How to turn on Xiaomi 4 smartwatch: from charging to first setup

Xiaomi Mi Band 4 (or Xiaomi Smart Band 4) remains one of the most popular fitness trackers due to its combination of affordable price, long operating time and wide functionality. However, new users often have questions about how to turn on the device correctly, what to do if it does not respond to clicks, and how to sync it with a smartphone. In this article, we will analyze all the steps from the first charge to setting up notifications, and also look at typical errors and how to fix them.

It is important to understand that enabling the Mi Band 4 is different from activating a classic smartwatch: the device does not have a physical power button, and the control is carried out through the touch screen and pairing with the Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life for new versions). If you are first encountering Xiaomi gadgets, follow our instructions - it will help to avoid common problems, such as battery discharge "to zero" or synchronization errors.

Preparation for the first inclusion: charging and checking of the complete set

Before you turn on the Xiaomi Mi Band 4, make sure the device is charged. Unlike smartphones, fitness trackers often come with a discharged battery to comply with transportation rules.

📦 The main module of the tracker (with a screen and strap)
🔌 Charging cable (c) USB-Type A connector and magnetic connector)
📄 Short instructions in several languages (Russian may not be available)

If the box does not have a charging cable, it is a reason to be wary: you may have been sold a used device or a fake. The original Mi Band 4 cable has a magnetic mount and Xiaomi labeled on the plastic case. Counterfeiters often use microUSB or non-standard connectors.

📊 How often do you charge your smartwatch?

Every week.

Every 2-3 weeks

Only when they're completely discharged.

I'm not tracking the charge.

To charge the tracker:

Remove the capsule from the strap by pulling it towards the screen (don’t make excessive efforts!).
Attach a magnetic connector to the contacts on the back of the capsule, and it will attract automatically.
Connect. USB-power-adapter (5V/1A) Don't use fast charging, it can shorten battery life.

⚠️ Note: If the charging indicator (white LED) doesn’t light up for 10 seconds, check the integrity of the cable or try another one. USB-The contacts on the tracker may have oxidized — wipe them neatly with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.

2.How to enable Xiaomi Mi Band 4: buttons and gestures

After 1-2 hours of charging (or when the indicator goes out), you can start turning on. The Mi Band 4 does not have a mechanical power button - it is controlled through the touch screen and gestures.

Touch the screen once – the Mi logo or battery screensaver should appear.
If the screen is not responding, hold your finger on the display for 3-5 seconds before the vibration appears.
After downloading, swipe up/down the screen to unlock the menu.

If the tracker is not activated:

🔋 Check the charge level – it is possible that the battery is discharged “to zero” (requires 30).+ minute).
🔄 Reboot the device: connect to charge and hold your finger on the screen for 10-15 seconds.
🛠️ Check contacts for damage or corrosion.

Charging. ≥ 20%|Screen clean (no fat/dust)|Contacts intact.|The original cable is used.-->

If after a long charge (4+ hours) the tracker does not show signs of life, this may indicate a malfunction of the power controller - in this case, contact the Xiaomi service center.

3. Phone sync: Mi Fit or Zepp Life installation

Without a smartphone connection, the Mi Band 4 will only work as a pedometer and alarm clock, and to unlock all functions (notifications, sleep monitoring, pulse monitor), you need to install an official app:

Annex	Supported OSs	Download link	Features
Mi Fit	Android 5.0+, iOS 10.0+	Google Play / App Store	Classic version, supports all Mi Band models
Zepp Life	Android 6.0+, iOS 12.0+	Google Play / App Store	New interface, advanced sleep analytics

Instructions for connection:

Install the app and register (you can use Google, Apple ID or phone number).
Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and allow the application to access geodata (required for correct operation!).
From the app menu, select Profile → Add Device → Mi Smart Band 4.
Follow the instructions on the screen – when the tracker vibrates, confirm the pairing in the app.

⚠️ Note: If the app does not find the device, try it: 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn off/on). 📱 Remove the cache of the Mi Fit application in the smartphone settings. 🔗 Connect the tracker to another phone – this will help to identify the problem (in the device or smartphone).

4.First setting: language, time and notifications

Once synchronized, the app will suggest setting the basic parameters.

🌐 Interface Language: Chinese or English may be the default. To change, go to Device Profile → Display settings → Language and select Russian.
⏰ Time zone: Automatically pulls up from your phone, but if time is lost, update the tracker firmware.
🔔 Notifications: Turn on the option to Show notifications and select the applications (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram), the alerts from which you want to see on the screen.

An important nuance: on the Mi Band 4 you can configure the display of incoming calls, but you can only answer them if the phone supports Bluetooth calls (for example, Xiaomi smartphones on MIUI), this option may not work on the iPhone.

How to reset the Mi Band 4 settings to factory settings?

If the tracker starts to glitches, you can reset: 1. Open Mi Fit → Device Profile → Additional → Reset. 2. Confirm the action – all data (except statistics in the cloud) will be deleted. 3. After the reset, you will have to synchronize the device again.

We also recommend activating:

💤 Sleep monitoring: Turn on the tracker settings and specify the time to go to bed.
🏃 Activity Auto-Detection: To make the watch recognize walking, running, or cycling.
🔒 Screen lock: Protection against accidental pressing (configured in Display Settings).

5. Firmware Update: Why It Matters

Mi Band 4 firmware is responsible for stability, adding new features (such as weather display) and fixing errors.

Open Mi Fit and go to Device Profile → Firmware Update.
If a new version is available, connect the tracker to charging (required!) and confirm the installation.
Do not disable Bluetooth or unplug the tracker from charging until the process is complete (it takes 5-10 minutes).

The latest firmware versions for the Mi Band 4 (at 2026) have added:

🩺 Improved measurement algorithm SpO₂ (oxygenation).
🎨 New dials with animation support.
🛡️ Corrections to eliminate accidental reboots.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone battery fails during the upgrade (e.g., the phone battery dies), the tracker may stop turning on. In this case, try: Put the device on charge for 1 hour. Hold your finger on the screen for 20 seconds for a forced reboot. If it does not help, contact the service with the error code (displayed on the screen).

💡

Before updating your firmware, turn off battery savings on your phone for the Mi Fit app – this will prevent a connection break.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after the right switch on, users face difficulties.

Problem.	Possible cause	Decision
The tracker does not vibrate at notifications	Disabled vibration in settings or low charge	Check Settings → Notifications → Vibration and charge the device up to 30%+
The screen doesn't respond to touch.	Sensor contamination or software failure	Wipe the screen with a dry cloth, reboot the tracker
Not synchronized with Mi Fit	An outdated version of the application or Bluetooth	Update Mi Fit and restart your phone
Battery discharges fast	Active sleep/pulse monitoring or old firmware	Disable unnecessary functions or update the software

If the tracker stopped turning on after falling or getting moisture, the board or battery is most likely damaged. Mi Band 4 has IP68 protection, but this does not guarantee performance after immersion in water (for example, in a pool).

7 How to extend the life of the battery

The average lifetime of the Mi Band 4 on a single charge is 15-20 days, but when used actively (constant pulsemeter, notifications) it is reduced to 7-10 days.

🔋 Turn off continuous heart rate monitoring (leave only manual measurements).
🌙 Use dark dials — AMOLED-The screen consumes less energy when displaying black.
📵 Reduce the number of notifications (for example, disable alerts from games or social networks).
🔄 Update the firmware – new versions optimize power consumption.

Also avoid the following:

❌ Charging up to 100% and storage with a full battery is the optimal level for battery durability: 30-80%.
❌ Using unoriginal charging cables – they can damage the power controller.
❌ Exposure to extreme temperatures (below) -10°C or higher +40°C).

💡

Turning off automatic pulse measurements at night can increase autonomy by 30-40%.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Can I play Mi Band 4 without my phone?

Yes, the tracker will work as a pedometer and an alarm clock, but without synchronization with Mi Fit, you can't: Set up notifications, update firmware, view detailed sleep/activity statistics. You must pair with your smartphone to make full use of it.

❓ Why only the Mi logo is on the screen?

This indicates a boot freeze. Try: Connect the tracker to charge for 30 minutes. Hold your finger on the screen for 15 to 20 seconds for a forced reboot. If it doesn't work, update the firmware through Mi Fit. If the problem repeats, it could be a hardware failure (call the service).

❓ How to change the dial to Mi Band 4?

You can do this in two ways: via the app: Mi Fit → Device Profile → Dials → Choose your favorite and click Set. On the tracker itself: Swipe up the screen, tap the current dial and select another from the list. Free dials are updated once a month, paid (such as animation) can be bought from the Mi Fit store.

❓ Why the tracker does not measure the pulse?

Possible causes and solutions: 🩺 Wrong position on the arm: The sensor should fit snugly to the skin (1-2 cm above the wrist). 🔋 Low charge: At a battery level below 10%, some features are turned off. 📱 Lack of permission: Check in Mi Fit if pulse measurement is included. 🩹 Tattoos/Scars: The sensor may not work on the skin with patterns or scars.

❓ Can I use Mi Band 4 with an iPhone?

Yes, but with limitations: ✅ Basic functions: pedometer, pulsemeter, notifications. ❌ Not supported: answering calls, unlocking your phone quickly (only on Android). ⚠️ There may be problems with synchronizing notifications due to the limitations of iOS. For iPhone, it is better to use the Zepp Life app - it is optimized for iOS.