Pulse Oximeter on Xiaomi Mi Band 5: how to turn on and use correctly

Fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band 5 became the first in the Mi Band lineup, received a built-in pulse oximeter – a sensor for measuring blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂). This feature is especially relevant for athletes, people with respiratory problems or those who monitor their health while sleeping, but many users have difficulty trying to turn it on: The option may be hidden in the menu, unavailable due to regional restrictions, or requires additional settings in the app.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate the pulse oximeter on the Mi Band 5, including bypassing possible blockages, checking the accuracy of readings and tips for interpreting the results, and learn why the function may not be in your bracelet and how to fix it without risking the device.

Important: The pulse oximeter on the Mi Band 5 is not a medical device, but a fitness tracker, and it is indicative and does not replace professional diagnostics, but it can be tuned to track the dynamics of changes and notice alarm signals in time.

1. Does your Xiaomi Mi Band 5 support dimensioning? SpO₂?

Before you try to turn on the pulse oximeter, make sure that your bracelet model is equipped with this sensor at all. SpO₂, There are regional versions where the function is disabled.

How to check:

• 🔍 Look at the box: on the packaging of the original Mi Band 5 (model) XMSH10HM) should be indicated "SpO₂" or Blood Oxygen Monitoring".
• 📱 Check out the specifications: in the Mi Fit (or Zepp Life) app under Device → About the "bracelet" check the list of supported features.
• 🌍 Check the region of purchase: bracelets for European and US markets are often deprived of pulse oximeter due to certification restrictions.

If your bracelet does not support SpO₂ In this case, consider alternatives, for example, Xiaomi Mi Band. 6/7 or specialized pulse oximeters in the form of clips on the finger.

Step-by-step instructions: how to turn on the pulse oximeter

If the sensor SpO₂ The bracelet is present, but the option is hidden, follow this instruction. The process differs depending on the firmware version and regional settings.

Method 1: Through the bracelet menu (the simplest):

1. Wake up the Mi Band 5 screen by swiping up or pressing the touch button.
2. Find the icon on the menu "SpO₂" (Stylized image of lungs or blood drops. If you don't have one, move to method 2.
3. Select the option and wait for the bracelet to measure the oxygen level. ~30 seconds.

Method 2: Through the Mi app Fit/Zepp Life (if the icons are not on the menu):

1. Open the Zepp Life app (or Mi Fit if you use the older version).
2. Go to the Profile section → Xiaomi Mi Band 5 → Laboratory (or Additional Functions).
3. Find the option "Oxygen saturation (SpO₂)" And activate it.
4. Synchronize the bracelet with the phone – after that, the icon should appear in the device menu.

If the option is not even available in the app, try changing the region in your phone settings (for example, China) or updating the bracelet firmware manually.

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After activation SpO₂ Reboot the wristband in the app: press the touch button for 10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.

3. Why the pulse oximeter doesn't work: common problems

Even if you turn on the function correctly, it may not start or show errors, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

Critical feature of the Mi Band 5: sensor SpO₂ It works only at skin temperature of 20-40°If your wrist is cold (such as outdoors in winter), measurements will be inaccurate or impossible.

Also, consider that pulse oximeters consume a lot of energy, frequent measurements reduce the battery life of the bracelet by 20 to 30 percent. If you don't need regular checks, turn off automatic monitoring. SpO₂ dreamily.

4. How to measure correctly SpO₂: tips for accurate results

The accuracy of the pulse oximeter on the Mi Band 5 depends on many factors, from the position of the hand to physical activity.

• 🛌 Calm state: measure SpO₂ sitting or lying down, not moving, exercise (even walking) distorts the results.
• ⏱ Time of day: It is optimal to take measurements in the morning, 10-15 minutes after waking up, in the evening, oxygen levels may be slightly lower due to fatigue.
• 🧴 Skin cleanliness: Sweat, cream or wrist tattoos interfere with the sensor.Wash the skin with a dry wipe before measurement.
• 🔋 Charge level: when the battery is below 20%, the bracelet may show inflated values.

Normal performance SpO₂ If the bracelet regularly shows values below 92%, this is a reason to see a doctor, but do not panic at one-time deviations: even small things like bright sunlight or finger movements during measurement affect the accuracy of the Mi Band 5.

Comparison with medical pulse oximeters:

In independent tests Xiaomi Mi Band 5 shows the error ±2% compared to professional devices, which is acceptable for a fitness tracker, but not enough for medical diagnosis. SpO₂ 93% of bracelets can show 91-95%.

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For maximum accuracy, take 3-4 consecutive measurements at 1 minute intervals and take the average value, which will help to eliminate random sensor errors.

5. Automatic measurement SpO₂ In a dream: how to set up

One of the most useful features of the Mi Band 5 is monitoring oxygen levels during sleep, which helps to identify possible breathing problems, such as apnea, to activate it.

1. Open the Zepp Life app and go to Profile → Xiaomi Mi Band 5 → Sleep regimens.
2. Enable the "Monitoring" option SpO₂ dreamily".
3. Set up a schedule: Choose the days of the week and time intervals when the bracelet should monitor your sleep.
4. Activate low oxygen alerts (the threshold can be manually set, for example, 90%).

Note that automatic monitoring greatly reduces the time of the bracelet. SpO₂ Mi Band 5 discharges in 2-3 days instead of the standard 7-14.

The results of the measurements can be viewed in the Health section. → Son → Details. It shows a change schedule. SpO₂ night, averages and number of episodes with low oxygen levels.

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If you sleep with monitoring on SpO₂, Put the bracelet on the non-working arm (for right-handers, for left-handers, for right-handers) and this will reduce the number of false positives due to movement.

6. Alternative activation methods SpO₂ for advanced users

If standard methods don't work, you can try more radical solutions, which require technical skills and can lead to loss of warranty, but sometimes help unlock hidden features.

Method 1: Change the region in Mi Fit

Some of the features of the Mi Band 5 depend on the region specified in the app.

1. In Mi Fit, go to Profile → Settings → Region.
2. Choose China or India in these regions SpO₂ commonly.
3. Restart the bracelet and check for the function.

Method 2: Manual firmware update

If your bracelet is running on outdated firmware, update it manually:

1. Download the latest firmware for Mi Band 5 from Xiaomi’s official website or thematic forums (e.g., download the latest firmware version for Mi Band 5, 4PDA).
2. Connect the bracelet to your PC via a Bluetooth adapter (you will need Mi Band Tools or Notify & Fitness).
3. Download the firmware through the program, following the instructions.

⚠️ Warning: An inept firmware update can make the bracelet tick. Use only verified files and follow the instructions of experienced users. If you're not sure, contact the service center.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

Apps like Notify & Fitness for Mi Band or Tools & Mi Band let you unlock hidden features, including the ones you can use to unlock the features. SpO₂. For that:

1. Install one of the apps from Google Play.
2. Connect the bracelet and find the section "Experimental functions" in the settings.
3. Activate the Enable option SpO₂ and sync the device.

Third-party apps may conflict with the official Mi Fit, so back up your bracelet data before using them.

7. Frequent questions about the pulse oximeter on the Mi Band 5

8.Conclusion: Should I use a pulse oximeter on the Mi Band 5?

Xiaomi Mi Band 5 with a feature SpO₂ — It's a budget solution for those who want to monitor basic health outcomes without buying expensive gadgets:

• ✅ Convenience: Measurements at any time without additional devices.
• ✅ Sleep monitoring: Helping to identify possible breathing problems.
• ✅ Price: cheaper than a separate pulse oximeter 3-5 times.

There are, however, downsides:

• ❌ Low accuracy compared to medical devices.
• ❌ Fast battery discharge with frequent measurements.
• ❌ Dependence on the correct position of the bracelet.

If you want accurate medical data, you'd better buy a specialized pulse oximeter, but for daily trend monitoring (like tracking recovery from exercise or monitoring sleep), the Mi Band 5 is great.

Remember, every gadget is just a tool, and the key is how you feel and have regular checks with your doctor, especially if you notice any disturbing symptoms.

⚠️ If the bracelet is constantly showing SpO₂ below 90% and you feel short of breath, dizzy or weak, seek immediate medical attention!