Xiaomi Mi Band 8 remains one of the most popular fitness trackers on the market due to the combination of affordable prices, wide functionality and regular firmware updates. Users of this device often wonder: when will the next update for their gadget and what innovations it will bring? In this article, we will analyze the official information from Xiaomi, analyze the history of past updates, and give step-by-step instructions on how to update the bracelet without risking loss of data.
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi doesn’t always announce firmware release dates in advance — updates often come unexpectedly. However, there are ways to track them yourself: through the official Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life) or third-party resources like XDA Developers. We’ll also tell you how to prepare the bracelet for an update to avoid typical bugs, and what to do if the update “hangs” during the installation phase.
Official sources of updates
The first thing to do is check the official Xiaomi channels where the company publishes firmware news, and here are the key sites:
- 📱 Mi Fitness app: section "Profile» → «My devices» → «Update to firmware. This shows the current version of the software and available updates.
Unfortunately, Xiaomi rarely announces specific update dates for the Mi Band 8 in advance, and users usually find out after the update is already available in the app, but you can trace the logic of past firmware outputs to predict the next one.
Xiaomi Mi Band 8 updates: date and change analysis
The Mi Band 8 was released in April 2023, and has since received several significant updates, and below is a table with key firmware and their major innovations:
| Firmware version | Release date | Major changes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.16.8.14 | June 2023 | Fixing data synchronization bugs, improving the stability of Bluetooth connectivity. |
| 1.18.0.19 | August 2023 | New dials were added, battery consumption was optimized, notification errors were corrected. |
| 1.20.5.22 | November 2023 | Support for gestures for music control, improved algorithm for measuring heart rate. |
| 1.22.1.25 | February 2026 | New training modes (pilates, boxing), fixes for Android 14. |
| 1.24.0.30 | May 2026 | A critical security update, added support for Widgets on Android 14+. |
As you can see from the table, Xiaomi releases firmware for the Mi Band 8 approximately every 2-3 months. The last update (1.24.0.30) was released in May 2026, so the next update can be expected in July-August 2026. However, this is not an official date, but a forecast based on past experience.
If you want to know about the new versions, we recommend:
- 🔔 Include notifications in the Mi Fitness app (Settings section» → «Firmware notifications»).
- 📲 Follow the topics in the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA, Where enthusiasts are the first to test beta versions.
- 🔍 Regularly check the “Firmware Update” section in the app (even if there are no notifications).
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If the update doesn't come long, try reconnecting the bracelet to the app: remove it from the device list in Mi Fitness, then add it again. This often works to force updates.
How to check the current firmware version on Mi Band 8
Before you look for a new update, make sure you know the current version of your bracelet software, which will help you determine if your firmware is up to date.
- Open the Mi Fitness app on your smartphone.
- Go to the Profile section (the person icon at the bottom of the screen).
- Select your Mi Band 8 from the list of devices.
- Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select “About bracelet».
- Find the firmware version line and the current number will be listed here (e.g. 1.24.0.30).
If your version matches the last of the tables above, then there are no updates yet, and if the number is older, you should check for updates manually.
Charge the bracelet to at least 50% | Make sure the smartphone is connected to Wi-Fi | Close the background apps on the phone | Don't move away from the bracelet during installation-->
Step-by-step: how to update Xiaomi Mi Band 8
The process of updating the firmware on the Mi Band 8 is as automated as possible, but there are several nuances that will help to avoid errors.
- Connect the bracelet to charge (preferably up to 100%, but at least 50%) and the upgrade will not start if the charge is below the critical level.
- Open Mi Fitness and wait for the data to sync with the bracelet.
- Go to "Profile» → Choose the Mi Band 8 → press three points (⋮) → «Firmware update».
- If the update is available, the Download button will appear. Press it and wait for the download to complete (may take a few minutes).
- Once you download it, you'll start installing it. Don't disconnect the bracelet from your phone or leave the app!
- When it's finished, the bracelet will automatically reboot. Wait for it to turn on and sync with the phone.
The whole process usually takes 5-10 minutes, but it can take up to 20 minutes if the firmware files are large.
- 🔄 Reboot the Mi Fitness app and try again.
- 📱 Reboot your smartphone (sometimes helps with Bluetooth errors).
- 🔌 Disconnect and reconnect the bracelet to charging.
What to do if the update is interrupted?
Typical Update Problems and Solutions
Even when following the instructions, users sometimes encounter errors, and consider the most common ways to eliminate them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Update not in progress | Xiaomi servers have not yet distributed firmware in your region | Wait 1-2 days or try changing the region in the Mi Fitness settings (e.g. China) |
| Connection error | Unstable Bluetooth or background processes on the phone | Reboot your phone, disable other Bluetooth devices, try again |
| The bracelet does not turn on after the update | Critical failure in installation | Place the bracelet on charge for 30 minutes, then hold the 10 sec button to reset. |
| Data dropped | The update reinstalled the firmware "from scratch" | Restore data from the backup in Mi Fitness (if it was created) |
If none of these methods worked, contact Xiaomi Support via the app or website, and specify:
- 📋 Bracelet model (Mi Band 8, version) M2235B1 or).
- 📱 Smartphone model and version Android/iOS.
- 🔧 Detailed error description (screenshots welcome).
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If the bracelet after the upgrade began to discharge quickly, perform battery calibration: discharge it to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
What can we expect in the next update?
While Xiaomi does not disclose details of future firmware, it is possible to predict possible innovations based on:
- 🔍 Market trends: adding new exercise regimens (e.g., for yoga or swimming), improving sleep monitoring.
- 📱 Android 15 integrations: adapting for new OS versions (if the update comes out in fall 2026).
- 🔋 Optimizing energy consumption: users often complain about fast discharge, so corrections are likely in this direction.
- 🎨 New dials: Xiaomi regularly adds designs, especially before the holidays (for example, for the New Year).
Security patches are also possible, especially if vulnerabilities are found in the current firmware, such as a critical update (1.24.0.30) in May 2026 that closed the gap in Bluetooth data transmission.
If you want to be among the first to test a new firmware, you can try installing the beta version.
- Sign up for the Xiaomi Community forum.
- Find a beta theme for the Mi Band 8.
- Follow manual installation instructions (usually a.fw file and special software are required).
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Before installing the beta, back up your data to Mi Fitness (Settings → Backup) and beta firmware may contain errors!
How to Reverse Update if Something Goes Wrong
If the bracelet gets worse after the upgrade (e.g., it discharges quickly or doesn't sync), you can try to roll back to the previous firmware version, but it's an informal method, and it comes with risks.
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS.
- 🔌 Mi Band 8 charging cable (required for PC connection).
- 📁 The old version of the firmware file (can be found on the XDA Developers or 4PDA).
- 🛠️ Mi Band Tools or Gadgetbridge (for manual firmware).
Instructions for rollback:
- Download the archive with the desired firmware version (for example, 1.22.1.25).
- Connect the bracelet to the PC via a charging cable (you will need a USB-A/Type-C adapter).
- Start Mi Band Tools, select the option “Install FW” and specify the path to the firmware file.
- Wait until the process is complete (the bracelet will reboot several times).
⚠️ Warning: Firmware rollbacks can lead to data loss, sensor instability, or even bracelet buildup!
If the bracelet stopped turning on after rolling back, try:
- Put it on charge for 1-2 hours.
- Hold the touch button for 15-20 seconds for forced reboot.
- Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (if the warranty is still valid).