The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular wearables thanks to its combination of affordable price, compact design and wide-ranging functionality. Even years after its release, it is not inferior to many modern counterparts in basic features: activity tracking, sleep monitoring, smartphone notifications and music management.
In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for setting up the Mi Band 4, parsing all key features (including hidden ones), battery saving tips and solving typical problems. We will not limit ourselves to basic activities like connecting to a phone, here you will learn how to customize the screen, adjust notifications to your needs, and even use a breath control bracelet during meditation (a feature that many people do not know about).
Preparation for the first use: unpacking and charging
Before you first turn on the Xiaomi Mi Band 4, check the trim. The box should include:
- 📦 Fitness bracelet itself (module with display)
- 🔋 Charging cable (special) USB-plug-in)
- 💍 Strap (usually black or colored, depending on version)
- 📄 Short instructions in several languages (Russian is present)
Pay special attention to the charging cable, which has a unique connector that is incompatible with other Xiaomi devices. If the cable is lost, it will be difficult to replace it (you will have to order the original or quality analogue). USB-port of the computer or adapter 5V/1A. Full charging takes 1.5–2 The screen will show the progress of the hour.
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Do not use the Mi Band to charge. 4 powerful adapters (for example, from smartphones with fast charging) This can reduce the battery life — USB-port 5V/1And.
Once charged, the bracelet will turn on automatically. If the screen doesn't respond, press the touch button below the display. The first thing you'll see is a welcome screen with the Mi logo. You'll need to connect to the smartphone via the Mi Fit app (or its alternatives like Zepp Life).
Installation and configuration of the Mi Fit application
Without the official app, Mi Band 4 turns into a regular watch with a pedometer. To unlock all the features, download Mi Fit:
- 📱 Android (Google Play)
- 🍎 iOS (App Store)
After installation:
- Sign up or sign in via your Xiaomi account (you can use Google/Facebook).
- Press + in the upper right corner → Bracelet → select Mi Smart Band 4.
- Follow the instructions on the screen: turn on Bluetooth, allow notifications and access to geodata (needed for accurate jogging tracking).
If the bracelet is not present, check:
- 🔄 Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and bracelet (on Mi Band 4 swipe down on the home screen).
- 📶 Distance between devices not more than 10 meters (walls and interference reduce the range of action).
- 🔋 The bracelet is charged at least 20% (at low charge it may not appear in the search).
Main functions and management of the bracelet
Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is controlled via touch screen and a single physical button under the display.
| Gesture. | Action. |
|---|---|
| Short press of the button | Return to the main screen |
| Swipe up/down | Scrolling through menus or notifications |
| Swipe left/right | Switching between screens (time, steps, pulse, etc.) |
| Long press of the button | Turn off the bracelet (hold 5 seconds) |
The home screen displays time, date, battery charge and current status (e.g., number of steps) and swipe to the right between widgets:
- 👟 Steps and distance (configured step length in Mi Fit) → Profile → Bracelet settings).
- ❤️ Pulse (measured automatically or manually via menu).
- 🌙 Sleep (indicates the duration of deep/light sleep).
- 🔋 Battery (percentage charge and estimated operating time).
- 🎵 Music (control of the player on the phone).
To measure your heart rate, manually go to the wristband menu (Swipe up → Heart) and wait for the result (it will take 10-15 seconds). If the data seems inaccurate, check the density of the wristband to fit tightly, but not squeezing your hand.
How to turn on automatic pulse measurement?
Set up notifications and calls
One of the most useful features of the Mi Band 4 is to display notifications from the phone. By default, the bracelet vibrates when incoming calls, SMS and messages from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, etc.) To configure notifications:
- Open Mi Fit → Profile → Notifications.
- Turn on the "Notifications on the bracelet" switch.
- Select the apps you want to see notifications from (you can disable unnecessary ones, such as games or social networks).
- Adjust the display style: only vibration or with text (on the screen of the bracelet will show the first 20-30 characters).
For incoming calls, the bracelet not only vibrates, but also shows the contact number or name (if it is stored in the phone), you can reject the call by pressing the button below the screen, you can not take a call through the bracelet, this is a restriction of all Mi Band models.
Notifications are included in Mi Fit?|Are notifications for Mi Fit allowed in phone settings?|Is Bluetooth connected?|Is Mi Fit in Power Saving Mode (on Android)-->
If notifications do not arrive:
- 📵 Check if Mi Fit has been added to the battery optimization list. Xiaomi/Redmi Phones are a frequent problem).
- 🔄 Reconnect the bracelet: Forget the device in your phone’s Bluetooth settings and connect again.
- 📱 Update Mi Fit to the latest version (older versions had synchronization bugs).
Tracking activity and training
Xiaomi Mi Band 4 automatically captures steps, distance and calories burned, but to accurately record the workouts you need to run the appropriate modes manually.
- 🏃♂️ Running (outside or treadmill)
- 🚶♂️ Walking (including sports)
- 🚴♂️ Bicycle (connection to the GPS phone)
- 🏊♂️ Swimming (bracelet waterproof for 50 meters)
- 🧘♀️ Yoga and other types of training
To start training:
- Swipe up on the main screen of the bracelet.
- Choose “Training” (icon with a running man).
- Specify the type of activity and press the button to start.
- After completion, press the button again - the bracelet will show a summary (time, pulse, calories).
For running and cycling, it's recommended to turn on GPS on your phone, so Mi Fit will show the route on the map. Without GPS, the distance is calculated by steps, which is less accurate. Training data is synchronized with the app automatically when you connect to your phone.
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For swimming, the Mi Band 4 automatically activates the Pool mode when detecting movement in the water. However, for open water (lake, sea), it is better to start the mode manually, since automatic determination can work with a delay.
Sleep monitoring and additional functions
The wristband automatically tracks sleep phases if you wear it on your hand at night, and in the morning, a report will appear on Mi Fit with a graph of deep/light sleep and wake-up periods.
- 🛏️ Wear a bracelet on a non-working hand (usually left for right-handed people).
- ⏰ Go to bed at the same time – the algorithm adapts to your schedule.
- 📵 Turn off notifications overnight (in Mi Fit) → Bracelet settings → Don't disturb).
In addition to sleep, the Mi Band 4 can:
- 🧘♂️ Control breathing: there is a “Breath” mode in the bracelet menu (Swipe up) → More. → Breathing, which helps synchronize inhalations and exhalations for relaxation.
- 🔍 Find the phone: if the phone is lost nearby, you can make it ring through the bracelet (Swipe up) → More. → Find the phone).
- 🔒 Unlock the phone: on Xiaomi/Redmi Smartphones bracelet can unlock the screen without entering a password (configurable in Mi Fit) → Unlocking the phone).
The breath control feature is particularly useful for meditation or before bedtime.The bracelet vibrates at a rhythm of 6 seconds inhalation and 6 seconds exhalation, helping to normalize the pulse.This mode is absent in the newer Mi Band models, making the Mi Band 4 unique to users who appreciate such features.
Battery savings and problem solving
With active use, the Mi Band 4 holds a charge of 7-10 days, but this period can be extended:
- 🔋 Turn off automatic pulse measurement (saves up to 25% charge).
- 📵 Reduce the brightness of the screen in Mi Fit → Bracelet settings → Brightness.
- 🛑 Disable notifications from unnecessary applications.
- ⏳ Set a short screen wait time (5 seconds instead of 10).
Typical problems and their solutions:
| Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|
| The bracelet is not synchronized. | Reset the bracelet (hold the 10 seconds button) and reconnect to Mi Fit. |
| Not accurate steps data | Calibrate the pedometer: walk 20 steps, specify the length of the step in Mi Fit → Profile → Height/Weight. |
| The screen doesn't respond to touch. | Check if the water is under the glass. Dry the bracelet for 24 hours. |
| The battery goes down fast. | Turn off the constant pulse and GPS, update the firmware through Mi Fit. |
If the bracelet stops turning on, plug it into charging for 30 minutes. If the indicator doesn't light up, try another one. USB-In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by replacing the cable, the contacts oxidize over time.
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To reset the Mi Band 4 to factory settings, plug it into charging, then press and hold the button for 20 seconds until the Mi logo appears. All data will be deleted!