How to turn on Xiaomi Mi Band 4 smart watch: from charging to first setup

Smart watch Xiaomi Mi Band 4 remain one of the most popular fitness trackers due to the combination of affordable price, compactness and wide functionality. However, even such a simple device can puzzle a beginner: what to do if the bracelet does not respond to clicks, does not turn on after purchase or has been lying idle for a long time? In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios – from the first charge to reset if the Mi Band 4 refuses to turn on.

It is important to understand that the activation process depends on the condition of the device: a new bracelet out of the box, a discharged battery after storage or a software failure require different approaches. We will consider each case separately, and also give recommendations for eliminating typical problems.

Preparation for the first inclusion: what to check before the start

Before you try to turn on the Xiaomi Mi Band 4, make sure that the basic conditions are met. Often users face problems due to missed steps in the preparation stage.

  • πŸ”‹ Charge the device. Even if the bracelet is new, its battery may have run out during storage. Connect the Mi Band 4 to the charger for 30 to 60 minutes before first turning on.
  • πŸ“± Install the app. It requires the official Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life for newer versions) to work properly. Download it from Google Play or the App Store.
  • πŸ”„ Smartphone compatibility. Make sure your phone runs Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+. Older versions of the OS may not support synchronization.
  • πŸ”Œ Cable and power supply. Use the original charging cable (or certified analogue) and the power supply with output. 5V/1A. Inappropriate chargers can damage the battery.

Pay special attention to the status of the contacts on the bracelet and charger. If they are oxidized or contaminated, clean them with a soft napkin dipped in alcohol. Also check if the bracelet capsule is tightly fixed in the charging socket - weak contact can interrupt the charging process.

⚠️ Note: Do not use abrasive materials ( sandpaper, metal brushes) to clean contacts - this will damage the coating and worsen conductivity.

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How to Charge Xiaomi Mi Band 4 Before First Enablement

The Mi Band 4 battery has a capacity of 135 mAh, which provides up to 20 days of moderate use, but before the first turn on it must be charged β€” even if the indicator shows a residual charge.

  1. Connect the charger to the power source (USB-port of the computer or network adapter).
  2. Remove the bracelet capsule from the strap by pressing the button from the back.
  3. Place the capsule in the charging socket so that the metal contacts on the bracelet match the contacts on the charger.
  4. Wait for the indication to appear. The charge icon (lightning) should appear on the bracelet screen, and below it is the percentage of charge.

The full charge time is about 2 hours. If the indicator does not appear within 5-10 minutes, check:

  • πŸ”Œ Density of contact between bracelet and charger.
  • πŸ”‹ Cable and power supply performance (try another charger).
  • πŸ“± Battery condition (if the bracelet has been discharged for a long time, it may be necessary to "rock" the battery).

β˜‘οΈ Checking the charging of the Mi Band 4

Done: 0 / 4

If the bracelet doesn't respond to charging at all, try holding it on the charger for 10-15 minutes - sometimes a discharged battery needs a "push" to start charging. If that doesn't help, go to the section on resetting.

The first inclusion process: step-by-step instructions

When the bracelet is charged (at least 20-30%), you can start turning on. There is no physical power button in the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 - control is carried out through the touch screen.

  1. Press the touch screen of the bracelet and hold your finger for 2-3 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  2. Wait for the download. The download animation and the main menu will appear sequentially on the screen.
  3. Select a language (if required). In some firmware, the first run is accompanied by a choice of language - swipe the list up/down and tap the desired item.
  4. Connect to your smartphone. Open the Mi Fit app, go to Profile β†’ Add the device and follow the instructions on the screen.

If the screen does not respond to touch, try:

  • πŸ‘† Swipe up/down – sometimes the sensor responds better to vertical movements.
  • πŸ’§ Wipe the screen with a dry wipe (wet fingers or dirt may interfere with the operation).
  • πŸ”„ Reboot the bracelet by plugging it into charging for 10 seconds, then turning it off.

πŸ’‘

If the Mi Band 4 screen doesn’t respond to touch, try removing the protective film (if you have one) – sometimes it blocks the sensor.

Once you're successful, you'll see time, steps, and other data on the screen, and if the time isn't displayed correctly, sync it to your phone through the Mi Fit app.

Synchronization with the phone: the connection of the bracelet and smartphone

Without a smartphone connection, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 runs in limited mode β€” it doesn't display notifications, sync health data, or update firmware.

  1. Install Mi Fit or Zepp Life (for new firmware versions).
  2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (via Google/Facebook).
  3. Add device: Open Mi Fit β†’ Profile β†’ Add device β†’ Mi Smart Band 4
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen. The app will suggest turning on Bluetooth, allowing notifications and access to contacts.

If the bracelet is not in the app, check:

Problem.Decision
Bluetooth is not turned onRestart your smartphone and check the connection settings.
The bracelet is not displayed in the listMake sure that the Mi Band 4 is on and is next to the smartphone (no further than 1 meter).
Connection errorRemove the bracelet from the Bluetooth device list manually and repeat the sync.
App hangs.Clear the Mi Fit cache in your phone settings or reinstall it.

If the bracelet is permanently turned off after synchronization, try turning off the power saving mode for the Mi Fit app in the phone settings, which is especially true for Android devices with aggressive battery optimization (e.g. Xiaomi, Huawei).

What to do if Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is not included

If the bracelet does not respond to charging or touching, the reasons can be both software and hardware.

Resetting settings to factory

Hard reset helps with software failures, but erases all data from the bracelet.

  1. Connect the Mi Band 4 to the charger.
  2. Press and hold the touch screen for 10-15 seconds until you feel the vibration.
  3. Release the screen - the bracelet will reboot and return to factory settings.

Battery problems

If the bracelet is not charged at all, the following reasons are possible:

  • πŸ”‹ Deep discharge. The battery may have failed after long storage in a discharged state. Try leaving the bracelet on charge for 12 to 24 hours.
  • πŸ”Œ Faulty cable. Check the charger on another bracelet or smartphone.
  • πŸ’§ If the bracelet has been in contact with water, dry it in rice or silica gel for 24 hours.
How to check the health of the battery Mi Band 4?
If the bracelet is turned on after a long charge, but discharged in a few hours, the battery is worn out, in this case, only replacing the battery in the service center will help. The average battery life of the Mi Band 4 is 2-3 years with regular use.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to disassemble the bracelet yourself to replace the battery - this will lead to loss of water protection and cancel the warranty (if it is still valid.

Firmware problems

If the bracelet is turned on, but it is unstable (hangs, does not sync), try updating the firmware:

  1. Open Mi Fit and go to Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Firmware Update.
  2. If the update is available, plug the bracelet into charging and wait for the process to complete (don’t turn it off!).
  3. After the update, reset the settings (see above).

Setup Mi Band 4 after turning on: basic parameters

After successfully connecting to a smartphone, it is recommended to adjust the basic parameters of the bracelet for comfortable use.

  • ⏰ Time and date. sync automatically via Mi Fit or manually set in bracelet settings.
  • πŸ”” Notifications, turn on call alerts, SMS and messages from apps (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram).
  • πŸƒ Activity goals: Set daily goals for steps, calories, and sleep time.
  • πŸ”’ Lock the screen. Activate the function of Raise your hand to wake up or set PIN-code.
  • πŸŒ™ Do Not Disturb. Set up automatic overnight notifications.

To set up notifications:

  1. Open Mi Fit and select Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Notifications.
  2. Turn on the Call Notification and Notifications from the apps switch.
  3. Select the applications you want to see on the bracelet.

πŸ’‘

To save charge, disable notifications from unnecessary applications – this will increase the life of the bracelet by 20-30%.

It is also recommended to set up automatic sleep tracking and sedentary reminders (see Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Reminders) to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even after successful activation, users often face typical, easily preventable problems, and these are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Bracelet discharges quicklyActive notifications, constant synchronizationTurn off unnecessary alerts, reduce synchronization frequency
Wrong time.Lack of synchronization with the phoneUpdate the time manually or reconnect the bracelet
The screen doesn't respond to touch.Sensor pollution, moisture, protective filmWipe the screen, take the film, dry the device.
No notifications.Permits for Mi Fit are disabledCheck the notification settings on your phone
The bracelet doesn't count stepsWrong position on the arm, low sensitivityTighten the strap tighter, calibrate the sensor in Mi Fit

Another common problem is that the bracelet vibrates for no reason.

  • πŸ”” Notification received (check the phone).
  • πŸƒ Achieving the goal by steps (disabled in the motivation settings).
  • πŸ›Œ Sleep reminders (if Early Rise mode is enabled).

If the vibration is chaotic, try resetting the bracelet settings or updating the firmware.

Can I play Mi Band 4 without my phone?
Yes, the bracelet is turned on and works offline (shows time, steps, pulse), but for full use (notification, data synchronization) you need to connect to a smartphone via Mi Fit.
How long does it take to charge the Mi Band 4 for the first time?
It is recommended to charge the bracelet for at least 2 hours before first turning on, even if the indicator is 100%.
Why is the Mi Band 4 not synced to the phone?
The reasons can be different: Bluetooth is disabled on your phone; an outdated version of the Mi Fit app; the bracelet is connected to another device; a firmware failure (try to update it); To fix the problem, restart both devices and re-synchronize.
How to Reset Mi Band 4 if it's Not Reacting to the Screen
If the sensor is not working, reset through the charger: Connect the bracelet to charge. Hold your finger on the screen for 15-20 seconds until you feel the vibration. Disconnect from charging, the bracelet will reset.
Can I replace the battery in the Mi Band 4 on my own?
Technically possible, but not recommended. The bracelet has adhesive joint and waterproof, which are easy to damage. It is better to contact the service center. The cost of replacing the battery is about 1000-1500 rubles.