How to connect Xiaomi Mi Band 4 to a smartphone: instructions with pictures and tips

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular gadgets for monitoring activity despite the release of new models. Its simplicity, reliability and affordable price attract users, but the process of first connection is often questionable, especially if you have not previously worked with Xiaomi devices or faced synchronization errors.

In this article, we will not only examine the basic pairing of the bracelet with the Android and iOS phone, but also the nuances that the manufacturer does not say, for example, why the Mi Band 4 may not be defined in the application, how to reset the settings to the factory if the connection is suspended, and which versions of the firmware ensure stable operation, and you will learn how to set up notifications, pedometer and pulsemeter for maximum accuracy.

If you have just unpacked the bracelet or are trying to reconnect it after resetting – this guide will help you avoid typical mistakes and save time.

1.What you need to connect Mi Band 4: Preparation

Before you start pairing, make sure you have everything you need. Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is compatible with most modern smartphones, but there are important nuances:

  • πŸ“± Smartphone on Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+ (iPhone will require Bluetooth 4.0)
  • πŸ”‹ Charged bracelet (minimum 20% battery, otherwise the connection may be interrupted)
  • πŸ“² Official Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) or Zepp Life app (for new firmware)
  • πŸ”„ Stable Internet connection (to download the bracelet firmware on the first connection)

Important: If you use an iPhone, enable notification permission for the Mi Fitness app in your phone settings (Settings) β†’ Notifications β†’ Without it, the bracelet won't vibrate when you call or text.

πŸ’‘

If you have Huawei or Honor on EMUI, turn off the power saving for the Mi Fitness app in the battery settings before connecting.

Also check if the phone is on charge saving or air mode β€” they block Bluetooth and the bracelet will not show up. On Android, you can do this through the notification curtain, on iOS, at Control Point.

2. Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness application

The official Mi Band 4 management app is Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit), which can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play. It is important to use only official sources to avoid viruses or unstable modified versions.

After installation:

  1. Open the app and select β€œRegister” (you can use Google, Facebook or phone number).
  2. Sign in to your Xiaomi account (if not, create one). This is a must for data synchronization.
  3. Click Add Device and select Bracelet β†’ Mi Smart Band 4.
  4. Allow the app to access notifications, geolocation, and contacts (necessary for proper operation).

If the app doesn’t find the bracelet, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn off/on).
  • πŸ“± Remove the Mi Fitness app cache (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Mi Fitness β†’ Memory. β†’ Clear the cache).
  • πŸ”‹ Reboot the bracelet itself (press the touch button for 10 seconds until vibration appears).
πŸ“Š What OS is using your smartphone?
Android
iOS
Another.

Step-by-step: how to connect Mi Band 4 to the phone

When the app is installed and the bracelet is charged, we start pairing. Follow the instructions carefully - skipping steps can lead to errors.

Turn on Bluetooth on your phone

Launch the Mi Fitness app

Click "Add deviceΒ» β†’ Β«Mi Smart Band 4Β»

Bring the bracelet to the phone at a distance of < 10 cm

Confirm the pairing in the app and on the bracelet (touch its screen)-->

If the bracelet does not respond to touch during connection:

  1. Check if the screen is blocked by the protective film (especially if it is factory).
  2. Wipe the bracelet screen with a dry wipe – sometimes fat or moisture interferes with the sensor.
  3. Connect the bracelet to charging for 5 minutes, then try again.

Once paired successfully, the app will suggest updating the bracelet firmware. Don't interrupt the upgrade process, which can lead to the device "bricking" (the bracelet will stop turning on), the average refresh time is 5-10 minutes.

What to do if the firmware update is suspended?
If the upgrade progress is unchanged for more than 20 minutes: 1. Don't take the bracelet out of charging. 2. Restart the Mi Fitness app. 3. If it doesn't work, wait until the battery dies (it shuts down), then charge and repeat the upgrade. 90% of the time, this solves the problem without losing functionality.

4. Set up notifications, alarm clocks and other functions

After connecting the Mi Band 4, you need to customize it to your needs.

FunctionHow to set upNotes
Call notifications/SMSProfile β†’ Notifications β†’ IncludeiPhone requires permission in system settings
Alarm clockProfile β†’ Alarm clocks β†’ AddYou can set up to 10 alarm clocks with vibration
Sleep monitoringProfile β†’ Sleep β†’ Auto-trackingFor accuracy, wear a bracelet on an unworking hand.
Pulse measurementProfile β†’ Heartbeat β†’ AutomaticallyMeasurement frequency affects battery life

For accurate tracking of steps and calorie expenditure:

  • πŸ‘Ÿ Include in the app your height, weight and gender.
  • πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈ Choose the dominant hand (the one you wear the bracelet on).
  • πŸ“Š Enable β€œAuto-Detection of Activity” in Pedometer Settings.

⚠️ Note: If notifications don’t come after you set up, check if third-party software (such as Clean Master or Battery Saver) blocks them. On Android, also open the Mi Fitness app settings and turn off battery optimization.

5. Problem Solving: Mi Band 4 doesn't connect or shut down

Even after you set it up properly, you can have failures, and let's look at the typical problems and the ways you can solve them.

  • πŸ”΄ Bracelet not in the app: Reboot phone and bracelet. Remove the bracelet from the device list in the phone's Bluetooth settings and re-pair. Try connecting from another phone - if it doesn't work, the problem is in the bracelet (possibly damaged Bluetooth module).
  • πŸ”„ Permanent connection breaks: Turn off Adaptive Battery Savings for Mi Fitness in Android settings. On iOS, check if Low Power Mode is enabled. Update your bracelet firmware and app to the latest version.
  • ⚑ Bracelet discharges quickly: Turn off "Continuous Heart Rate Monitoring" (enough measurements every 30 minutes). Reduce the brightness of the bracelet screen. Turn off notifications from unnecessary apps.

If the bracelet has stopped responding to touch or is not activated:

  1. Connect it to charging for 30 minutes (even if the indicator is not on).
  2. If it doesn’t work, reset to factory settings: press the touch button for 15-20 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. After resetting, reconnect the bracelet as when you first use it.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting removes all data from the bracelet (steps, sleep, alarm clocks) If you have synced with Mi Fitness, the information will be saved in the cloud.

How to connect Mi Band 4 to another phone

If you've changed your smartphone or want to use a multi-device bracelet, you'll need to untie it from your old phone first.

  1. Open Mi Fitness on your old phone.
  2. Go to Profile. β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Disable the device.
  3. Confirm the blackout.

If you don’t have an old phone at hand:

  • Reset the bracelet (press the button for 15 seconds).
  • Connect it to your new phone as a new device.

One bracelet can only register one Xiaomi account, and if you try to connect from another account, the previous one will be automatically untied.

πŸ’‘

Mi Band 4 does not support simultaneous connection to multiple phones. When changing the device, be sure to untie the bracelet through the application or reset.

7. Advanced settings: firmware, dials and informal chips

For experienced users, the Mi Band 4 offers additional features:

  • πŸ”— Integration with Google Fit or Apple Health: In Mi Fitness settings, enable data export. iOS requires the Health Sync app.

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial firmware and dials can cause the bracelet to work unstable or lose warranty.Before installing, back up your data via Mi Fitness.

If you want to unlock hidden features (such as weather display or music management), install the Tools & Mi Band app from Google Play.

  • Set up vibrations for different types of notifications.
  • Turn on "Do Not Disturb" on the schedule.
  • Export data to Excel for analysis.

Frequent Questions About Mi Band 4

Can I connect Mi Band 4 without the Mi Fitness app?
Technically, but with limitations, the bracelet will work as a simple pedometer without data synchronization, and the app is required for full use (notifications, sleep monitoring, pulsemeter).
Why does Mi Band 4 not vibrate when calling?
Check: Notification permission for Mi Fitness in your phone settings, Do Not Disturb mode on the bracelet, or vibrations in your contact settings (on Android) turned off.
How to Reset Mi Band 4 if It Does Not Respond to Touch
Connect the bracelet to charge and press the touch button for 20-30 seconds until you feel the vibration. After rebooting, try reconnecting. If the screen remains black, there is a problem with the battery or board (repair required).
How long does the Mi Band 4 charge last?
With standard settings (notifications, sleep monitoring, pulse measurement every 30 minutes) - 10-14 days, with active use (continuous pulsemeter, frequent notifications) - up to 5-7 days.
Can I swim with the Mi Band 4?
Yes, the bracelet has 5 ATM protection, which allows you to swim in the pool or in the rain, but it is not recommended: Dive to a depth of more than 50 meters. Use in hot water (sauna, bath) - this can damage the leakage. Press the button of the bracelet under water.