Xiaomi Mi Band 3: full analysis of the functions of the fitness bracelet (relevant in 2026)

Fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band 3, released 2018 It's still one of the most popular trackers among Xiaomi users, and for good reason. Despite its modest price tag, it offers functionality comparable to its more expensive counterparts. 30-40% Not even knowing the hidden options.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the features of the Mi Band 3, from basic (stepper, pulse) to obscure (do not disturb mode, music control), how to set up the bracelet for maximum efficiency, what data it collects about your health, and how to integrate it with other Xiaomi devices, and also reveal a few life hacks that are not written in the official instructions.

Spoiler: The Mi Band 3 can not only count steps, it can control stress, analyze sleep phases to within 5 minutes, and even predict the weather for the next 3 days, but everything in order.

Basic functions: pedometer, calories and activity

The main task of any fitness bracelet is to track physical activity. The Mi Band 3 does this with the help of a built-in 3-axis accelerometer and Xiaomi algorithms that analyze hand movements. The accuracy of measurements depends on the correct setting:

• 👟 Stepmer: Considers steps with error ±5% (with proper positioning on the arm) Important: the wristband should fit tightly to the wrist, but not to clamping blood vessels.
• 🔥 Calorie burning: Calculations are based on steps, pulse and your weight/height data (introduced in the Mi Fit app).
• 🏃 Activity goals: 8,000 steps per day by default, but you can change in settings (maximum 30,000 steps).
• ⏱️ Reminder of inactivity: vibrates if you sit motionless for more than 1 hour (interval adjusts).

Lifehack: If the bracelet overstates the number of steps (for example, when you are driving in a car), calibrate it. 50 If you take a step with your wristband in your fist, the algorithm will remember your walking style. 2-3 time-in-time.

Please note: Mi Band 3 Can't automatically recognize activities (like newer Mi Band models) 5/6). For example, it will not distinguish running from walking – you need to manually start the appropriate mode in the menu of the bracelet or through the application.

2. Monitoring of heart rate and stress

One of the key features of the Mi Band 3 is to measure the pulse using an optical sensor. PPG. The sensor shines green LEDs on the skin and analyzes the reflected light, determining the heart rate — ±5 beats per minute at rest.

What does the bracelet in terms of cardiomonitoring:

• ❤️ Continuous pulse measurement: Default every 30 minutes, but you can adjust the interval from 1 to 30 minutes (the more often, the faster the battery goes down).
• 📊 Day/week/month heart rate analysis: data is stored in Mi Fit and can be exported to Google Fit or Apple Health.
• 🚨 High pulse warning: if heart rate exceeds a predetermined threshold (manually adjusted, default 120 beats / min).
• 🧘 Stress assessment: based on heart rate variability (HRV). It shows you when you need to rest.

An important nuance: for accurate pulse measurement, the bracelet should sit tightly, but not tightly - on the head. 2-3 If the sensor does not touch the skin, the reading will be incorrect, and avoid measurements immediately after intense exertion - let the pulse stabilize (3-5 minute).

⚠️ Note: Mi Band 3 is not a medical device, its readings are for information and cannot be used to diagnose diseases.

3. Sleep tracking: phases, alarm clock and tips

Xiaomi Mi Band 3 analyzes sleep with a division into 3 phases: deep, light and light REM (And it uses accelerometer data and a pulse sensor to do this, and it's about 85 percent accurate in determining phases when you wear them properly.

What does a sleep bracelet do?

• 🌙 Automatic sleep recognition: Turns on when you lie down and don't move for more than 10 minutes.
• ⏰ Smart alarm clock: wakes up in optimal sleep 30 minutes before set time.
• 📈 Phase statistics: Shows how much time you spent in each phase and gives recommendations for better sleep.
• 🛌 Daytime sleep: fixes not only night, but also daytime rest (if it lasts more than 20 minutes).

How to improve sleep tracking accuracy:

1. Wear a bracelet on a non-working hand (usually a left hand for right-handers).
2. Charge the bracelet before bedtime - if it is discharged at night, the data will not be stored.
3. Don’t wear the bracelet too tight – it can cause discomfort and distort data.

Fun fact: Mi Band 3 can predict fatigue the next day. If deep sleep took less than 15% of the total time, the Mi Fit app will show a warning: "You haven't slept well - you may be fatigued today."

4. Notifications and smartphone management

Mi Band 3 can show notifications from your smartphone, SMS, Messages from messengers and social networks, but you need to set up the synchronization in the Mi Fit app correctly.

How the notifications work:

• 📞 Incoming calls: the bracelet vibrates and shows the number (you can call the swipe to the left).
• 💬 Messages: displays the first 30 characters of text (for WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, etc.).
• 🔔 Applications: You can choose which programs to show notifications from (configured in Mi Fit) → Notifications).
• 🎵 Music management: pause/play, track switching (works with Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music).

Important: For notifications to work, you need to:

1. Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone and allow Mi Fit to access notifications in your phone settings.
2. In the Mi Fit application go to the Profile → Mi Band 3 → Notifications and enable the necessary options.
3. For Android: in the phone settings give Mi Fit permission to autostart and work in the background.

Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone|Allow Mi Fit to access notifications in phone settings|Enable the option "Notifications" in the Mi Fit app|Add Mi Fit to battery optimization exceptions (for Android)-->

⚠️ Note: iPhone notifications are worse than Android. Xiaomi has restricted functionality due to Apple's policy, for example, you can't respond to messages directly from the bracelet, and notifications come with a delay of up to 5 minutes.

Hidden function: if you press the button on the bracelet for a long time, the Settings menu will appear → Do Not Disturb mode: In this mode, the bracelet will not vibrate at notifications (useful in meetings or at night).

Sports regimes and training

Mi Band 3 supports 5 sports modes:

• 🏃 Running (outside or on a treadmill)
• 🚶 Walking (including sports)
• 🚴 Cycling (requires additional customization in Mi Fit)
• 🏊 Swimming (bracelet waterproof up to 50 meters, but does not track swimming style)
• 💪 Gym (general regime for strength exercises)

During training, the bracelet fixes:

• Activity time
• Heart rate (every 10 seconds)
• Calories burned
• Steps (for running/walking) or "active minutes" (for other types)

How to start a workout:

1. On the bracelet swipe up to the point of training.
2. Select the desired mode (for example, Running).
3. Press the start button. To pause/end the workout, press the button again.

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If you run on a treadmill, select the "Running (indoor)" mode - the algorithm will take into account the lack of forward movement and more accurately calculate the distance.

Limitation: Mi Band 3 doesn’t automatically recognize the start of a workout (unlike Mi Band 4 and later), and it doesn’t track the route – you need to connect the bracelet to your smartphone and use it. GPS phone (in training settings in Mi Fit).

6 Additional features: weather, alarm clock, phone search

In addition to fitness features, Mi Band 3 can perform a number of useful household functions:

• 🌦️ Weather: Shows temperature, humidity and forecast for 3 days (data is taken from the Mi Fit app, which syncs with AccuWeather).
• ⏰ Alarm clocks: You can set up to 10 alarm clocks (including repeating alarm clocks) and the vibration is increasing, at first weak, then stronger.
• 🔍 Phone search: if you click on the corresponding icon in the bracelet menu, the phone will start ringing (even if it is in silent mode).
• 🔋 Charge level: shows the percentage of battery bracelet and smartphone (if synchronization is enabled).
• 🔒 Unlocking phone: on Android you can set up automatic unlocking of the smartphone at the proximity of the bracelet (requires Mi Fit and Bluetooth 4.0)+).

How to set up automatic unlocking of the phone:

1. In Mi Fit go to Profile → Mi Band 3 → Unlocking the phone.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen (you will need to enable Smart Lock in Android security settings).
3. Now the phone will unlock when the bracelet is near.

⚠️ Warning: unlocking doesn't work on all smartphones, such as Samsung's One devices UI You may need additional customization in the Biometrics and Security menu → Smart Lock.

A little-known feature: if you pinch the Weather icon on the bracelet menu, you'll see an extended forecast with atmospheric pressure and wind speed, which is useful for weather-dependent people or athletes planning outdoor training.

7. Setup and personalization of the bracelet

Mi Band 3 allows you to customize the appearance and behavior:

• 🎨 Replaceable dials: Mi Fit has over 20 options (including animations) and additional dials from the Xiaomi community.
• 🔄 Order of the menu: you can swap items in the main menu of the bracelet (for example, take the Training to the first place).
• 🔔 Vibration settings: adjusting the vibration force for notifications and alarms.
• 🌓 Autolight: the screen will turn on when lifting your hand (it does not work perfectly, but conveniently).

How to change the dial:

1. Open Mi Fit and go to Profile → Mi Band 3 → Dials.
2. Choose the option you like and click Install.
3. Wait for synchronization (the bracelet should be next to the smartphone).

Hidden option: If you press the button on the bracelet menu, you open the developer mode.

• Enable Logistics of data (for debugging).
• Reset the bracelet to factory settings.
• View the firmware version and serial number.

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Regularly update the firmware of the bracelet through Mi Fit – this fixes bugs and adds new features (for example, support for new messengers in notifications).

8.Battery, charging and bracelet care

Mi Band 3 is equipped with a 110 mAh battery, which is enough for:

• Up to 20 days in minimum activity mode (time, steps, notifications once an hour only).
• before 10-12 days with active use (continuous pulse, notifications each) 5 minutes, training).
• up to 5 days at maximum load (pulse every minute, smart alarm, backlight is always on).

How to extend the life of the battery:

• 🔋 Reduce the frequency of your pulse measurement (e.g., once every 30 minutes instead of 5 minutes).
• 📵 Disable unnecessary notifications (especially from social networks).
• 🌙 Use dark dials (AMOLED-The screen consumes less energy on a black background).
• 🔌 Charge the bracelet to 80-90% — This reduces battery wear.

How to charge Mi Band 3 correctly:

1. Disconnect the strap from the bracelet body.
2. Insert the case into the charger (the contacts must match).
3. Connect the charger to USB-port 5V/1A). Full charging takes ~2 hour.

⚠️ Note: Do not use chargers with current more 1A — This can damage the battery. Also avoid charging at temperatures below 0.°C or higher than 40°C.

Care for the bracelet:

• 🚿 You can wash under running water (but not hot!).
• 🧼 To clean the case, use soft fabric and alcohol wipes.
• 🔥 Do not leave the bracelet under direct sunlight (the screen may be damaged).
• 💦 After swimming, rinse the bracelet with fresh water to remove chlorine or salt.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions