The Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets have become an integral part of the daily lives of millions of users, tracking activity, monitoring sleep and even allowing you to manage smartphone notifications. However, sometimes it is necessary to lock the device β to prevent accidental tapping during sleep, sports or protect personal data from outsiders. 3/4/5/6/7/8, including hardware and software methods, and provide security recommendations.
It is important to understand that the term βlockingβ can mean different actions: from simple protection of the screen from accidental touches to complete restriction of access to the device through the use of a device. PIN-We will look at all the options, including hidden features that many users do not even know about, and you will learn how to unlock the bracelet if you have forgotten your password, and what precautions will help you avoid problems in the future.
1.Why to block Xiaomi fitness bracelet: the main reasons
At first glance, it may seem like blocking a smart bracelet is a redundant measure, but there are several good reasons why it is worth doing this:
- π‘οΈ Protection against accidental pressing β while sleeping, exercising or wearing under clothing, the bracelet screen may be activated, leading to false data (for example, fixing βstepsβ when shaking your hand) or battery discharge.
- πΆ Safety for children β if the bracelet is worn by a child, locking will prevent changing settings, deleting data or accidental purchases through Mi Pay (on supported models).
- π Data privacy β the bracelet can store notifications from messengers, health data (pulse, pressure) or location information (in models with a high-pressure system). GPS). Blocking will protect this data in case of loss of the device.
- π° Preventing Unauthorized Payments on Mi Band 6/7/8 Mi Pay allows you to link a bank card, and without locking, fraudsters can make a payment by simply picking up a card. PIN-code.
And you can also use locks in public places where you're more likely to be stolen or lost, like if you're in the gym and you've left the device in the locker room, PIN-The code will be an additional barrier for intruders, and the lock is also useful when selling or transferring the bracelet to another person, it will allow you to reset all settings without risking personal data leakage.
2. Ways to lock the screen on the Mi Band: from simple to complex
Depending on the bracelet model and firmware version, there are different locking methods available, and we'll look at them by their reliability, from basic to most secure.
2.1. Screen locking with gesture (for Mi Band) 5/6/7/8)
The easiest way is to use a palm-cover gesture, which is available on models starting with the Mi Band 5, and allows you to temporarily turn off the touch screen to avoid accidental touch.
- Go to the bracelet menu by swiping your finger up the screen.
- Select the Settings item β Screen. β Screen locking.
- Enable the option of gesture blocking.
- Now, to lock the screen, just cover it with your palm on 2-3 The unlocking is done with a double touch.
This method is useful for sports training or sleep, but does not protect against targeted access to data, for example, if the bracelet is lost, anyone can unlock it with a double tap.
2.2. PIN-Unlock code (Mi Band 4 and newer)
A more reliable way - installation PIN-It's required every time you turn on the bracelet or when you take it off your hand (on some models:
βοΈ Setting up PIN-Mi Band code
Important: on the Mi Band 4 PIN-The code is requested only when it is first turned on after reset. 5/6/7/8 It can be turned on at any time through the app, and some models also support unlocking via a smartphone, the bracelet automatically unlocks when you bring it to a phone with Bluetooth on.
β οΈ Attention: If you forget PIN-code, the only way to unlock the bracelet is to reset it to factory settings, which will delete all data from the device, including activity history!
Linking to Xiaomi account (the most reliable method)
Maximum protection is provided by binding the bracelet to the Xiaomi account, in which case, even after resetting the device will be locked before entering the username and password from the account, to activate:
- Open the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit).
- Go to the bracelet profile and select an Account β Link the account.
- Enter your Xiaomi account details (if not registered, create one).
- Confirm the link via SMS or email.
After that, the bracelet will be tied to your account and even after resetting it will not be used without authorization, which is recommended if you store sensitive data on the bracelet (for example, medical indicators) or use Mi Pay.
| Method of blocking | Supported models | Level of protection | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gesture locking | Mi Band 5/6/7/8 | Low. | Does not protect against targeted access |
| PIN-code | Mi Band 4/5/6/7/8 | Medium. | You can find a code if the bracelet is lost. |
| Linking to Xiaomi account | All the firmware models >1.0.5 | High-pitched | Requires Internet to Unblock After Reset |
| Do Not Disturb mode | All models. | Very low. | Only disable notifications, do not block the screen |
3. How to unlock Xiaomi bracelet if you forgot PIN-code
Forgotten PIN-Code is one of the most common problems among Mi Band owners, and fortunately, there are several ways to get back to the device, but all of them involve data loss.
3.1 Reset via Mi Fitness app
If the bracelet is tied to your Xiaomi account, you can reset directly from the app:
- Open Mi Fitness and go to the profile of the bracelet.
- Select Settings β Untie the device.
- Confirm the action - the bracelet will be reset to factory settings.
- After resetting, reconnect the bracelet and set it up as a new device.
This method only works if the bracelet is connected to the phone via Bluetooth, and if the device is discharged or not synchronized, you will have to use a hardware reset.
Hardware reset (Hard Reset)
For a phone-free reset:
- Charge the bracelet to at least 50%.
- Disconnect it from the charger.
- Press and hold the touch button (on the Mi Band) 3/4) or touching the screen (on the Mi Band) 5/6/7/8) during 10-15 A few seconds before the Mi logo appears.
- After the reboot, the bracelet will be unlocked, but all data will be deleted.
β οΈ Attention: On Mi Band models 6/7/8 With reference to the account after the hardware reset, you will need to enter the username and password from Xiaomi. If you do not remember the account data, restore them through the official website account.xiaomi.com.
What to do if the bracelet is not reset?
4. Additional security measures for fitness bracelet
Apart from locking the screen, there are several ways to improve the safety of using the Mi Band:
- π Turn off sensitive notifications β you can select which notifications to show on the screen in the bracelet settings. Turn off message display from banking apps, personal messaging apps or email.
- π Limit access to geolocation β if your model supports GPS (For example, Mi Band 7 Pro, disable permanent location tracking in the app settings.
- π³ Set limits for Mi Pay β if you use contactless payments, set a limit on one transaction and enable a request PIN-code.
- π Update your firmware regularly - the manufacturer periodically releases security patches that close vulnerabilities. β Bracelet profile β Firmware update.
Also worth paying attention to the physical safety of the device. For example, if you are engaged in extreme sports, use special cases or straps with a lock to prevent the bracelet from getting lost. For additional protection, you can turn on the device search function in the application, which will help you find the bracelet using Bluetooth signal, if it is in range.
π‘
If you lose the bracelet often, stick a phone label on it for communication, which will increase the chances of the device returning in case of loss.
5 Frequent block errors and how to avoid them
Many users experience problems when trying to block or unlock the Mi Band, and consider the most common errors and ways to solve them:
The bracelet does not respond to the locking gesture
If the gesture lock function does not work:
- Make sure the option is enabled in the bracelet settings (Settings) β Screen. β Gesture locking).
- Check the screen cleanliness β dirt or sweat can interfere with gesture recognition.
- Update the bracelet to the latest version.
- On the Mi Band models 5/6 Sometimes it helps to reconnect the bracelet to the phone.
5.2. PIN-The code is not accepted after several attempts
If the bracelet has stopped taking PIN-code:
- Make sure you enter the code slowly and clearly β the touch screen may not recognize quick touches.
- Try rebooting the bracelet (hold the 10 seconds button).
- If the code is correct but not suitable, reset via the Mi Fitness app.
On Mi Band 7 and newer models after 5 failed entry attempts PIN-The bracelet is automatically locked for 5 minutes, in which case you just have to wait or drop the device.
5.3.The bracelet requires a Xiaomi account after a reset, but it is not
If you have purchased a used bracelet and it requires the data of your previous account:
- Contact the seller and ask them to untie the device via Mi Fitness.
- If you cannot contact us, contact Xiaomi with a purchase check (if any).
- On some models, firmware through Mi Band Tools helps (unofficial software, use at your own risk).
β οΈ Warning: When buying a wristband, always check if it is untied from your previous account, otherwise you will get a βbrickβ that cannot be used without the data of the previous owner.
6. Alternative ways to protect the fitness bracelet
If standard blocking methods do not suit you, you can use additional solutions:
Use of third-party applications
Apps like Mi Band Tools (available for Android) allow you to expand the functionality of the bracelet, including:
- Installation of user-generated PIN-codes (even on models where this is not officially provided).
- Blocking individual functions (e.g., disabling) NFC payment).
- Set up automatic locking on a schedule (for example, during sleep).
However, remember that unofficial software can contain vulnerabilities or disrupt the wristband, and use it only if you understand the risks.
Physical locking (locked cases)
For additional protection, you can use:
- π Locked straps β prevent the bracelet from being removed without a key.
- π‘οΈ Cover covers β close the screen from accidental pressing.
- π Cases with PIN-lock β some accessories manufacturers offer covers that block access to the bracelet without entering the code.
These solutions are especially relevant for children or people involved in extreme sports, where the risk of losing the device is high.
Set up bracelet removal notifications
In the Mi Fitness app, you can turn on an alert if the bracelet has been removed from your hand:
- Open the Bracelet Profile β Settings β Notifications.
- Activate the option of Withdrawal Notice.
- Now, when you remove the bracelet, a notification will come to the phone.
This will help you respond quickly to the loss or theft of your device.
π‘
The most reliable way of protection is a combination PIN-code, binding to a Xiaomi account and physical locking (e.g., a lock strap).