Why you need the right setup of Mi Band 4
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 problems already at the stage of the first turn on: the bracelet does not respond to touch, does not sync with the smartphone or discharge quickly, the reason most often lies in the wrong sequence of actions at launch.
This article will help you avoid common mistakes. We will analyze not only the basic steps (charging, installing the application, pairing), but also hidden settings that Xiaomi does not advertise in the official instructions – for example, how to reset the bracelet to factory settings, if it “hangs” after the update, or why Mi Band 4 It may not recognize the pulse when you first turn on. 13/14 iOS 16/17, where there are frequent problems with Bluetooth.
If you bought a used bracelet or it lay idle for a long time, at the end of the article there is a section on the “resuscitation” of a discharged battery - this will save the device from premature disposal.
Preparation for the first turn on: what to check before launch
Before you connect the Mi Band 4 to your phone, make sure all the preconditions are met.Never minding these steps leads to 70% of Xiaomi customer service calls.
- 🔋 Charging the bracelet: even if the indicator shows charge, connect the device to the charging cable for 30 to 60 minutes. New bracelets are often discharged to 10-20%, which is not enough to fully adjust the device.
- 📱 Smartphone compatibility: Check if your phone supports Bluetooth 4.2 LE (You can do this on Android, you can do it on the Settings menu. → The phone. → Information on the PO.
- 🌍 Mi Fit region: if you downloaded the app from a non-official store (for example, via the app). APK), Set Russia or Global in your profile settings. The Chinese version can block synchronization.
- 🔄 OS updates: on Android, update Google Play services, on iPhone - check the iOS version (minimum - 10.0, but 12.0 is recommended)+).
Special attention to the charging cable. Included with Mi Band 4 is a proprietary connector (not a single charger). USB-C!), And many users try to charge the bracelet through adapters, which leads to damage to the contacts. If the original cable is lost, buy a certified counterpart (article). MDY-08-EM).
⚠️ Note: Do not use chargers with an output current greater than 1A. Overloading may disable the bracelet power controller and it will stop turning on even after full charging.
Bracelet charging: how long it takes and how to check the status
The Mi Band Charging Process 4 It is different from newer models (e.g. Mi Band). 6/7). There is no fast charging and time depends on the degree of discharge:
| Charge level when connected | Full charge time. | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10% | 120-150 minutes | The indicator flashes red. There's a possibility of false positives on the touches of the screen. |
| 10–50% | 60-90 minutes | The indicator is yellow. You can start setting up, but the synchronization will be slow. |
| 50–80% | 30-40 minutes | The indicator is green. The optimal level for the first turn on. |
| 80–100% | 10-20 minutes | The indicator doesn't blink. You can turn it off, and the bracelet automatically goes into saving mode. |
To check the charge level without connecting to the phone, tap the touch button below the screen. If the bracelet is completely discharged, the screen will not turn on, but the charging indicator flashes red when connected to the cable.
If the Mi Band 4 doesn’t charge at all (the indicator doesn’t burn), try the following:
- Clean the contacts of the bracelet and charging cable with an alcohol napkin (oxidation is a common cause).
- Connect the cable to another USB-port or charger (exclude the problem of the power supply unit).
- Press and hold the touch button for 10-15 seconds, which is sometimes triggered by the power controller.
What if the bracelet does not turn on after charging?
Installation and configuration of the Mi Fit application: step-by-step instructions
The official Mi Band 4 app is Mi Fit (not to be confused with Zepp Life, which is designed for new models). download it from the App Store or Google Play, avoiding third-party sources. The app version should be at least 4.6.0 (check in Settings). → About the programme).
Registration and pairing algorithm:
☑️ Preparation for synchronization
- Open Mi Fit and click Profile → Add the device → Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 4.
- Allow the app to access contacts, notifications, and physical activity (without this, sleep and foot monitoring will not work).
- On the wristband, tap the touch button to unlock the screen. Wait for the 6-digit code to appear on the screen.
- Enter this code in the Mi Fit app (if the code doesn't appear, reboot the bracelet by holding the 10 seconds button).
- Confirm the pairing on the phone and wait until the synchronization is over (it can take up to 5 minutes).
If at the interface stage there is an error "Can not connect", follow the following steps:
- 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone (turn off/on in settings).
- 📵 Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugate devices in the Bluetooth settings of the phone.
- 🔋 Turn off the bracelet from charging (if it was connected) – sometimes this blocks the connection.
- 🌐 Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile internet (or vice versa) – network restrictions may be the problem.
⚠️ Note: iPhone after upgrading to iOS 17 may require manual Bluetooth resolution in privacy settings (Settings) → Confidentiality → Without it, the Mi Fit won't be able to detect the bracelet.
💡
If the bracelet is connected, but the data is not synchronized, try Mi Fit to go to Profile. → Mi Smart Band 4 → Turn off the device, then re-pair the pairing. This resets the connection cache.
Initial bracelet setting: what is necessary to set up immediately
After successful pairing of the Mi Band 4, a basic setup will be required, and many users skip this stage, and then wonder why the bracelet does not show notifications or discharges quickly.
1. Language and region
By default, the bracelet can display Chinese characters, to change the language:
- In Mi Fit go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Settings of the device → Language.
- Choose English or Russian (other languages may not work properly).
- Reset the bracelet (hold the button for 10 seconds).
Notifications
To make the bracelet vibrate when calling and texting:
- 📱 In Mi Fit: Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Notifications → Insert notifications.
- 🔕 Select apps that need alerts (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Calls).
- 🔄 On Android, additionally allow Mi Fit to access notifications in system settings.
3. Monitoring of heart rate and sleep
For accurate measurement of heart rate and sleep phases:
- ❤️ Turn on Continuous Heart rate Monitoring in bracelet settings (but this will reduce your work time to 5-7 days).
- 😴 Activate Smart Sleep Monitoring – The bracelet will automatically detect when you’re sleeping.
- ⚠️ Turn off the alarm clock if you do not use it – it saves charge.
Hidden setting: to prevent the bracelet from resetting steps after synchronization, in Mi Fit go to Profile → Settings → Reset data and disable the option Automatic reset after synchronization.
💡
If the bracelet discharges quickly after setting up (less than 3 days of operation), check if Power Saving Mode is enabled in the device settings. It turns off constant data synchronization, but extends the autonomy to 14-20 days.
Firmware Update: Why It Matters and How to Avoid Errors
The Mi Band 4 firmware affects the stability, sensor accuracy and compatibility with new smartphones. Xiaomi regularly releases updates, but they are not always installed automatically.
- In Mi Fit, go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Firmware Update.
- Compare your version with the latest available version (current version 1.0.9.54 or higher at 2026).
How to update the firmware without errors:
- 🔋 The charge of the bracelet should be at least 50% (at a low charge, the update will be interrupted).
- 📶 Connect your phone to Wi-Fi (mobile internet updates may interrupt).
- 🔄 Close all background apps on your smartphone (especially instant messengers and games).
- ⏳ Do not unplug the bracelet from your phone until the process is complete (it can take up to 20 minutes).
If the update was suspended during the Preparation for Update stage:
- Reset the bracelet (hold the button for 10 seconds).
- In Mi Fit, remove the device and add it again.
- Repeat the update attempt.
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet is disconnected or discharged during the firmware update, it may stop responding to charging. In this case, a forced reset will be required: connect the bracelet to charging, then quickly tap the touch button 5 times. After vibration, hold the button for 15 seconds – this will start firmware recovery.
What to do if the firmware is not installed?
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Even after setting up correctly, the Mi Band 4 may not work properly, and we have collected common bugs and fixes that are not described in the official documentation.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The bracelet does not vibrate when notified. | Notifications disabled in phone or Mi Fit settings | Check the permissions for Mi Fit in the settings Android/iOS and enable vibration in the bracelet menu (Settings) → Notifications → Vibration) |
| Unknown characters on the screen | Firmware failure or incorrect region | Reset the bracelet to factory settings (hold the 15 sec button) and select Russian in Mi Fit |
| The bracelet does not count steps or shows incorrect data | Incorrect sensor calibration or conflict with other fitness apps | In Mi Fit go to Profile → Settings → Data resetting → Reset the steps. Then walk 20 steps to calibrate. |
| Fast battery discharge (less than 2 days) | Continuous heart rate monitoring or outdated firmware enabled | Turn off Continuous Heart rate Monitoring in bracelet settings and update firmware |
| The bracelet is not synchronized with the phone. | Bluetooth conflict or connection cache | Remove the bracelet from the list of Bluetooth devices on your phone, then repeat pairing in Mi Fit |
Heart rate sensor problem: If the Mi Band 4 doesn’t measure heart rate or shows unrealistic values (e.g., 220 beats per minute), follow these steps:
- Clean the lower part of the bracelet (the sensor should fit tightly to the skin).
- In Mi Fit go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Settings of the device → Data resetting → Reset your heart rate data.
- Remove the bracelet, restart it (hold the 10 sec button), then re-wear and measure your resting pulse.
If the bracelet does not respond to touch, it may be caused by:
- 💧 Getting moisture under the screen (try the bracelet in rice for 12-24 hours).
- 🔋 Battery discharged (even if the indicator is green, charge for 30 minutes).
- 🛠️ Touchpad damage (check if the bracelet is responsive to strong pressing – if so, repairs are required).
Resetting to factory settings: when it is necessary and how to do it
If all the troubleshooting methods didn't work, you'll have to reset the Mi Band 4 completely, which will delete all the data from the bracelet, including notification settings and activity history, but often solve software errors. There are two ways to reset:
Method 1: through the bracelet menu
- On the bracelet, scroll down to the Settings point (icon) ⚙️).
- Select Additional → Reset (or Reset in English version).
- Confirm the action by touching the tick.
- Wait for the reboot (the bracelet vibrates and shows the Mi logo).
Method 2: Forced reset (if the bracelet does not respond)
If the screen is not working or the bracelet is hanging on the logo:
- Connect the bracelet to the charger.
- Touch the touch button 5 times in a row at intervals of 1 second.
- After vibration, hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
After resetting, the bracelet will return to factory settings, and it will have to be re-synchronized with the Mi Fit. If the reset did not help, the problem may be in the hardware (for example, damaged battery or controller).
⚠️ Note: Chinese firmware may return to bracelets purchased in China after reset. To avoid this, update the firmware to the latest global version in Mi Fit before reset.