Xiaomi Mi Band: full list of features and hidden features

Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets are no longer just pedometers, they are now full-fledged assistants for health, sports and even smart home management, but many users use only 20% of the capabilities of their gadgets, unaware of hidden features and fine-tuning.

In this article, we will explore all the features of modern Mi Band models (from the 6th to the 8th version), including little-known chips that the manufacturer does not always advertise. You will learn how the bracelet helps to monitor your heart rate, why its sleep data is more accurate than many competitors, and how it can be used to remotely control the camera of a smartphone or even open doors with an electronic lock.

We’ll focus on practical scenarios, from setting up notifications to integrating with other Xiaomi devices, and at the end of the article, we’ll answer the most common questions and compare the model table to help you choose the best option.

1. Health monitoring: What does the Mi Band really do?

The main thing about Xiaomi bracelets is that they keep track of key health indicators, but how does that work and how accurate is the data?

All modern models (starting with the Mi Band 6) are equipped with an optical heart rate sensor with an improved measurement algorithm. PPG-Sensor with a survey frequency of up to 25 Hz, which allows you to record even short-term arrhythmias, for example, the bracelet can detect tachycardia after exercise or bradycardia in your sleep — and immediately send a notification to your smartphone.

Another unique function is to measure the level of oxygen in the blood (SpO₂). In Mi Band. 7/8 This parameter is tracked automatically during sleep, which helps to identify possible breathing problems (such as apnea), while the accuracy of the measurements, according to independent tests, is the same as the average breath. ±2% compared to medical pulse oximeters - this is one of the best indicators among fitness bracelets.

• 🩺 Daily monitoring of heart rate: measures the pulse every 5–30 minutes (configured in the application)
• 😴 Sleep analysis: Determines deep, light sleep and wakefulness phases with 90 accuracy%
• 📊 Stress assessment: Analyzes heart rate variability (HRV) And it gives you relaxation recommendations.
• 🩸 Women's Health: Tracks the menstrual cycle and predicts ovulation (a feature available in Mi Fitness)

⚠️ Warning: Mi Band data is no substitute for medical diagnosis! if the bracelet regularly records heart rate above 100 beats per minute at rest or SpO₂ Be sure to see your doctor below 90%, and in 2023, there were cases where users ignored the bracelet's warnings about atrial fibrillation, leading to serious complications.

2.Sports functions: from running to yoga

The Xiaomi Mi Band supports up to 150+ training regimes (depending on the model), but most users only use running and walking.

For example, in Swimming mode, the Mi Band 7/8 automatically recognizes the style (brass, crawl, butterfly) and counts the number of strokes. In Strength training, it records the rest time between sets and tells you when it is time to increase weight. For yoga and Pilates, the bracelet tracks the correctness of breathing and the duration of stretching.

Especially useful function VO₂ max is an estimate of your maximum oxygen consumption, and this parameter shows you how fit you are and helps you to find the optimal workload. VO₂ max below 30, the bracelet will recommend starting with low-intensity cardio.

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To improve the accuracy of measurements during training, tightly fasten the bracelet on your wrist (2-3 fingers above the bone) and turn on GPS on your smartphone to synchronize route data.

3. Smart Notifications and Smartphone Management

The Mi Band can be a full-fledged remote control for your smartphone, and in addition to standard notifications about calls and messages, the bracelet can:

• 📱 Manage music: switch tracks, adjust volume (works with Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music)
• 📸 Remotely take photos: one click on the bracelet and the smartphone camera takes a picture (convenient for selfies or group photos)
• 🔍 Finding a phone: If your smartphone is lost at home, the bracelet will make it vibrate at full volume
• 🔑 Unlock devices: you can set up automatic unlock Xiaomi-smartphone when approaching the bracelet

But there are hidden possibilities, too, like the Mi Band 8's Quick Replies feature, which allows you to respond to messages with standard phrases straight from the bracelet (like "I'm on my way" or "I'll be back later"), and if you sync the bracelet with Google Assistant or Alice, you can voice-controlled the smart home or ask questions to the virtual assistant.

⚠️ Note: the function of unlocking the smartphone through the Mi Band works only on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices POCO s MIUI 12 and later. On other Android smartphones, this option is not available due to security restrictions.

Another useful life hack: if you have a Mi Band 7 Pro or 8 Pro, you can adjust the controls, like shaking your hand to turn on the backlight, or touching the bracelet twice to skip the track, which saves time and battery, because you don't have to press the button all the time.

4.Integration with smart home and other devices

Xiaomi Mi Band is not just a fitness tracker, but part of the Mi Home ecosystem, which allows you to control more than 50 types of smart devices, from light bulbs to robot vacuum cleaners.

For example, the following scenarios can be configured:

• 💡 Automatic light on when waking up (bracelet captures the phase of light sleep and sends a signal to a smart lamp)
• 🚪 Opening the electronic lock when approaching the door (works with Xiaomi Smart Door Lock)
• 🌡️ Adjusting the temperature depending on heart rate (if the pulse is high after exercise, the air conditioner will turn on cooling)
• 🔌 Turning off sockets when leaving home (bracelet detects the lack of movement and sends a command to a smart socket)

To set up the integration you need:

Download the Mi Home app|Add the bracelet to the list of devices|Create automation in the Scenarios section|Test the work of triggers-->

The Quick Commands feature (available in the Mi Band 8) is particularly convenient, for example, you can program double-pressing of the bracelet to enable Do Not Disturb mode on all devices in the home or activate night lights.

Battery and autonomy: how to extend the work?

Officially, the Xiaomi Mi Band holds a charge of 5 to 14 days (depending on model and usage intensity), but in practice, this time can be reduced to 2 days or increased to 3 weeks.

The main "eaters" of the battery:

• 🔋 Continuous monitoring of heart rate (reduces autonomy by 30-40%)
• 📶 Continuous Bluetooth connection (especially if the smartphone is far away)
• 🌙 Bright screen lighting (AMOLED-display in the Mi Band 7/8 consumes)
• 📱 Frequent notifications (every vibrational alert spends) ~1% charge)

To extend the bracelet's performance:

1. Turn off automatic measurement SpO₂ (Leave only at night).
2. Set the heart rate interval every 30 minutes instead of 5.
3. Disable notifications from unnecessary applications (such as social networks).
4. Use the power saving mode (in the Mi Band 8, it turns off the display, leaving only the pedometer).

⚠️ Attention: If the bracelet is discharged in 1-2 days, check the sync settings with the cloud. Some Mi Fitness firmware has continuous data transmission enabled by default, which greatly reduces the battery. Disable it in the application settings: Profile → The device → Synchronization of data → Only on Wi-Fi.

6.NFC and Contactless Payments: What You Need to Know

Mi Band 7 Pro and 8 Pro models are equipped with NFC-It's a chip that allows you to tie your bank cards and pay for your purchases without having to take out your smartphone:

• 💳 Supported banks: in Russia, works with SberBank, Tinkoff, VTB and Alfa-Bank. the full list can be checked in the Mi Pay app.
• 🏦 Payment limit: up to 5 000 rubles for one operation (according to the rules of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation).
• 🔒 Security: Every payment requires confirmation PIN-bracelet-code.
• 🚇 Transport: in Moscow and St. Petersburg you can tie Troika or Strelka for fare.

To set up payments:

1. Open the Mi Fitness app and go to Profile → Mi Pay.
2. Add a bank card (confirmation via SMS is required).
3. On the bracelet, activate NFC in the settings: Additional → Contactless payments.
4. When paying, bring the bracelet to the terminal and enter the PIN (by default - the last 4 digits of the card).

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The NFC in the Mi Band only works with terminals that support the EMV standard. If the checkout says "Mir Only", the payment will not pass - even if your Mir card is tied to the bracelet.

It's important: NFC-The chip in the Mi Band does not support emulation of transport cards (as in smartphones), so you can not write on the bracelet, for example, a student card or an office pass - only bank cards and Troika.

7. Model comparison: which Mi Band to choose in 2026?

The Mi Band 6, 7, 8 and their advanced Pro versions are now available.

Who's gonna do it?

• 🏃 For sports and health: Mi Band 8 is the best balance of price and features. There is always a display on and advanced sleep analysis.
• 💳 For contactless payments: Mi Band 8 Pro is the only model with a NFC in the global version and built-in GPS.
• 💰 Budget option: Mi Band 6 is cheap, but without always on screen and some sensors.
• 🏊 For swimmers: any model starting with the 6th, as they all have 5 protection ATM (You can swim at a depth of 50 meters).

If you choose between the Mi Band 7 and 8, pay attention to the display: in the 8th model it is brighter and supports always on mode, which is convenient for checking the time or notifications without unnecessary gestures.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions