Why sync Mi Band 2 with Android and what it takes
The 2016 Xiaomi Mi Band 2 fitness bracelet is still popular with users due to its simplicity, reliability and affordable price, but many owners face difficulties when connecting the device to a smartphone for the first time — especially if we are talking about modern versions of Android 12-14, which have changed Bluetooth settings and application permissions. This article will help you understand how to properly sync the bracelet with your phone, avoiding typical errors.
Before you start setting up, make sure you have everything you need: a Mi Band 2 bracelet (at least 20% charged), a smartphone on Android 5.0 or later (better 7.0+), and a stable Internet connection to download the app. Importantly, the original Mi Fit app no longer supports this model, so you will need alternative software — more about this below.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Mi Band 2 App in 2026
Xiaomi’s official Mi Fit app stopped supporting Mi Band 2 after an update in 2021, and attempts to connect the bracelet through it lead to the error “Device not supported.”
- 📱 Mi Band Master is the most stable third-party software with support for all bracelet features, including notifications and sleep monitoring.
- 🔄 Notify & Fitness for Mi Band – an alternative with advanced vibration settings and screen customization.
- ⚙️ Tools & Mi Band – suitable for advanced users, allows you to change the firmware and display settings.
For most users, the best choice is Mi Band Master, which is regularly updated and has a Russian-language interface, which can be downloaded for free from Google Play or from the official developer’s website (if your region is blocked).
⚠️ Note: Do not install applications from unknown sources (APK-Torrent files or third-party sites that may contain malicious code or mishandle your bracelet. Always check reviews and rankings on Google Play before downloading.
Step 2: Prepare your smartphone before connecting
Before syncing, you need to configure your smartphone to avoid connection problems.
Turn on Bluetooth in your phone settings
Allow the application to access geodata (required for Mi Band Master)
Disable the power saving mode for the bracelet application
Make sure that the phone has enough free memory (minimum 200 MB)
Reboot your phone if you have previously had Bluetooth problems-->
Pay special attention to the permissions for geodata, and many users miss this step, but without it, the app won't be able to complete the pairing process.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Mi Band Master → Permissions.
- Activate the switches next to Location and Bluetooth.
- In some firmware (for example, MIUI or EMUI), you additionally need to allow "Autostart" and "Background operation".
Android 10 or older
Android 11-12
Android 13-14
I don't know. -->
Step 3: Step-by-step instructions for connecting Mi Band 2
Now, let's move directly to synchronization. Follow the instructions carefully, because even one step can fail.
- Charge the bracelet. Make sure the Mi Band 2 is at least 30% charged. Connect it to the charger (use the original cable!) and wait for the charging indicator to appear on the screen.
- Install the application. Download and install Mi Band Master from Google Play. When you first start, select the language "Russian" and allow all the permissions you have requested.
- Search for the device. In the main menu of the app, click "Add device" → "Mi Band 2." Scanning of Bluetooth devices will begin.
- When the bracelet appears on the list (the name will be of the kind "MI Band 2_XXXX"), You can tap it. The bracelet will appear on the screen. 4-identifiable code – enter it into the app to confirm.
- Update firmware (optional). If the application offers to update the firmware of the bracelet, agree - this will fix possible bugs and add support for new features.
The critical detail is, if the bracelet isn't in the scan, turn off and turn on Bluetooth on your phone again, then restart the app, which solves the problem 80 percent of the time.
What if the bracelet is not visible in the list of devices?
Step 4: Set up notifications and basic functions
Once you've successfully connected, you need to customize the bracelet to suit your needs.
| Function | How to set up | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Call notifications | In the app: Device profile → Notifications → Calls | Turn on the vibration on "Strong" so you don't miss important calls. |
| Messenger alerts | Notifications → Applications → Select the desired ones (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) | Disable unnecessary apps so that the bracelet does not vibrate from spam. |
| Sleep monitoring | Health → Sleep → Auto-tracking | Set the alarm through the bracelet - it will wake you up with a light vibration. |
| Stepper | Activity → Steps. → Goal (8000-10,000 steps recommended) | Every 2-3 months, reset the pedometer calibration for accuracy. |
To customize your bracelet screen (for example, to display the time in a 24-hour format or hide the date), go to the Device Profile → Display. Here you can choose from 5 preset styles or download additional ones through the Mi Band Master.
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If notifications are late, open your phone’s settings and in the Bluetooth section, find your Mi Band 2. tap on it and turn on the “Priority Connection” option (some phones call it “High Audio Priority”).
Step 5: Solving common connection issues
Even with the right setup, there can be failures, and let's look at the typical errors and how to fix them:
- 🔴 Unconnected Error: Reason: Conflict with another Bluetooth device or an outdated version of the app Solution: Disable all other Bluetooth gadgets (earbuds, speakers), upgrade the Mi Band Master to the latest version and restart the phone.
- 🔄 Bracelet permanently shuts down: Reason: Android's power saving mode kills the app's background processes.Solution: Add Mi Band Master to battery optimization exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Optimization → All applications → Mi Band Master → No restrictions).
- ⚠️ Notifications: Reason: no permissions to access notifications. Solution: Go to Settings → Annexes → Mi Band Master → Notifications and access enabled.
⚠️ Attention: If after updating the firmware bracelet stopped responding to touch, reset to factory settings. To do this, connect it to charging, then 10 times quickly press the touch button. The bracelet vibrates and reboot. After that, repeat the connection process.
Step 6: Alternative ways to connect (without official applications)
If none of the apps work (for example, due to incompatibility with the phone’s custom firmware), you can try connecting Mi Band 2 via:
- 🖥️ ADB-commands (for advanced users): Connect your phone to your PC, enable Debugging USB The command is: adb shell am start. -a android.bluetooth.device.action.PAIR -n com.android.settings/.bluetooth.DevicePickerSettings This will forcefully open the Bluetooth pairing menu where you can manually add a bracelet.
- 📲 Gadgetbridge (open source alternative): Supports Mi Band 2, but requires manual configuration of the device profile.
These methods are recommended only if the standard methods have not worked, they require technical knowledge and can lead to unstable operation of the bracelet.
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For most users, the best solution is the Mi Band Master. Alternative methods (ADB, Gadgetbridge) should be used only in extreme cases, since they deprive some of the functionality (for example, sleep monitoring).