How to turn on Xiaomi fitness bracelet: from charging to the first launch

Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets are some of the most popular wearables due to their combination of functionality and affordable price. However, even with such simple devices, users have questions: how to turn on the bracelet after buying, what to do if it does not respond to charging, or how to activate it without a smartphone. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of the first launch, from connecting to a charger to syncing with the Mi Fitness application (formerly Mi Fit).

Xiaomi bracelets feature minimalist design without unnecessary buttons. 5) It's not even a physical button, which is confusing for beginners, but don't worry, it takes less than a minute for the bracelet to turn on, if you know the algorithm. We will also tell you how to distinguish a discharged device from a faulty one, and what to do if the bracelet does not turn on after updating the firmware (relevant for Mi Band). 7/8 into 2026 year).

1.Preparation for the first turn on: what to check before launch

Before you try to turn on the bracelet, make sure that the basic conditions are met. Often users face problems due to missed steps in the preparation stage.

Key points:

• 🔋 New Xiaomi devices come with a minimum charge (10-20%), which is only enough for the initial setup. Connect the bracelet to charge for 30 to 60 minutes before first turning on.
• 📱 Compatible smartphone. You need Android 6.0 to activate it.+ or iOS 10.0+ and installed Mi Fitness app (download to Google Play or App Store).
• 🔄 If the bracelet has been used before, reset it to factory settings (instruction below) to avoid conflicts when connecting to a new phone.

Note the charging indicator: the battery icon with the filling animation should appear on the bracelet screen. If the indicator is not on, check:

• 🔌 The cable is connected to the power source (USB-port 5V/1A).
• 🧲 Contacts of the bracelet and charger are clean (wipe with an alcohol napkin).
• 🔋 The battery is not swelled (visually inspect the case for deformation).

⚠️ Attention: Mi Band bracelets 3/4 They have a removable module that needs to be inserted properly into the strap, and if the module is wobbling or sitting crooked, the charging contacts will not touch the connector.

2. How to turn on Xiaomi bracelet: step-by-step instructions for all models

The switching process depends on the bracelet model, and below is a universal algorithm that is suitable for the Mi Band 3-8, including special cases (e.g., after a reset).

For models with a physical button (Mi Band) 3/4):

1. Connect the bracelet to charge for 10-15 minutes (even if it is new).
2. Press and hold the physical button under the screen for 3-5 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the button and the bracelet will turn on and go to the welcome screen.

For models without a button (Mi Band) 5/6/7/8):

1. Charge the bracelet by at least 20% (the battery icon should be displayed on the screen).
2. Touch the touch screen and swipe your finger up to unlock.
3. If the screen does not respond, connect the bracelet to charging – it will turn on automatically in 5-10 seconds.

What to do if the bracelet is not turned on?

If the bracelet does not show signs of life after charging, try a forced reset:

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger.
2. For the Mi Band. 3/4: hold the button 20 seconds until the vibrations appear.
3. For the Mi Band 5-8: touch the screen and hold your finger for 15 seconds until you feel the vibration and see the logo.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting, all data on the bracelet (steps, pulse, settings) will be deleted. Sync it with the Mi Fitness app in advance if the bracelet still responds to touch.

3. Activation of the bracelet through the Mi Fitness app

Turn on the bracelet is only half the battle. To use all the features (sleep tracking, notifications, pulse), you need to link it to your Xiaomi account through the official app. The instructions are relevant for all models, including the Mi Band 8 (2026).

Activation steps:

1. Download and install the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) on your smartphone.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (via Google/Facebook).
3. Turn on Bluetooth and Geolocation (required!).
4. In the app, click Add Device → Fitness bracelet → Mi Smart Band.
5. Select your bracelet model from the list and follow the instructions on the screen.
6. Bring the bracelet to the phone (distance not more than 10 cm) and wait for synchronization.

Frequent activation errors:

• 📵 The bracelet is not in place. Make sure it's on and at least 10 percent charged. Reboot Bluetooth on your phone.
• 🔄 Hang in the connection phase. Close the app and try again. If it doesn't work, reinstall Mi Fitness.
• 🔒 You need to update the firmware. Don't interrupt the update process, which can lead to the bracelet becoming "bricky.

💡

If you have a Mi Band. 7/8, Update the Mi Fitness app to the latest version before activating. Older versions may not support new features (e.g., new features, SpO2 or stress monitoring).

4.How to turn on Xiaomi bracelet after discharging or updating

If the bracelet is completely discharged or "hangs" after updating the firmware, the standard on may not work, in such cases, an emergency start helps.

Instructions for discharged bracelet:

1. Connect the bracelet to charge and wait 10-15 minutes (even if the indicator is not on).
2. For the Mi Band. 3/4: press the button 1 Once, a battery icon should appear.
3. For the Mi Band 5-8: tap the screen – if the bracelet starts charging, animation will appear.
4. Wait for charging at least 5%, then turn on the bracelet as usual.

If the bracelet is not activated after the update:

• 🔌 Connect it to charging and hold the screen/button for 20 seconds (forced reset).
• 📱 Reinstall the Mi Fitness app and re-sync.
• 🔄 If the bracelet vibrates but the screen is not working, wait for the full discharge, then recharge.

⚠️ Note: After a failed firmware update, the bracelet may stop turning on. In this case, do not try to sew it manually through the device. ADB — This will cancel the warranty.

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If the bracelet does not respond to charging for more than a day, the problem may be in the power controller. Self-repair is not recommended - it is better to consult specialists.

5. Features of inclusion for specific models

While the way Xiaomi bracelets work is similar, each model has nuances, and the key differences for the popular versions are below.

Mi Band 3/4

• 🔘 There is a physical button under the screen – used to enable and navigate.
• 🔋 Charging through a removable module (removed from the strap).
• 📱 Mi Fit is required to activate (the new Mi Fitness app also supports these models).

Mi Band 5/6

• 👆 Touch screen without buttons - enable by touch.
• 🎨 Support for replaceable dials (can be installed through the application).
• 🔄 Automatic firmware update when connecting to Mi Fitness.

Mi Band 7/8

• 📊 Improved display with support AOD (screen-on).
• 🩺 New sensors: SpO2 (oxygen saturation, stress monitoring.
• 🔋 Fast charging – full charge in 1 hour (vs. 2 hours in older models).

Comparison of start-up time after discharge:

6. Solving common inclusion problems

Even after the instructions are followed correctly, the bracelet may not turn on, so let's look at typical scenarios and how to eliminate them.

Problem 1: Bracelet does not respond to charging

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Faulty cable. Try another. USB-Xiaomi's original cables last longer.
• 🧹 Dirty contacts. Wipe the bracelet and charger contacts with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
• 🔋 Bloated battery: If the bracelet body is deformed, don't try to charge it, it's dangerous.

Problem 2: The bracelet turns on but immediately turns off

This is a sign of a critically low charge or a damaged firmware.

1. Connect the bracelet to charging and leave for 2-3 hours (even if the indicator does not burn).
2. If the problem remains after charging, reset (hold the button/screen for 20 seconds).
3. Update the firmware through Mi Fitness.

Problem 3: The bracelet connects to the phone but doesn't sync the data

What to check:

• 📱 App permissions. In your phone settings, give Mi Fitness Bluetooth, Geolocation, and Notifications access.
• 🔄 Updates. Check for updates for bracelet and app.
• 🚫 Conflict with other devices: disconnect from your phone other wearable gadgets (earphones, watches).

7.How to prolong the life of the bracelet: tips for operation

To avoid problems with inclusion in the future, follow simple guidelines:

• 🔋 Charge. Don't let it run completely (charge at 20%). Use only original cables.
• 🚿 Waterproof, despite the standard IP68, Do not swim with a bracelet in chlorinated or salt water.
• 🔄 Updates. Regularly update your firmware through Mi Fitness, which fixes bugs and improves stability.
• 🧼 Clean. Clean the bracelet and strap once a month with a wet wipe (no aggressive detergents).

What can't be done:

• ❌ Charge the bracelet from powerful adapters (>5V/2A) — This reduces the battery life.
• ❌ Disassemble the bracelet yourself (risk of damaging the fillings and losing the warranty).
• ❌ Use the bracelet at a temperature lower -10°C or higher +45°C.

💡

The average battery life of Xiaomi bracelets is 2-3 years, and if the bracelet starts to run out in a few hours, it's a sign of battery wear, and then just replacing the battery in the service center will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the inclusion of Xiaomi fitness bracelet