Xiaomi Mi Band 3: detailed instructions for use for beginners

Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is one of the most popular fitness bracelets, combining affordable price and rich functionality, and even years after its release, it remains in demand due to its reliability, long run time and compatibility with most smartphones. However, many users face difficulties when connecting first or are unaware of the hidden capabilities of the device.

This article will help you understand everything from basic setup to advanced features like music management or notification settings. We will detail how to sync the Mi Band 3 with your phone, interpret health data and avoid common mistakes. And if you are just planning to buy, here you will find comparisons with new models and answers to frequent questions.

Set and appearance: what is in the box and how the bracelet is arranged

In the standard package of Mi Band 3 you will find:

• 📦 The fitness bracelet itself OLED-display
• 🔋 Removable battery module (built into the body)
• 💍 Silicone strap (black or other color depending on version)
• 📱 Instructions in several languages (including Russian)
• 🔌 Charging cable with USB-connector (without power supply)

The bracelet is made of matte plastic with a touch button under the display. On the back there is a heart rate sensor and charging contacts. The 0.78 screen with a resolution of 128×80 supports touch control of swipes. Importantly, the bracelet has an IP68 degree of protection, which allows you to use it in the rain or in the shower, but it is not recommended to swim with it in a pool deeper than 1 meter.

⚠️ Note: Some users confuse the Mi Band 3 with the Mi Band 4 because of the similar design, the main difference is that the Mi Band 3 display is monochrome (black and white), and the 4th model has a color display. AMOLED.

The strap is fixed in the standard way: a pin is inserted into one of the holes. The length is adjustable under the wrist from 155 mm to 216 mm. If your size goes beyond this, you will have to buy the strap separately - accessories from the Mi Band 2/3/4 will fit.

First Enablement and Connection to a Smartphone

Charge the bracelet before you start using it, even if it says it's partially charged in the box.

1. Remove the module from the strap by pulling it towards the screen.
2. Connect to the charging cable (contacts must match the magnets).
3. Put it in. USB-It's an adapter or a computer. It takes a full charge. ~2 hours.

After charging, press the touch button below the display, the bracelet vibrates and turns on. Now you need to install the Mi Fit app (available for Android and iOS).

• 📱 Google Play (Android)
• 🍎 App Store (iPhone)

In the annex:

1. Sign up or sign in via your Xiaomi/Google/Facebook account.
2. Click "+" → "Brecelet" → select Mi Smart Band 3.
3. Allow access to notifications, geolocation and contacts (necessary for proper operation).
4. Wait until the bracelet is determined by Bluetooth (hold it near the phone).

Main functions and management of the bracelet

Mi Band 3 is swiped and clicked on the touch button.

• 👆 Swipe up/down - scroll the menu
• 👈 Swipe left - return to the main screen
• 👉 Swipe to the right – opening additional functions (depending on the firmware)
• 🔘 Pressing the button – selecting the menu item

The main screen displays:

• ⏱ Time and date (synchronized with the phone)
• 🏃 Steps and distance travelled
• 💓 Pulse (when activating the function)
• 🔋 Battery level of charge

To customize the display data, go to the Mi Fit application → Profile → “Mi Smart Band 3” → “Bracelet Screen”.

• 🔄 Change the order of information blocks
• 🎨 Select the dial (available 5)+ variant)
• 🔔 Set up the display of notifications

Is time synchronized?|Step tracking activated?|Whether notifications are connected?|Is the bracelet firmware updated?-->

Health tracking: pulse, sleep and activity

The heart rate sensor in Mi Band 3 automatically measures the pulse every 30 minutes (configurable in the app).

1. Go to the bracelet menu (swipe up).
2. Select a point «💓 Pulse».
3. Place your finger on the sensor on the back and don’t move for 15-20 seconds.

The accuracy of measurements depends on:

• 🩹 Density of the adhesive bracelet (should sit tight, but not crushed)
• 💦 No sweat or dirt on the sensor
• 🧘‍♂️ Calm state (do not measure your pulse immediately after exercise)

To track sleep, the bracelet must be worn on the arm, and the algorithm automatically detects the phases:

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet shows less than 6 hours of sleep and you slept longer, check the density of the strap attachment.

To track activity (walking, running, cycling), select the appropriate mode in the bracelet menu. Step data is synchronized with Google Fit/Apple Health when you connect your Mi Fit accounts.

Notifications and additional capabilities

Mi Band 3 supports notifications for:

• 📞 Incoming calls (with display of number)
• 💬 SMS Messages from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)
• 📅 Calendar events
• 🔔 Alarm clocks (vibration) + phone)

To set up notifications:

1. In Mi Fit, go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Notifications.
2. Turn on the “Call Notifications” and “Notifications from Applications” switch.
3. Select the applications you want to see on the bracelet.

Additional functions:

• 🔍 Phone search: in the bracelet menu select «📱» → The phone will make sound (works within Bluetooth radius).
• 🎵 Music control: swipe to the right on the main screen → button-up «Play/Pause», «Next.The feature only works if music is played on the phone via a standard player or supported apps (e.g. Spotify).
• 🌙 Do Not Disturb: Turns off notifications and vibrations for a predetermined period.

1. Is Bluetooth on the phone?

2. Have you allowed Mi Fit to show notifications in your system settings (Android: “Settings” → “Applications” → “Mi Fit” → “Notifications”).

3. whether the power saving mode on the smartphone is activated (it can block the background operation of applications).-->

Problems and Solutions: What to Do When Mi Band 3 is Not Working

Common faults and ways to eliminate them:

If the bracelet does not respond to touch, try:

1. Wash the screen with a dry wipe (possibly it has fat or moisture on it).
2. Reset settings: In Mi Fit, select “Untie the device” and connect again.
3. Update the firmware: Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Firmware Update.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet stopped working after falling or getting water, do not try to disassemble it yourself - this will lead to a loss of warranty.

Comparison with new models: should we update?

The Mi Band 3 is still relevant for basic activity tracking, but the new models offer more features.Compared to the Mi Band 7 (2022):

It is worth updating if you need:

• 🎨 Color screen and animated dials
• 🩺 Advanced Health Metrics (SpO₂, stress, breathing)
• 🏃‍♂️ More exercise regimes (yoga, swimming, etc.)

If you have enough steps, pulse and notifications, the Mi Band 3 is a great choice, especially since its price rarely exceeds 1,500–2,000 in the secondary market. ₽.

💡

Mi Band 3 Suitable for basic fitness tracking and notifications, but if you need modern features like SpO₂ Always-On Display, see the newer models (Mi Band) 6/7/8).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions