Xiaomi Mi Band 4 launch: full instruction from unpacking to synchronization

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular gadgets for tracking activity even years after its release. AMOLED-The screen, sleep monitoring and smartphone notifications are all appealing to both beginners and experienced users, but the first launch of the device may raise questions about how to properly charge the bracelet, connect it to the phone and adjust the basic settings?

In this article, we will take the Mi Band 4 launch process in steps, from unpacking the box to personalizing the screen, focusing on common errors (for example, the bracelet does not turn on after charging or does not sync with the application), and give recommendations for optimizing the gadget. If you just bought the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 or pulled it out after a long downtime, this guide will help to avoid common problems.

1. Unpacking and inspection of equipment

Before you first turn on, make sure that the box with Xiaomi Mi Band 4 contains all the necessary elements.

  • πŸ“¦ Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet (with capsule installed)
  • πŸ”‹ Charging cable (specialized module with contacts)
  • πŸ“„ Short instructions in several languages (including Russian)
  • πŸ”„ Band (usually black, but may vary depending on version)

If you don't have any of these items, you should contact the seller, and you should pay attention to the integrity of the package, because if the box is opened or damaged, it may indicate that it's not original, and you should also check the serial number on the back of the capsule, which should match the number on the box.

If you have bought a used bracelet, be sure to ask the previous owner if the reset was performed before the factory settings, otherwise you will have to do it yourself (the instructions are given in one of the following sections).

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi fitness bracelet you already had?
Mi Band 3
Mi Band 4
Mi Band 5/6
Other
This is my first bracelet.

Charging the bracelet before first switching on

Xiaomi Mi Band 4 comes with a discharged battery, so before the first use it must be charged.

  1. Remove the bracelet capsule from the strap by pressing the button from the back.
  2. Connect the capsule to the charging cable: the contacts on the bracelet should fit tightly to the contacts on the charging.
  3. Connect the cable to the power source (USB-Computer port, smartphone charger or power bank).

The bracelet will display a charging indicator, a battery icon with an animation of filling. It takes about 1.5-2 hours to fully charge (depending on the power source), and it is not recommended to use chargers with an output current greater than 1A to avoid overheating the battery.

Charging cable fault (no damage to wires)|Purity of contacts on bracelet capsule |Reliable connection to power source |No moisture on contacts-->

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet is not responding to charging (the screen remains black), try to clean the contacts with an alcohol napkin or soft cloth. Also check if any contact on the charging cable is bent - this is a common reason for not charging.

Once 100% charge is reached, the bracelet can be turned off, but experts recommend that the first charge be brought to full battery capacity to calibrate the power controller, which will help to avoid inaccurate charging readings in the future.

3. Enabling and basic bracelet setting

After charging, the Mi Band 4 can be turned on.

  1. Put the capsule back in the strap (if you removed it for charging).
  2. Touch the touch button under the bracelet screen. If the screen is not responding, press the button for 3-5 seconds.
  3. The Mi logo will appear on the screen, after which the bracelet will go to the main menu.

By default, the bracelet will display the time, date and battery level, but for full use, you need to connect it to the smartphone through the official Mi Fitness app.

  • πŸ“± Receive notifications of calls and messages
  • πŸ“Š Tracking activity and sleep statistics
  • πŸ”„ Update the bracelet firmware
  • 🎨 Change the dials and screen settings

If you already have Zepp (for newer Mi Band models), it won’t work for Mi Band 4. Use only Mi Fitness, which is available for Android and iOS.

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet doesn’t turn on after charging, try resetting it to factory settings. To do this, press the touch button for 10-15 seconds until the vibration and the Mi logo appear.

4.Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness application

Mi Fitness is a central element of Xiaomi’s fitness bracelet ecosystem, download it from official stores:

  • πŸ€– Google Play for Android
  • 🍎 App Store for iOS

After installation, follow the following steps:

  1. Sign up or sign in to an existing Xiaomi account (you can use your email, phone number or Google/Facebook account).
  2. Click Add Device and select the Bracelet β†’ Mi Smart Band 4.
  3. Allow the application to access notifications, contacts, and geolocation (necessary for the functions to function properly).
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen to pair the bracelet over Bluetooth.

During synchronization, the bracelet can reboot, which is normal. Once successfully connected, the app will prompt you to update your firmware (if a new version is available). Always update your firmware as new versions fix bugs and add features (for example, support for additional dials).

Problem with synchronizationPossible causeDecision
The bracelet is not on the list of devicesBluetooth is disabled or the bracelet is dischargedTurn on Bluetooth on your phone and charge your bracelet to 50%+
Application β€œhangs” during the connection stageConflict with other Xiaomi devicesRemove other bracelets from the list of devices in Mi Fitness
The "failed to connect" errorAn outdated version of the appUpdate Mi Fitness to the latest version
The bracelet is connected but does not display notificationsNotification permissions are not givenCheck the notification settings in the phone system

5. Personalization of the bracelet: dials, notifications, functions

After successful synchronization, you can customize the Mi Band 4 to your needs. The main options are available in the Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 section of the Mi Fitness app:

  • πŸ•’ Dials: Select one of the pre-installed designs or download additional ones through Additional dials.Popular sources: Amazfit Watch Faces or Mi Band Master.
  • πŸ”” Notifications: Set up call display, SMS And messages from apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) you can choose the vibration or the sound signal.
  • πŸƒ Activity tracking: Enable automatic recognition of walking, running, swimming and other sports.
  • πŸŒ™ Sleep monitoring: Activate the Smart Alarm function that will wake you up in the light sleep phase.

Pay special attention to the lock screen settings. Mi Band 4 can include:

  • πŸ”’ Password: 4-digit PIN-Unlock code (useful if you are afraid of accidental pressing).
  • πŸ”„ Autoturn: The screen will automatically turn when lifting your hand.
  • πŸŒ“ Night mode: Turning off the screen light at a given time.

If you're swimming, remember to activate the pool mode in the bracelet settings, which will allow you to track the length of the swim, strokes and calories. However, remember that the Mi Band 4 has 5 ATM protection, which means waterproof up to 50 meters, but is not designed for hot baths or saunas.

How to reset the bracelet to factory settings?
If the bracelet has started to glittle or you want to sell it, reset: Open the Mi Fitness app and go to Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4. Select Untie the device. On the bracelet itself, press the touch button for 10 seconds until you feel the vibration. Once you reboot the bracelet will be ready for a new setup. Attention: Reset will delete all data from the bracelet, including activity statistics!

Typical errors and their solution

Even after setting up the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 correctly, let’s look at the most common problems and ways to fix them:

πŸ”‹ Bracelet discharges quickly

If the battery goes down in 1-2 days instead of the promised 14-20, check:

  • πŸ“Ά Synchronization frequency with the phone (in the application settings, reduce the interval to 1 time per hour).
  • πŸ”„ Number of active notifications (disable unnecessary applications).
  • 🌑️ Constant time display mode (if turned on, it consumes a lot of battery).

πŸ“΅ The bracelet is off the phone.

The problem is often related to:

  • πŸ“± Energy-saving phone settings (add Mi Fitness to exceptions).
  • πŸ”„ Bluetooth device conflict (disable other gadgets, such as headphones).
  • πŸ“² Outdated firmware bracelet (update through the application).

πŸ•’ Time-image

If the bracelet shows the wrong time, sync it manually:

  1. Open Mi Fitness and go to bracelet settings.
  2. Choose to sync the time.
  3. If the problem recurs, check the time zone on your phone.

⚠️ Note: If the bracelet has stopped responding to touch or the screen has become glitchy (artifacts, flicker), this may indicate damage to the plume inside the capsule. In this case, contact the service center - self-repair is usually impractical due to the fragility of the components.

7.Tips to extend the life of the bracelet

Xiaomi Mi Band 4, when handled carefully, will last 2-3 years or more. To maximize its life, follow these recommendations:

  • 🚿 Avoid contact with aggressive substances (shower gels, creams, hairspray) that can damage the strap and screen covering.
  • πŸ”₯ Do not leave the bracelet in direct sunlight (especially on the dashboard of the car.
  • πŸ”‹ Charge the bracelet at a temperature of 10-35Β°C. Charging in the cold or heat reduces battery life.
  • 🧼 Clean contacts and straps regularly with a soft cloth soaked in soapy solution. Use alcohol wipes (at least 70% alcohol) to disinfect).

If you are actively exercising, it is recommended to remove the bracelet during strength exercises (for example, pressing a barbell) to avoid mechanical damage to the screen.

Also, it is worth periodically (every 3-6 months) to update the firmware of the bracelet through the Mi Fitness app. New versions of the software optimize power consumption and add support for modern smartphones.

πŸ’‘

Regular cleaning of contacts and firmware updates are two key factors that extend the life of the Mi Band 4 by 30-50% longer than the standard term.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi Band 4

❓ Can you use Mi Band 4 without a smartphone?
Yes, but with limitations. The bracelet will show time, steps and pulse, but you can't: Get call/message notifications, sync activity data, update firmware, and you're required to use your smartphone properly.
❓ How to change the band to Mi Band 4?
The strap is attached to the capsule with a latch. To replace it: Find a small button on the back of the strap. Press it and pull the strap aside. Set the new strap up by snapping it to the characteristic click. The 18mm wide straps from third-party manufacturers are suitable.
❓ Why does the bracelet vibrate for no reason?
Accidental vibrations can be caused by: πŸ”” Notifications (check which apps have access). ⏰ Alarm or reminder of inactivity. πŸ’“ Exceeding your heart rate (if you have a high heart rate alert enabled) Turn off unnecessary alerts in the Mi Fitness app settings.
❓ Can I use Mi Band 4 with custom firmware?
Technically, yes, but it's risky: πŸ”„ Lead to loss of guarantee. πŸ’₯ Cause unstable work (hangs, errors). πŸ”‹ If you're going to do it, use proven tools like the Mi Band 4 Tools and backup the original firmware.
❓ How to Reset Step Statistics on Mi Band 4?
You can reset the step counter in two ways: Through the Mi Fitness app: go to Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Reset. On the bracelet: scroll through the menu to More β†’ Reset (not available in all firmware) Note that the reset will remove all the statistics for the day, including sleep and heart rate data.