Why Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is not updated and how to fix it

The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet has stopped receiving firmware updates, and the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) has an error or endless download? This problem is familiar to many users, and its causes can be rooted in both software failures and hardware limitations of the device. Unlike the new models (Mi Band 6/7/8), the fifth version has specific update nuances related to the obsolescence of support and the peculiarities of interaction with Xiaomi servers.

In this article, we will look at all the possible reasons why the Mi Band 5 might not be updated, from the banal battery drain to locking by region, and give step-by-step instructions for each case. We will focus on the hidden settings of the Mi Fitness app, which Xiaomi does not advertise, but which often solve the problem. If you have tried standard methods (reboot, reconnect), but the result is not there, you will find non-obvious solutions here.

1. Checking the basic conditions for updating

Before you dive into complex manipulations, make sure that the minimum requirements for a successful firmware update are met, and users often miss these points by spending time looking for non-existent problems.

• 🔋 The battery charge of the bracelet must be at least 50%, and at a level below 30%, the system blocks the installation of updates.
• 📶 Stable Internet connection – the update is downloaded via your smartphone, so use Wi-Fi or mobile internet with a good signal.
• 📱 Up-to-date version of Mi Fitness – check for updates to the app in Google Play or App Store.
• 🔄 Synchronize data – Manually sync before updating (Profile) → Synchronize).

If at least one of the conditions is not met, the Mi Band 5 will either not show an available update or interrupt the process during the boot stage, for example, if the Wi-Fi signal is weak, the firmware file can download with errors, which will lead to a failure during installation.

Xiaomi server errors: how to get around the restrictions

One of the most common reasons is server-side issues, with Xiaomi periodically suspending firmware distribution for older devices (including the Mi Band 5), especially when it comes to regional restrictions or server congestion.

To see if that's the point:

1. Open the Mi Fitness app and go to Profile → Mi Band 5 → Firmware Update.
2. If instead of the Update button you see a message saying “No updates available” or “Server unavailable”, try:

• 🌍 Change region in the app settings (for example, India or Singapore – updates often appear earlier there).
• ⏳ Wait 24-48 hours – sometimes delays are related to technical work.
• 🔄 Use it. VPN (ProtonVPN or Warp, for example, with server connectivity in Asia.

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If you have an update after you change your region, but you don't install it, go back to your original region and try again, and sometimes it resets the server cache.

Important: If your bracelet was purchased in China (CN version) and you are using it in another region, updates may be blocked due to a firmware/server discrepancy, in which case only manual firmware (more on this below) will help.

3.Mi Fitness app crashes: Cache cleaning and reinstallation

Mi Fitness (especially on Android) is known for its “love” for cache accumulation, which often leads to errors when updating devices. If the bracelet does not see firmware or the process stops during the booting stage, follow this instruction:

Delete the app cache (Settings → Applications → Mi Fitness → Memory → Clear the cache)|

Disable the bracelet in the application (Profile → Mi Band 5 → Disable the device |)

Reboot your smartphone |

Delete and reinstall Mi Fitness (save your account details!)|

Connect the bracelet as a new device-->

On iOS, the cache is only cleared by reinstalling the app.

1. Sync your data with the cloud (Profile → Settings → Synchronization).
2. Remember or take pictures of the bracelet’s current settings (alarm clocks, notifications, etc.).

Once reinstalled, reconnect Mi Band 5 and check for updates. If the problem persists, try logging into your Xiaomi account through your browser and make sure the device is linked to your profile.

4 Manual firmware update: when the automatic method does not work

If all of the above methods fail, you can still use hand-held firmware through third-party tools, which is suitable for experienced users and requires caution, as improper actions can cause the bracelet to fail.

For manual updates you will need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows or macOS.
• 🔌 Cable for connecting the bracelet (usually included).
• 📁 Firmware for Mi Band 5 (download only from trusted sources, for example, mi-band.ru or XDA Developers).
• 🛠 Mi Fit Tool or Gadgetbridge (for alternative firmware).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the archive with the firmware and unpack it.
2. Connect the bracelet to your computer via cable (wait for vibration).
3. Run the Mi Fit Tool and select the firmware file (.fw or.bin).
4. Press Start and wait until the process is complete (the bracelet will reboot automatically).

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Manual firmware removes all the restrictions of Xiaomi servers, but takes away the warranty. Use this method only if automatic updates are impossible.

Warning: If a malfunction occurs during firmware (e.g., a cable is turned off), the bracelet may turn into a brick, and it can only be restored through a service center or special equipment.

5. Bluetooth problems: how to fix the connection

An unstable Bluetooth connection is one of the main reasons why the Mi Band 5 update is interrupted during the data transfer phase.

• The download process stops at 0% or 50%.
• The error is "I failed to connect to the device".
• The bracelet is turned off during the upgrade.

Decisions:

• 📱 Turn off power saving for Bluetooth: On Android: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Bluetooth → Disable optimization. On iOS: Settings → Bluetooth → Turn off the "Low Energy Consumption" (if any).
• 🔄 Reset Bluetooth settings: On your smartphone: Settings → System system → Reset → Reset network settings. On bracelet: Settings → Reset → Reset Bluetooth (hold the button for 5 seconds).
• 🚫 Disable other Bluetooth devices – they can cause interference.

If the problem persists, try using another smartphone or tablet to upgrade.For example, older Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 8) sometimes interact better with the Mi Band 5 than flagship devices of other brands.

6. Hardware Restrictions: When the bracelet is no longer supported

Xiaomi Mi Band 5 was Released in 2020 and since then the company has significantly reduced support for this model.To date (2026) official firmware updates are no longer coming out, and the latest versions contain only critical security fixes.

How to know if your bracelet is no longer being updated:

• 🔍 Mi Fitness does not have a firmware update section.
• 📅 The last available firmware version dates back to 2022 or earlier.
• ❌ When you try to update, an error appears: "Device is not supported".

In this case, you have two options:

1. Continue to use current firmware – most features (stepmeter, pulse meter, notifications) will work, but minor bugs may occur.
2. Install custom firmware (such as Amazfit Mod or Notify & Fitness) that adds new features but requires manual customization.

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Xiaomi officially ended support for the Mi Band 5 in 2023, and all new firmware after that date are unofficial ports.

If you decide to stay on the old firmware, note that over time, you may stop working:

• Sync with some apps (Google Fit, Apple Health).
• Display notifications from new versions of messengers.
• Accuracy of sensors (due to lack of calibration)

7. Alternative ways of updating: workarounds

If standard methods don’t work, you can try non-obvious solutions that sometimes help wake up the system of updates.

• 🔗 Connecting via another app: Notify & Fitness for Mi Band (available on Google Play). Zepp Life (for some regions).These apps sometimes see updates that don't show up in Mi Fitness.
• 📡 Access Point usage: Connect your smartphone to Wi-Fi via another network (e.g., share the internet from another phone). DNS It allows you to connect to the update servers.
• ⏱ Change time and date: On your smartphone, set the date to 1-2 years ago (e.g. 2022). check for updates, then return the current date.

Another working method is to reset the bracelet to factory settings:

1. In the Mi Fitness app, turn off the bracelet (Profile → Mi Band 5 → Disable).
2. On the bracelet itself, reset: Settings → Reset → Confirm (hold the 10 seconds button).
3. Reconnect the bracelet as a new device.

This method often helps if previous updates have been interrupted or installed with errors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)