How to turn on Xiaomi Smart Band 9: from charging to first setup

Fitness bracelet Xiaomi Smart Band 9 became one of the most anticipated gadgets of 2026 thanks to the updated AMOLED-It's also a screen, an improved heart rate sensor, and advanced sleep monitoring features, but even such an advanced device can be confusing for the first turn on stage, especially if you haven't previously dealt with Xiaomi wearables.

In this article, we will examine not only the basic process of activating the bracelet, but also the typical problems faced by owners: why the Band 9 does not respond to charging, how to connect it to a smartphone using Mi Fitness, and what to do if the screen remains black after all the manipulations.

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

Before you press the power button, make sure you follow all the preliminary steps. Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is not just a smartwatch, but a full-fledged gadget with its own software, and its proper operation depends on several key factors.

First, check the package. The box should have:

• 📦 The fitness bracelet Xiaomi Band 9 with a strap
• 🔌 Magnetic charging cable (USB-Type-C or proprietary, depending on the region)
• 📄 Short instructions in several languages (including Russian)
• 🔄 Warranty card (if purchased in the official store)

Second, prepare your smartphone. The bracelet is compatible with Android 6.0+ or iOS 12.0+ devices, but for full operation, a software version at least Android 8.1 or iOS 14 is recommended.

• 📱 Bluetooth enabled (version 5.0 and higher)
• 🌐 Internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile data)
• 📲 Download the official Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life)
• 🔋 Charging the phone battery at least 30%

If you purchased the bracelet from a Chinese store (e.g. AliExpress or Gearbest), please note that the firmware may be for the local market, in which case, after activation, you will need to update the software through Mi Fitness.

Why Band 9 doesn’t turn on immediately after buying

One of the most common mistakes of beginners is to try to turn on the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 without charging first. The manufacturer delivers a gadget with a minimum charge level (usually 10-20%), which is enough only for the initial setup. If the battery is completely discharged, the bracelet will not respond to either pressing a button or connecting to the phone.

To properly charge the device:

1. Connect the magnetic connector of the charging cable to the contacts on the back of the bracelet, which are located under the heart rate sensor.
2. Connect the cable to the power adapter (5V/1A) or USB-Do not use fast charging on your computer (9V/2A and above) – this can reduce the battery life.
3. Wait for the battery icon with the charging animation to appear on the screen. If the screen doesn't turn on, try to shift the cable slightly - sometimes contact is disrupted due to dust or protective film.

The full charge time is about 1.5-2 hours, if the indicator does not appear after 30 minutes:

• ⚡ Check the cable for damage (especially on the magnetic connector)
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port
• 🧲 Make sure that the bracelet contacts do not have factory transport film

First Included: Button, gestures and voice assistant

When the bracelet is charged (at least 30%), you can start turning on. In the Xiaomi Smart Band 9, there are three ways to activate:

1. Power button: Press and hold the physical button on the sidebar of the bracelet for 3-5 seconds until the Mi logo appears. Release the button and the system will start to boot.
2. Gesture: Hold the bracelet to your face (as if you were looking at time) — the proximity sensor can automatically turn on the screen. Then swipe your finger up the display to unlock it.
3. Voice Assistant: If the bracelet is already connected to your smartphone, you can say, “OK, Google, turn on the Xiaomi Band” (requires setting in Mi Fitness).

After turning on, you will see a welcome menu in Russian (if the firmware is localized).

1. Scroll down to the point (language).
2. Choose English or Russian.
3. Confirm the choice by pressing the button.

Bracelet charge ≥30%|Bluetooth on your phone is on|Mi Fitness app is installed|Xiaomi account created|Bracelet on and unlocked-->

Important: If the bracelet vibrates and reboots constantly after turning on, this is a sign of a firmware failure. Do not try to connect it to the phone! First, reset to factory settings (press the button for 10 seconds until the recovery menu appears).

Connecting to a smartphone via Mi Fitness: step-by-step instructions

Without synchronization with a smartphone, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 will only work like a regular watch with a pedometer. To unlock all the functions (notifications, sleep monitoring, pulse meter), you need to connect it through the official application.

Follow the algorithm:

1. Open the Mi Fitness app on your phone and log in (or sign up if you don’t have a Xiaomi account).
2. Click "Add device" ("+" icon) in the upper right corner.
3. Select from the list of Xiaomi Smart Band 9. If there is no model, update the application.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: Allow access to notifications, contacts, and geodata (this is necessary for the functions to function correctly).
5. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes on the first connection).

If the app does not find the bracelet:

• 🔄 Reboot both the bracelet and the smartphone.
• 📱 Make sure your phone has Bluetooth and geolocation enabled (required to find devices).
• 🚫 Check if the bracelet is connected to another phone (in the settings of Mi Fitness there is a item "Untie the device").

💡

If you have an iPhone, turn off the Tracking Limit feature in your privacy settings before connecting. It can block data exchange between the wristband and the app.

Set up the basic parameters: what to change immediately after activation

After successful connection, it is recommended to immediately adjust the key parameters to the bracelet works as efficiently as possible. Go to the bracelet menu (swipe your finger up from the main screen) and check the following points:

• ⏰ Time and date: Must automatically sync with your smartphone. If not, update your time zones in your phone settings.
• 🔔 Notifications: Enable alerts for calls, SMS and messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).
• 💤 Sleep monitoring: Activate the Smart Alarm function to wake you up in light sleep.
• 🏃 Activity goals: Set a daily step norm (recommended) 8000-10000 adultly).

Through the Mi Fitness application, you can configure additional functions:

• 🔒 Screen lock: Turn on PIN-code or gesture unlocking (shake with wrist).
• 🎨 Dials: Download free themes from the store (there are animated options).
• 📊 Display data: Select which metrics to show on the home screen (pulse, weather, calories, etc.).

Pay attention to the energy saving regimes:

• Normal mode: Full operation of all sensors (autonomousity ~14 days).
• Sleep mode: Disables notifications at night (saves up to 20% charge).
• Extreme mode: Leaves only time and pedometer (autonomy up to 30 days).

💡

Do not turn off the autodetect training function – it automatically recognizes walking, running and cycling, even if you forgot to start the manual mode.

Frequent Mistakes and Solutions: Why the Bracelet Doesn't Work

Even after successful setup, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet starts to discharge quickly after the firmware update, check if the "Continuous pulse" function is turned on. 14 before 5-7 days.

If the bracelet is no longer synchronized with the phone:

1. Open Mi Fitness and remove the device from the list.
2. Reboot both the bracelet and the smartphone.
3. Start reconnecting as when you first turn on.

💡

If some features (such as blood oxygen monitoring) are missing after the firmware update, check the region of the bracelet. Some Chinese firmware have hidden these options. The solution is to change the region via Mi Fitness (requires reconnection).

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 features you didn’t know about

The manufacturer does not always advertise all the features of the bracelet, here are some useful tips that will make using the gadget even more convenient:

• 🎵 Music control: From the bracelet you can switch tracks and adjust the volume on the phone (works with Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music).
• 📸 Remote camera shutter: Mi Fitness has a Camera Control feature – you can take a selfie by pressing the bracelet screen.
• 🚨 SOS-signal: Triple pressing of the power button sends SMS with your geolocation to a pre-saved number.
• 🌡️ Stress monitoring: The sensor analyzes heart rate variability and suggests breathing exercises for high stress levels.
• 💧 Water Reminder: The bracelet vibrates every time 1-2 A glass of water (configured in the app).

Activation of some functions will require:

1. Update the bracelet firmware to the latest version (checked in Mi Fitness → Device Profile → Software Update).
2. Enable the appropriate permissions in the phone settings (geolocation, camera access, microphone).
3. Install additional plugins (for example, to manage Xiaomi’s smart home).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Xiaomi Smart Band 9