If you’ve ever been interested in health or sports gadgets, you’ve probably come across the name Xiaomi Band. These compact devices from Chinese giant Xiaomi have become some of the most popular fitness trackers in the world over the years – and for good reason. Combining affordable price, wide functionality and stylish design, Mi Band bracelets (as they’re often called) have won millions of users from beginners to professional athletes.
But what exactly does the Xiaomi Band do? How do recent models differ from the first generations? And should you buy such a bracelet in 2026, when more advanced smartwatches came to market? In this guide, we will examine everything from technical specifications to hidden features that the manufacturer does not always advertise, and you will learn how to choose the right model for your tasks, whether it is sleep control, exercise or simply convenient control of a smartphone from the wrist.
What is Xiaomi Band: a brief summary of the main thing
Xiaomi Band (or Mi Band) is a line of fitness bracelets from Xiaomi, designed to monitor activity, health and notifications from a smartphone. The first model was released in 2014, and since then devices have evolved from simple pedometers to full-fledged trackers with a high-performance device. AMOLED-screen, GPS support NFC.
The main tasks that Xiaomi Band solves are:
- 📊 Activity tracking: steps, distance, calories, types of workouts (walking, running, cycling, etc.).
- ❤️ Health monitoring: pulse, blood oxygen levels (SpO₂), sleepiness.
- 📱 Notifications: calls, SMS, messages from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).
- 🔋 Device management: phone search, music control, quick access to smartphone features.
It's important to understand that the Xiaomi Band isn't a smartwatch; it doesn't have an operating system to install apps, but it's lighter, cheaper, and lasts longer, like even budget models that last 10 to 30 days without recharging.
Xiaomi Band: From Mi Band 1 to Mi Band 8
In 10 years, the Mi Band lineup has come a long way, so let's take a quick look at the key models to see how the capabilities of the devices have changed.
| Model | Year of release | Key innovations | Battery life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 1 | 2014 | First pedometer bracelet and vibrator. No screen. | 30 days |
| Mi Band 2 | 2016 | Appeared. OLED-screen, pulse meter, display of notifications. | 20 days |
| Mi Band 4 | 2019 | AMOLED-Sensory-controlled display, sleep monitoring, 5 ATM (watertightness). | 20 days |
| Mi Band 6 | 2021 | Larger screen (1.56"), SpO₂, 30 training regimens. | 14 days |
| Mi Band 7 / 8 | 2022–2023 | GPS (In Pro-version, improved sensors, NFC, 120+ sporting regimes. | 15 days (6 days) GPS) |
Interesting fact: since the Mi Band 5, Xiaomi has started to release Pro versions with advanced functionality (for example, built-in). GPS). And in Mi Band 8, it became possible to remove the bracelet from the strap and use it as a miniature selfie remote!
⚠️ Warning: If you see Mi Band 3 or older on sale, these are outdated models with limited features. In 2026, their purchase is justified only as a budget option for basic tracking.
Key features of Xiaomi Band: what does the bracelet
Modern models of Xiaomi Band (starting with Mi Band 6) offer an impressive set of features.
1. Monitoring of health and activity
- 🩺 Pulse measurement 24/7: bracelet monitors heart rhythm and warns of abnormalities.
- 😴 Sleep analysis: determines the phases of deep, light sleep and wakefulness, provides recommendations for improvement.
- 🩸 Oxygen levels (SpO₂): important for assessing the general condition, especially during physical exertion.
- 🏃 Automatic activity recognition: The bracelet itself detects when you are walking, running or cycling.
2.Smart Notifications and Management
The bracelet vibrates and shows on the screen:
- 📞 Incoming calls (can be dropped directly from the bracelet).
- 💬 Messages from WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, etc.
- 🎵 Music management (pause, next track).
- 🔍 Phone search (bracelet signals if phone is lost).
3. Additional opportunities
Depending on the model:
- 📍 GPS (Mi Band 7 Pro and 8 Pro for precise route tracking without a phone.
- 💳 NFC contactless payments (works with Mi Pay in China, in Russia is supported only in limited ways).
- 🌡️ Controlling Stress by Heart Rate Variability.
- 🔋 Fast charging: Some models charge in 1 hour to 100%.
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To extend the life of the battery, turn off the constant pulse measurement in the settings of the Mi Fitness app.
What Xiaomi Band Can't Do
Despite the rich functionality, the bracelets have limitations:
- ❌ No full OS (you can’t install apps like on the Apple Watch).
- ❌ Limited set of dials (although there are more than 200 in the new models)+).
- ❌ Most models do not have a speaker or microphone (you can not answer calls).
- ❌ NFC It does not work in all countries (only some banks are supported in Russia).
How to use Xiaomi Band: step-by-step instructions
Even if you’ve never dealt with fitness bracelets, setting up the Xiaomi Band is easy.
Installation of the annex
To work the bracelet you need to download the official application:
- 📱 For Android: Mi Fitness (formerly Zepp Life) on Google Play.
- 🍎 For iOS: Mi Fitness in the App Store.
When you first start, register your Xiaomi account (you can use Google or Facebook).
2. Connecting the bracelet
Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone
Launch the Mi Fitness app and click "Add Device"
Choose your bracelet model from the list
Confirm the pairing on the bracelet (click on the screen or button)
Wait for the synchronization to be completed-->
If the bracelet doesn't find the phone:
- 🔄 Reboot both devices.
- 📶 Make sure your phone is Bluetooth 4.0 enabled.+.
- 🚫 Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, speakers) that may cause interference.
3. Configure the main functions
After connecting, we recommend setting up:
- 🔔 Notifications: in Profile → Notifications Select the applications from which alerts you want to see on the bracelet.
- ❤️ Pulse measurement frequency: in Profile → Monitoring of heart rate (optimally: every 5-10 minutes).
- 😴 Sleep tracking: include in the Profile → Sleep and indicate the usual time of rest.
- 🏃 Sports Modes: Add Frequently Used Activity to Profile → Training.
4. Firmware update
Xiaomi regularly releases updates for the bracelets, adding new features or fixing bugs.
- Open Mi Fitness and go to Profile → My device.
- Click on the firmware update (if available).
- Confirm the load and wait until the bracelet is completed (rebooted).
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the upgrade process and do not remove the bracelet from charging! In rare cases, this can lead to "bricking" of the device (completely inoperable). If the update has been suspended for longer than 30 minutes, try rebooting the bracelet by holding the 10 second button.
How to Choose Xiaomi Band in 2026: Model Comparison
At the time of writing (2026), several current models are available for sale, and here is a comparison of them by key parameters:
| Parameter | Mi Band 7 | Mi Band 8 | Mi Band 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen. | 1.62" AMOLED, 490 nits | 1.62" AMOLED, 600 nits | 1.74" AMOLED, 600 nits |
| GPS | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Built-in |
| NFC | ✅ Available (limited support) | ✅ There is. | ✅ There is. |
| Waterproofness | 5 ATM | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Autonomy | 15 days | 16 days | up to 14 days (s) GPS — 6 days) |
| Price (2026) | ~2 500 ₽ | ~3 500 ₽ | ~5 000 ₽ |
Who's gonna do it?
- 🏋️ For sports and training: Mi Band 8 Pro (because of the GPS and extended metrics).
- 💰 Budget option: Mi Band 7 (all necessary for the minimum price).
- 🎨 For style and dials: Mi Band 8 (more design options and a bright screen).
How is the Mi Band different from a smartwatch?
Problems and Solutions: What to Do When Xiaomi Band is Not Working
Even reliable devices sometimes fail, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
1. The bracelet is not switched on or charged
Causes and solutions:
- 🔌 Charging problems: Check the cable and adapter (use the original!). Clean the bracelet contacts of dirt with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Connect to another USB-port or charger.
- 🔋 Battery discharge: Hold the bracelet on charge 30+ Minutes - sometimes the indicator doesn't work right away. If it doesn't work, try resetting (see below).
2. is not synchronized with the phone
What to do:
- 📱 Reboot your phone and bracelet.
- 🔄 Turn off and reconnect the bracelet in Mi Fitness.
- 📋 Update the bracelet app and firmware.
- 🚫 Make sure there are no energy-saving modes on the phone that block Mi Fitness background work.
3. incorrectly counts steps or pulse
The accuracy of the sensors depends on proper wearing:
- 📏 Wear the bracelet 2-3 cm above the wrist (not too tight!).
- 🚶 When walking, keep your hand relaxed – so the sensors better record movements.
- 🔧 In the application settings, specify the correct height, weight and step length.
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet has stopped working after falling or getting water, don't try to disassemble it yourself! Inside is a lithium battery that can ignite if damaged.
Xiaomi Band Alternatives: Should Other Brands Be Considered?
Although Xiaomi Band is one of the market leaders, it has competitors.
| Brand/Model | Pluses | Cons | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huawei Band 8 | Thin design, 96 training modes, good screen. | Less autonomy (14 days), no NFC. | ~4 000 ₽ |
| Honor Band 6 | Large screen (1.47) with built-in speaker for calls. | Less accurate pulse meter, heavier than the Mi Band. | ~5 500 ₽ |
| Amazfit GTS 4 | Built-in GPS, 150+ dials, solid body. | Less time for work (8 days). | ~8 000 ₽ |
So why is Xiaomi Band the leader?
- 💰 Price: cheaper than competitors with comparable functionality.
- 🔋 Autonomy: It lasts longer than most analogues.
- 🌍 Ecosystem: easily integrated with other Xiaomi devices (earphones, lamps, routers).
- 🛠️ Support: Regular firmware updates and a large community of users.
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If you want the most functionality for the minimum money, the Xiaomi Band 8 is the best choice in 2026.For professional athletes, consider the Mi Band 8 Pro or Amazfit. GTS 4 GPS.