The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular gadgets for monitoring activity due to the combination of affordable price and wide functionality. However, even with such a simple device, the first connection process can raise questions - especially if you are new to the Xiaomi ecosystem or are faced with synchronization errors. In this article, we will discuss all the steps of connecting the Mi Band 5 to Android and iOS smartphones, including preparing the phone, installing the application, pairing over Bluetooth and setting up basic functions.
It is important to understand that the Mi Band 5 works through the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit), and its installation is the key to successful synchronization. We will also look at the unique nuances for the Chinese versions of the bracelet (with NFC), which require additional manipulations with the account region, and give tips for eliminating typical errors like “device does not see” or “firmware does not update.” If you have already tried to connect the bracelet but encountered problems, skip the introductory part and go straight to the “Problemise”.
Preparing a smartphone before connecting
Before you start pairing, make sure your phone meets the minimum requirements:
- 📱 Android 5.0+ or iOS 10.0+ — Older versions of the OS are not supported by the Mi Fitness app.
- 🔄 Bluetooth 4.2+ — For stable communication without breaks. On Android, check the version in Settings → The phone. → Bluetooth version.
- 📶 Internet access - you need to download the application and update the bracelet firmware.
- 🔋 Bracelet charge ≥30% – with low charge, the Mi Band 5 can shut down during setup.
Pay special attention to the permits:
- 📍 Geolocation – required to accurately track activity (you can turn off later).
- 📁 Access to files – required for exporting training data.
- 🔔 Notifications – to have the bracelet show incoming calls and messages.
⚠️ Note: If you are using the Chinese version of the Mi Band 5 (with support) NFC For AliPay, change the region of Xiaomi account to China in the profile settings before connecting. Otherwise, the payment functions will not work, and the firmware may be updated with errors.
Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness application
The official Mi Band 5 management app is called Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit).
- 🤖 Google Play for Android
- 🍎 App Store for iOS
After installation:
- Open the app and register for a Xiaomi account (or log in to an existing one). Use a valid email and the data will come back to it for recovery.
- In the Profile menu → Settings → Select the country of residence (for Russia - "Russia", for Russia) NFC-version - "China").
- Allow all permissions requested (see the list in the previous section).
⚠️ Note: If you see the app saying "Device not supported", check the region of the account - it must match the region of purchase of the bracelet. For example, the European version of the Mi Band 5 will not work with an account linked to China.
Install Mi Fitness from the official store |
Register/log in to your Xiaomi | account
Check the region of the account (Russia/China)|
Enable Bluetooth and geolocation on your phone |
Charge the bracelet to 50%+-->
Connecting Mi Band 5 to the phone
When the preparation is completed, proceed to the pairing:
- Activate the bracelet: Press the Mi Band 5 touch button (under the screen) – the Mi logo should appear.
- Add the device to Mi Fitness: Press + → Bracelet in the top right corner. Select Mi Smart Band 5 from the list.
Confirm the conjugation
- The phone will have a code of 4 digits – it should match the code on the bracelet screen.
- Click Confirm in the app and tap the button on the bracelet.
- Update the firmware (if available): after connecting, the application will offer to install the current version of the software. Do not interrupt the process - this can lead to a failure of the bracelet.
| Step. | Action on the phone | Action on the bracelet |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Mi Fitness → +" → "Breasure" | Touch the touch button |
| 2 | Select Mi Smart Band 5 from the list | Wait for the vibration |
| 3 | Confirm the interface code | Touch the confirmation button |
| 4 | Wait for the synchronization to be completed | The screen will show progress (strip) |
💡
If the bracelet doesn't respond to touch, check if the phone is power-saving -- it can block Bluetooth background work. Turn it off in the battery settings.
Set up the main functions after connecting
After successful pairing, the Mi Band 5 will offer you to configure key parameters:
- ⏰ Time and date - sync automatically with your phone. If the clock is going down, check Settings. → Additionally. → Synchronization of time.
- 🔔 Notifications: Enable Call Notifications and Messages. Select applications that will duplicate notifications on the bracelet (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).
- 🏃 Activity tracking: Set your goal by steps (recommended value of 8000-10,000 per day). Activate Auto-identification of workouts for running, walking and cycling.
- 🔒 Screen unlock (Android only): Enable Phone unlock in bracelet settings. add Mi Band 5 to the list of trusted devices in Android security settings.
How to turn on the weather display on Mi Band 5?
Features of connecting the version with NFC (for China)
If your Mi Band 5 supports NFC (XMSH10HM), you will need to adjust the following settings to work properly:
- Change your account region to China: Go to Profile → Settings → Region and select (China).
AliPay card binding
- In the bracelet menu, select NFC → Add a card.
- Follow the instructions for linking a bank card (you will need a Chinese phone number for verification).
- Set up a transport card (for Beijing/Shanghai): Profile → Mi Smart Band 5 → NFC → Transport card → Add Supported cards Beijing Municipal Administration and Shanghai Public Transportation.
What to do if the update is suspended:
- 🔌 Do not turn off the bracelet from charging - this can lead to "bricking".
- 📶 Check your internet connection (better to use Wi-Fi).
- ⏳ If progress is not moving for more than 20 minutes, restart the application and try again.