Having received the long-awaited gadget from the Chinese technology giant, many users are faced with the fact that the device does not respond to standard actions familiar to other electronics. This is absolutely normal, since the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 comes from the factory in a special transport mode to save battery power during long logistics. Beginners often try to find a hidden switch on the case or look for a way to connect it directly to the charger without prior preparation, which is a mistaken approach. Proper activation requires adherence to a strict sequence of actions, ignoring which can lead to a false conclusion about the malfunction of the gadget.
The main control tool and the key to waking up the tracker is specialized software installed on the smartphone. It is the application that takes on the role of the command center, transmitting the activation signal via the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol. Without pre-installing the software and registering an account, all attempts to “revive” the screen will be in vain. It is important to understand that the bracelet itself does not have a full operating system with a launch menu, it completely depends on an external signal to exit the sleep mode.
In this guide, we will take a look at each step, from unpacking to the first successful data synchronization, how to avoid typical pairing errors, why not connect the device to the computer for charging, and how to properly configure notifications. A competent initial setup ensures that the pulse sensors and pedometers work consistently throughout their lifetime.
Initial check of configuration and condition of the device
Before you start the software part, you need to visually assess the condition of the product. The box should be intact, without opening traces, and inside there is the tracker itself, the capsule with sensors and the charging cable. Particular attention should be paid to the metal contacts on the bottom of the Mi Band 4, they should be clean and have no oxides. If you notice contamination, gently wipe them with dry soft cloth, as fat or dust can interfere with charging and, accordingly, inclusion.
Often users forget that the tracker can be completely discharged after long storage in stock, in which case the indicators on the screen may not light up even after pairing. 15-20 minute USB-port or adapter with power up to 1Using powerful fast-charging units from smartphones can damage the bracelet power controller, so it’s better to use PC ports or old adapters on your device. 500 ma.
Make sure your smartphone has a wireless module on it. To work properly, Bluetooth requires not only activating but also giving the companion app permission to geolocate. This is a requirement of Android and iOS operating systems to scan nearby devices. Without that permission, finding the gadget will be impossible, and you will think that the device is not turned on.
Installation and configuration of the Mi Fit application
The foundation of the Xiaomi ecosystem for wearable electronics is the Mi Fit application (in some regions renamed Zepp Life).The program should be downloaded exclusively from official stores: Google Play Market for Android or App Store for iOS. APK-files can lead to malware installation or unstable synchronization, which is critical at the stage of initial activation.
Once installed, launch the application and create a Mi Account. This is a requirement: no authorization is required, log in to the settings interface is closed. When registering, use your current phone number or email address. In the registration process, the system may request confirmation through SMS-code, so make sure the SIM card is active and is on the phone.
An important step is to provide all the permissions requested, and the app will request access to notifications, contacts, microphones and, most importantly, geolocation.
⚠️ Note: If you disallow access to geolocation, the device search function and initial pairing will not work, as Android blocks scanning of Bluetooth devices without this permission.
💡
When registering with Mi Fit, choose the region “Russia” or your actual region of residence, and changing the region will require a complete reset of your account data.
The process of pairing the bracelet with a smartphone
When you are in the Profile tab, click on Add Device and select Bracelet category. From the list of available models, find Mi Smart Band 4. The app will go into search mode and the wait animation will appear on the smartphone screen. At that point, take the bracelet in your hands and tap the touch button on the front panel to wake the screen. The display should show the MI logo or an image of the bracelet with a vibrating phone.
Once the system detects the device, the smartphone will display its unique identifier on the screen. Press it to begin the mating procedure. The tracker screen will request confirmation of pairing with the vibration signal. Press the touch button of the bracelet for confirmation. If the request does not appear, try to bring the devices closer to each other, the distance should not exceed 10-15 centimeters.
Successful pairing will be marked by vibration and the appearance of the dial with time. From now on, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is considered activated and ready to go. All data on time, date and language will be automatically synchronized from the smartphone. If the process is interrupted or an error occurs, delete the device from the Bluetooth list in the phone settings and repeat the procedure again.
☑️ Checking successful pairing
Update of firmware and basic settings
Immediately after activation, the application may suggest a software update. This is a critical step, since the factory version of the firmware often contains errors or is not optimized to work with new versions of the smartphone OS. Update firmware improves connection stability, adds new dials and fixes bugs in the operation of the pulse sensor. The process takes from 5 to 15 minutes, during which the bracelet screen will burn and the device cannot be touched.
The bracelet settings menu in the app recommends you adjust the basics right away, you can choose the time format (12 or 24 hours), the distance measurement units (kilometers or miles) and the number system (metric or imperial), and you can adjust the brightness of the screen and the backlight time, which directly affects the autonomy of the operation.
Special attention should be paid to the setting of notifications, you can choose which applications will broadcast messages on your wrist: calls, SMS, instant messengers or social networks.
⚠️ Note: For notifications to work, you need to start the Mi Fit application at least once after restarting the smartphone, otherwise the background process can be stopped by the Android energy saving system.
What to do if the firmware update is suspended?
Table of the main characteristics of Xiaomi Mi Band 4
To understand the capabilities of your device after activation, check the technical specifications, which define the functionality that becomes available immediately after activation.
| Parameter | Meaning | Description of the impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Display. | AMOLED 0.95" | Bright picture and deep black, saves charge |
| Protection | 5 ATM | Possibly swimming in the pool and shower, not afraid of sweat |
| Sensors. | PPG + accelerometer | Accurate step count and pulse measurement 24/7 |
| Battery | 135mAh | Up to 20 days of normal operation without recharging |
| Connection | Bluetooth 5.0 | Stable connection and low power consumption |
Diagnostics and problem-solving
Sometimes the process of turning on can be complicated by technical nuances. If the bracelet does not respond to touch, there may be a malfunction in the sensor. Try to put the device on charge for 30 minutes. If the screen remains black after that, use the Unbind function in the application and try to search again. In rare cases, resetting to factory settings through the bracelet menu: More → Factory Reset helps.
Notification display problems are often solved by checking access rights. Go to your Bluetooth settings on your smartphone, search the Mi Band 4 list, click on the gear icon and make sure that the Show Notifications and Time Sync switches are enabled. Without that, the bracelet will only work as a clock and pedometer.
If the bracelet spontaneously turns off or discharges quickly, check the pulse rate settings. Every minute mode significantly reduces the operating time. Optimally set the interval to 10 or 30 minutes. Also turn off the wrist lift to turn on the screen, if you often make sudden movements with your hands, this will save battery power.
💡
The stable operation of the Mi Band 4 depends on three factors: the current version of the firmware, the constant access of the Mi Fit application to background processes and a serviceable Bluetooth module on the smartphone.