How to turn on Xiaomi Mi Band: from charging to the first setup

The Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets have long been one of the most popular wearables due to the combination of affordable price, compactness and wide functionality. However, even experienced users sometimes have difficulty with the first inclusion – especially if we are talking about new models like the Mi Band 9 or Mi Smart Band 8 Pro. In this article, we will analyze all the steps from proper charging to synchronization with the phone, and also consider typical errors and ways to fix them.

It’s important to understand that the activation process may vary depending on the firmware version of the bracelet and the smartphone operating system. For example, for Android and iOS, different versions of the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life) are used, and in some regions, additional configuration of the Xiaomi account may be required. We have collected up-to-date information for 2026, including nuances for the latest models.

If your bracelet doesn't respond to taps or doesn't turn on after charging, don't rush it into service. 90% of the time, the problem is solved by simple actions, which we described below. And for those who have tried to turn on the device but have encountered errors, we have prepared a section with answers to frequent questions.

1.Preparation for the first inclusion: charging the bracelet

Before you try to turn on the Mi Band, make sure it's charged. New bracelets often come with a minimum battery charge (about 10-20%), which is only enough for a few minutes of operation.

• 🔌 Connect the charging cable to USB-computer port or power adapter (5V/1A). Do not use fast charging – it can shorten battery life.
• 🔄 Carefully insert the bracelet into the charging cradle so that the contacts on the back side coincide with the connectors. 7/8/9 Magnetic connector - it attracts automatically.
• ⚡ Wait for the charging indicator to appear, the battery icon will appear on the bracelet screen. If the indicator is not on, check the density of the contacts.
• ⏳ Charging to 100% near 1-1.5 It's enough for the first switch on. 30-40% charge.

On Mi Band 6 and older models, when you connect to charging, the screen automatically activates and shows the battery level. If the screen does not turn on, try:

1. Turn the bracelet in the charging cradle (sometimes the contacts do not match).
2. Use the other USB-port or cable (failed cables are a common cause of problems).
3. Wait 5-10 minutes – sometimes the indicator lights up with a delay.

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If the bracelet is not charging, clean the contacts on the back of dust or fat with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.

Once the bracelet shows a charge of at least 20-30%, you can move to turn on. On Mi Band 5 and later, you just need to press the touch button below the screen. If the screen does not respond, try holding the button for 5-10 seconds, this will reset the device to factory settings (the data will not be lost, since the bracelet is not activated yet).

2. Enablement of the bracelet: buttons and gestures

The way you turn on depends on the Mi Band model, and below is a table with the current combinations for the popular versions:

If the bracelet is turned on but the screen does not respond to touch, check:

• 📱 Compatible with your smartphone (minimum requirements: Android 6.0)+ or iOS 12+).
• 🔄 Screen Cleanliness – greasy spots or moisture can block the sensor.
• 🔋 Charge level – if the discharge is below 5%, the screen may not be turned on.

In the models with AMOLED-screen (Mi Band) 7/8/9) When you turn on, you'll see the Xiaomi logo, then the main menu. If the screen flashes or shows artifacts, it may indicate a damaged display or a faulty plume - in which case, contact the service center.

3. Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness application

To fully activate the Mi Band, it needs to be synced to the smartphone through the official app. Since 2023, Xiaomi has combined all fitness devices under one app - Mi Fitness (formerly Zepp Life or Mi Fit).

• 🤖 Google Play for Android
• 🍎 App Store for iOS

After installation, follow the following steps:

1. Sign up or sign in to an existing Xiaomi account (required!) If you don't have an account, create it via email or phone number.
2. Click Add Device (the + icon in the upper right corner).
3. Choose your Mi Band model from the list. If your model is not available, choose the nearest version (for example, Mi Band 8 Pro will work for Mi Band 8).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen: Allow access to notifications, geolocation and contacts (this is necessary for the bracelet to work properly).

Bluetooth enabled on your smartphone|Bracelet charged at least 30 times%|Mi Fitness app updated to latest version|All access requests (notifications, geolocation) are allowed)-->

In the synchronization phase, errors can occur, and the most common ones are:

• 🚫 Failed to connect to the device – restart the bracelet (hold the button 10 seconds) and the smartphone, then try again.
• 🔄 Firmware update — if the app offers to update the software, agree. This will fix possible bugs.
• 📵 Bluetooth does not find the bracelet – disable Bluetooth on other devices (laptop, headphones) as they can cause interference.

Once synchronized successfully, the bracelet will automatically update the firmware (if a new version is available) and prompt you to adjust the basic parameters: time, notifications, activity goals. At this stage, you can also activate the Raise to Activate function, which turns on the screen when you turn your hand.

4.Configure the main functions after the inclusion

Now that the bracelet is on and synced, it's time to customize it to suit your needs. Basic settings are customized through the Mi Fitness app in the Device Profile section.

• ⏰ Alarm clocks: Up to 10 alarm clocks can be added, including smart alarm clocks (with vibrations only in the light sleep phase).
• 🏃 Activity tracking: Set your goals by steps, calories and activity time. To accurately calculate your height, weight and age.
• 💤 Sleep monitoring: Turn on automatic sleep tracking (only works when wearing a bracelet).
• 📱 Notifications: Select which apps will duplicate alerts on the bracelet (calls, SMS, messengers).
• 🔒 Screen lock: set up PIN-code to unlock the bracelet (useful if you are afraid of accidental pressing).

Important: Independent GPS is available on Mi Band 8 Pros and later, but it requires a separate Zepp app (not to be confused with Mi Fitness) to activate it. If you want accurate jogging data without a smartphone, install it and sync the bracelet through both apps.

To save battery power, we recommend turning off:

• 🔍 Continuous monitoring of heart rate (only leave "On demand").
• 📡 Automatic weather update (unless this feature is critical).
• 🎵 Music management (if you don’t use it regularly).

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The fewer background functions are on, the longer the bracelet will last without recharging, for example, turning off continuous pulse monitoring can increase autonomy from 7 to 14 days.

Remember to update the bracelet firmware periodically. Go to Device Profile → Firmware Update. New versions of the software fix bugs, add features (such as new dials) and improve sensor accuracy.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after successful activation, users sometimes experience problems, and we've collected the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If the bracelet stops turning on after falling or getting moisture, do not try to charge it - this can lead to a short circuit.

⚠️ Warning: If you have physical injuries (cracks on the screen, bloating), immediately disconnect the bracelet from charging and contact the service center.

For Mi Band 7 Pro and later, the diagnostic function is available via the app.

1. Open Mi Fitness and go to the Device Profile.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Diagnostic.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen – the application will check the operation of the sensors and the connection.

6.How to reboot or reset the Mi Band to factory settings

If the bracelet is unstable (hangs, synchronization errors), you may need to reset or completely reset.

• 🔄 Soft reboot (without data loss): Hold the touch button 10-15 Seconds before the Xiaomi logo appears.
• 🔧 Hard reset (deletes all data): for Mi Band 7/8/9 — hold the button 30 seconds; for the Mi Band; 6 older — 20 seconds.

After a hard reset, the bracelet will return to factory settings, and it will have to be re-synchronized with the smartphone, and the activity data stored in the Mi Fitness app will remain intact.

⚠️ Note: On the Mi Band 8 Pro and Mi Band 9, the factory reset also removes all the dials that have been loaded.

If the reset didn't help, try:

1. Update the bracelet firmware through Mi Fitness.
2. Reinstall the application on the smartphone.
3. Sync the bracelet with another phone (to check the health of the phone).

7.Tips to extend the life of the bracelet

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

• 🔋 Charge the bracelet every time. 2-3 Even if you still have a charge, full discharge reduces battery life.
• 🚿 Remove the bracelet before showering or swimming if it is not protected 5 ATM (For example, Mi Band 5 and older).
• 🧼 Regularly clean the body and strap from sweat and dirt with a soft cloth.
• 🌡️ Avoid overheating (do not leave the bracelet in direct sunlight or near heat sources).
• 📵 Turn off unnecessary notifications – they consume charge and distract.

For models with AMOLED-screen (Mi Band) 7/8/9) You can set up the “Always On Display” mode, but remember that this reduces autonomy on the screen. 30-40%. To turn it on:

1. Open Mi Fitness and go to bracelet settings.
2. Select the Display. → Always On Display.
3. Set up work hours (for example, only at night) or turn off completely.

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If the bracelet starts to run out quickly, check which apps send notifications, for example, frequent notifications from messengers can drain the battery in 1-2 days.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band inclusion