌍 How to change the language on the bracelet, if in Mi Fit there is no Russian?
Update the bracelet firmware via Mi Fit (Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Firmware Update). After the update, the Russian language should appear in the settings. If not, try changing the region of the Xiaomi account to Russia.
πŸ”„ How to Reboot Mi Band 4 if it's Frozen?
Connect the bracelet to charge, hold the touch button for 10 to 15 seconds until you feel the vibration, and after rebooting it should work normally, and if the problem recurs, reset to factory settings.
🚿 Can I swim with the Mi Band 4?
Yes, the bracelet has 5 ATM protection, allowing you to swim in the pool or in the rain, but it is not recommended to dive deeper than 50 meters or expose it to hot water (for example, in a sauna).