How to turn on the Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelet: from charging to the first synchronization

Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets have long been synonymous with affordable and functional wearables. However, even with such popular gadgets, the first launch can raise questions - especially if you have never used smart bracelets before. This article will help you figure out how to properly turn on the Xiaomi Mi Band bracelet, regardless of the model: whether it is Mi Band 3, Mi Band 5, Mi Band 7 Pro or the latest version.

It's important to understand that the activation process is slightly different depending on the generation of the device, for example, the Mi Band 6 and older have a touchscreen display with gestures, and the Mi Band 8 has added support for fast binding via NFC. But the basic principles of charging, on and synchronizing with the smartphone remain unchanged. We will detail each step, pay attention to typical errors and give tips on how to avoid problems when you first start.

If your bracelet doesn't respond to taps, doesn't turn on after charging, or doesn't connect to your phone, you'll find solutions in this article, and we'll also tell you how to check that the device is charged enough for the first time, and what to do if the charging indicator isn't on, and let's start with the most important thing: getting the bracelet ready to go.

Preparation of the bracelet for the first inclusion

There are a few steps you need to take before you turn on the Xiaomi Mi Band, and even if the bracelet is new and just out of the box, the battery is drained — the manufacturer doesn't supply the device with full charge, so the first thing you need to do is plug the bracelet into charging.

Included with the bracelet is a special charging cable (models up to Mi Band). 5 — This is the “cradle” with contacts, the new – magnetic USB-Do not use third-party chargers, especially with improper voltage: this can damage the battery (5V/1A) or USB-port.

• 🔋 Check the contacts: there must be metal contacts on the back of the bracelet (under the strap) and make sure they are clean and not oxidized.
• ⚡ Connect the cable: carefully combine the contacts of the bracelet with the charger connector. 6/7/8) It's automatically attracted.
• 🕒 Charging time: 10-15 minutes of charging is enough for the first turn on. The full cycle takes about 1-2 hours (depending on the model).

⚠️ Attention: if the charging indicator does not light up, try to slightly move the bracelet in the charger or clean the contacts with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

When you connect to charging, the battery icon should appear on the bracelet screen (if any) or on the indicator. The models without the display (Mi Band 1/2) signal the start of charging a flashing LED. If there is no indication, check the cable and the power source.

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The Mi Band 7 Pro and Mi Band 8 have a fast charging function – in 10 minutes the bracelet is charged by 20-30%, which is enough for the first turn on and setup.

How to turn on Xiaomi Mi Band: step-by-step instructions

When the bracelet is sufficiently charged (at least 10-15%), you can start turning on. The process depends on the model, but the overall scheme is the same for all versions. Let's consider two options: for the bracelet with a button (Mi Band 1-4) and with a touch screen (Mi Band 5-8).

For models with a physical button (Mi Band 1-4)

1. Make sure the bracelet is charged (the indicator is on or flashing).
2. Press and hold the physical button under the screen for 3-5 seconds.
3. Release the button when the bracelet vibrates or the Mi logo appears on the screen.
4. Wait for the full load (it can take up to 30 seconds).

For models with touch screen (Mi Band 5-8)

1. Touch the bracelet screen – if it is unlocked, the main screen will appear.
2. If the screen is not responding, press the screen area with your finger for 5-7 seconds until you feel the vibration.
3. After vibration, release your finger and the bracelet will start loading.
4. A welcome message or a request to connect to the phone will appear on the screen.

The Mi Band 8 has a feature: if the bracelet does not respond to touch, try double-pressing the screen, this will unlock the device, and this model also implements gesture support: for example, putting your hand to the bracelet includes backlighting.

Charging is connected correctly|Charging indicator lights/flashes|The bracelet vibrates when pressed|The screen responds to touch (for touch models)-->

Synchronization with the phone: the Mi Fitness app

Without a smartphone connection, the Xiaomi Mi Band works like a regular watch with a pedometer. To reveal all the functionality – notifications, sleep monitoring, pulse monitor – you need to synchronize the bracelet with the official application. Since 2023, Xiaomi has combined all the services into one application – Mi Fitness (previously used Mi Fit and Zepp Life).

Download the application from official stores:

• 📱 Google Play for Android)
• 🍎 App Store (for iOS)

Attention.

After installing the application, follow the following steps:

1. Open Mi Fitness and sign up (or sign in via your Xiaomi, Google, Apple ID account).
2. Click Add the device (the + icon in the upper right corner).
3. Choose your Mi Band model from the list.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: Allow access to notifications, geolocation, and contacts (necessary for proper operation).
5. Put the bracelet to your phone and the connection will happen automatically via Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: If the bracelet is not an app, make sure that: 📶 Bluetooth on your phone is on; 🔄 Bracelet on and unlocked; 📱 There's no active phone. VPN or firewall blocking the connection.

After successful synchronization, the app will suggest updating the bracelet firmware (if a new version is available).A firmware update is mandatory - without it, some functions (such as monitoring blood oxygen in the Mi Band 6) may not work correctly.Do not interrupt the update process and make sure that the bracelet charge is at least 50%.

Setting the main parameters of the bracelet

Once connected to the phone, you can start personalizing the wristband, and there are dozens of settings available in the Mi Fitness app, from displaying time to managing notifications, and let's look at the most important ones.

1. Setting up the screen and dials

For models with a display (Mi Band 5-8), you can change the watch face.

1. In the app, go to Profile → Your device → Dials.
2. Choose your favorite version from the collection (there are animated, classic, sports).
3. Press Set - the dial is synchronized with the bracelet.

The Mi Band 8 has an automatic dial change function depending on the time of day or activity.

2. Notification management

To have the bracelet show incoming calls and messages:

1. In the app, go to Profile → Notifications.
2. Turn on the Call Notification and Notifications from the apps switch.
3. Select the apps you want to see on your bracelet (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).

3. Health monitoring

In the Health section, you can configure:

• 🩺 Pulse measurement: automatic measurement frequency (each) 10/30 minutely).
• 😴 Sleep Tracking: Turn on the option if you want to analyze sleep phases.
• 🩸 Oxygen levels (SpO₂): Available in Mi Band 6 and later.

Some functions (e.g., stress measurement) require additional customization in the user profile (sex, age, weight), without which the accuracy of readings will be lower.

Tracking steps|Sleep monitoring|Call notifications|Pulse measurement|Other-->

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with the Xiaomi Mi Band enabled correctly, there can be problems, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1. The bracelet is not switched on

If after charging the bracelet does not respond to pressing:

• 🔌 Check charging: connect the bracelet to another power source (like a PC).
• ⏳ Wait 30 to 60 minutes: The battery may be completely discharged and take time to set the minimum charge.
• 🔄 Reset: Hold the button (or screen) for 15-20 seconds until the bracelet vibrates three times.

2. Not connecting to the phone

If the app does not find the bracelet:

• 📱 Reboot your phone and bracelet.
• 🔄 Turn off and turn on Bluetooth again.
• 🗑️ Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugate devices in the phone’s Bluetooth settings, then reconnect.
• 📲 Update the Mi Fitness app to the latest version.

3.The screen does not respond to touch

For models with touch screen:

• 🧼 Wipe the screen with a dry wipe – dirt or moisture can interfere with the sensor.
• 🔋 Check the charge: When the battery level is low, the screen may become less sensitive.
• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (hold the screen for 10 seconds).

⚠️ Attention: if the Mi Band bracelet 7/8 Do not respond to touch after falling or getting water, do not try to disassemble it yourself.

How to extend the life of the battery

One of the most common complaints of Xiaomi Mi Band users is that the battery is draining quickly. However, with the right settings, the bracelet can work without recharging for 5 to 14 days (depending on the model).

• ⏳ Reduce your pulse rate: Set an automatic measurement every 30 minutes instead of 10 minutes.
• 📵 Turn off unnecessary notifications: leave only important (calls, SMS, messengers).
• 🌙 Use dark dials: on AMOLED-The screens (Mi Band 6-8) consume less energy.
• 🔍 Turn off continuous monitoring SpO₂: This function uses a lot of charge.
• 📴 Turn off the light when raising your hand (if not necessary): Settings → Display. → Raising your hand.

The Mi Band 8 has a power-saving mode that shuts down all background processes except pedometer and time, and it runs for up to 20 days without recharging, to activate it:

1. In the application, go to Profile → Your device → Power saving mode.
2. Turn on the switch and select which features should remain active.

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The easiest way to extend the bracelet is to turn off automatic measurement. SpO₂ And it reduces the heart rate, and it increases autonomy by 30 to 50 percent%.

Resetting settings to factory

If the bracelet starts to work unstable - for example, often turns off, does not sync or "glues" the screen - reset to factory settings can help.This will remove all data from the device (except firmware), so pre-sync important information with the application.

The methods of discharge depend on the model:

For Mi Band 1-4 (with button):

1. Disconnect the bracelet from your phone in the Mi Fitness app.
2. Hold the physical button for 15 seconds until you feel the vibration.
3. The bracelet will reset and be ready for a new setup.

For the Mi Band 5-8 (touch screen):

1. In the app, go to Profile → Your device → Reset.
2. Confirm the action - the bracelet will reset.
3. Or: on the bracelet itself, go to Settings → Reset (to do this, swipe up the screen and select the gear icon).

⚠️ Warning: once reset, you'll have to re-link the bracelet to your phone. If you forget your Xiaomi account password, restore it before reset, or you'll lose access to the statistics.

Resetting is also useful if you transfer the bracelet to another person, and after this procedure, all personal data (steps, sleep history, notifications) will be deleted from the device.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions