How to turn on Xiaomi Mi Band 4: instructions for beginners and problem solving

First introduction to Xiaomi Mi Band 4: what you need to know before turning on

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular wearables due to its combination of functionality, compactness and affordable price. However, even such a simple device can raise questions for a beginner: how to turn it on correctly, what to do if the screen does not respond, and how to avoid typical errors when you first set up.

In this article, we'll look at not only the basic process of turning on, but also the nuances that are often overlooked in standard instructions, such as why the wristband might not display the time immediately after it's turned on, how to charge it correctly before first use, and what to do if the Bluetooth pairing fails. We'll focus on updating the firmware, a step that many people miss, although it solves most of the problems with the device.

If you’ve just unpacked the Mi Band 4 or pulled it out after a long downtime, follow our instructions – it’s suitable for all versions of the bracelet, including the Mi Band 4 NFC and special editions (for example, the Avengers Edition).

Preparation for the first inclusion: charging and checking the completeness

Before you press the buttons, make sure the bracelet is ready to go.The box with the Mi Band 4 should have:

  • πŸ“¦ The fitness bracelet itself (capsule with screen and strap)
  • πŸ”Œ Charging cable (special module with contacts)
  • πŸ“„ Short instructions in several languages (including Russian)

If something is missing, like a cable, you can't turn on the bracelet. The Mi Band 4 comes with a minimum battery charge, which is only enough to test it in the store. So first of all, plug it into charging.

For charging:

  1. Remove the bracelet capsule from the strap by pulling it aside (don’t put too much effort!).
  2. Insert the capsule into the charging module so that the contacts coincide (the capsule has a mark in the form of an arrow).
  3. Connect the module to USB-port of the computer, charger (5V/1A) power bank.

Charging the bracelet for at least 30 minutes |

Check of equipment (cable, capsule, strap) |

Installation of the Mi Fit application on a smartphone |

Turning Bluetooth on on your phone-->

Charging to 100% takes about 2 hours, but for the first turn on, 15-20 minutes is enough. The red indicator on the screen signals the start of charging, the green one is full charging. If the indicator does not light up, check the density of the contacts fitting or try another one. USB-Port is the most common cause of a β€œnon-living” bracelet.

Turn on process: button, sensor and first settings

When the bracelet is charged, you can start to turn on. There are two ways to activate the Mi Band 4:

  1. The button on the capsule is the physical key underneath the screen. Press it once, hold it for 2-3 seconds.
  2. Touch screen – swipe your finger up the display (from the bottom edge to the top).

Once you've successfully turned on, you'll see the Mi logo, then the download animation, and the main menu.

  • πŸ”‹ Make sure the bracelet is charged (the indicator should flash when connected to the device). USB).
  • πŸ‘† Try pressing the button longer (up to 5 seconds) – sometimes a β€œhard” reset is required.
  • 🧴 Wipe the screen with a dry wipe – fat or moisture can block the sensor.

The start screen will display a time (if the bracelet has already been paired with the phone) or a welcome message. If the time is not shown, this is normal: the time and date data are synchronized only after connecting to the smartphone via Mi Fit.

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If the bracelet does not respond to pressing, try resetting it to factory settings. To do this, press the button under the screen and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears. After reset, all data will be deleted!

Phone interface: Mi Fit installation and setup

Without a smartphone connection, the Mi Band 4 will only work like a pedometer clock, and to unlock all functions (notifications, sleep monitoring, pulsemeter), you need to:

  1. Download the Mi Fit app from Google Play or the App Store.
  2. Sign up or log in to Xiaomi account (via Google/Facebook).
  3. Enable Bluetooth and geolocation on your phone.
  4. In the app, click "Add device" β†’ "Breasure" β†’ "Mi Smart Band 4".

If the bracelet is not present:

  • πŸ“± Reboot your smartphone and bracelet (hold the button on the capsule for 10 seconds).
  • πŸ”„ In the phone settings "forget" all previously conjugated Mi Band devices.
  • πŸ“Ά Make sure your phone is on mobile internet or Wi-Fi to download the firmware.

Once paired successfully, the app will suggest updating the bracelet firmware. Don't miss this step, new versions fix synchronization errors, add languages and improve sensor performance. Update takes 5-10 minutes, the bracelet will reboot automatically.

Sleep monitoring |

Shagomery |

Call notifications |

Pulse control |

Alarm clock-->

Set up the main parameters: language, time, notifications

After pairing, open the Profile tab in Mi Fit and select your bracelet. Here you can configure:

ParameterWhere to set upRecommendations
Interface languageDevice Profile β†’ Display Settings β†’ LanguageSelect "Russian", if it is not - update the firmware.
Time formatDevice Profile β†’ Display Settings β†’ Time FormatFor Russia, a 24-hour format is convenient.
NotificationsDevice Profile β†’ NotificationsEnable alerts for calls, SMS and instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).
Automatic synchronizationDevice Profile β†’ Data SynchronizationTurn on the steps and sleep data to be updated every 30 minutes.

Pay special attention to setting up notifications. By default, the bracelet vibrates when incoming calls, but for instant messengers you need to manually allow access in the phone settings:

  • πŸ“± On Android: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Mi Fit β†’ Notifications β†’ Permission.
  • 🍎 On iPhone: Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Mi Fit β†’ Allow alerts.

If notifications do not arrive:

⚠️ Note: On the iPhone Mi Band 4 does not support notifications from some third-party apps (like Viber) due to iOS restrictions.The solution is to use an Android smartphone or wait for updates from Xiaomi.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even when you turn them on correctly, you're going to have some common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

What to do if the bracelet does not vibrate?
Check the vibration settings in Mi Fit (Profile β†’ Settings β†’ Vibration). Make sure the Do Not Disturb or Theatre modes are off (swipe down the bracelet screen and check the icons). If the vibration is weak, clear the bracelet speaker of dust (use a soft brush).

Problem 1: The bracelet doesn’t sync with the phone.

  • πŸ”„ Reboot both devices.
  • πŸ“± In Mi Fit, remove the bracelet and add it again.
  • πŸ› οΈ Update the bracelet firmware and the Mi Fit app.

Problem 2: The screen does not respond to touch.

  • 🧼 Wash the screen with an alcohol napkin (without abrasives!).
  • πŸ”‹ Charge the bracelet to 100% - at low charge, the sensor can glitch.
  • πŸ”„ Reset the bracelet settings (hold the button for 10 seconds).

Problem 3: Wrong time or date.

  • πŸ“‘ Make sure that the phone is automatically time synchronized.
  • πŸ”„ In Mi Fit, click "Sync" manually.
  • 🌍 Check the time zone in the phone settings.

If none of these methods worked, contact Xiaomi’s support team – the bracelet may have a hardware malfunction.

πŸ’‘

90% of Mi Band 4 problems are solved by updating your firmware or resetting your settings. Don't ignore these steps!

The Mi Band 4 has a lot more to do than count steps, and here are some features that many users don't use, even though they're useful:

  • 🩺 Pulse measurement: Swipe right across the screen β†’ "Pulse. For accuracy, keep your hand at heart level and don't move.
  • πŸŒ™ Sleep monitoring: Automatically switched on if you wear the bracelet at night.Data appears in Mi Fit in the morning.
  • πŸ”” Smart alarm: set up in Mi Fit (Profile) β†’ The bracelet will wake you up with a vibration in the light sleep phase.
  • πŸ“± Phone Search: Swipe left on the screen β†’ "Phone search. The phone will beep (even in silent mode).

To activate the training regime:

  1. Swipe up the bracelet screen.
  2. Choose the type of activity (running, cycling, swimming, etc.).
  3. Press the button below the screen to start/end the recording.

Training data is automatically synchronized with Mi Fit, where you can view the route (if GPS is on on the phone), calories and heart rate.

Tips for operation: how to prolong the life of a bracelet

To make the Mi Band 4 last longer, follow these simple guidelines:

  • 🚿 Waterproof: Bracelet can withstand immersion of 50 meters (standard 5) ATM), It is not recommended to swim in chlorinated or salt water for a long time.
  • πŸ”‹ Charging: Use only the original cable. Do not leave the bracelet on charging for more than 3 hours - this reduces battery life.
  • 🧴 Clean: Clean the capsule and strap with a wet wipe 1-2 times a week. You can use a soap solution for a silicone strap.
  • 🌑️ Temperature: Do not leave the bracelet in direct sunlight (such as on a car torpedo) - the screen may burn out.

If the bracelet is rapidly discharged:

  • Turn off continuous pulse monitoring (Profile β†’ Settings β†’ pulse rate β†’ Manual).
  • Reduce the brightness of the screen (Profile β†’ Display settings β†’ Brightness).
  • Disable notifications from unnecessary applications.

The average life of the Mi Band 4 is 2-3 years when used carefully, and if the screen is dim or the sensor is not responding well, these are signs of wear and tear, and it is worth considering replacing.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I use Mi Band 4 without a smartphone?
Yes, but the functionality will be limited. The bracelet will work as a pedometer and an alarm clock, but it will not show notifications, synchronize sleep data or update the firmware.
How to reset Mi Band 4 to factory settings?
Hold the button under the screen for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears. After resetting, all data (including settings and statistics) will be deleted. To recover data, sync the bracelet with the Mi Fit again.
Why does the bracelet show the wrong number of steps?
The pedometer's accuracy depends on the correct position of the bracelet on your arm (2-3 fingers above your wrist) and walking style. If you often wave your arms or wear the bracelet too loosely, the data may be distorted. To calibrate, walk 20-30 steps with your phone in your hand - Mi Fit will automatically adjust the readings.
How to change the band to Mi Band 4?
The strap is attached to the capsule with a small pin. To remove it: Turn the bracelet with the back of your arm to you. Find a small indentation on the back of the strap next to the capsule. Carefully press with a screwdriver or a nail, moving the pin to the side. The capsule will slip out of the strap. The new strap will be set in reverse order. Make sure that the pin is snapped, otherwise the capsule may fall out.
Can I play Mi Band 4 without the official software?
Technically yes, custom firmware exists (such as Amazfit or Notify & Fitness), but installing it requires ADB skills and can result in loss of warranty or "bricking" of the bracelet. Official updates via Mi Fit are safer and cover 99% of users' needs.