Xiaomi Mi Band 5 launch instructions: from unpacking to first steps

The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular activity-tracking gadgets, despite the release of new models, its simplicity, long battery life and rich functionality (sleep monitoring, pulse, 11 sports modes) make the device relevant even in 2026. However, beginners often have questions about how to properly turn on the bracelet, connect it to a smartphone and adjust basic parameters.

In this article, we will look at the step-by-step process of launching, from unpacking the box to first syncing with the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit), focusing on common bugs (such as why the bracelet is not determined by the phone) and nuances for iPhone and Android users. If you just purchased the Mi Band 5 or pulled it out after a long downtime, this guide will help avoid common problems.

1. Unpacking and external inspection of the bracelet

Before the first switch on, carefully examine the contents of the box. As standard, the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 (XMSH10HM model) must be:

• 📦 The fitness bracelet itself in sealed packaging
• 🔋 Charging cable with a magnetic connector (like pogo-pin)
• 📄 Short instructions in several languages (including Russian)
• 🔄 A sleeve (if purchased in the package)

Pay attention to the integrity of the package: if the box is opened or scratches are visible on the bracelet, this may indicate a fake.The original Mi Band 5 has:

• 🔍 Mi logo on the body and strap
• 📏 Size of the hull: 47.2 × 18.5 × 12.45 mm
• 🎨 AMOLED-touch-controlled screen (resolution) 126×294 pixel)

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet does not have a protective film on the screen or the magnetic charging connector is not attracted to the body, you probably have been sold a replica.

Charging the bracelet before first switching on

Although the Mi Band 5 comes with a partial charge (around 20-30%), the manufacturer recommends fully charging the device before first use, which is due to calibrating the battery (capacity 125 mAh) and checking its performance.

For charging:

1. Connect the magnetic cable to the bracelet - the connector should "stick" to the contacts on the back side of the case.
2. Connect. USB-cable-connector (5V/1A) port.
3. The bracelet will display a charge indicator (battery animation) and the full cycle takes up a full cycle. ~1.5 hours to 2 hours.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use adapters with an output current greater than 1A to charge, which can shorten battery life.°C or higher than 40°C.

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If the bracelet does not respond to charging, try to clean the contacts on the case and cable with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, often the problem lies in the oxidation of metal sites.

3. First Including and Choosing Language

After charging, press and hold the touch button under the bracelet screen (about 3-5 seconds) until the Mi logo appears. This signals the beginning of the initialization process.

1. The screen will display a welcome message in Chinese. Tap the screen to continue.
2. Select the interface language. To do this, scroll up/down with a swipe and find Russian (or English if Russian is not in the firmware).
3. Confirm the choice by pressing the touch button.

If there is no Russian language on the list, this may mean:

• 📦 You have a global version of the bracelet (designation) XMSH10HM) — Update the firmware through the app.
• 🇨🇳 You have the Chinese version (designation) XMSH08HM) — You will need a handmade firmware in English.

4.Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness application

To fully work Mi Band 5, you need the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit), which is available for Android (version 5.0 and higher) and iOS (version 10.0 and higher).

• 📱 Google Play for Android
• 🍎 App Store for iPhone

After installation:

1. Launch the app and sign up (or sign in via your Xiaomi, Google, Facebook account).
2. Click Add Device → Select Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 5.
3. Allow the application to access notifications, geolocation, and contacts (necessary for data synchronization).

For iPhone users, it is important:

• 🔗 In iOS settings, enable Bluetooth and Background update apps for Mi Fitness.
• 📵 Turn off Charge Savings mode – it can block synchronization.

Turn on Bluetooth|Allow geolocation for Mi Fitness|Turn off the power saving mode|Update the application to the latest version-->

5.Sync the bracelet with the phone

To connect the Mi Band 5 to your smartphone:

1. Make sure that the bracelet is Bluetooth enabled (by default it is active after turning on).
2. In the Mi Fitness app, click Connect and wait until the bracelet appears in the list of available devices.
3. Select Mi Smart Band 5 and confirm pairing on both devices.

If the bracelet is not present:

• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (hold the button 10 seconds before vibration).
• 📱 Restart Bluetooth on your phone.
• 🔌 Check if the bracelet is connected to another device (for example, a tablet).

⚠️ Attention: On iPhone with iOS 16+ You may need permission to track activity in your privacy settings, without which the bracelet will not record steps and sleep.

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For stable operation, turn off automatic battery optimization for the Mi Fitness app in your phone settings. On Android, this is done in the Special Access section → Battery Optimization.

Initial adjustment and calibration

After synchronization, the application will prompt you to perform the initial setting:

1. Personal data: Specify gender, age, weight and height for accurate calorie counts.
2. Activity goals: Set a daily rate of steps (8000 by default).
3. Notifications: Select which alerts (calls, SMS, messengers) will be duplicated on the bracelet.

For accurate sleep and pulse tracking:

• 🛏️ Put the bracelet on a non-dominant hand (left for right-handers) and tighten the strap so that a finger passes between the body and the skin.
• ⏱️ Turn on Continuous Heart rate Monitoring in bracelet settings (Heart section).

Important: For proper function SpO₂ (saturation of blood with oxygen) the bracelet should fit tightly to the wrist, and the measurement should be carried out at rest (sitting or lying down).

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If the bracelet shows an inflated number of steps, calibrate it: walk exactly 50 steps, then in the application select Settings → Accuracy of steps → Calibration and enter the real value.

7. Updating firmware and installing dials

Regular firmware updates fix bugs and add new features to update Mi Band 5:

1. Connect the bracelet to charge and make sure the battery is >50%.
2. In the app, go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 5 → Update firmware.
3. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off the bracelet from charging!).

To change the dial:

1. In the app, select Profile → Mi Smart Band 5 → Dials.
2. Scroll through the list and select your favorite design (there are animated and themed options).
3. Click Sync to apply the changes.

Third-party dials can be installed through services like Amazfit Watchfaces, but this will require:

• 🔓 Unlock the developer mode on the bracelet (5 times press About the bracelet) → Firmware version).
• 📱 Install Notify & Fitness for Mi Band (Available for Android).

8.Typical errors and their solution

Even after setting up properly, users face problems. Consider the most common:

If the bracelet has stopped responding to touch:

1. Reboot it (hold the 10 seconds button).
2. Clean the screen of moisture and dirt (use a lilac-free napkin).
3. Reset the settings to factory (Settings → Additional → Reset).

⚠️ Warning: Resetting will remove all data from the bracelet (except those synced to the cloud) and will require resetting as when you first turn on.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band 5