The popularity of wearable electronics from Chinese giant Xiaomi continues to grow, and the Mi Smart Band 4 model has become a real hit thanks to the excellent balance of price and functionality. However, after buying the device, many beginners wonder how to start using the device to unlock the full potential of the gadget. Unlike simple fitness trackers of the past, this device requires a mandatory pre-tuning through a smartphone to correctly work all modules.
To function properly, you will need a modern mobile device based on Android or iOS with support for Bluetooth 4.0 and higher. The initial connection process does not take much time, but requires careful installation of the software, since it is the application that acts as the main bridge between you and the device. It is important to understand that without pairing, the bracelet is only a watch with the basic functionality of the pedometer.
In this guide, we will take a look at all aspects of interaction with Xiaomi Band 4, from unpacking to fine-tuning notifications. We will look at the official Mi Fit app (now Mi Fitness), sensor calibration methods and ways to extend battery life. Following the instructions, you can avoid common mistakes and enjoy accurate health statistics.
Initial configuration and installation of the application
The first step to an active lifestyle is to install special software on your smartphone. For Xiaomi devices, as well as most Android smartphones and iPhones, the main management tool is the Mi Fit app (in new versions may be called Mi Fitness), downloadable from official Google Play stores or the App Store, which guarantees the security of the installed code and the absence of viruses.
Once you download the program, you need to register an account or log into your existing Xiaomi profile, which is a must, as all your activity, sleep and pulse statistics will be stored in the company’s cloud. Without authorization, synchronization between the wristband and the server is impossible, which will deprive you of the ability to build long-term activity schedules.
To pair devices, turn on Bluetooth on your phone and start a search in the app. Mi Band 4 will automatically go into search mode if it is new, or require you to reset your settings through the menu if you have used it before. On the smartphone screen, an image of the bracelet with a confirmation button will appear - tap it, and then confirm the action by pressing the touch button of the tracker itself.
⚠️ Warning: If the app can’t find the device for a long time, try restarting Bluetooth on your phone or bringing the bracelet closer to the smartphone screen.
- 📱 Download the official Mi Fit app from a verified source.
- 🔑 Register a Xiaomi account and log in.
- 🔗 Turn on Bluetooth and allow geolocation access for correct search.
- ✅ Confirm (conjugate) by pressing on the vibrating bracelet.
☑️ Checking before connection
Interface and navigation on the menu
The Xiaomi Band 4 is controlled by a single touchscreen control located at the bottom of the display. The device screen is made using AMOLED technology, which provides excellent readability even in bright sun and deep black when displaying dials. Navigation is built on the principle of swipes: moving your finger up or down switches feature cards, and tap on the screen activates the selected option.
The main menu consists of several screens that can be customized in the app by changing their order or removing unnecessary ones. Swipe down opens the Quick Settings panel where you can turn on Do Not Disturb mode, find your phone or lock the tracker screen. Swipe left or right (depending on the firmware version and settings) allows you to switch between training modes or check the weather.
Importantly, to save energy, the screen automatically goes out after a few seconds of inactivity. Raising the wrist to activate the backlight doesn't always work perfectly, so the habit of tapping on the screen will become the main one. In the application settings, you can adjust the sensitivity of the hand lift sensor and the time interval during which the screen will burn after activation.
💡
To wake up the screen quickly, use a double tap over the display if this feature is supported by your firmware version, or simply shake your wrist vigorously.
- ⬆️ Swipe up – transition to the next widget (pulse, steps, weather).
- ⬇️ Swipe down - quick action menu and settings.
- 👆 Single touch – activating the screen or selecting a point.
- ⏹ Finger retention – Entering editing or reset (depending on context).
Health monitoring and sports regimes
The main function of the device is to track the body and physical activity. Mi Band 4 is equipped with an optical pulse sensor that operates automatically, taking measurements at regular intervals. Heart rate data is critical not only for athletes, but also for monitoring overall health, allowing you to detect abnormalities at rest or during exercise.
For sports fans, there are 6 basic training regimes available: running, walking, cycling, swimming, gym and free training. GPS-The track (via phone), pulse zone and calories spent. special attention deserves swimming mode, as the device has protection of 5 ATM, This allows you to dive to a depth of 50 meters, although swimming with him in hot water or sauna is strictly prohibited.
Sleep analysis is done automatically at night, distinguishes between deep, light and REM sleep, and records daytime rest. The accuracy of the data depends on the density of the strap to the wrist: too loose fitting will lead to data loss, and too tight - to discomfort and circulatory disorders.
| Regime. | Tracked parameters | Protection | GPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running outside | Pulse, pace, distance, calories | 5 ATM | Through the phone. |
| Swimming | SWOLF, strokes, pulse | 5 ATM | No. |
| Cycling | Speed, distance, pulse. | 5 ATM | Through the phone. |
| Walking | Steps, calories, pulse | 5 ATM | Through the phone. |
⚠️ Note: Do not press the buttons underwater or immerse the device in water with soap solutions or sea water without further rinsing with fresh water, as salt and chemistry can damage moisture-retarding membranes.
Notification and communications
One of the most useful features of the Xiaomi Band 4 is the ability to display notifications from your smartphone directly on your wrist, which allows you to stay informed of important events without taking your phone out of your pocket. The device supports displaying text SMS, messages from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber), as well as incoming calls with the ability to display the contact name.
For the correct operation of notifications, you need to provide the Mi Fit application with extended access rights in the Android system. In particular, you need permission to “Start”, work in the background and access to notifications. On Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI), these settings are located in the “Applications” -> “Permissions” section, where you need to remove all restrictions for background work.
The app can flexibly configure notification types for each app installed on the phone. You can leave only calls and SMS by turning off marketing mailings from stores, or, conversely, leave only notifications from work chats. The text of messages is displayed in the language selected in the smartphone system, provided that the font is supported by the device.
The way to set up notifications on Android:
Settings -> Applications -> Mi Fit -> Notifications -> Allow notifications
Settings -> Battery -> Energy Saving -> Mi Fit -> No Limits- 📩 Support for displaying text messages from popular messengers.
- 📞 Displaying the caller’s name and the ability to quickly turn off the sound.
- 🔕 The ability to set the schedule of the mode “Do not disturb».
- 🌐 Support for Cyrillic and most European languages.
Dials and personalization of appearance
The visuals of the Mi Band 4 are also amenable to change, and users can choose from a standard dial built into the device’s memory, or download thousands of new options from the online store in the app. The replacement process takes a couple of seconds: just select the design they like in the Profile -> Display Settings section and click "Install".
Some dials are smart and display additional information, such as current pulse, pace or weather, directly on the home screen, saving time because you don't have to swipe to view data. However, complex animated dials can have little impact on battery discharge.
For those who want to stand out, there are third-party apps and web services that allow you to create your own dials with a unique design. Custom dials can contain any graphics, but third-party themes are downloaded through a computer or special utilities on the phone.
How do you set your dial?
Updating firmware and solving problems
Periodically, the manufacturer releases software updates that fix bugs, improve sensor accuracy and add new features.Firmware Update is automatically performed through the application when you have an Internet connection. It is recommended not to ignore these updates, as they often contain security patches and power optimization.
During the upgrade, the bracelet can reboot several times, and the screen can go out and light up. Interrupting the upgrade process (for example, the discharge of the phone or loss of Bluetooth communication) can cause the device to stop turning on and require maintenance repairs. Therefore, before starting the procedure, make sure that the charge of the bracelet is at least 20-30%.
If the device is not behaving properly (no touch response, no synchronization), perform a full reset to factory settings, this can be done through the menu of the bracelet itself (Settings -> Reset) or through the application.
⚠️ Warning: During firmware updates, keep your smartphone and bracelet at a minimum distance from each other (no more than one). 10-15 (c) and do not run other heavy applications on your phone so as not to interrupt the data transfer.
💡
Regular firmware updates are key to the stable operation of the device and maximum accuracy of pulse measurements and steps.