Smart bracelets Xiaomi Mi Band series has long become the standard in the segment of wearable electronics due to the affordable price and functionality. the fourth model, Xiaomi Mi Band 4, became a revolutionary for the lineup, having received a color color AMOLED-Display and music control support, however, immediately after unpacking, users often face difficulties in initial synchronization, since the device does not work autonomously without a smartphone.
The process of pairing can seem confusing due to the peculiarities of the Android and iOS operating systems, as well as the requirements for the application version. Incorrect sequence of actions or ignoring system resolutions often lead to the fact that the gadget simply does not see the phone. In this article, we will discuss in detail each stage of configuration, from choosing software to solving complex technical problems.
We’ll look at the nuances of working with the official Mi Fit app (now Xiaomi Wear) and alternative utilities, and learn how to set up notifications to keep important messages from missing, and how to update firmware for stable operation.
Preparation for the first launch and selection of the application
The first step before trying to pair is to install the necessary software on your smartphone. For Xiaomi devices and most other brands, the main tool is the Mi Fit application, which in some regions has been renamed Xiaomi Wear. It is through this software that the initial account registration, bracelet activation and configuration of all functions occurs.
It is important to understand that Bluetooth pairing directly through the system settings of the phone is not necessary to do. If you try to add a device through the standard Bluetooth menu in Android or iOS, data synchronization will not occur, and the bracelet will appear as “connected, but not used.” The entire control process is carried out exclusively within the application interface.
Make sure your smartphone has geolocation services (GPS) enabled. In modern versions of the Android operating system (starting with 6.0), access to GPS is a must for a Bluetooth scanner looking for nearby devices. Without the GPS module enabled, the app will not physically be able to detect your Mi Band 4.
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Download the app only from official Google Play or App Stores to avoid malicious modifications and ensure stable sync operation.
Once you install the app, you'll need to create a Mi Account or log in to an existing one, which is to keep your workout and health statistics in the cloud, and when you sign up, choose your region carefully, which will determine the availability of some features and sync servers.
Step-by-step instructions for connecting to Android and iOS
The process of connecting to Android and iOS smartphones has its own features related to the security policy of operating systems. In both cases, the bracelet must be charged at least 20% to avoid turning off during a firmware update, which often occurs immediately after activation.
It is critical for iPhone users to give the app all the permissions they request. iOS strictly controls access to Bluetooth and notifications. When you first start a Mi Fit or Xiaomi Wear, several system requests will appear on the screen - all of them must be answered with consent, otherwise the bracelet will not be able to transmit pulse or step data.
☑️ Checklist before connection
On Android devices, the situation is complicated by aggressive energy savings introduced by shell manufacturers (MIUI, EMUI, OneUI). The system can "kill" the background process of the application, which causes the bracelet to lose contact with the phone after a few hours of operation. To avoid this, find the application in the battery settings and select "No restrictions" or "No saving charge".
The connection algorithm itself is this: Open the app, go to profile, click Add Device and select Bracelet. The app will search. When your Mi Band 4 image appears on the phone screen, click on it. The bracelet displays a vibration and a confirmation button — press it to complete (pair).
Setup of notifications and data synchronization
Once paired successfully, the main task is to adjust the notification stream. Xiaomi Band 4 can display text messages from instant messengers, SMS and calls. However, to work correctly, you need to manually activate the desired applications in the menu "Application Notifications" inside the Mi Fit.
Note that the bracelet only displays what comes into the “curtain” of your phone’s notifications. If you have notifications turned off or do not disturb mode, the bracelet also remains silent. For iOS users, it is important to enable text display in the settings of the iPhone itself: Settings → Notifications → Show Preview → Always.
The synchronization of health data (pulse, sleep, steps) is automatic when an application is opened. However, for sleep monitoring and real-time pulse measurements to work correctly, the application needs to have constant access to background work. The table below shows the main parameters that can be adjusted to optimize the operation.
| Parameter | Description of settings | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse interval | Heart rate measurement | High (at 1 min) |
| Wrist lifting | Turning the screen on when turning the hand | Average. |
| Vibration. | The power of tactile response | Low. |
| Synchronization of time | Automatic clock adjustment | Minimum |
For those who use a smartphone to listen to music, the Mi Band 4 offers a player control feature that only works when the music is running on the phone. The bracelet displays the track title and allows you to pause or switch songs, but does not store the music in its own memory.
The Secret of the Precision Pedometer
Updating the firmware and calibrating the sensors
Immediately after the connection, the application may suggest updating the bracelet software, a critical step, as factory firmware often contains errors that affect sensor accuracy and Bluetooth connection stability. The upgrade process takes 5 to 15 minutes and requires the bracelet to be near the phone.
During the upgrade, don't press buttons on the bracelet and try not to open other heavy apps on the phone that can overload the Bluetooth module. The screen of the bracelet will show the percentage of execution. If the process is interrupted, the device can go into recovery mode, and you have to search for it again through the search.
Once updated, it is recommended to calibrate the pedometer. Go a known distance (e.g., 100 meters) and compare the bracelet readings with reality. The app can reset statistics or manually adjust the data, although Xiaomi algorithms usually learn well on the user's walk for 3-5 days.
⚠️ Warning: During firmware updates, make sure that the bracelet is at least 50% charged. Interrupting the process on a low charge can lead to complete inoperability of the device requiring service intervention.
Solution: Bracelet is not in or loses touch
One of the most common problems is when the app says "device not found" even though the bracelet is charged and on, and often the reason is that the bracelet is already "memorized" by another phone or previous installation of the app, in which case you need to reset the bracelet settings to the factory.
To reset the Mi Band 4, you need to go to the bracelet menu (swipe left to end), find Settings (cog icon) and select Unbind or Reset. After that, the bracelet will be visible again for search, and cleaning the Bluetooth cache in the smartphone settings also helps.
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If the bracelet is missing from the list of devices, always perform a full reset on the bracelet itself, not just removal from the application.
Problems with loss of communication at a distance are often not related to the power of the transmitter, but to interference. the case of a smartphone, a pocket of jeans or a metal band of a watch can shield the signal. Xiaomi Band 4 uses Bluetooth 5.0, which theoretically holds communication up to 10-15 meters, but in real conditions with obstacles the radius is reduced to 3-5 meters.
If nothing helps, try to uninstall the app, restart the phone, install the app again and only then start searching.A clean install often resolves Bluetooth driver conflicts accumulated during the use of the smartphone.
Additional features and hidden functions
In addition to basic tracking, the Mi Band 4 hides a few useful features that need to be manually activated, such as the Do Not Disturb mode, which can be set on a schedule so that the bracelet does not vibrate at night, and the Wrist Raise to Turn on the Screen feature is also available, which is better to turn off during sleep to save energy.
For swimmers, a water-locking screen is available, although the Mi Band 4 has a 5 ATM waterproof standard, allowing you to swim in the pool but not scuba diving. After contact with salt water, the device must be rinsed with fresh water to avoid corrosion of the contacts for charging.
Dials are another area of experimentation, with thousands of different design options available in the Mi Fit Store, but installing third-party, heavy dials can significantly reduce battery life, as the device's battery life is reduced. AMOLED-The screen consumes more energy when displaying bright colors.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use the bracelet in a sauna or hot shower.High temperature and steam can damage the display's adhesive layer and impair the body's tightness despite the claimed waterproofness.