First inclusion of Xiaomi Mi Band 3: full instruction from unpacking to synchronization

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular wearables due to its combination of affordable price, compactness and wide functionality. However, beginners often have questions about how to turn on the bracelet for the first time, what errors can occur when pairing with a smartphone and how to avoid typical charging or synchronization problems. This article will help you understand all the nuances from unpacking to first setting, taking into account the features of firmware and compatibility with different phone models.

Unlike the newer versions (such as the Mi Band 6 or Mi Band 7), the third model has a number of unique features: a physical button instead of a touch, a different charging connector and a simplified menu. These details are important to consider so that you do not damage the device and activate all functions correctly. We will also consider what to do if the bracelet does not turn on after charging, does not find the phone or displays an error during synchronization.

Preparation for the first inclusion: what to check before starting

Before you start setting up, make sure you have everything you need. Without these components, the bracelet will either not turn on or sync with your smartphone:

• 📱 Smartphone on Android 4.4+ or iOS 9.0+ (Only these versions are officially supported).
• 🔌 Original charging cable (complete with Mi Band 3 comes short) USB-magneto-connector).
• 📲 Mi Fit app (you can download it from Google Play or App Store).
• 🔋 Charger for the telephone (or USB-port of computer) with a current of at least 500 mA.

Pay special attention to the status of contacts on the bracelet and cable. Mi Band 3 often has a problem with the oxidation of metal charging pads - if they are darkened or coated with plaque, gently wipe them with a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol. Also check if the magnetic cable connector is bent: this can interfere with the tight fit.

⚠️ Note: Do not use charging cables from other Mi Band models (e.g. Mi Band) 4/5). The connectors are visually similar, but the pins are different – this can damage the battery or power controller.

If you've ever bought a used bracelet, reset it to factory settings before you turn it on.

1. Connect the Mi Band 3 to the charger.
2. Press and hold the physical button below the screen for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the button, the bracelet vibrates and reboots.

Bracelet charging: how much time is needed and how to check the process

The first activation of the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is possible only after minimal battery charging. Unlike the new models, this version does not have a charge indicator on the screen until full activation - so focus on external signs:

• 🔴 Red indicator on the charging cable is on fire – charging is underway.
• 🟢 Green indicator – battery charged at 100%.
• ⚡ Vibration when connecting / disconnecting the cable - the bracelet recognized the power supply.

The first charge time depends on the initial battery level:

Critical error: If the indicator doesn't burn after 30 minutes of charging, check the cable and contacts. In 80% of cases, the problem is the oxidation of metal plates on the bracelet or a bent cable connector. Also make sure you use the original power adapter - some cheap charges do not give enough current to activate the controller.

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If the bracelet does not respond to charging, try connecting the cable to another. USB-port (for example, on the back of the computer) – sometimes the front ports give insufficient current.

First inclusion: step-by-step instructions with photo

When the bracelet is charged (the indicator on the cable is green), you can start turning on, a process different from the new Mi Band models, which use a touch screen, where everything is controlled by a physical button:

Charging the bracelet to 100% (green indicator)

Installation of the Mi Fit app on your phone

Turning on Bluetooth on your smartphone

Unpacking of the film bracelet (if any)

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Step 1: Unplug the bracelet from the charging cable. Charging animations should appear on the screen for a short time (if not, recharge).

Step 2. Press the physical button under the screen once. The bracelet vibrates, and the Mi logo appears. That means the device is on.

Step 3. Wait for the main screen to load. It'll show you:

• ⏱️ Current time (if the bracelet is already synchronized).
• 🔋 Battery icon with charge level.
• 📶 Bluetooth icon (blinks if there is no connection).

Step 4: If the screen does not respond to the press of the button, perform a hard reboot:

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger.


2. Press the button for 20 seconds.




3. Let go - the bracelet vibrates and reboots.

⚠️ Note: If the screen remains black after rebooting, but the bracelet vibrates when you press a button, this may indicate damage to the display plume.

Connecting with a smartphone through Mi Fit: a step-by-step guide

Without a phone connection, the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 will only work like a pedometer clock. To activate notifications, sleep monitoring and other features, you need to sync it with the Mi Fit app.

For Android:

1. Open Mi Fit and click Profile → Add the device.
2. Choose a bracelet. → Mi Smart Band 3.
3. Allow the application to access geodata, contacts and notifications (required for correct operation!).
4. Press Hide and wait until the bracelet appears in the list of available devices.
5. Confirm the connection on the bracelet (click the button when the tick appears on the screen).

For iOS:

1. In Mi Fit, go to Devices → Add.
2. Select Mi Band 3 from the list.
3. In your iPhone settings, turn on Bluetooth and Notifications for Mi Fit.
4. Bring the bracelet to the phone (distance not more than 10 cm).
5. Confirm the pairing on the bracelet (button) and in the application.

If the bracelet is not in the list of devices:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn off/on in settings).
• 📱 Remove the Mi Fit cache (in the Android app settings).
• 🔋 Check the bracelet charge – at levels below 20%, the pairing may not work.

Set up the main functions after connecting

Once paired successfully, you need to customize the bracelet to suit your needs. The following key options are available in Mi Fit:

Pay special attention to setting up notifications. By default, Mi Band 3 shows only incoming calls. To add notifications from messengers:

1. In Mi Fit, go to Device Profile → Application Notifications.
2. Select messengers (such as WhatsApp, Viber).
3. In Android settings, allow Mi Fit to access the notifications of these apps.

On the iPhone, the process is more complicated due to the limitations of iOS:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Notifications → Mi Fit.
• 🔄 Enable notifications and sounds.
• ⚠️ Notifications from third-party apps (such as Instagram) on Mi Band 3 with iPhone are not supported.

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On Android, the bracelet can show notifications from any app, on iOS, only calls, SMS and calendar. That's a limitation of Apple, not Xiaomi.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the right connection, users face problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔴 The bracelet does not turn on after charging the reason: the battery is discharged to zero or the power controller is damaged. Solution: hold on charging 3-4 hours (even if the indicator does not burn.
• 📱 Mi Fit doesn't see the bracelet Reason: conflict with another Bluetooth device or an outdated version of the app Solution: Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugated devices in the phone settings, update Mi Fit.
• ⚡ The bracelet discharges quickly Reason: Constant monitoring of heart rate or notifications from too many apps is enabled. Solution: Turn off unnecessary alerts in Profile → Notifications.
• 🔄 The reason is: weak Bluetooth signal or error in the cache of the application. Solution: restart the phone and bracelet, then manually start sync in Mi Fit.

If the bracelet vibrates for no reason or reboots itself, it may indicate:

• Battery damage (blown-up).
• Firmware conflict (if not updated via Mi Fit).
• Moisture falling under the body (even if the bracelet is waterproof, condensate can cause a circuit).

⚠️ Warning: If after a fall or impact, the bracelet stopped responding to the button, but vibrates when charging, do not try to disassemble it. In the Mi Band 3, the display is connected to the board with a thin plume - if it is not neatly opened, it is easy to damage it.

Firmware update: whether and how to do

Xiaomi Mi Band 3 firmware is updated automatically via Mi Fit, but sometimes users encounter errors.

• 🛡️ Corrects synchronization errors.
• 📊 Adds new features (e.g. support for additional languages).
• 🔋 Optimize battery consumption.

How to update firmware:

1. Connect the bracelet to charge and make sure the charge level is >50%.
2. Open Mi Fit and go to Device Profile → Firmware Update.
3. If a new version is available, click Update.
4. Do not disconnect the bracelet from charging and do not close the application until the process is completed (5-10 minutes).

Important: if you interrupt the process during the update (for example, close the application or turn off the bracelet), it can stop turning on, in which case only flashing through the Mi Band 3 Tools (requires root rights to Android) will help.

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

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions