Xiaomi Mi Band 2: Complete instructions for setting up the bracelet in 2026

The 2016 Xiaomi Mi Band 2 fitness bracelet is still popular with users due to its simplicity, reliability and budget price. Despite its age, the device successfully copes with basic tasks: tracks steps, pulse, sleep and displays notifications from a smartphone. However, many owners face difficulties in the first setup – especially if you buy the bracelet from hand or after a long downtime.

In this article you will find the current step-by-step instructions.

Mi Band 2

Mi Fit

Android 10-14

iOS 14-17

Preparation for the setup: what will be needed

Before you start setting up the Xiaomi Mi Band 2, make sure you have everything you need:

• 📱 Smartphone on Android 5.0+ or iOS 9.0+ (for Mi Fit)
• 🔋 Charged bracelet (minimum 20% charge)

If you bought a used bracelet, reset it to factory settings before connecting. To do this, press the touch button on the Mi Band 2 for 10 seconds until the vibration appears, which will delete all previous data and make it easier to synchronize.

⚠️ Note: Mi Band 2 does not support modern versions of Mi Fitness (application for new Xiaomi bracelets). Use only Mi Fit or Zepp Life, otherwise the bracelet will not connect.

Also check if your smartphone is blocking background activity Mi Fit. On Android, you can do this in battery settings, and on iPhone, in Settings → Privacy → Geolocation Services. Without these permissions, notifications and sync will not work.

Installation and configuration of the Mi Fit application

The official Mi Fit app is the only way to fully customize the Xiaomi Mi Band 2. Download it from the App Store or Google Play (links are up to 2026):

• 📱 Mi Fit for Android
• 🍎 Mi Fit for iOS

After installation:

1. Sign up or sign in through your Xiaomi account (if you don’t have an account, create it directly in the app).
2. Click Add Device and select Mi Smart Band 2.
3. Allow all geolocation, notification and Bluetooth access requests.

If the app does not find the bracelet, check:

• 🔌 Is Bluetooth enabled on your phone (sometimes restarting the module helps).
• 🔄 Is the bracelet in search mode (on the screen should flash the Bluetooth icon).
• 📵 Are there any interference from other devices (such as headphones or smartwatches).

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If Mi Fit gives an error "Device not supported", try installing the old version of the application (for example, 4.6.0) via the APK-Links to the archived versions can be found on the APKCombo website.

Synchronization of Mi Band 2 with a smartphone

Once you've successfully connected, the Mi Fit app will open a bracelet control panel, and you can configure:

Pay special attention to the notification settings. On Android, you just need to select the apps in Mi Fit, and on iPhone, additionally:

1. Go to iOS Settings → Notifications → Mi Fit.
2. Enable notifications and sounds.
3. Activate Show on the lock screen.

⚠️ Attention: On iOS 16+ Notifications may be delayed due to Apple restrictions.To reduce lag, turn off Low Power Mode for Mi Fit.

Bracelet charge > 20%|

Bluetooth is enabled and not connected to other devices|

Mi Fit Allows Access to Notifications |

The bracelet is located next to the smartphone (no more than 1 meter)-->

Set up a pedometer and sleep monitoring

Xiaomi Mi Band 2 is equipped with an accelerometer for counting steps and a pulse sensor, but for accurate data they need to be calibrated:

1. Stepmer: Walk 50 steps with the bracelet, holding the phone in your hand. In Mi Fit, go to Profile → Pedometer settings → Calibration. Follow the instructions on the screen.
2. Sleep monitoring: Include Self-Sleep Tracking in Profile → Sleep. Specify approximate bedtime and wake time. Wear the bracelet on a non-dominant hand (for example, your left hand if you are right-handed) for accuracy.

If the pedometer shows inflated or understated values, check:

• 👟 Is the bracelet properly fixed (should fit tightly, but not crush the hand).
• 📱 Are there any conflicts with other fitness apps (e.g. Google Fit).
• 🔄 Is the bracelet firmware updated (see next section).

To monitor the pulse manually:

1. On the bracelet, touch the touch button.
2. Slide through to the icon. ❤️ (pulse).
3. Wait 10-15 seconds while the measurement is taking place.

Automatic pulse measurement is included in Profile → Heartbeat → Measurement frequency.

Update firmware and reset settings

If your Mi Band 2 is unstable (e.g., out of sync or discharges quickly), the reason may be an outdated firmware.

1. Open Mi Fit and go to Device Profile → Firmware Update.
2. If a new version is available, click Update.
3. Wait until the bracelet is completed (reboot automatically).

Important:

• 🔋 The charge of the bracelet should be more than 50%.
• 📶 Connect your phone to Wi-Fi (update "weighs" ~5-10 MB).
• ⏳ Do not interrupt the process (it can take up to 10 minutes).

If the bracelet is getting stuck or does not respond to touch, reset:

1. Disconnect Mi Band 2 from your phone in Mi Fit.
2. Press the touch button for 10-15 seconds until you feel the vibration.
3. Reconnect the bracelet via Mi Fit.

⚠️ Warning: Reset removes all data from the bracelet, including your footstep and sleep history. If you want to keep the statistics, export them to Mi Fit first (Profile section) → Export of data).

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Updating your firmware can solve problems with connection, battery drain, and sensors, and check for updates every 2-3 months.

Configuring additional functions

In addition to the basic features, the Mi Band 2 supports several hidden features:

• 🔔 Phone Search: In Mi Fit, Enable Profile → Now, if you click on the icon, find the phone. 📱 on the bracelet, the phone will emit an audible signal.
• 🚶 Reminder of inactivity: activate in Profile → Reminders → Sedentary: The bracelet will vibrate if you haven't moved for more than an hour.
• 🔒 Unlocking phone: on Android, you can configure screen unlock when the bracelet approaches (Mi Fit and Smart Lock are required in the security settings).

Also in Mi Fit you can change the design of the dial:

1. Go to Profile → Screen → Change the dial.
2. Choose one of the available styles (classic, digital, minimalist).
3. Click Sync to apply the changes.

If you lack standard dials, you can install custom dials through third-party apps, such as Amazfit Watchfaces (requires a root or patched version of Mi Fit).

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To extend the life of the battery, turn off the automatic pulse measurement (leave only manual mode) and reduce the brightness of the screen in the bracelet settings.

Solving Typical Problems with Mi Band 2

Even after you set it up properly, users are faced with typical problems, and here's how to solve them:

If the bracelet is not activated:

1. Put it on charge for 30 to 60 minutes (even if the indicator is not on).
2. Press and hold the touch button for 15-20 seconds.
3. If it doesn’t help, try resetting your settings via Mi Fit (Section Profile → Disable Device).

For connection problems:

• Remove the bracelet from Mi Fit and reconnect.
• Turn off Bluetooth on your phone, restart it and turn it on again.
• Try connecting from another smartphone to rule out hardware malfunction of the bracelet.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions