The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular wearables due to its combination of affordable price, long battery life and extensive functionality. However, new users often have difficulties with the first connection to a smartphone — especially if we are talking about Android devices with custom firmware or manufacturer restrictions. In this article, we will analyze not only the basic synchronization procedure, but also nuances that are rarely covered in official instructions.
It’s important to understand that the Mi Band 4 runs through Mi Fit’s proprietary app (or its alternatives like Zepp Life), and the success of the connection depends on the right setup of both the bracelet and the phone. We’ll look at all the steps from preparing devices to solving common bugs like “the wristband doesn’t find” or “the connection is constantly breaking down.” If you’ve already tried to connect and encountered problems, skip the basic steps and go straight to the “Problems” section.
Preparing the phone and bracelet before connecting
Before you start syncing, make sure both devices are ready to go.For the Mi Band 4, it is critical that:
- 📱 Android version on the phone was not lower than 5.0 Lollipop (optimum - 6.0)+). Older systems will not have enough resources to run the application stable.
- 🔋 The bracelet was over 20% charged, and with low battery levels, the Mi Band 4 could interrupt or refuse to be activated.
- 📶 Bluetooth on the phone was turned on and in detection mode. Some manufacturers (such as Samsung or Huawei) by default limit the background operation of Bluetooth to save power - this should be turned off.
- 🚫 Antiviruses and optimizers (like Clean Master or Avast) have been temporarily disabled, often blocking applications from accessing geolocation and Bluetooth.
Also check if the bracelet is connected to another device, and if the Mi Band 4 was previously used with another phone, it should be reset to the factory settings.
- Press and hold the touch button of the bracelet for 10-15 seconds until the vibration and the Mi logo appear.
- After the reset, the bracelet will be ready for a new synchronization.
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If the bracelet does not respond to prolonged pressing, connect it to charging for 5-10 minutes - sometimes a discharged battery blocks the reset.
Installation and configuration of the Mi Fit application
The official Mi Fit app is the only legal way to connect Mi Band 4 to Android, but it's available from Google Play.
- Region choice: When the first launch is made, Mi Fit will suggest a country to choose from, Russia or Singapore to choose from (if all features are needed), and China will limit some of the options.
- Account registration: Without a Xiaomi or Mi Account account, the bracelet will not sync. If you already have an account (for example, for a Xiaomi phone), use it. You can create a new account directly in the application.
- Permits: Mi Fit will request access to the: 📍 Geolocation (to track activity) 📱 Contacts and notifications (to display messages on the bracelet) 📁 Storage (for backup copies of data)
⚠️ Note: If you refuse to access notifications, the bracelet will not be able to show incoming calls and messages from messengers.
After registration, the app will suggest adding a new device. Select the Bracelet → Mi Smart Band 4. If the Mi Band 4 is not listed, upgrade the Mi Fit to the latest version or check your phone's compatibility.
Step-by-step instructions for connecting Mi Band 4 to Android
When you have completed your preparation, follow this algorithm:
- Bluetooth Activation: Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and make sure it’s visible to other devices (in Bluetooth settings, select Make Visible or Device Search).
- Search for bracelet: In Mi Fit, click Add Device → Mi Smart Band 4. The app will start scanning.
- When the name of the bracelet appears on the phone screen (for example, MI Band 4_XXXX), You can tap it. The bracelet should have a Bluetooth icon flashing on it.
- Confirmation: The phone and bracelet will have a 4-digit code. Compare it — if the codes match, click Confirm in the app and tap the touch button on the bracelet.
- Firmware update: Once connected, Mi Fit will suggest updating the bracelet firmware. Don't interrupt the process - this can cause the device to crash. What happens if you interrupt the update? If the firmware update of the Mi Band 4 is interrupted (for example, pull the bracelet from charging or turn off Bluetooth), it may stop turning on or work incorrectly. In 80% of cases, the reset helps to factory settings (hold the 20 seconds button), but sometimes you need to flash it over the PC.
If it goes well, Mi Fit will have a home page of the bracelet with steps, pulse and battery life, and you can set up notifications, alarm clocks and other functions.
Make sure that Bluetooth is on and you can see it.|Charge the bracelet to at least 20%|Disable battery optimizers for Mi Fit|Remove the bracelet if it has been used before|Update Mi Fit to the latest version-->
Configure notifications and additional functions
By default, the Mi Band 4 only shows time and basic data. To unlock its potential, set up:
| Function | How to turn it on | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Call notifications | In Mi Fit: Profile → Notifications → Incoming calls | It only works if you allow access to contacts. |
| Messages from messengers | Profile → Notifications → Messages, select applications (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) | On some phones (such as Xiaomi or Huawei) you need to manually allow the auto-run of the Mi Fit. |
| Alarm clocks | Profile → Alarm clocks → Add an alarm clock. | You can adjust the vibration and repeat in 5-30 minutes. |
| Sleep tracking | Profile → Sleep → Auto-tracking | For accuracy, wear a bracelet on an unworking hand. |
| Phone search | In the bracelet menu: swipe up the screen and select the icon 📱 | The phone must emit an audible signal (if Bluetooth is enabled) |
For advanced users: in Mi Fit you can change the dial (Profile → Display → Dials), set goals by steps and even turn on the weather display (data is taken from the phone).
1) Permissions for Mi Fit in Android settings (Settings → Applications → Mi Fit → Notifications).
2) No bracelet in the battery optimization blacklist (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).
3) Active Bluetooth connection (sometimes it is enough to reconnect the bracelet).-->
Solving the problems with connecting Mi Band 4
Even with the right setup, you can get errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
1.The phone doesn't find the bracelet
- 🔄 Reboot both devices: Turn off and turn on your phone and bracelet.
- 📱 Check compatibility: Some phones (like Meizu or Nokia on older Android versions) may not support Mi Band 4.
- 🛠️ Reset network settings on your phone: Settings → System system → Reset → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
2.The bracelet plugs in, but immediately disconnects
- 🔋 Battery problem: charge the bracelet to 100% and try again.
- 📵 Conflict with other devices: disconnect from the phone other wearable gadgets (earphones, smart watches).
- 🛡️ Antivirus Block: temporarily disable protection or add Mi Fit to exceptions.
3.No notifications are coming.
- 🔔 Check the application settings: in Settings → Annexes → [messenger] → Notifications should be included.
- 📴 Turn off the "Do Not Disturb" mode on your phone.
- 🔄 Reconnect the bracelet: in Mi Fit, select Disconnect the device, then reconnect.
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet has stopped responding to touch after updating the firmware, reset (hold the 20 seconds button) and reconnect. 90% of the time, this solves the problem.
Mi Band 4 apps: When Mi Fit doesn't work
If the official application is unstable or you lack features, you can use third-party programs.
- 🌐 Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit): Supports all the features of the Mi Band 4, but with a more modern interface.
- 🔔 Notify & Fitness for Mi Band: Expands notification capabilities (e.g. shows emojis and long messages) Requires Mi Fit for basic synchronization.
- 📊 Mi Band Master: allows you to fine-tune vibrations, alarm clocks and even change fonts on the bracelet screen.
Warning: Third-party apps can reset the pace and sleep statistics when you first connect, and we recommend syncing the data with Mi Fit first, and then switching to an alternative.
Also, note that some features (such as contactless payment via Mi Pay) work only in the official application and only in supported regions (China, Russia).
How to extend the life of the Mi Band 4 battery
The average lifetime of the Mi Band 4 on a single charge is 15-20 days, but with active use (constant notifications, pulse tracking), it can be reduced to 7-10 days.
- ⏱️ Turn off constant pulse monitoring: in Mi Fit, select Profile → Heart rate → Measure by hand.
- 🔔 Limit notifications: Leave only important messengers (e.g. calls and calls) SMS).
- 🌙 Use dark dials: AMOLED-The screen uses less energy on a black background.
- 🔄 Turn off automatic synchronization: set manual mode in Profile → Synchronization of data.
If the bracelet discharges faster than 5 days, check:
- Is the training mode in the background turned on?
- Is the back cover damaged (through it is charging).
- Is not a non-original strap with metal elements used (they can close the contacts).