The 2016 Xiaomi Mi Band 2 fitness bracelet is still popular with users due to its reliability and functionality. However, over time, official support for the device stops and new features stop appearing, in which case firmware comes to the rescue - the process of updating or replacing the bracelet software.
You can flash Mi Band 2 through the official Mi Fit app or with third-party tools for installing custom firmware. The latter option opens up access to advanced features: changing fonts, new dials, improved sync with Google Fit or Apple Health. But it is important to understand that informal firmware can lead to a loss of warranty or even a breakage of the device if something goes wrong.
In this guide, we will discuss both methods of firmware, discuss the necessary tools, risks and nuances of the process. If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with the official method.
Preparation for firmware: what you need to know before starting
Before you start firmware, make sure your bracelet is ready for the procedure.
- 🔋 Battery charge - level should be at least 50%. At low charge, the bracelet can turn off during firmware, which will lead to a "brick" (complete inoperability).
- 📱 App version – Update Mi Fit or alternative software to the latest version.Older versions may not support new firmware.
- 🔗 Compatibility – Check if the firmware you choose is suitable for the Mi Band 2 (Mi Band models 1/3/4 have other files!).
- 💻 Backup – Save steps, sleep and pulse data to the cloud or device, as they may reset after firmware.
Also prepare the necessary tools:
| Tool. | Appointment | Where to download |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Fit (official) | Firmware through OTA, synchronization | Google Play / App Store |
| Notify & Fitness | Installation of custom firmware, advanced settings | Google Play |
| Mi Band Tools | Alternative dials, firmware | Google Play |
| ADB and Fastboot | To restore the bracelet after failure | Official Android website |
⚠️ Note: If your bracelet has already been stitched with custom firmware, you can only return to the official one through a full reset. Otherwise, the device may stop synchronizing with the Mi Fit.
Critical information: Xiaomi Mi Band 2 bracelets with firmware version 1.0.1.14 and higher have bootloader lock, which means that custom firmware installation is possible only after unlocking through special utilities (for example, MiBand2Unlock).
Official firmware through Mi Fit: the safest way
If you don’t want to risk the stability of the bracelet, use the built-in update feature in the Mi Fit app.This method is suitable for most users and does not require technical skills.
Step instructions:
- Open the Mi Fit app and connect the bracelet via Bluetooth.
- Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 2 → Firmware update.
- If a new version is available, click Update and wait for the file to download (about 5-10 MB).
- Make sure the bracelet is connected to the charger and is located next to the smartphone, and the installation process will begin (takes 3-5 minutes).
- Once completed, the bracelet will reboot. Don't disconnect it from your phone until full sync is complete.
Advantages of the official method:
- 🛡️ Safety – Minimum risk of “filling” the device.
- 🔄 Automatic updates – new versions will be installed without your involvement.
- 📱 Compatibility – guaranteed to work with all Mi Fit features.
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet stopped showing notifications after the update or counts steps incorrectly, try resetting it to factory settings via Settings → Reset in the Mi Fit app.
Installation of custom firmware: advanced capabilities
Custom firmware allows you to unlock hidden Mi Band 2 features, such as:
- 🎨 New dials with support for animation and color icons.
- 📊 Extended statistics (graphs of sleep, pulse, pressure).
- 🔗 Synchronize with Google Fit and other services.
- 🔊 Notifications from any applications (not only) SMS call).
The installation will require:
- Download the firmware file (for example, MiBand2_Custom_vX.X.X.zip) from verified sources (XDA Developers or 4PDA).
- Install Notify & Fitness or Mi Band Tools.
- Connect the bracelet to the application and select the option Install custom firmware.
It can take up to 10 minutes, and once you've installed it, it will reboot, and you can set up new features.
Download firmware for Mi Band 2| Check the bootloader version | Charge the bracelet to 100%| Disable Bluetooth in other apps-->
Popular custom firmware for Mi Band 2:
| Name of name | Features | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| MiBand2 Custom by FreeYer | Support for 20+ dials, improved synchronization | 4PDA |
| Amazfit Mod | Interface like the Amazfit Bip, new widgets | XDA |
| MiBand2 Unlocker | Unlock the bootloader to install any firmware | GitHub |
What if the bracelet does not turn on after firmware?
Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step for custom firmware
With firmware version 1.0.1.14, Xiaomi added a bootloader lock on the Mi Band 2, which means that installing unofficial software without first unlocking will lead to an error. MiBand2Unlock.
Instructions for unlocking:
- Download MiBand2Unlock and unpack the archive.
- Connect the bracelet to your PC via Bluetooth (use Bluetooth 4.0+ adapter).
- Run the unlock.bat file (for Windows) or unlock.sh file (for Linux/Mac).
- Follow the instructions in the console. It takes 1-2 minutes.
Once you unlock successfully, you can install any custom firmware you want, but remember:
- 🔓 Unlocking resets all data from the bracelet.
- 🚫 Xiaomi may block account for using unofficial tools.
- 🔧 To return to the official firmware, a re-lock of the loader will be required.
💡
Before unlocking, untie the bracelet from your Mi Fit account in the application settings, which will help avoid synchronization problems after firmware.
Recovery of the bracelet after a failed firmware
If the Mi Band 2 stopped responding to a button, didn't charge, or showed a white screen, don't panic. In 80 percent of cases, the device can be restored.
Recovery methods:
- Hard reset: Place the bracelet on charge. Press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds until you feel the vibration. Release the button, the bracelet should reset.
- Firmware via ADB: adb devices adb shell am start -n com.xiaomi.hm.health/.device.DeviceResetActivity This command will reset the bracelet to factory settings.
- Flashing through Mi Fit: Remove the bracelet from the application. Add it again, the program will suggest updating the firmware.
⚠️ Note: If the bracelet is not detected by a computer ADB, Try to use another one. USB-port or disable antivirus (it can block drivers).
If none of these methods worked, the power controller may have failed, and then you just have to change the board at the service center.
Comparison of official and custom firmware: what to choose?
To determine the type of firmware, assess your needs:
| Criteria | Official firmware | Custom firmware |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ (buggy) |
| Functional | Basic (steps, pulse, notifications) | Extended (new dials, widgets, synchronization) |
| Updates | Automatic. | Manual (you need to follow the new versions) |
| Guarantee | It's still there. | Lost. |
| Complexity of installation | 1-2 Clicks in Mi Fit | Requires unlocking, working with ADB |
If you want reliability and minimal hassle, stay on the official firmware. If you want to experiment and new features, try custom options, but be prepared for possible problems.
💡
Custom firmware is suitable for experienced users ready for manual tuning. For most Mi Band 2 owners, official updates via Mi Fit remain the optimal choice.
Frequent Firmware Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
- 🔋 "Bracelet discharges quickly": Castom firmware can increase power consumption. Try to roll back to the official version or reduce the synchronization frequency.
If the bug doesn’t go away, look for a solution on forums (like a 4PDA theme), and users often share working methods for specific firmware versions.