Xiaomi Mi Band 5: detailed instructions for use for beginners

The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular activity tracking gadgets even years after its release. Despite the release of new models, this version stands out for the optimal ratio of price, functionality and reliability. However, many users use only 20-30% of the device’s capabilities, unaware of hidden chips. In this guide, we will analyze not only basic settings, but also advanced application scenarios, from sleep monitoring to smart home integration.

It's important to understand that the Mi Band 5 works in conjunction with Mi Fit (or Zepp Life for newer versions), and that 80 percent of the bracelet's functionality depends on its settings. We'll show you how to avoid typical connection errors, teach you how to calibrate the pedometer for accurate data, and reveal the secrets of battery saving. And for those who are upgrading from previous versions, we'll give you a comparative table of key differences from the Mi Band 4.

This article will be useful for both beginners and experienced users, and the former will find step-by-step instructions with illustrations (available by clicking on spoilers), while the latter will find rare life hacks, such as how to use a wristband to control music on a smartphone or configure notifications from specific applications, starting with the most important thing - the right connection and the first setup.

Connecting Mi Band 5 to a smartphone: step-by-step instructions

Before first turning on, make sure your smartphone meets the minimum requirements: Android 5.0 or newer / iOS 10.0 or later.The bracelet is compatible with most devices, but older versions of the OS may lack some features, such as fast data synchronization.

To connect, follow the following steps:

• 📱 Install the Mi Fit app from Google Play or the App Store. Alternative is Zepp Life (recommended for users with newer bracelets than 2021).
• 🔋 Charge the bracelet to at least 20% - with a low charge, the pairing process can be interrupted.
• 📶 Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and allow the application to access geodata (necessary for proper operation) GPS-tracking).
• 🔄 In the app, click "Add device" → "Bracelet" → "Mi Smart Band 5. Follow the instructions on the screen.

If the bracelet is not detected, try:

1. Reboot the Bluetooth module of the smartphone (disable / turn on in the settings).
2. Make sure that the distance between the devices does not exceed 1 meter.
3. Update the Mi Fit app to the latest version – in older versions there are bugs with the recognition of new bracelets.

Bracelet charge >20 per cent

Bluetooth is on on the phone

Permits for Mi Fit issued (geolocation, notifications)

Distance between devices <1 m

The Mi Fit app has been updated-->

⚠️ Warning: If you are upgrading from Mi Band 4, untie the old bracelet in the app settings before connecting the new bracelet.Simultaneously connecting two devices in the same series can cause synchronization conflicts.

Main functions and management of the bracelet

Mi Band 5 is controlled via a touch screen and one physical button under the display.

By default, the main screen displays:

• ⏱️ Time and date (format is configured in the application)
• 🏃 Steps and distance travelled
• 🔋 Battery level of charge
• 💓 Pulse (when activating the monitoring function)

To access additional features, swipe up the screen and the menu with icons will open:

• 🌙 Sleep regimens
• 🏊 Exercise (11 activities)
• 🎵 Managing music
• 🔔 Notifications
• ⚙️ Bracelet settings

Tracking steps

Sleep monitoring

Notifications of calls/messages

Pulse control

Managing music

Other-->

Notification setting and selective synchronization

One of the most popular features of the Mi Band 5 is displaying notifications from the smartphone, but by default the bracelet shows all the alerts, which can quickly drain the battery and spam the screen.

In the Mi Fit app, go to: Profile → Mi Smart Band 5 → Application Notifications

Here you will see a list of all the apps that can send notifications to the bracelet.

• 📞 Calls (on by default)
• 💬 Messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber)
• ✉️ Mail (for work accounts only)
• 📅 Calendar (memories of meetings)

For each application, you can configure:

• 🔔 Vibration (short/long/unplug)
• 📃 Show the text of the notification (or only the icon)
• 🔕 Eliminate night time (for example, 23:00 to 8:00)

💡

To ensure that notifications come without delay, in Android settings, disable Battery Optimization for the Mi Fit app.Way: Settings → Applications → Mi Fit → Battery → Without restrictions

⚠️ Note: On iPhone due to iOS restrictions, the bracelet can only show notifications from embedded apps (calls, SMS, For instant messengers will require additional settings through “Sending notifications” in the iOS settings.

Health monitoring: pulse, sleep and stress

The Mi Band 5 is equipped with an optical heart rate sensor PPG, which allows you to track your heart rate in real time, and the accuracy of the measurement depends on the correct position of the wristband:

• 🩹 Wear the bracelet on 2-3 finger-bone.
• 💪 Fasten the strap so that the sensor is snugly attached to the skin, but does not clasp your hand.
• 🚫 Avoid measurements immediately after intense training – the sensor needs to be used. 5-10 minutes of stabilization.

To set up automatic monitoring:

1. Open Mi Fit → Profile → Mi Smart Band 5 → Heart Rate Monitoring
2. Select mode: Manual - measurement only on request Auto (every 30 minutes) - balance of accuracy and battery economy Continuous - for medical performance (severely reduces the operating time)

High pulse warning

Special attention should be paid to the function PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence), a unique algorithm Xiaomi, which assesses the impact of physical activity on cardiovascular health. The higher your PAI score (maximum 100), the better your health.

1. In Mi Fit go to the profile → PAI
2. Turn on the "Show on the bracelet" option
3. Set a goal (recommended minimum of 50 PAIs per week)