How to turn off swimming mode on Xiaomi Mi Band 4: all ways

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet automatically activates swimming mode when in contact with water, but sometimes this mechanism works falsely - during showering, washing hands or even when the air is high. Constant notifications about the start of swimming are annoying, and the wrong counting of activity distorts the statistics in the Mi Fit application. In this article, we will analyze all the working ways to turn off swimming mode, including hidden settings and workarounds for different versions of the firmware.

It's important to understand that the manufacturer didn't have a direct "switch off" button in the bracelet interface, but the combination of in-app settings, data resets, and even physical manipulation of the device solves the problem. We tested each method on firmware bracelets 1.0.9.28-1.0.9.56 and identified the most reliable options. If the standard methods didn't work, at the end of the article you will find alternative solutions for power users.

Why does Mi Band 4 include a swimming mode?

The bracelet determines the beginning of swimming according to three main features:

  • 🌊 Humidity sensor: activates when water enters the body (threshold - 3)+ droplet).
  • πŸ”„ Arm movements: The algorithm analyzes cyclical movements similar to strokes (frequency 0.8–1.2 sec).
  • πŸ“Ά Loss of communication with your phone: if Bluetooth is turned off at 10+ Seconds, the bracelet suggests you're in the pool.

False positives are most often caused by:

  • 🚿 Washing dishes or showering (humidity sensor) + motion).
  • πŸ’¦ Sweating in hot weather (condensation inside the strap mimics water).
  • πŸŠβ€β™‚οΈ Intense waving training (such as boxing or tennis).
  • πŸ“΅ Bluetooth problems (if the phone often loses communication).

In firmware older than 1.0.9.40, the activation delay is added β€” now the bracelet waits 15 seconds before turning on the swim. But this does not solve the problem completely. The only radical way is to turn off the sensors or reset the settings, but it will affect other functions (for example, sleep tracking).

πŸ“Š How often do you have a false swimming mode?
Every day.
1-2 times a week
Rarely, but it happens.
Never worked.

Method 1: Disable swimming mode through the Mi Fit application

The official method that works on most bracelets is that you'll need:

  • πŸ“± Smartphone with Mi Fit installed (version 4.6.0 and higher).
  • πŸ”‹ Bracelet charge of at least 20%.
  • πŸ“Ά Stable Bluetooth connection.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the Mi Fit app and connect to the bracelet.
  2. Go to the Profile section β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Settings of the device.
  3. Select Notification Management (on some versions – Screen Settings).
  4. Scroll down and find the option Swimming Mode (or Water Sports).
  5. Move the slider to the off position.
  6. Confirm the changes and wait for the synchronization (Icon) βš™οΈ the top of the screen should disappear).

If the item is not in the menu, it means:

  • πŸ”„ Your Mi Fit version is outdated – update it via Google Play or App Store.
  • 🌐 Xiaomi’s account region does not support this feature (try changing country in your profile).
  • πŸ“± You have a modified bracelet firmware (such as Amazfit or custom bracelet).

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for the shutdown

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Reset bracelet settings to factory

If the swimming mode is not turned off through the app, a complete reset will help.This will remove all data from the bracelet, including sleep statistics, steps and alarms - back up to Mi Fit in advance!

Resetting instructions:

  1. On the bracelet, go to the menu Additional β†’ Settings β†’ Reset (icon with wrench wrench).
  2. Confirm the action by pressing the bracelet screen and holding for 3 seconds.
  3. After the reboot (Mi Band 4 vibrates and shows the logo) plug it back into Mi Fit.
  4. When you first set up, skip the step with the choice of sports - this will reduce the likelihood of automatically turning on swimming.

After discharge:

  • βœ… Swimming mode will be deactivated by default.
  • ⚠️ But the humidity sensors will remain active - if water hits, the bracelet can turn on the mode again.
  • πŸ”§ To completely block swimming, combine this method with disabling sensors.

⚠️ Warning: Once reset, the bracelet may require re-association with your Xiaomi account.If you have two-factor authentication enabled, prepare backup codes in advance - sometimes SMS come late.

Method 3: Physical locking of sensors (for power users)

If the software doesn't work, you can mechanically block the sensors, which doesn't require firmware, but it breaks the tightness of the bracelet -- use it as a last resort.

You'll need:

  • πŸ”§ Plastic card or mediator for disassembly of the case.
  • 🧴 Silicone lubricant (for example, for bicycle chains).
  • πŸ“¦ Scotch or tape (opaque).

Step-by-step:

  1. Carefully tuck the latches on the back of the bracelet with a plastic card. Start at the corner next to the button.
  2. Remove the cover and find the humidity sensor – this is a small circular module with a grid (usually next to the charging connector).
  3. Stick a piece of tape onto the sensor, leaving a small hole for ventilation. Alternatively, apply a drop of silicone lubricant so that water does not penetrate.
  4. Reassemble the bracelet back, making sure the O-ring is not damaged.

Effect:

  • βœ… The bracelet will no longer respond to water.
  • ❌ It will not be waterproof (even if you are not able to swim intentionally).
  • ⚠️ Xiaomi warranty is canceled when disassembling the case.
What happens if you completely seal the sensor?
The bracelet will no longer recognize any water activity, but this can cause the module to overheat and fail through the water. 3-6 We recommend leaving a microscopic hole for air exchange.

Method 4: Use of third-party firmware (castom)

For advanced users, there is an alternative, a firmware from the community, where swimming mode can be permanently disabled.

FirmwareSupport for Mi Band 4Swimming shutdownRisks.
Amazfit ModYes (full)Through the settings menuLoss of official updates
Mi Band 4 Custom Firmware (from the MCX)Yes (beta versions)Complete removal of the swimming modulePossible synchronization bugs
Notify & FitnessPartialBlocking of navigation notificationsRequires root on the phone

Instructions for firmware Amazfit Mod:

  1. Download the archive with firmware from the official AmazfitWatchFaces website.
  2. Unpack the files and install APK AmazfitMod.apk phone-on.
  3. Connect the bracelet through this app (not Mi Fit!).
  4. Go to Settings. β†’ Modules. β†’ Swimming and deactivate the option.

⚠️ Attention: Castom firmware may conflict with official updates. If the bracelet stops syncing after installation, roll back via Mi Fit (Device Recovery section).

Method 5: Deception of the system – imitation of other activity

If the bracelet is constantly switching on because of its movements, you can outsmart its algorithm by making it recognize other activity.

  • πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈ Run Running or Bicycle mode manually before washing your hands, and the bracelet will ignore the water, as priority is given to the chosen sport.
  • πŸ’ͺ Turn on Power Training - in this mode, the humidity sensors are turned off automatically.
  • πŸ›Œ Activate the mode Do not disturb (DND) In this state, the bracelet does not track activity.

How it works:

  1. On the bracelet, swipe up the screen to open the activity menu.
  2. Choose any sport except swimming.
  3. Click on the screen to start training.
  4. Do your business (wash dishes, take a shower) – the bracelet will record the selected activity.
  5. After completion, click on the screen and select Complete.

Cons of the method:

  • ❌ Distorted training statistics (for example, taking steps while washing dishes).
  • ⏳ Requires manual control before every β€œproblem” situation.

πŸ’‘

Create a shortcut to quickly start Power Training mode on the main screen of the bracelet. To do this, go to Settings in Mi Fit β†’ Labels and add the desired activity to the favorites.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after you turn off the swimming mode, you're going to have problems, and we're going to look at the typical situations.

Problem 1: The bracelet turns on swimming again after the firmware update.

Solution: Updates reset some settings.

  1. Go to Mi Fit and re-activate the swimming mode.
  2. If the option is not available, reset the bracelet (see Method 2).

Issue 2: The annex does not contain the paragraph β€œSwimming mode”.

Solution: Check:

  • πŸ“± Mi Fit Version (Update to the Last).
  • 🌍 Account region (in some countries the option is hidden – try changing to Russia or China).
  • πŸ”§ Bracelet firmware (on versions below 1.0.9.28, the option may not be available).

Problem 3: The bracelet vibrates and shows a swim notification, but this is not displayed in the statistics.

Solution: It's a synchronization bug. Try:

  1. Reset the bracelet (hold the button for 10 seconds).
  2. In Mi Fit, click Sync Data manually.
  3. Remove the bracelet from the application and connect again.

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet continues to falsely fire after all the manipulations, check it for moisture inside the case. To do this, place the device in a bag with silica gel for 12 hours - this will help to dry the sensors.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you turn off swimming permanently without affecting other functions?
No, you can't turn off the whole thing without consequences. You can also use the humidity sensor to: Track sweating during exercise, detect hand washing (Smart Hygiene), monitor the tightness of the body, if you block the sensor, these functions will also stop working.
Why does the bracelet turn on swimming again after resetting?
When you first connect, Mi Fit automatically activates all basic functions, including water sports. To avoid this: When setting up, skip the step with the choice of activities. Immediately after synchronization, turn off the swimming mode manually.
The bracelet includes swimming while showering, but not in the pool.
The problem is the sensitivity of the sensor. Try: Put a thin layer of Vaseline on the sensor area (this will reduce its response to splashes); Use a swimming case to reduce the contact of water with the body; turn on the Do Not Disturb before the shower.
Can I send the bracelet back to the official firmware after the custom?
Yes, but there are nuances: Download the original firmware for your Mi Band 4 version from MiuiRom. Use the Mi Band 4 Tool utility for recovery. ⚠️ Risk: In case of incorrect recovery, the bracelet may stop turning on ("brickle up").
How to check if the swimming mode is turned off?
Check the bracelet in three situations: Put your hand in water for 20 seconds, there should be no vibration. Simulate strokes in the air, there should be no swimming icons on the screen. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone for 1 minute, the bracelet should not activate mode.