The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet is still popular due to its balance of price, functionality and reliability. However, over time, even the most stable firmware can become obsolete, slow down or lose support for new features.
In this article, we will take a look at all the current ways to install Mi Band 4 firmware in 2026, from official updates through the Mi Fit app to custom firmware installation using a PC. You will learn what tools you need, how to avoid errors and what to do if the bracelet stopped responding after a failed firmware. Importantly, firmware through unofficial sources can lead to loss of warranty and irreversible breakdowns - assess the risks before starting the procedure.
Why do you want to use Xiaomi Mi Band 4?
Xiaomi’s standard firmware is optimized for stable performance, but often lacks additional features that could improve the user experience.
- 🔄 Update to the latest version of the software - fix bugs, improve compatibility with new smartphones and OS.
- ⚡ Speed up work – some custom firmware removes unnecessary background processes, saving battery life.
- 🎨 New dials and animations – unofficial firmware often includes exclusive themes not available in the official store.
- 🔓 Unlock hidden features – for example, support for notifications from third-party messengers or advanced training settings.
- 🛠️ Recovery after a failure – if the bracelet stops turning on or is constantly rebooted, flashing it can bring it back to life.
However, not all changes are equally useful. For example, some custom firmware can reduce battery life due to optimization for new features. OTA-updates from Xiaomi.
Official firmware through Mi Fit: the safest way
If your goal is simply to upgrade to the latest version without risk, the best option is to use the official Mi Fit app.This method does not require a PC connection and is suitable even for beginners.
Instructions for updating:
- Make sure your smartphone has the latest version of Mi Fit (you can download it from Google Play or the App Store).
- Connect the bracelet to your phone via Bluetooth and sync the data.
- Go to Profile → Mi Band 4 → Update firmware.
- If a new version is available, click Update and wait for the process to complete (the bracelet will reboot automatically).
Official updates usually weigh 1-3 MB and are installed in 2-5 minutes.During the process, do not turn off Bluetooth or remove the bracelet from the charger (if the upgrade requires recharging).
Bracelet charge ≥ 50%|A stable Internet connection on your phone|The latest version of Mi Fit|Bracelet connected to Xiaomi account-->
⚠️ Warning: If after the upgrade the bracelet began to discharge quickly or display data incorrectly, try resetting it to factory settings via Settings → Reset in the Mi Fit app.
Firmware through PC: tools and preparation
To install custom firmware or restore the bracelet after a failure, you will need to connect to a computer, which is more complex, but gives you access to advanced features.
- 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 MacOS (some tools require drivers).
- 🔌 Mi Band 4 charging cable (also used for PC connection).
- 📁 Firmware in.fw or.bin format (you can download it on the forums) 4PDA or XDA Developers).
- 🛠️ Mi Band 4 Tools, Gadgetbridge or Notify & Fitness.
Before starting, it is mandatory:
- Download the original firmware for your bracelet version (Chinese, global or NFC) – it will come in handy for rollback.
- Make sure the bracelet is 100% charged – interrupting the process can make it inoperable.
- Disable the antivirus – it can block firmware tools.
| Tool. | Supported OSs | Features | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 4 Tools | Windows | Support for custom firmware, data backup | 4PDA |
| Gadgetbridge | Windows, macOS, Linux | Open source, working without Mi Fit | Official website |
| Notify & Fitness | Android | Mi Fit alternative with advanced settings | Google Play |
💡
Before you run the firmware, take screenshots of all the bracelet screens (dial, menu, settings) and this will help you quickly reconfigure it after you update.
Next PostNext Firmware with Mi Band 4 Tools
This method is suitable for both official and custom firmware installations. Follow the instructions carefully - errors at any stage can lead to the "bricking" of the bracelet.
Step 1: Preparation of the bracelet
- Connect the Mi Band 4 to the charger and make sure it is defined by the computer as USB Serial Device.
- Install drivers for CP2102 (you can download here).
- Start Mi Band 4 Tools and select the port to which the bracelet is connected.
Step 2: Installation of firmware
- In the program, go to the Firmware tab and click Open File to download the firmware file (.fw or.bin).
- Press Flash Firmware and wait until the process is complete (the bracelet will reboot several times).
- After successful firmware, disconnect the bracelet from the PC and wait 2-3 minutes - it should automatically turn on.
If the bracelet does not respond after firmware:
- Try to force reboot it by holding the touch button for 10-15 seconds.
- Repeat the firmware with the original file from Xiaomi.
- Check if the drivers are installed correctly (there should be no exclamation points in the Device Manager).
What to do if the bracelet is not determined by the PC?
Castom firmware: pros and cons
Unofficial firmware from the development community can significantly enhance the functionality of the Mi Band 4, but also have serious shortcomings. Before installing them, weigh the pros and cons.
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| ✅ New dials and animations | ❌ Risk of loss of guarantee |
| ✅ Support for notifications from any applications | ❌ Possible bugs and unstable work |
| ✅ Extended training settings | ❌ No official support |
| ✅ Improved autonomy (in some firmware) | ❌ Difficulties with rollback to stock firmware |
The most popular custom firmware for Mi Band 4:
- 🌟 Amazfit Mod – ported software from Amazfit Bip with new dials and weather widget.
- 🔧 CustomFW by Dummy00001 — Optimized firmware with support for Gadgetbridge.
- 🎯 Mi Band 4 NFC Unlock - Unlocking NFC Payment (only for the Chinese version).
⚠️ Note: Castom firmware often contains modified bootloaders that may conflict with the original software. If the bracelet stops syncing with Mi Fit after installation, try using Notify & Fitness or Gadgetbridge.
💡
Before installing custom firmware, be sure to check its compatibility with your bracelet version (Chinese, global, NFC).
Recovery of the bracelet after a failed firmware
If the Mi Band 4 stops turning on, doesn't respond to charging, or shows a white screen, don't panic. In 90% of cases, the device can be restored.
Method 1: Forced resetting
- Connect the bracelet to the charger.
- Hold the touch button for 15-20 seconds until you feel the vibration.
- If the screen caught fire, the firmware was not damaged and the problem was temporary failure.
Method 2: Firmware through Mi Band 4 Tools in emergency mode
- Connect the bracelet to the PC by holding the button (this activates the recovery mode).
- In the program, select Force Flash and download the original firmware.
- Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).
Method 3: Rating contacts (extreme case)
If the bracelet is not showing any signs of life, the problem may be the damaged charging contacts.
- Carefully disassemble the body (use a plastic spatula).
- Check the integrity of the contacts on the board with a multimeter.
- If necessary, drink the contacts or clean them with alcohol.
How to disassemble Mi Band 4 without damage?
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:
| Mistake. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Device Not Found in Mi Band 4 Tools | Drivers not installed or bracelet not connected | Reinstall CP2102 drivers and check the port in Device Manager |
| The bracelet vibrates and turns off after firmware | Incompatible version of the firmware | Sweep through the original software for your model (Chinese / global) |
| The screen flashes, but doesn't turn on | Loader damaged. | Use Force Flash in Mi Band 4 Tools with original firmware |
| Synchronization with Mi Fit is not working. | Custom firmware installed | Use Notify & Fitness or return stockware |
If none of these methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., a power controller failed), in which case it is better to contact the service center.