Xiaomi’s smart Mi Band 4 bracelet has become a hit thanks to its functionality and affordable price. However, many users face difficulties already at the stage of initial configuration of the device. Proper pairing of the gadget with a smartphone is the foundation for the correct operation of all functions, from counting steps to receiving notifications from messengers.
The synchronization process takes only a few minutes, but requires attention to detail, especially in choosing software. In this article, we will examine all the nuances of connecting a tracker to Android and iOS operating systems. You will learn how to avoid common errors and configure the device for maximum efficiency.
Before you start setting up, make sure your bracelet is at least 20-30% charged, which is necessary for the Bluetooth module to work smoothly during installation procedures, and check if Bluetooth is on on your mobile device, as without this connection will not be possible to establish.
Preparation for pairing: important nuances
The first step is to prepare the smartphone. To work with the Mi Band 4 requires a modern operating system. iPhone owners need iOS 10.0 or higher, and Android users need version 4.4 and later with Bluetooth 4.0. Without these technical requirements, stable communication is impossible.
The crucial point is to choose the right app. Mi Fit was the main app for a long time, but now Xiaomi is actively promoting the Xiaomi Wear platform (or Zepp Life). For full compatibility of all the features of the Mi Band 4, including the dial store, it is recommended to use the current version of the Zepp Life application. Older versions of the software may not recognize the new firmware of the bracelet.
Don’t try to connect the bracelet directly through the Bluetooth settings in your phone. This is a common error that causes the device to appear as “connected” but not transmit data.
- 📱 Charge the bracelet to at least 20% before setting up.
- 📶 Make sure your smartphone includes Bluetooth and geolocation modules (GPS).
- 🔄 Update the Zepp Life or Mi Fit app to the latest version in the store.
- 📵 Disconnect the bracelet from other devices if it has previously been paired.
⚠️ Note: If you have previously connected the bracelet to your phone via the standard Bluetooth menu, be sure to find the device in the list and click “Forget this device” or “Unpair” before setting up in the app.
Instructions for Android: installation and registration
Android smartphone owners need to download the official app. Searching Google Play for "Zepp" or "Mi Fit" will give you the desired result. After installation, you will need to register an account, you can use your phone number, email address or log in through Google, Facebook or Xiaomi accounts.
Once authenticated, the app will request permissions to access geolocation and notifications, a mandatory step: without location permission (even if GPS is turned off), the Android app will not be able to scan Bluetooth devices. Without access to notifications, you will not receive messages from the bracelet.
Next, go to the Profile tab and select Add Device. In the list of available gadgets, find Mi Band 4. The app will start scanning. When the bracelet and its ID appear on the screen, click Connect. On the tracker screen, a vibration will appear and you will be asked to confirm the action — tap the touch button.
☑️ Check before connecting to Android
Once confirmed, you'll start the process of synchronizing time and firmware, so don't close the app and hold your phone next to the bracelet, and if you want to update firmware, you'll be sure to agree, because that fixes communication errors.
Set up Mi Band 4 on iPhone (iOS)
For Apple users, the process is slightly different due to the limitations of the iOS operating system. Download the Zepp Life app from the App Store. When you first start, the system will request permission to use Bluetooth and send notifications — answer “Allow”.
Account registration is similar to the Android version. However, iOS is more closely monitors background processes. To keep the bracelet connected, you need to find Mi Band 4 in the phone settings in the Bluetooth section (after successfully pairing in the application) and make sure that it shows up as connected.
An important step is to set up access to health data, and the app will request permission to read and write data to the Health app, which will synchronize heart rate, sleep and footsteps between the wristband and the Apple ecosystem.
- 🍏 Go to Bluetooth iPhone settings after installing the app.
- 💡 Make sure that privacy settings allow access to the fitness tracker.
- 🔔 Enable “Notifications Show” for the Zepp Life app in your phone settings.
If the bracelet isn't there, try rebooting your iPhone. Often, iOS system failures block new peripherals from being discovered before the services restart.
Solving Connection and Visibility Problems
If the scan in the application does not give results for more than 30 seconds, check if the bracelet is connected to another phone. Mi Band 4 can only store one active connection in memory.
Another reason could be the overflow of paired devices in the Bluetooth module of the smartphone. If you've changed phones or headphones, old profiles may interfere. Clear the list of paired devices in the Bluetooth settings.
Hidden bracelet reset
The distance should also be considered: the initial setup of the phone and bracelet should be at a distance of no more than 1-2 meters from each other, the presence of thick metal objects or working microwave ovens between them can cause interference.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to connect the bracelet through third-party Bluetooth scanner apps.This can block the ability to connect via the official app until the bracelet is completely reset.
Configure notifications and functions
Once you've successfully connected, you can access the main functionality. In Profile -> Mi Band 4 -> App settings, you can select which apps will duplicate notifications on your wrist. WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, calls and SMS are available.
To properly display text messages on Android, you need to give the application permission to "Access Notifications." Without this, the bracelet will only vibrate, but text will not come. On iOS, the notification settings are duplicated from the system notification center.
The wrist lift feature, which activates the screen when you raise your hand, can be annoying, but if you're sleeping or watching a movie, it's flexible, and you can set the time intervals for this feature.
Don't forget to set your activity goals. The default is 10,000 steps, but you can set a more realistic goal to start with, so that your motivation doesn't go away in the first week of use.
Comparison of software versions and compatibility
Understanding the differences between software versions helps avoid confusion. There are two main platforms: Mi Fit (old) and Zepp Life (new), and there is also the Mi Fitness app, which is designed primarily for new models, but can work with four.
The table below will help you figure out which application is best to choose for your purposes:
| Function | Mi Fit (Zepp Life) | Mi Fitness | Third-party (Notify) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official support | Complete. | Partial | No. |
| Dial shop | A huge choice. | Limited. | Depends on the version. |
| Synchronization stability | Tall. | Medium | Low. |
| Advanced settings | Basic | Basic | Maximum. |
| Recommendation | For most users | For the Xiaomi ecosystem | For the advanced. |
If you plan to use the wristband for serious health monitoring, you should focus on the official Zepp Life app, which provides the best possible energy optimization.
💡
Install the Zepp Life app widget on your phone’s desktop, which will help the system kill the app process less often, and your heart rate will be synchronized more often.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the bracelet write “Connected” but the data is not synchronized?
Can I connect Mi Band 4 to two phones at the same time?
What if the bracelet stops vibrating when notified?
Is the Mi Band 4 compatible with Huawei Health?
💡
The main secret of stable work Mi Band 4 — These are the correct permissions for the application in the system Android/iOS Use the current version of Zepp Life.