Xiaomi fitness bracelets are some of the most popular wearables due to their combination of functionality, sensor accuracy and affordable price. However, even these simple devices sometimes have problems with the first turn on, especially if you just unpacked the bracelet or it was lying idle for a long time. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to properly activate the Mi Band bracelets of all generations (3rd to 8th), Xiaomi Smart Band, and Xiaomi Watch.
It's important to understand that the switching process can vary depending on the model: you can click on the touch button somewhere, you need to connect to a charger or even reset the settings. We'll also look at the typical errors that make the bracelet unresponsive to pressing, and we'll give you a checklist to diagnose malfunctions. If your gadget is dead or getting stuck after updating the firmware, here you'll find solutions.
The article will be useful for both beginners who have just purchased a Xiaomi bracelet, and experienced users who are faced with unusual situations (for example, after a battery change or a device fall).
1. Standard inclusion of the Xiaomi bracelet: step-by-step instructions
Most Mi Band models are included the same way, but there are nuances for different generations. Below is a universal algorithm that is suitable for the Mi Band 5/6/7/8 and Xiaomi Smart Band Pro:
- Charge before first switching on. Even if the bracelet is new, its battery may have run out during storage. Connect the device to the charging cable (for the Mi Band 3/4 - to a special docking station) and wait 10-15 minutes. The charging indicator (usually a green or red LED) should light up.
- Activate the touch button: Once you have connected to charging or at a sufficient charge level (minimum threshold of 5-10%), briefly tap the touch area under the screen (for Mi Band 3/4) or the physical button (for Mi Band 5+ and Xiaomi Watch).
- Install the Mi Fitness (Android/iOS) app andfollowing the on-screen instructions to pair the bracelet via Bluetooth. The app will automatically prompt you to update the firmware if needed.
There is a feature for the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4: if the bracelet does not respond to presses, try double touching on the touch button. In some firmware, one press locks the screen, and double tap unlocks.
Connect to charging for 10+ minutes |
Check the charging indicator (must burn)|
Press the touch button 1-2 times |
Make sure the bracelet is not in "Do Not Disturb" mode" (DND)|
Reset the bracelet (clip the button for 10 seconds if it does not respond)
-->
If the screen is black after this, go to Troubleshooting, and the bracelet may need to be reset or may have a hardware malfunction.
2. Features of inclusion for different models Xiaomi
While the way Xiaomi bracelets work is similar, each model has unique nuances, and the table below shows the key differences:
| Model | Type of button | Including | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 3 | Sensory (touching) | Single/double touch | The sensitivity of the button is adjusted in the application settings |
| Mi Band 4 | Sensory | Touch + Swipe Up | Supports gestures (e.g. raising your hand to activate the screen) |
| Mi Band 5/6 | Physical button | Short press (1 sec) | Long press (10 seconds) - reset settings |
| Mi Band 7/8 | Physical button + sensor | Pressing a button or double touching the screen | Support for Always-On Display (includes in settings) |
| Xiaomi Watch S1/S2 | Physical button + touch screen | Pressing a button or swipe up | Requires binding to the application for full activation |
For the Xiaomi Watch, the on-set process is more complicated: after pressing a physical button, you may need to select a language and connect to Wi-Fi directly through the device screen. If the watch does not respond to the button, try plugging it into charging and holding the 15-20 second button for a forced reboot.
Mi Band 3/4|
Mi Band 5/6|
Mi Band 7/8|
Xiaomi Smart Band Pro|
Xiaomi Watch (S1/S2/Pro)|
Another model
-->
3.How to turn on Xiaomi bracelet after full discharge
If the bracelet is dead (black screen, no response to the button), a standard charging connection may not help.
- Use the original cable. Non-original chargers may not provide enough current to "wake up" the power controller.
- Wait 30 to 60 minutes. When you're in deep discharge, it takes time for the bracelet to accumulate the minimum charge to turn on. The charge indicator may not catch fire immediately.
- Try push. After 30 minutes of charging, press and hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds, which can trigger the recovery process.
- Oxidation or contamination of contacts on the bracelet or docking station can block charging. Wipe them with an alcohol wipe.
⚠️ Note: If the bracelet does not turn on even after an hour on charging, do not try to disassemble it yourself - this can lead to damage to the battery.
For the Mi Band 7/8 and Xiaomi Watch, there is an additional way: connect the bracelet to charging and simultaneously press the on button. Hold it for 20-30 seconds - this can initiate recovery mode.
What to do if the bracelet is charged but not turned on?
4. Troubleshooting: Bracelet not switched on
If the bracelet does not respond to charging or pressing, follow this diagnostic algorithm:
- 🔋 Check the charger. Try another one. USB-cable or power supply. 3/4 Make sure the bracelet is properly installed in the docking station (should be clicked).
- 🔄 Forced reboot. Press the power button for 15 to 20 seconds. For Mi Band 5+ Xiaomi Watch can cause vibration and reboot.
- 📱 Reset via the app. In Mi Fitness go to Profile → Your device. → Then try to tie the bracelet back.
- 🔧 Hardware reset for the Mi Band. 5/6/7/8: Connect to the charger, hold the button. 30 It'll reset the settings to the factory.
If the bracelet vibrates when you connect to the charger, but the screen remains black, the problem may be the backlight or the display plume.
- Hold the bracelet to a bright light source at an angle - perhaps the image is there, but not visible due to damaged backlight.
- Try syncing it to your phone via Mi Fitness, and if the data is updated (steps, pulse) but the screen is not working, it's a hardware malfunction.
💡
If the Mi Band 7/8 bracelet does not turn on after a fall, check the integrity of the screen around the perimeter.
5.Including the bracelet after updating the firmware
Sometimes the Xiaomi bracelet freezes after updating the firmware through Mi Fitness.Symptoms: the screen does not respond, but the device is determined by the phone.
- ⏳ Wait 10-15 minutes. Some updates take installation time (especially for the Xiaomi Watch with more storage capacity).
- 🔄 Forced reset. Hold the button for 20 seconds until the bracelet vibrates.
- 📵 Uncoupling and re-pairing. In the app, remove the device (Profile) → The device → Untie), then find it again through Add the device.
- 🔌 Reset via charging. Connect the bracelet to charging, hold the button for 30 seconds, and that will trigger firmware recovery.
If the Mi Band 6/7 bracelet shows a white screen or Xiaomi logo after the upgrade and does not load any further, this is a sign of a firmware failure.
- Make sure the charge level is not below 50%.
- Connect the bracelet to charging and hold the 1 minute button – this can trigger recovery mode.
- If nothing helps, contact Xiaomi with the model and firmware version (you can see in Mi Fitness before the crash).
💡
After resetting the bracelet, all data (steps, pulse, settings) will be deleted. Regularly sync the device with the application to avoid losing statistics.
Activation of the bracelet after battery replacement
If you have replaced the battery in Xiaomi’s bracelet (or the service has done so), the device may not turn on for several reasons:
- 🔌 The battery must be tightly connected to the contacts on the board.
- ⚡ Low voltage. New battery can be discharged. Connect the bracelet to charge for 1-2 hours.
- 🛠️ Contact damage, the flexible plumes of the screen or buttons may have been damaged during the disassembly. Visually check the charge for scratches.
- 🔄 Reset the power controller. After replacing the battery, hold the power button for 30 to 40 seconds to reset the controller.
For the Mi Band 5/6/7, battery calibration may be required after battery replacement:
- Completely discharge the bracelet (before switching off).
- Charge to 100% without interruption.
- Repeat the cycle 2-3 times, which will help the controller to determine the level of charge correctly.
⚠️ Warning: Self-replacement of the battery deprives you of warranty. If the bracelet warranties, contact the official service Xiaomi. Use only original batteries - cheap analogues can swell or disable the charging controller.
7. Frequent Questions and Myths About Including Xiaomi Bracelets
Round up the most common misconceptions and questions of users:
- ❌ Myth: “The bracelet is only activated through the app". ✅ Reality: The app is for tuning only. The bracelet itself is turned on by a hardware button or sensor.
- ❌ Myth: If the bracelet doesn't turn on, it needs to be disassembled and dried". ✅ Reality: Disassembling without experience can damage the plumes.Try resetting and charging first.
- ❌ Myth: "Mi Band 8 is turned on by voice". ✅ Reality: Voice control is only available in Xiaomi Watch S2 Pro, and then - after setting up.
Another popular question is, "Can I turn on the bracelet without the phone?" Yes, the bracelet works autonomously (shows time, steps, pulse), but for full activation and synchronization of data, you need a smartphone with Mi Fitness.