What program to download for the Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelet: official and alternative applications

Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets have long been the standard for tracking activity, sleep and health — but their capabilities are directly dependent on software. What software should you download for the Mi Band to get the most features, stable synchronization and minimal bugs? The official application from Xiaomi is not always perfect - especially if it comes to older models (Mi Band). 3/4) orthologic.

In this article, we will look at all the current Mi Band programs (from Mi Band 3 to Mi Band 8), compare their capabilities, talk about hidden features and give step-by-step instructions for installation. You will learn which software is suitable for unlocking additional options (for example, constant display of time or custom dials), and which for basic tracking without unnecessary difficulties.

Xiaomi’s official apps: Mi Fitness and Zepp Life

Starting with apps from the manufacturer, which guarantee stable operation, but do not always offer all the features of the bracelet. Since 2020, Xiaomi has gradually replaced the old Mi Fit app with two new ones: Mi Fitness (for the global market) and Zepp Life (for China and some regions), let’s see which one to download for your model.

Mi Fitness is the main application for Mi Band 5/6/7/8 It supports all the basic functions: heart rate monitoring, pedometer, notifications, music management and even payments through Mi Pay (in supported countries:

• 🔄 Frequent updates that sometimes break syncs (especially on Android 13)+).
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: some features (such as voice assistant) only work in China.
• 📱 iOS problems: on iPhone, the app may not show notifications or slowly update data.

Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit) is an alternative for users in China, but it can be installed in other regions bypassing geolocking, offering more detailed sleep analytics and is compatible with older models (Mi Band). 3/4), You'll have to download Zepp Life outside of China to get it:

1. Change the Google Play region to China (required) VPN).
2. Or download. APK from a verified source (e.g. APKPure).

Alternative programs: Notify & Fitness, Gadgetbridge and Tools & Mi Band

If the official apps don't suit you, there are three proven alternatives that unlock the bracelet's hidden potential.

• 🔓 Unlock hidden features (e.g., permanent time display on Mi Band) 5/6).
• 🎨 Install custom dials (including animated ones).
• 📊 Export data to Google Fit, Apple Health or other services.

1. Notify & Fitness for Mi Band is the most popular third-party app with support for Mi Band 3-8.

• ✅ Compatible with all models, including outdated ones.
• ✅ No binding to Xiaomi account (works without registration).
• ✅ Support for custom notifications (you can adjust the vibration for different applications).
• ❌ The paid version is needed to unlock all the functions (about 300). ₽).

2. Gadgetbridge is an open source wearable software that supports not only the Mi Band, but also other brands.

• 🛠️ Technically savvy users (manual setup required).
• 🔒 Full control over data (all metrics are stored locally).
• 🚫 No advertising and tracking (unlike official apps).

However, Gadgetbridge has its drawbacks: it doesn’t support some new features (Mi Band). 7/8 It can work unstablely, and the interface is difficult for beginners.

3. Tools & Mi Band is a minimalist application for basic bracelet management. It is suitable if you only need:

• 📱 Synchronization of steps and sleep.
• 🔔 Set-up of notifications.
• ⚙️ Firmware custom dials (without unnecessary functions).

Comparative table: which application to choose for your Mi Band model

To make it easier to choose, we have compiled a compatibility and key features table for each program. Please note that some applications may not support the latest models (Mi Band 8) or require manual adjustment.

Conclusion: For the Mi Band 7/8 It's the best Mi Fitness or Zepp Life, for older models like Notify & Fitness or Gadgetbridge. If you want custom dials, look at Tools & Mi Band.

Step-by-step: how to download and install the program for Mi Band

Installing official apps (Mi Fitness, Zepp Life) is easy, they are available on Google Play and the App Store, but with alternatives, there may be nuances.

Make a backup of data in Mi Fitness

Untie the bracelet from the official application

Enable debugging over Bluetooth (for Android)

Download APK from the official website (not from third-party sources)

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Step 1 Untie the bracelet from the official app

Before installing alternative software, you need to break the connection between Mi Band and Mi. Fitness/Zepp For that, life:

1. Open the official annex.
2. Go to Profile. → My devices.
3. Click on your bracelet and select Remove the device.

Step 2. Download and install the application

For Notify & Fitness:

1. Download APK from the official website (avoid third-party sources!).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Android settings (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).
3. Install the application and open it.

Step 3. Connect the bracelet.

At Notify & Fitness:

1. Press Add Device.
2. Select the Mi Band model from the list.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (rebooting the bracelet may be required).

1. Reset the bracelet (press the button for 10 seconds).

2. Clear the Bluetooth cache on your phone (Settings) → Annexes → Bluetooth → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

3. Use another phone for initial setup.-->

Problem Solving: The bracelet is not synchronized or updated

One of the most common problems is that the bracelet is not synchronized with the phone, and this can be because of:

• 📱 Updates Android/iOS (especially on newer versions).
• 🔄 Failure in bracelet firmware.
• 🚫 Blocking background activity of the application (on Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung).

Solutions:

1. Allow auto-run and background work for the bracelet app: On Xiaomi: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Mi Fitness → Auto-Run and Permits → Background activity. On Samsung: Settings → Caring for the device → Battery → Background mode.

Reset the bracelet settings

On the bracelet: Settings → Reset → Confirm (press the button for 10 seconds).

Update the firmware manually

• Download the latest firmware version for your model from mi-band.ru.
• Use Gadgetbridge or Notify & Fitness to install.

1. connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes the lock is at the provider level).

2.Use VPN China (some updates are first released there).

3. Install firmware manually via Gadgetbridge.-->

Special case: Mi Band is not defined by phone

If the phone doesn’t see the bracelet at all:

• 🔌 Check the charge (at a charge below 10%, Bluetooth may be turned off).
• 📲 Reinstall Bluetooth stacks (on Android you can use the Bluetooth Repair app).
• 🔄 Change the Bluetooth version in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Assembly number (7 taps) → For developers → Bluetooth version).

Hidden Mi Band features: how to unlock through alternative programs

Official applications often limit the functionality of the bracelet, especially in global versions, and with the help of alternative software, you can activate:

• 🕒 Constant display of time (instead of raising your hand).
• 🎨 Unofficial dials (including animated dials).
• 📊 Advanced sleep analytics (sleep phases, naps).
• 🔊 Music management (switching tracks straight from the bracelet).

How to enable a permanent time display on Mi Band 5/6:

1. Install Notify & Fitness.
2. Put the bracelet on.
3. Go to the Device Settings → Display. → Always on.
4. Choose the mode Constantly or on a schedule.

⚠️ Note: This feature increases battery consumption by 20–30%. On the Mi Band. 7/8 may work unstablely.

Installation of custom dials:

Tools & Mi Band or Notify & Fitness

1. Download the.bin dial from sites like mi-band.ru/faces.
2. In the application, select Dials → Install from the file.
3. Download the file and confirm the installation.

💡

To make the dial appear correctly, check its compatibility with your bracelet model. For example, the dials for the Mi Band 6 will not work for the Mi Band 5 due to different screen resolutions.

Security and Privacy: What You Need to Know

When using alternative applications, it is important to keep in mind the security risks:

• 🔓 Modified firmware may contain vulnerabilities or spyware.
• 📱 APK Unverified sources often contain viruses or advertisements.
• 🌐 Transfer of data to China (official Xiaomi apps collect anonymous statistics).

How to minimize the risks:

• 🛡️ Download applications only from official developer sites.
• 🔍 Check it out. APK VirusTotal before installation.
• 🔒 Disable unnecessary permissions (such as access to contacts or location).

⚠️ Note: Using unofficial firmware or modified applications deprives the bracelet warranty. If the device fails, the service center may refuse to repair the bracelet.

The alternative for paranoids is that Gadgetbridge is the only app with full local storage that doesn’t send information to Xiaomi servers, but requires manual configuration.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band programs