The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet has become one of the most popular activity tracking gadgets due to its combination of functionality and affordable price. However, many users are faced with the question: how to turn off the device correctly if it is necessary to save charge, reboot or transport? Unlike smartphones, where the power button is always at hand, the process of disconnecting may seem unobvious for smart wristbands.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible ways to turn off the Mi Band 5, including hidden features that are not described in the official instructions, you will learn how to turn off the bracelet through the device menu, using the Mi Fit app, and what to do if the gadget does not respond to commands, and we will give recommendations for safe storage and explain in which cases it may be undesirable to turn off the bracelet.
If you have just purchased a bracelet or are experiencing a quick discharge problem, this guide will help optimize its performance, and for experienced users, we have prepared unique tips for resetting settings without losing data - information that is difficult to find in open sources.
Method 1: Turn off through the bracelet menu
The most obvious and safe method is to use the built-in Mi Band 5 menu, which does not require a smartphone connection and works even if you do not sync with the application.
- Wake up the bracelet screen by touching the touch button below the display or raising your hand (if the Raise to Wake Up feature is enabled).
- Scroll the menu to the right until you find the item More (marked by three dots).
- In the list that opens, select Settings (cog icon).
- Scroll down to Turn off and confirm the action by clicking on the tick.
The bracelet will start the shutdown process, which will take about 5-10 seconds, the screen will go out, and the charging indicator (if the cable is connected) will stop flashing. Importantly, if you interrupt the process at this point (for example, press a button), the device can freeze.
Check the level of charge (minimum 5%)
Disconnect the bracelet from the charger
Make sure there is no active synchronization with Mi Fit
Remember the current time (after switching on may be lost)
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If the option is not in the menu, this can mean:
- π Charge level below 5% β the bracelet blocks the shutdown to save energy for data synchronization.
- π± The device is in firmware update mode - wait for the process to complete.
- π A software error occurred - try to reboot the bracelet (press the touch button for 10 seconds).
Method 2: Disconnect with the Mi Fit application
If the physical menu of the bracelet is not available (for example, due to damage to the screen), you can turn off the Mi Band 5 through the official Mi Fit app. This method is also useful if you want to remotely control the device.
Instructions for Android/iOS:
- Open the Mi Fit app and make sure the bracelet is plugged in (the device icon at the top of the screen should be active).
- Go to the Profile section β Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 5.
- Select Device Settings (or additionally, depending on the version of the application).
- Scroll down and press Turn off the device.
- Confirm the action in the pop-up window.
Note that this method only works with a stable Bluetooth connection. If the bracelet is discharged or out of range, the command will not be executed. Also, after switching off via Mi Fit, you may need to re-synchronize the next time you turn on.
Once a week to reboot
Only before long-term storage
Never turn it off.
Turn it off every day.
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Advantages of this method:
- π² No physical access to the bracelet.
- π Allows you to turn off the device even when the screen is getting stuck.
- π Stores activity data until synchronization.
However, there are also disadvantages:
- β οΈ Does not work on iOS in some versions of the app (the feature may be hidden).
- β³ The process takes longer than shutting down through the menu.
Method 3: Forced shutdown (emergency method)
If the Mi Band 5 bracelet is frozen, unresponsive to touch, or the screen has turned black, a forced shutdown may be necessary, which should only be used in extreme cases, as it is similar to a βhard rebootβ and can lead to the loss of unsaved data (for example, last steps or sleep data).
Instructions:
- Remove the bracelet from your hand and place it on a flat surface.
- Find the touch button below the screen (which is also used to wake up).
- Press it for 15-20 seconds until the screen is completely turned off.
- Release the button and wait 30 seconds before re-energizing.
What if the bracelet is not turned on after forced shutdown?
Warnings:
β οΈ Attention: Frequent use of forced shutdown may damage the memory of the bracelet.It is recommended to use this method no more than 1 time per month.
When a forced shutdown is justified:
- π₯οΈ The bracelet stuck on the logo when turned on.
- π The battery is discharged to 0%, and the device does not respond to charging.
- π΅ The screen is completely black and does not wake up.
If the bracelet does not turn on after that, the problem may be a hardware malfunction (for example, the screen plume detached or the battery failed), in this case, it is recommended to contact the service center.
When to turn off the bracelet is not necessary: myths and reality
Many users mistakenly believe that the Mi Band 5 needs to be turned off daily to "rest" the battery or extend its life.In fact, modern lithium-polymer batteries used in bracelets do not require regular shutdown.
Let's look at common myths:
| Myth | Reality. |
|---|---|
| Shutting down extends battery life | Lithium polymer batteries wear out from charging cycles, not from running time. Shutdown does not affect degradation. |
| The bracelet should be turned off at night. | Mi Band 5 consumes minimal charge in sleep mode, and turning it off will deprive you of your sleep quality data. |
| Disabling Resets Errors in Software | Only rebooting (not turning off) can fix temporary failures. A complete power outage does not clean up memory. |
| The bracelet is off faster than the charger. | The charging speed is independent of the state of the device. When it's off, it just doesn't show progress. |
When the shutdown is really necessary:
- π« Flight or transportation β some airlines require electronic devices to be turned off.
- π§ Replacement or repair of the strap β to avoid accidental touching.
- π¦ Long-term storage (more than 1 month) β to prevent deep discharge.
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If you don't plan to use the bracelet for longer than a week, charge it up to 50% before turning it off.Storage with either a full or empty battery accelerates battery degradation.
How the shutdown affects activity data
One of the most common questions is, what happens to the steps, pulse and sleep data when you turn off the Mi Band 5? The answer depends on whether the data was synced with the Mi Fit app before you shut down.
Data retention mechanism:
- π Steps and activity: Stored in the memory of the bracelet for 7 days. After turning off, not lost, but if you do not sync them with the phone, can be overwritten with new data.
- β€οΈ Pulse and stress: Data from the past 24 hours is retained, but detailed information (e.g., minute-by-minute heart rate chart) may be lost.
- π΄ Sleep data: If the bracelet is turned off during sleep, the recording will be interrupted and incomplete information will be displayed in Mi Fit.
To avoid data loss:
- Before turning off, open Mi Fit and wait for automatic synchronization (the cloud icon in the upper right corner should stop spinning).
- If synchronization does not occur, manually update the data: go to the Status section β Synchronize.
- After turning on the bracelet, wait for the re-synchronization (can take up to 5 minutes).
β οΈ Warning: If you turn off the bracelet during a firmware update, it may cause the device to fail, requiring flashing through Mi Fit or a service center.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even if the instructions are followed correctly, users sometimes encounter problems, and consider common errors and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The bracelet does not turn off through the menu. | Low battery charge (<5%) | Connect to the charge for 10-15 minutes, then try again. |
| The "Switch off" item is not in the settings | Outdated firmware | Update the software through Mi Fit β Profile β Firmware update. |
| After turning off the bracelet itself is turned on. | Autostart function activated when connected to charging | Turn it off in the bracelet settings or remove it from charging after turning it off. |
| Mi Fit doesn't see the bracelet after turning on | Bluetooth connection failure | Reboot your smartphone and bracelet, then re-synchronize. |
If none of the methods worked, try resetting the settings:
- In the bracelet menu, find the settings β Reset.
- Confirm the action (the bracelet will reboot).
- After reset, sync it with the Mi Fit as a new device.
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Resetting removes all data from the bracelet, but does not affect information already stored in Mi Fit. However, unsynchronized data (such as last day steps) will be lost.
If the bracelet still doesnβt turn off, it could indicate a hardware fault, such as:
- π Battery malfunction (blown or short circuit).
- π₯οΈ Damage to the motherboard (for example, after falling or getting moisture).
- π΅ Failure of the touch button.
In such cases, it is recommended to contact an authorized service center Xiaomi.
Alternatives to shutdown: energy saving modes
If your goal is to save battery power, turning off the Mi Band 5 completely isnβt always justified; instead, you can use built-in power saving modes that reduce consumption without losing functionality.
Options available:
- π Sleep mode: Turns off screen lighting and notifications, but continues to track sleep. Activates automatically from 22:00 to 8:00 (time is adjusted in Mi Fit).
- π΄ Do Not Disturb: Disables all notifications and vibrations, but keeps activity tracking. β Don't disturb.
- π Manually shutting down sensors: You can deactivate heart rate monitoring or SpOβ (oxygen saturation in bracelet settings.
How to turn on the energy saving mode:
- Open Mi Fit and go to bracelet settings.
- Select the screen and brightness β Energy saving regime.
- Activate the option and set the schedule (for example, from 23:00 to 7:00).
Advantages of energy saving mode before switching off:
- β³ The bracelet remains functional (tracks steps, sleep).
- π Data is not lost β synchronization occurs in the background.
- β‘ Savings of up to 30% compared to normal mode.
Comparison of charge consumption:
| Regime. | Consumption per day | Functionality |
|---|---|---|
| Normal. | 15β20% | All functions are active. |
| Energy conservation | 5β10% | Lighting disabled, limited notifications |
| Off. | 0% | No functionality. |
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If you use a sleep tracking bracelet but want to save charge, turn off continuous monitoring of your heart rate at night, which will reduce your intake by 10 to 15 percent without losing key data.