How to connect Xiaomi Mi Sport to your phone: full instructions with solutions to problems

The Xiaomi Mi Sport fitness bracelet (also known as the Mi Band 1S or Mi Band Pulse) remains a popular activity tracking device despite the release of new models, its main advantages are simplicity, long battery life and an accurate pulsemeter. However, many users have difficulties with the first connection, especially if it is a old version of firmware or incompatible smartphones.

In this article, you will find detailed instructions on how to connect Mi Sport to Android and iOS phones, including solutions to common bugs like “device not found” or “data cannot be synchronized,” and we will also discuss which apps are best used for different versions of the bracelet and how to update the firmware if standard methods do not work.

If you bought a used bracelet or it was lying without use for a long time, be sure to reset it to the factory settings before connecting - hold the button 10-15 seconds before vibration. This will delete old data and simplify synchronization.

1.What models belong to the Xiaomi Mi Sport line?

The Xiaomi Mi Sport is often referred to as a number of first- and second-generation devices, and here are the key differences:

• 📌 Mi Band 1S (Pulse) is the first version with a pulseometer (2015), compatible only with Mi Fit versions up to 4.6.
• 📌 Mi Band 2 – Added a OLED- screen and touch button, requires Mi Fit 4.7+ or Zepp Life.
• 📌 Mi Band HRX (India) - Modification of Mi Band 2 with different branding, connects similarly.

Important: Mi Band 3/4/5/6/7 is a different line, and you need different instructions for it. If your bracelet doesn't have the Mi Sport or 1S label on it, check the model in the documentation.

For the Mi Band 1S, there is a problem with modern smartphones, for example, on Android 12+ or iOS 15+, the original Mi Fit app may not see the device, in which case alternative software will be needed - read about this in the app section.

2. Preparation of the bracelet for connection

Before syncing with your phone, do the basic steps:

Charge the bracelet to 100% (the indicator is lit green)

Make sure your phone is on Bluetooth 4.0+

Reset the bracelet to factory settings (hold the button 10-15 seconds)

Remove old versions of Mi Fit or Zepp Life apps

Check the compatibility of the OS (Android 4.4+/iOS 9+)

-->

Pay special attention to resetting, if the bracelet has already been paired with another phone, the new data will not sync.

1. Disconnect the bracelet from the charger.
2. Find a physical button on the case (the Mi Band 1S has it hidden under the lid).
3. Hold it until you feel three vibrations in a row (about 15 seconds).
4. After resetting, the indicator flashes red - this means that the bracelet is ready for a new setup.

If the button doesn't respond, check the battery power. If it's below 10%, the reset may not work. Connect the bracelet to charge for 20 to 30 minutes and try again.

3. Installation and configuration of the application

To connect Xiaomi Mi Sport will need official software. The choice depends on the bracelet model and the phone operating system:

Download the desired version of Mi Fit from official sources:

• 🌐 For Android: APKPure (if not in Google Play).
• 🍎 For iOS: App Store.

After installation:

1. Launch Mi Fit and register (you can use Xiaomi Account, Google or Facebook).
2. Go to Profile → Add Device → Bracelet → Mi Band 1S (or your model).
3. Allow the app to access geodata, notifications and Bluetooth.

💡

If Mi Fit doesn’t find the bracelet, try turning off battery savings for this app in your Android settings. On your iPhone, check that Bluetooth is enabled not only in the control panel, but also in Settings → Bluetooth.

4. Step-by-step connection instruction

When the bracelet is reset and the application is installed, follow the algorithm:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and make sure the bracelet is charged (the indicator is green).
2. Open Mi Fit and click "Add Device".
3. Select the Mi Band 1S (or your model) from the list.
4. Press "Plug in" and wait for the phone to find the bracelet. It can take up to 30 seconds.
5. Once detected, click on the bracelet name in the list (usually Mi Band XX:XX, where XX:XX is part of the MAC- address).
6. Confirm the pairing on the phone and wait for the vibration of the bracelet.

If the process is suspended during the search phase:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone and bracelet.
• 📱 Remove the bracelet from the list of Bluetooth devices in your phone settings.
• 🔌 Try connecting from another phone to check the bracelet's performance.

💡

It is critical for the Mi Band 1S to use the older version of the Mi Fit (4.6 or lower).

After successful connection:

• Set up a user profile (gender, age, weight) to count calories correctly.
• Activate notifications in the section Settings of the bracelet → Notifications.
• Update the bracelet firmware (if available) through Settings → Update the firmware.

5. Solving common mistakes

Even with the right actions, users face problems, and here are the typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

If the bracelet is connected but does not display notifications:

1. Check if notifications for Mi Fit are allowed in your phone settings.
2. Enable the "Show notifications" option in the bracelet settings in the app.
3. For Android: In Bluetooth settings, find the bracelet and turn on "Additional settings → Contacts and Messages Transfer".

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet stopped turning on after the firmware update (no vibration or indication), try resetting it by holding the button for 20 seconds. If this does not help, you will need to flash it through nRF Connect (you need skills with a Bluetooth debugger).

6. Alternative applications for Mi Sport

If the official software is not suitable (for example, due to the new version of Android), use third-party applications:

• 📱 Notify & Fitness for Mi Band – supports Mi Band 1S/2, works without registration, but requires manual notification settings.
• 📱 Mi Bandage is open source, compatible with older bracelets, but without cloud synchronization.
• 🖥️ Gadgetbridge - for PC (Windows/Linux), allows you to flash the bracelet and customize it without a smartphone.

For installation of Notify & Fitness:

1. Download APK from the official website.
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Android settings.
3. Open the app and select "Add Device → Mi Band 1S".
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (similar to Mi Fit).

Advantages of alternative applications:

• ✅ Works on newer versions Android/iOS.
• ✅ More settings (e.g. custom vibrations for notifications).
• ✅ There is no binding to a Xiaomi account.

⚠️ Warning: Third-party apps may misread steps or calories due to the lack of original Xiaomi algorithms. For medical purposes (such as heart rate monitoring), it is better to use official software.

7. How to check the performance of the bracelet

If the bracelet is connected, but you doubt its serviceability, perform tests:

1. Vibration test: In the app, select “Find the bracelet” – it should vibrate.
2. Pulsemeter test: Put a wristband on your wrist and start measuring your pulse in Mi Fit. Normal values are 60-100 beats per minute.
3. Pedometer Test: Take 20 steps – the counter in the app should be updated.
4. Notification test: Send SMS or call your phone - the bracelet should vibrate.

If any of the tests are not passed:

• 🔋 Check the battery power (at a charge below 20%, some functions are turned off).
• 🔄 Reconnect the bracelet to the phone.
• 🛠️ Update the firmware (if available).

The Mi Band 1S has a problem with false pedometer positives (such as when driving in a car) to reduce the error:

• Put the bracelet tighter on your wrist.
• In the Mi Fit settings, turn off the "Auto-Detection of Activity" option.
• Use manual mode to record training.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi Sport