Xiaomi Mi Band 8 – the latest version of the fitness bracelet: what’s new and how to upgrade

The Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets have long been the benchmark for price-to-functionality in the wearables market. With each new version, users are wondering whether to upgrade? The latest current model for 2026 is the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 (also known as the Mi Band 8), a device that has radically changed the design and expanded the capabilities of its predecessors. But how do you know that you have the latest version and what chips it brought?

In this article, we will not only look at the specifications of the Mi Band 8, but also learn how to check the firmware version, distinguish the original from the fake, and also talk about hidden features that the official documentation does not mention. If you are still using the Mi Band 6 or Mi Band 7, after reading, you will know exactly whether to switch to the new model.

Xiaomi Mi Band 8 vs Mi Band 7: Key differences

The transition from the Mi Band 7 to the Mi Band 8 is not just another upgrade, but a real leap in design and functionality, with the main exterior change being a completely redesigned metal framed body that now looks more premium and less toyy.

• 🔋 Battery: 190 mAh vs 180 mAh for the Mi Band 7 – the difference seems small, but the autonomy has increased to 16 days (versus 15 for its predecessor) thanks to software optimization.
• 📱 Screen: AMOLED-The display now occupies 60% front panel (against) 50% Mi Band 7), a) the permit has been increased to 192×490 pixel.
• 🏃 Sensors: Added ambient light sensor for automatic brightness control and improved PPG-sensor.
• 🔄 Mi Band 8 is running on Zepp OS 2.0 (Mi Band 7 - Zepp) OS 1.0), which gives access to new dials and widgets.

But things aren’t so rosy: the Mi Band 8 has removed NFC support for contactless payments in the base version (only the Chinese version of the Mi Band 8 Pro), a disappointment for many users who are used to paying with a wristband.

How to check the Mi Band version (step-by-step instructions)

To find out which version of the firmware is installed on your Xiaomi Mi Band, you don't have to plug it into your computer or search for the box. Everything is done through the Zepp Life mobile app (formerly Mi Fit).

1. Open the Zepp Life app on your smartphone.
2. Go to the Profile tab (the human icon in the lower right corner).
3. Select your bracelet from the list of devices.
4. Slap the icon. ⚙️ (Settings of the device).
5. Scroll down to the device About block – this will show the firmware version (e.g. 8.15.0.12) and the hardware version (e.g. V8.1).

If you see the Mi Band 7 or earlier on this menu, your bracelet is outdated. Note: the firmware version number and the device model are different things! For example, the Mi Band 8 may have 7.XX.XX.XX firmware if it hasn't been updated for a long time.

How to Upgrade Mi Band to the Latest Version

Xiaomi regularly releases firmware updates for its fitness bracelets, adding new features and fixing bugs. Updates can be automatic or manual.

1. Automatic update

By default, the Mi Band checks for updates once a day under the following conditions:

• 🔋 Battery charge > 20%.
• 📶 Bracelet connected to phone via Bluetooth.
• 🌐 The phone has Internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• ⏰ Time from the last check – more than 6 hours.

If an update is found, you will receive a notification in the Zepp Life app. Important: during the installation of the update, do not disconnect the bracelet from the phone or remove it from your hand - this may cause a crash.

Manual update

If the automatic update does not work, follow the following steps:

1. Open Zepp Life → Profile → Your bracelet → Settings (⚙️)


2. Scroll to the "About the device" block




3. Slip "Firmware Update"




4. If a new version is available, click "Update"

It takes 3-10 minutes depending on the file size and the speed of the Internet, and don't interrupt the update, because it can build up the bracelet and you'll have to reset it to the factory settings.

Table of firmware versions Mi Band 8 (current for 2026)

Below are the latest stable firmware versions for Xiaomi Mi Band 8 at the time of publication.Please note: numbers may vary by region (China, Global, Russia).

If the firmware version of your Mi Band 8 is below 8.15.0.0, we recommend you to update manually - in the old versions there were critical bugs with the calculation of steps and measuring heart rate during sleep.

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Before updating, disable the function "Saving charge" in the bracelet settings - this will speed up the process and reduce the risk of failure.

How to distinguish the original Mi Band 8 from a fake

The wearable electronics market is flooded with Xiaomi Mi Band replicas that look almost indistinguishable from the original, but are unstable and break down quickly. Here are 5 signs of fakes to look out for:

• 📦 Packaging: The original has a holographic sticker with a serial number that can be checked on Xiaomi's website.Counterfeiting is often sold in plastic bags or blurry font boxes.
• 🔍 Build quality: The original has no gaps between the body and the strap, and the button is pressed with a clear click.
• 📱 Appendix: The original bracelet only connects to Zepp Life. If the device requires you to install Mi Fit Pro, Band Master or other application, it is 100% fake.
• 🔋 Charging: The original Mi Band 8 is charged with a flat-plate magnetic cable. Fakes often use USB-Type-C or microUSB connectors.
• 💰 Price: If the bracelet is sold cheaper 2500-3000 rouble 2026 The official dealers rarely make discounts more than one year. 15%.

The most reliable way to check is scanning. QR-The code is on the box through the Xiaomi Authenticity Check app (available for Android and iOS), and if the code is not recognized or there is an error, you have a fake.

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Even if the fake looks normal, it can be dangerous to health: cheap batteries are often inflated, and uncertified sensors give inaccurate readings of pulse and pressure.

Hidden features of Mi Band 8 that you didn’t know about

Many users use the Mi Band 8 only to count steps and notifications, without even knowing the hidden features. Here are some tips that will make your interaction with the bracelet more effective:

• 🎵 Music control: Twice tap the screen while playing a track on your phone to skip a track or pause.
• 🔦 Lantern: Press the button for 3 seconds to turn on the screen backlight at maximum brightness - convenient in the dark.
• 🏊 Swimming mode: Activated automatically when water hits, but can be manually enabled via Settings → Sporting regimes → Swimming for more accurate tracking.
• 😴 Smart alarm: The bracelet analyzes the phases of sleep and selects the optimal time to wake up in a given interval (configured in Zepp Life).
• 📸 Camera Control: The Zepp Life app has a Remote Shutter option – the bracelet can be used as a selfie remote.

Another little-known feature is Stealth Mode, which, if you turn it on in your settings, will only vibrate when you have important notifications (calls, SMS) and ignore messages from your messengers, which saves you when you need to concentrate on your work.

Frequent Mi Band 8 problems and solutions

Even the most reliable device can fail. TOP-5 Problems faced by Mi Band 8 users and how to fix them:

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet stopped turning on after the upgrade, don't try to disassemble it yourself! first try resetting through the charger: plug the bracelet into charging, press the button for 20 seconds, then let it go and wait 5 minutes.

If none of these methods worked, contact the Xiaomi service center. In Russia, official support is provided by M-Video-Eldorado under warranty (if you have a check).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi Band 8