The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular gadgets for monitoring activity even years after its release. However, many users face a problem: the device does not respond to presses, the screen remains black, and attempts to sync with the phone end in error. If your Mi Band 4 does not turn on, do not rush to carry it into the service, 90% of the time the problem is solved by yourself.
In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios, from the banal discharge of the battery to software failures that require resetting, you will learn how to start the bracelet for the first time, what to do if it “hangs” after an update, and how to restore performance after a long downtime, paying special attention to the hidden functions of the touchpad button, which are not written in the official instructions.
Important: the instructions are relevant for all versions of the Mi Band firmware 4 (including Chinese and global models, and NFC-If you have a different version of the bracelet (e.g. Mi Band). 5/6/7), Algorithms may differ.
1.Preparation for the first inclusion: what to check
Before you try to turn on the bracelet, make sure the basic conditions are met.Most often the Mi Band 4 does not respond to taps due to trivial reasons that users overlook.
First, check the charge level. Despite the claimed 20 days of battery life, the bracelet can run out in a few months of storage (especially if the battery was in a discharged state). Connect the device to the charging cable for 30 to 60 minutes - even if the indicator does not burn, the battery could run to zero.
- 🔋 Charger: Use the original magnetic connector cable. Cheap analogues may not provide enough current.
- 📱 Phone Compatibility: Mi Band 4 Works with Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+. Make sure your smartphone supports Bluetooth 4.2.
- 🔄 Phone reboot: Sometimes Bluetooth connection conflicts block synchronization.Reboot phone before connecting.
Second, check the bracelet for physical damage, and if you see cracks on the screen and the body is deformed, the problem may be a damaged plume or battery, in which case self-repair is not recommended, contact the service center.
2. Standard on: button and touch screen
If the bracelet is charged and has no visible damage, try to turn it on in the standard way. There is no physical power button in the Mi Band 4 - control is carried out through a touch button (touchpad) under the screen.
Incorporation algorithm:
- Connect the bracelet to the charger for 5-10 minutes (even if it seems charged).
- Touch the touch button below the screen and hold your finger for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- If the screen catches fire but goes out immediately, repeat the button holding again.
If the bracelet does not respond to the button holding, try an alternative method:
- 🔄 Connect the bracelet to charging and simultaneously hold the touch button for 20-30 seconds.
- 📵 Turn off Bluetooth on your phone, then try turning on the bracelet again.
- 🔋 Try another charger (e.g. from Mi Band 5 – connectors compatible).
Charging the bracelet for at least 30 minutes
Use of the original cable
Bluetooth Disconnection on the Phone
Attempting to hold the touch button 15+ seconds-->
If after these manipulations the bracelet has not turned on, go to the next section - you may need to reset the settings.
3. Forced reset for a "dead" bracelet
If the Mi Band 4 is not showing signs of life (it does not vibrate, does not burn the screen, is not detected by the phone), a hardware reset will help. This procedure will return the bracelet to the factory settings, but delete all data (steps, pulse, settings).
Resetting instructions:
- Connect the bracelet to the charger.
- Find a hidden reset button on the back of the case (a small hole next to the charging connector).
- Take a paper clip or toothpick and press the button for 10-15 seconds until the bracelet vibrates.
- Release the button and wait 1-2 minutes. The bracelet should reset and show the Mi logo.
If the reset button does not work:
- 🔧 Try pressing it from a different angle – sometimes the contact doesn’t work because of dust.
- 🔋 Make sure that the bracelet is charged at least 20% (the charging indicator should flash when connected to the bracelet). USB).
- 📱 Connect the bracelet to your phone via the Mi Fit app – sometimes the reset can be initiated programmatically.
What to do if the reset button does not work?
Attention, after the bracelet is reset, it will return to the factory settings.
- 📲 Sync it with your phone via Mi Fit.
- 🔄 Set up notifications, alarms and user profile.
- 🔒 Re-tether NFC-cards (if you have a version of the NFC).
4. Problems after firmware update
One of the common reasons for the Mi Band 4 to freeze is a failed firmware update. If the bracelet stopped turning on after installing a new version of the software, try the following steps:
First, check if the bracelet is in recovery mode.
- 🔄 On the screen, the Mi logo or running load strip is lit.
- 📵 The bracelet is not defined in Mi Fit, but vibrates when connected to charging.
- ⚡ The charging indicator flashes non-standard (for example, in red).
To get out of recovery mode:
- Connect the bracelet to the charger.
- Hold the touch button for 20 seconds until the screen goes out.
- Turn off charging and reconnect – the bracelet should boot in normal mode.
If the problem persists, try rolling back the firmware through the Mi Fit app:
- Open Mi Fit and go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Firmware Update.
- If an older version is available, select it and confirm the installation.
- Wait until the process is complete (don’t disconnect the bracelet from your phone!).
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If the bracelet is stuck in the upgrade phase, don't panic. Connect it to charging and leave it for 1-2 hours - sometimes the system will complete the process on its own after full charging.
Attention! Do not interrupt the firmware update if the progress bar is on the bracelet screen. This can cause the device to fail completely. If the process is delayed for more than 30 minutes, wait for the battery to discharge, then try again.
5. Diagnosis of malfunctions: when to contact the service
If none of these methods worked, it may be a hardware malfunction, and here is a list of symptoms for which it is recommended to contact the service center:
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Can I fix it myself? |
|---|---|---|
| Bracelet not charged (indicator not burning) | Damaged charging connector or plume | ❌ Requires brazing or replacement of the connector |
| The screen flashes, but the image is missing. | Detachment of the display plume | ❌ We need to open the hull. |
| The bracelet warms up when charging | Short circuit in the battery | ❌ Dangerous, not to use! |
| Vibration works, but the screen is not turned on | Display or graphics chip malfunction | ⚠️ You can try resetting, but the chances are low. |
| The bracelet is switched on but immediately switched off. | Failure of the battery (blown, loss of capacity) | ❌ Battery replacement required |
If you decide to contact the service, take into account the following nuances:
- 📄 Keep the purchase check - without it repair warranty is impossible.
- 🔧 In informal services, replacing a screen or battery may cost less, but you’ll lose your warranty.
- 🔋 If the bracelet is swollen (the body is deformed), do not use it - it is dangerous!
Warning: Reset the bracelet before you visit the service (Section 3), which helps to avoid unnecessary repairs in 30% of cases, and check if the warranty period has expired (typically 12 months from the date of purchase).
6. Alternative activation methods (for experienced users)
If standard methods don't work, you can try advanced ways to turn on the wristband, which require additional devices or knowledge, but sometimes help in desperate situations.
Method 1: Connecting via ADB (for Android)
If the bracelet is determined by the phone but not turned on, try sending a reboot command via ADB:
- Install Mi Fit and connect the bracelet to the phone.
- Turn on the Developer Mode on your phone and allow debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell am start -a android.bluetooth.adapter.action.REQUEST_DISCOVERABLE
- Then send the command to reboot the bracelet: adb shell am broadcast -a com.xiaomi.hm.health.ACTION_DEVICE_REBOOT
Method 2: Using a charger from Mi Band 5/6
Sometimes the bracelet doesn't respond to the original charge due to the oxidation of the contacts.
- 🔌 Connect the bracelet to the charger from the Mi Band 5 or 6 (connectors are compatible).
- 🧼 Gently wipe the contacts of the bracelet and charging with alcohol.
- 🔋 Leave on charging for 2-3 hours, even if the indicator does not burn.
Method 3: Warming up the bracelet (extreme method)
If the bracelet was stored in a cold or damp room, the condensate could damage the electronics.
- 🌡️ Place the bracelet in a sealed bag with silica gel for 12 hours.
- ☀️ Put it on a warm battery (not higher than 40)°C! by 1-2 hours.
- 🔋 After heating up, immediately connect to charging.
Warming up is a risky method that can make the problem worse. Don't use a hair dryer or microwave! If there's moisture inside the bracelet, you better contact the service.
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If the bracelet does not turn on after long storage, first try to charge it for 3-4 hours. Often the battery discharges to a level that standard charging does not work.