How to turn on Xiaomi Smart Band 8: full instructions from charging to first synchronization

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 fitness bracelet is one of the most popular wearables of 2023-2026, combining stylish design, advanced functionality and an affordable price. However, even such an advanced gadget can have problems with the first inclusion: the bracelet does not respond to charging, does not display the screen or does not sync with the smartphone. If you just unpack a new fitness tracker or faced difficulties after an update, this article will help you understand all the nuances.

We will take a detailed look at how to properly charge the bracelet before first turning on, what buttons and gestures are used to activate, how to connect the device to the Mi Fitness application (formerly Zepp Life), and also analyze typical errors and ways to fix them. The instructions are relevant for all versions of the Smart Band 8, including the versions with the NFC without him.

Preparation for the first inclusion: charging and checking the completeness

Before you try to turn on the bracelet, make sure it is fully charged. Xiaomi Smart Band 8 comes with a minimum battery level (about 10-20%), which is not enough to fully work.

• 📦 The fitness bracelet Xiaomi Smart Band 8 (with or without a strap, depending on the configuration).
• 🔌 Magnetic charging cable USB-Type-C (in some versions - with a connector) USB-A).
• 📄 Short instructions in several languages (Russian included).
• 🔄 Sometimes - additional straps or protective film on the screen.

If the charger is missing or the bracelet appears damaged, don't try to turn it on, check the replacement store, and check if there is a protective transport film on the screen, which must be removed before first use.

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If you have bought the bracelet with your hands, be sure to check the serial number on the official Xiaomi website through the Mi Verify service.This will help you avoid counterfeits, which often mimic the process of turning on, but do not sync with the application.

Now, on to charging, you plug the magnetic cable into the bracelet, and it's going to be pulled to the contacts on the back of the case, and the charging light (red or orange) signals the start of the process, and it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to fully charge.

How to turn on Xiaomi Smart Band 8: buttons and gestures

Once charged, you can start to turn on. Unlike previous models, the Smart Band 8 has a touch button and supports gestures. Here are all the possible ways to activate:

1. Press the touch button (under the screen) for 3-5 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
2. Touch the screen (if the bracelet has already been turned on) a single touch wakes up the display.
3. Charging connection: Sometimes the bracelet automatically turns on when you connect the cable.

If the screen is not responding, check:

• ⚡ Charge level (the indicator must burn when connected to the charger).
• 🔄 Correct cable connection (magnets must fit tightly).
• 🛠️ No physical damage (cracks, dents on the body).

Make sure the bracelet is charged at least 30 times%|

Check the density of the charging cable |

Remove the screen protection film (if any)|

Hold the touch button for at least 5 seconds-->

If the bracelet doesn't turn on anyway, try resetting it to factory settings.

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger.
2. Hold the touch button for 10-15 seconds until you feel the vibration.
3. After the reboot, try again to turn on.

Connecting to a smartphone: synchronization with Mi Fitness

The bracelet is turned on, but without connecting to the smartphone, its functionality will be limited. To fully work, you need to install the official Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life), which is available for Android and iOS:

• 🤖 Download for Android
• 🍎 Download for iPhone

After installation of the annex:

1. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (via Google, Facebook or phone number).
2. Click Add the device (the + icon in the upper right corner).
3. Choose a bracelet. → Xiaomi Smart Band 8.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen, allowing access to notifications, geolocation, and contacts.

When you sync the bracelet can reboot, which is normal, and when you successfully connect, the Connected notification will appear on the screen.

Android|

iOS|

Other (specify in comments)|

Configure the main parameters after inclusion

Once connected to the Mi Fitness app, it is recommended to immediately configure the key bracelet settings, avoiding problems with notifications, activity tracking and autonomy.

Pay special attention to setting up notifications. By default, the bracelet can vibrate with each message, which quickly drains the battery. Disable unnecessary applications in the Notifications → Notification Management section.

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The less active notifications, the longer the bracelet will work without recharging. The optimal balance is to leave only calls, SMS and 2-3 messengers.

It is also recommended to update the firmware of the bracelet to the latest version.

1. Open Mi Fitness and go to Device Profile → Firmware Update.
2. If a new version is available, click Update.
3. Do not disconnect the bracelet from your smartphone until the process is complete (it will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: If during a firmware update the bracelet disconnects from the phone or runs out, it may stop turning on. Charge it to 50% before upgrading and make sure the Bluetooth connection is stable.

Typical Incorporation Problems and Their Solutions

Even with all the steps done correctly, users sometimes face difficulties, and consider the most common situations and ways to resolve them:

1.The bracelet does not respond to charging

If the indicator does not light up when connecting the cable:

• 🔌 Check the serviceability of the cable and power supply (try another charger).
• 🧲 Make sure that the cable magnets fit tightly to the bracelet contacts.
• 🔋 Wait 10-15 minutes – the battery may be completely discharged.
• 🛠️ Clean the bracelet contacts from dust or moisture with a dry wipe.

2.The screen does not turn on after charging

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Perform a hard reset (hold the button for 15 seconds).
• 📱 Check the compatibility of the smartphone: the bracelet requires Android 6.0+ or iOS 12.0+.
• 🔄 Reinstall the Mi Fitness app and sync again.

3.The bracelet is switched on but not connected to the phone

If the Smart Band 8 vibrates but does not appear in the list of devices:

• 📶 Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and make sure the distance to the bracelet is less than 10 meters.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and bracelet.
• 🚫 Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugate devices in Bluetooth settings and reconnect.
• 📱 Update the Mi Fitness app to the latest version.

⚠️ Note: If the bracelet was previously linked to another Xiaomi account, it must be reset to factory settings. To do this, hold the touch button for 10 seconds until the reset menu appears.

How to extend the bracelet after turning on

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8’s autonomy is up to 16 days in standard use, but this can be significantly reduced due to incorrect settings. Here are some tips on how to maximize your running time:

• 🔋 Turn off the screen’s constant lighting (Settings) → Display. → Illumination).
• 📵 Reduce the number of active notifications (leave only critical ones).
• 🌙 Use dark dials (AMOLED-The screen consumes less energy when displaying black).
• 🔄 Turn off automatic stress tracking (Settings) → Health → Stress).
• 📊 Reduce the frequency of data synchronization to 1 time per hour.

If the bracelet discharges faster than 5 days, check it for background processes: sometimes firmware failures lead to increased power consumption, in which case a reset or software update will help.

Also pay attention to temperature. Smart Band 8 is designed to work in temperatures from -10 °C to +45 °C. Use in the cold or in direct sunlight can lead to rapid discharge or even damage to the battery.

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 compared to previous models

If you’ve used the Smart Band 7 or older versions before, you’ll be interested in seeing what’s changed with the eighth model.

The main improvement of the Smart Band 8 is a more accurate heart rate sensor and support for SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation) without additional plugins, as well as animated dials and the ability to control music directly from the bracelet.

However, some users note that the Smart Band 8 has become less resistant to mechanical damage due to its thinner body, and if you are an active lifestyle, it is recommended to use a protective case or film on the screen.

FAQ: Frequent questions about incorporating Xiaomi Smart Band 8