What functions does the fitness bracelet Xiaomi: from pedometer to ECG

Xiaomi fitness bracelets have long ceased to be simple pedometers - modern models of the Mi Band and Smart Band series have turned into full-fledged devices for monitoring health, sports training and even managing a smart home. 20-30% This article will help you understand what tasks the Xiaomi fitness bracelet solves in the future. 2026 year - from basic (pulse measurement) to advanced (phase sleep analysis or stress control).

We analyzed the latest models (Mi Band 8, Mi Band 9, Smart Band Pro 2) and identified 5 key categories of features that make these gadgets indispensable: health, sports, notifications, smart home and add-ons. Particular attention will be paid to how these features work in practice – with examples from real use, comparison with competitors (Huawei Band, Honor Band) and nuanced customization through the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life).

1. Health monitoring: from pulse to ECG

The main reason for buying a fitness bracelet is health monitoring. Xiaomi equips its devices with sensors that compete with entry-level medical equipment.

• 🩺 Heart rate (HR) - with accuracy ±2 Impact/min (GSMArena test data) Sensor operating in mode 24/7 or on schedule.
• 🩸 Blood oxygen levels (SpO₂) — critical for assessing breathing in sleep or during exercise.
• 📊 Blood pressure (only in Smart Band Pro 2 and new models) - an approximate estimate that does not replace the tonometer.
• ⚡ Stress level – analyzes heart rate variability (HRV) And it gives you relaxation recommendations.
• 🩺 ECG (in Smart Band Pro 2) – single-channel electrocardiogram for arrhythmia (requires certification in your country).

It is important to understand that not all functions are available out of the box. For example, measuring pressure in the Mi Band 8 requires manual calibration via a smartphone, and the ECG in some regions is blocked programmatically (due to local medical regulations).

⚠️ Attention: The data from the fitness bracelet is not a medical diagnosis. SpO₂ Below 90% is a reason to see a doctor, but the bracelet may be wrong. ±2%.

2.Sleep Tracking: How the Bracelet Analyzes Your Rest

One of the most popular features is sleep analysis. Xiaomi bracelets divide sleep into 5 phases:

1. REM-phase (rapid sleep, dreams)
2. Light sleep (surface, easily interrupted)
3. Deep sleep (recovery of the body)
4. Drema (the transition between sleep and wakefulness)
5. Wake up (when you wake up at night)

For accurate analysis, the bracelet should be tightly attached to the wrist (on the wrist). 1-2 finger above bone) and switched on sleep mode → Auto-tracking in settings. An interesting feature of recent models is assessing sleep breathing (detects sleep apnea) and recommendations for improving sleep (e.g., going to bed before bed). 23:00).

Compared to competitors, Xiaomi loses the Huawei Band 8 in sleep detail (i.e. skin temperature analysis), but gains in price and battery life. By the way, if the bracelet misidentifies sleep phases, try:

Wear a bracelet on a non-working hand (for right-handed - left, for left-handed - right)

Enable the "Do Not Disturb" mode on your smartphone

Calibrate the heart rate sensor manually (in the application settings)

Update the bracelet to the latest version-->

Sporting functions: 150+ training regimes

Xiaomi fitness bracelets support from 30 to 150 sports modes depending on the model. For example, the Mi Band 9 can automatically recognize 8 types of activity (walking, running, cycling, swimming, etc.), and the Smart Band Pro 2 – all 150, including yoga, boxing and climbing.

Key features for athletes:

• 🏃 Autostart/Hitchhike – The bracelet itself starts and stops the recording of the workout (for example, when running).
• 🏊 Water resistance 5 ATM — You can swim in the pool or the sea (but not dive deeper than 50 m).
• 📈 VO₂ Max - estimate of maximum oxygen consumption (endurance indicator).
• 🔋 Battery savings in training mode – up to 25 hours of continuous recording (in Smart Band Pro 2).

So for runners, the Virtual Partner feature is useful, because the bracelet compares your pace to your desired pace and motivates you to accelerate. GPS In the basic models (Mi Band) 7/8), Therefore, for accurate tracking of the route, you need to connect to the GPS smartphone.

⚠️ Warning: When swimming in open water (sea, ocean), salt water can damage sensors. After swimming, wash the bracelet with fresh water and dry it.

4. Notifications and smartphone management

Xiaomi bracelet could become the second screen for a smartphone. It shows notifications from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), social networks (Instagram, VK) and even system alerts (calls, SMS). And yet:

• 📱 Answering a call – you can reset a call or turn off the sound (the Smart Band Pro 2 has a microphone for quick answers).
• 🔕 Do Not Disturb – Disables all notifications for a given time.
• 🎵 Music control – track switching and volume control (works with Spotify, YouTube Music, Yandex Music).
• 🔍 Phone search – bracelet makes the smartphone emit a loud signal (useful if you lost it at home).

To set up notifications, go to the Mi Fitness app → Profile → Notifications and select the right apps. An important nuance: on the iPhone, some features work worse than on Android (for example, there are no quick answers to messages).

Another useful feature is Gestures, for example, in Mi Band 8 you can:

• Raise your hand to turn on the screen.
• Twice tap the screen to switch the track.
• Shake your bracelet to take a photo on your smartphone (works with Xiaomi camera).

1. whether vibration is included in the bracelet settings (Profile) → Vibration).

2. Have you allowed notifications for the Mi Fitness app in your smartphone settings?

3. Whether the bracelet in the mode "Do not disturb" (icon) 🌙 screen-on).-->

5.Integration with a smart home and NFC

Xiaomi fitness bracelets can become a smart home control panel.

1. Connect the bracelet to the Mi Home app.
2. Add devices (smart lamps, sockets, robot vacuum cleaners) to one ecosystem.
3. Set up scenarios (e.g., “Good Morning” – turn on the lights and kettle).

List of supported devices:

• 💡 Smart lamps (Yeelight, Xiaomi Mi) LED)
• 🔌 The Sockets (Mi Smart Plug)
• 🤖 Robot Vacuum (Mi Robot Vacuum)
• 🚪 Door/window sensors (Aqara)

In the models with NFC-The chip (Mi Band 7 Pro, Smart Band Pro 2) has additional features:

• 🚇 Payment for transport (in Moscow, Beijing, Hong Kong and other cities).
• 🔑 Emulation of key cards (for intercoms or office passes).
• 💳 Contactless payments (via Mi Pay, but only in China).

⚠️ Attention: NFC Xiaomi is not available in all countries in bracelets, for example, in Russia, payment for transport through the Mi Band is not officially supported (but there are workarounds through third-party applications).

6 Additional Features: From Weather to Games

In addition to the main tasks, Xiaomi fitness bracelets are able to:

• 🌡️ Weather - 5-day forecast with precipitation notifications.
• ⏰ Alarm clock – up to 10 alarm clocks with a repetition on the days of the week.
• 🎮 Games – Mi Band 8 has simple games like “2048” or “Snake".
• 📸 Camera control – remote shutter release (works with Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO).
• 🔋 Smartphone charge level – shows the percentage of the phone battery on the bracelet screen.
• 🔦 Light flashlight – Smart Band Pro 2 has an LED for backlighting in the dark.

Some functions require activation, such as to enable games:

1. Open Mi Fitness → Profile → Bracelet settings.
2. Select the Screen → Dials.
3. Find a game dial (such as Game Center) and set it.

Another little-known feature is the Theatre mode, which turns off all notifications and vibrations, but leaves the screen on to check the time, useful in movies or at important meetings.

💡

Xiaomi fitness bracelet can replace the remote from the TV, if you connect it to the Mi TV Mi Remote (not available in all regions).

7. Autonomy and charging: how long does the bracelet live?

The operating time of the bracelet depends on the model and intensity of use:

To extend autonomy:

• Turn off continuous heart rate monitoring (leave only nighttime).
• Reduce the brightness of the screen to 50%.
• Disable notifications from unnecessary applications.
• Use the energy saving mode (includes in the bracelet settings).

Charging is done via a magnetic cable (included). Importantly, do not use third-party chargers - this can damage the battery. If the bracelet discharges too quickly (less than 3 days), try:

Reset settings to factory (Settings → Reset)

Update firmware

Turn off background weather update

Check if the bracelet is heating up (this is a sign of a battery failure)-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi fitness bracelets