All the features of the fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band 5: from basic to hidden features

The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is one of the most popular fitness bracelets on the market, combining affordable price and impressive functionality. Launched in 2020, it was a logical extension of the lineup, adding new capabilities for monitoring health, sports and everyday use.

In this article, we'll look at every feature of the Mi Band 5, from the obvious (stepmeter, pulsemeter) to the obscure (sleep modes, music controls, gestures), how to set up the bracelet for maximum efficiency, what data it collects and how to interpret it, and compare it to newer models and give tips for extending its life.

If you are just planning to buy or are already using the Mi Band 5, but feel that you are using only 30% of its features, this article is for you.

1. Health monitoring: what does Mi Band 5 do?

Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is positioned as a health-control device, and here it's really strong. PPG-sensor (photoplethysmographic) for measuring the pulse, accelerometer and gyroscope for tracking movements, as well as sensor SpO₂ estimation.

But how exactly do these sensors work in everyday life?

• 🩺 Real-time pulse measurement – the bracelet automatically checks your heart rate every 1-5 minutes (configured in the app.
• 😴 Sleep analysis determines phases REM (REM sleep, light sleep, deep sleep, charts and recommendations for better rest.
• 🩸 Blood oxygen levels (SpO₂) — useful for assessing the general condition, especially during physical exertion or in the highlands.
• 📉 Stress level – analyzes heart rate variability (HRV) And it gives you a score of 1 to 100, where 100 is total calm.

It's important to understand that the Mi Band 5 is not a medical device, and it's indicative, and it's not a substitute for a doctor's consultation, for example, if the bracelet shows you what you're looking at. SpO₂ = 88% of people are talking to a specialist, not a diagnosis.

⚠️ Attention: Sensor SpO₂ Mi Band 5 can give inaccurate results when moving your arm or a weak bracelet fit. For accurate measurement, sit still for 2-3 minutes before the test.

For maximum accuracy:

Wear a bracelet 2-3 fingers above your wrist|Tighten the strap so that the sensor is snugly attached to the skin, but does not clutch the hand.|Avoid wearing on your arm with tattoos or scars|Update the bracelet firmware through the Mi Fit app-->

Sports functions: 11 training regimes

The Mi Band 5 features 11 built-in sports modes, including running, cycling, swimming, yoga and even jumping rope, and unlike previous models, it has an automatic activity recognition device that detects when you start running or walking, and suggests you start a workout.

Let us consider the key features:

For runners and cyclists, the Virtual Partner feature is useful, which allows you to compete with your own records or friends, and after training, you can see a route map in the Mi Fit app (if you have enabled it). GPS phone-on).

⚠️ Note: When swimming, Mi Band 5 does not track SpO₂ — The sensor shuts down in an aqueous environment, and avoid pressing the bracelet button underwater, which can interfere with the tightness.

How to enable automatic recognition of training?

1. Open the Mi Fit app.
2. Go to Profile. → Mi Band 5 → Training settings.
3. Activate the option "Autodetermination of running / walking".

3. Notifications and smart functions

The Mi Band 5 not only monitors your health, but also replaces some of your smartphone’s functions, synchronizes with notifications from messengers, social networks, and even calls, and displays not only the text of your message, but also the app icon, making navigation easier.

What exactly can be set up:

• 📱 Notifications from apps -- WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, Facebook, Instagram, and others are supported.
• 📞 Incoming calls - the bracelet vibrates and shows the number of the caller. The call can be dropped directly from the bracelet (but you can not answer).
• 🎵 Music management – track switching, pause/play (works with Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and the standard player).
• ⏰ Alarms and reminders – you can set a smart alarm clock that will wake you up in the phase of light sleep.

How to set up notifications:

1. In Mi Fit go to Profile → Mi Band 5 → Notifications.
2. Enable the option of "Call Notifications" and "Notifications from Applications".
3. Select the applications from which you want to receive alerts.
4. Set up "Vibration" and "Screenlight" at notifications.

Limitation: Mi Band 5 does not support response to messages (unlike smartwatches), and Android notifications require permission to “Map on Other Windows” and “Autostart” for Mi Fit to work properly.

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If notifications don't come, check the power saving settings on your phone. add Mi Fit to the battery optimisation exception list.

4. Design and control: button, screen, gestures

Mi Band 5 got 1.1-inch AMOLED-resolution-screen 126×294 pixels 20% More than the Mi Band. 4. The screen supports the customization of dials (more 100 options in Mi Fit) and automatic brightness adjustment.

Bracelet management is carried out through:

• 🔘 Physical button – returns to the main screen or scrolls through the menu.
• 👆 Touch screen – swipes up/down for navigation, left/right for switching dials.
• 🤏 Gestures – for example, raising your hand to turn on the screen or double tapping to wake up.

How to change the dial:

1. Open Mi Fit and go to Profile → Mi Band 5 → Dials.
2. Select your favorite design and click "Install".
3. Some dials support dynamic elements (e.g. animation with steps).

The Mi Band 5 screen is protected 2.5D-It's hardened with glass, but still afraid of hitting hard, and when you're exercising hard (like boxing), it's best to wear a bracelet under your cuff or use a protective film.

⚠️ Warning: If the screen stops responding to touch, try resetting the bracelet settings via Mi Fit → Profile → Mi Band 5 → Reset. It'll delete all the data from the device!

5. Battery and autonomy: how to extend the work

Officially, XiaomiMi Band 5 lasts up to 14 days on a single charge, and the actual duration depends on the intensity of use:

• 🔋 Minimum load (only time, steps) - up to 20 days.
• ⚡ Average load (pulse every 10 minutes, notifications) – 10-12 days.
• ⚡⚡ Maximum load (continuous monitoring of pulse, GPS-tracking - 5-7 days.

How to extend autonomy:

Turn off automatic measurement SpO₂ (In Settings → Sleep monitoring)|Increase the pulse interval to 30 minutes|Turn off unnecessary notifications|Use dials with a dark background (AMOLED charge-saving)|Turn off the screen light when notified-->

Charging takes about 1.5–2 The bracelet uses a magnetic charging cable (included) that connects to any USB-port (5V/1A). It is important not to lose cable – original parts for the Mi Band 5 sold separately.

⚠️ Note: Do not use fast chargers (e.g. from Quick Charge smartphones) to charge.This can shorten the battery life of the bracelet.

If the bracelet discharges too quickly (less than 5 days), check:

1. The firmware version (update via Mi Fit).
2. Active background processes (e.g., constant monitoring of stress)
3. Battery status (if the bracelet is more than 2 years old, it may need to be replaced).

6. Hidden functions and life hacks

Many users don't know that the Mi Band 5 has much more to do than the manual says. Here are 5 hidden features:

• 🔍 Phone search – if the phone is lost, you can start the beep directly from the bracelet (Settings) → Additionally. → Find the phone).
• 🔑 Unlocking smartphone – bracelet can unlock Xiaomi phone without entering password (configured in Mi Fit) → Unlocking the device).
• 🌙 Do Not Disturb – Disables all notifications and vibrations for a given time (Settings) → Don't disturb).
• 📸 Camera control – the bracelet can remotely take photos on a smartphone (you need to include in Mi Fit) → Notifications → Camera control).
• 💡 Night screen mode – reduces brightness and turns off backlight when touched at night (Settings) → Display. → Night mode).

Another useful feature is personal goals, and instead of the standard 10,000 steps, you can set your norm (e.g., 8,000 or 15,000) in Mi Fit. → Goals.

How to enable unlocking of the phone:

If you’re using Mi Band 5 with an iPhone, some features (like unlocking) may not work, in which case it’s recommended to install the Mi Fitness app (an alternative to Mi Fit for iOS).

7.Comparison with Mi Band 6 and newer models

The Mi Band 5 is still relevant, but how does it compare to the Mi Band 6, 7 or Smart Band 8?

Should you upgrade? If you want a big screen, built-in. GPS or NFC But if the Mi Band 5 is doing your job, there's no point in overpaying, the difference in functionality is not critical.

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The Mi Band 5 is still the best choice for price/quality for basic fitness tracking and health monitoring.

8. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with a reliable device like the Mi Band. 5, There are failures. Let's look at the top.-5 problems and ways of eliminating them:

• 🔄 Bracelet not synced with phone: Check Bluetooth, reboot both devices, update Mi Fit. If it doesn't work, untie and tie the bracelet back.
• 📵 No notifications: In your phone settings, allow Mi Fit to run in the background and turn off battery optimization for the app.
• 🔋 Fast discharge: Disable unnecessary functions (SpO₂, Frequent pulse) and check the firmware version.
• 💦 Water gets inside: Dry the bracelet in rice or silica gel for 24 hours. Don't use a hair dryer or microwave!
• 📱 Screen not responsive to touch: Reset settings via Mi Fit or check the strap's adhesion density (possibly sensor moves away from skin).

If the bracelet stops turning on, try:

1. Put it on charge for 30 minutes (even if the indicator is not on).
2. Press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds to force reboot.
3. If nothing helps, contact the service center (guarantee for Mi Band 5 - 12 months).

⚠️ Warning: Do not disassemble the bracelet yourself - this will void the warranty. To replace the strap or battery, contact authorized Xiaomi service centers.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions