Along with the fashion for a healthy lifestyle, gadgets that help monitor health have become popular. Among such electronics, fitness trackers are in greatest demand. The Xiaomi company has released a line of “smart” bracelets that everyone can afford. All devices of this type work in tandem with a smartphone.
After purchase, the smart watch should be linked to the phone using the assistant program. In addition to the official application for Xiaomi Mi Band on Android, there are third-party solutions with their own characteristics. Let's look at each of the available options.
Official Mi Fit
The simplest and most obvious choice is to download the official application for linking a fitness bracelet from the Play Market. What stock Mi Fit can boast of:
- Pair with four different Xiaomi gadgets at once. The supported list includes Amazfit watches, SmartScale scales, several types of smart running shoes and, of course, Mi Band of all generations.
- Collection of training statistics. Outdoor and treadmill running tracking is available, as well as cycling and walking data.
- The fitness assistant advises you to run slower or faster, depending on your current heart rate. Based on information from the smartphone’s GPS module, a route is built, the speed and distance traveled, and elevation changes are calculated.
- 10 measurement programs are available for Mi Scale scales, including calculating the percentage of body fat. At the same time, Mi Fit builds a training plan.
- Notifications from your phone, viewing the sender of messages, quiet alarm clock with vibration.
- “Sleep Assistant”, which analyzes the depth, duration and ratio of sleep phases based on heart rate monitor readings.
There are versions for iOS and can be downloaded from the official App Store. There is no official version for Windows Phone. You can only download analogues from Russian developers, for example, Bind Mi Band. The list of functions of the Chinese utility looks impressive. What forces third-party developers to create their own versions of the application, and why do users install non-standard software? Obviously, people lack the advanced functionality that Mi Fit analogues are ready to provide.
The stock app is famous for its mediocre stability and poor optimization. Synchronizing gadgets takes a lot of time, crashes and errors are not uncommon. Some features, such as action tags, were clearly added hastily and do not work as expected.
For Windows Phone
There are several applications for this operating system, each of which is responsible for specific functionality. It would be cool if all functions were available in one program.
Bind Mi band
An analogue of Mi Fit on Windows phones - it can count steps, has a smart alarm clock (only the bracelet version 1 and 1S), sleep tracking and step history (only in the premium version). There is synchronization with Onedrive cloud storage, you can update the bracelet firmware.
Bind Mi Band
Price: Kostenlos+
Notify Mi band
A program for setting up notifications about events that will appear on the bracelet. Using the slider, you can enable notifications for all applications or for some. A schedule is available - functionality is activated within a specified period of time.
Notify Mi Band
Price: Kostenlos
Modified Mi Fit Lolexmod
Modified Mi Fit by lolex from the 4PDA forum. The modification is very popular, it contains a lot of small fixes and nice new features. Lolexmod is recommended for installation instead of the standard Xiaomi utility. Let's look at how the Lolex variation differs from the regular version:
- notification icons for a lot of new programs were drawn and added;
- Removed irrelevant Chinese services that were originally built into Mi Fit;
- advertising removed;
- it became possible to install on an SD card to save memory;
- the name of the contact who is calling or sending SMS is displayed in Russian;
- translation fixes for better readability;
- added Russian TTS voice acting for training modes;
- GPS fixes with Google Maps, the ability to connect to a G-Fit account has been fixed;
- desktop shortcuts for the most popular functions and settings, launching training mode by holding the Home button.
The amendments are minor, but noticeable. Usability and comfortable work with a smartphone consist of such simple little things. Missed lines in a notification or translation typos sometimes discourage the desire to use the Mi Band in general.
Registration process
You can do this in two ways: using a phone number or email. Procedures may vary slightly. For example, if you register through a mailbox, then the sequence of actions is as follows:
- Determination of geoposition. In the first line of the software, you must agree with your current location. If it doesn’t fit, click “Next”;
- The next step is to agree to the privacy policy;
- Then click “Create an account”. Here the application will offer several login options that were described above;
- After selecting one of them, the user is taken to the registration page;
- Enter your email address, create a password and enter the captcha;
Afterwards, the program will prompt you to enter gender, height, weight and other data. Then the number of steps the user should take per day is selected. 5000 is considered optimal, but the recommended one is 8000. Thanks to this, Mi Fit will track the distance traveled daily.
- We agree to count steps using the phone if the bracelet is not detected;
- We provide access to photos, multimedia and files;
- Add a bracelet by clicking on the notification at the bottom of the screen or through the plus sign in the upper right corner;
After this, the software offers to decide on the device that needs to be synchronized with the smartphone, for example, smart sneakers, a bracelet or a Xiaomi watch. You must choose the first option.
- We agree with the collection and processing of information;
- We confirm access to geolocation;
Confirm that Bluetooth is turned on. Then we bring the tracker to the phone to start synchronization. At the end of the procedure, the device will vibrate, after which you need to press the touch screen control key. Next, the operation of the bracelet is configured at the user’s discretion.
Modification from MIUI Russia
It is not radically different from the previous option; you can safely use any of the two applications. The main fixes are still the same - translation fixes, redrawn icons and badges. The display of some information has been improved, for example, Mi Band 3 shows warm and cold weather. The commentator for the training mode speaks Russian. There is no version for iPhone.
Another feature that is interesting to a narrow circle of users is support for re-flashed trackers. If you replace the bracelet firmware with a non-standard one, you will not be able to use the official Mi Fit. The mod from the MIUI.su team solves the problem and works correctly.
Decoupling
Sometimes Mi Band 3 needs to be disconnected from the smartphone, for example, if the device is lost, the phone is changed, or settings fail. This can be done in three ways. The first involves using the Mi Fit application. This is done as follows:
- Login to the program;
- Open the “Profile” tab;
- Select “Mi Band 3”;
- Click “Unlink” at the bottom;
- A notification will appear, after which you need to confirm the actions taken, wait for the process to complete, and agree to the operation again.
Another way to unbind if an application error occurs or the bracelet is lost involves contacting support. To do this you need:
- Contact support through the official website;
- Provide documents as evidence (receipt, packaging, photos);
- Gain access to your registered account and then unlink.
To solve the problem, you can use the Diagnostic application. This is done as follows:
- and install the program (not available on Google Play);
- Synchronize the tracker with your smartphone;
- Select a bracelet;
- Click “Restore factory settings”.
Ready. The fitness bracelet is untied from the phone. As for iPhones, all actions are a copy of those described above.
Notify & Fitness for Mi Band
An add-on that works both in conjunction with the standard Xiaomi program and independently. The main purpose is to set up notifications on the bracelet, but the range of functions is wide.
- Display any text on the Band 2 display.
- Saving and analyzing training statistics - calories burned, steps taken or distance taken, heart rate and GPS.
- Special actions of the smartphone by pressing the bracelet button. Function for the second version of the tracker. Touching the key switches the music, unlocks the device or rejects an incoming call.
- New types of alarms, including REM sleep (take a nap). Supports Sleep as Android.
- You can attach a special notification to each contact in the phone book. You can turn off unwanted notifications completely.
- Finding a phone through a bracelet.
- Uploading firmware to the fitness watch memory. Requires caution, there is a risk of damaging the gadget.
- Communication with task managers and support for time tracking programs (Evernote and others).
A premium mode with advanced features is available; you can download it for free from w3bsit3-dns.com.
Synchronization with “smart” scales is available in partial support mode. For the most part, Notify and Fitness is an application for Xiaomi Mi Band 2. The third version and 1S are compatible, but support is partially implemented.
For Android
There are many more applications for smartphones with a “green robot” than for the “Apple OS”.
Mi fit
The official software that is used by most owners of Mi band smartwatches. It can receive data from the bracelet, there is a training mode, and you can set up behavior tags. Firmware installation is only available in automatic mode; custom software cannot be installed.
Mi Fit
Price: Free
Mi Fit mod Lolex
A modification of the standard application has the following advantages: Russian-language date format, integration with domestic social networks, beautiful background images, no advertising, Cyrillic name when calling, etc.
Notify & Fitness
A very functional utility for working with three generations of Mi band. Shows sleep/steps/distance/calories data, monitors weight, shows battery life statistics. In the paid version, the “Training” mode is available. Supports direct authorization with a bracelet, you can assign any icons for notifications, draws very beautiful graphs. Through the program you can install custom firmware.
Notify for Mi Band: Get new features
Price: Free
Mi band master
The functionality is very close to the previous application, authorization without the standard Mi fit. The bracelet firmware is available only in the premium version. You can customize the button's actions to switch songs and other features.
Master for Mi Band
Price: Free
Gadgetbridge
The utility is used primarily for flashing the device. Authorizes with Mi band 3 directly. Unlike other programs, the application cannot be downloaded from the Play Market; it is posted on the developer’s resource.
Gliderun
Almost unknown software that allows you to track activity from the Mi band. Created in the format of a fitness application, you can set goals, there is a built-in media player, and downloading maps and routes is available.
There is no support for Mi band 3, since the program was last updated in April 2021.
Gliderun
Price: Free
Mi band data
There is no useful functionality in the application - it simply displays information about steps, battery charge, etc.
MI Band data
Price: Free
Tools & Mi band
A program for setting up individual notifications about calls/SMS or events in applications. The main advantage is that it can be used together with the standard Mi Fit without conflicts.
Tools & Mi Band
Price: 329.00 RUR
Mi bandage
Another interesting program for working with Mi band 3. You can set up notifications, set patterns for touches (switching music, starting a timer), etc.
Mi Bandage for Mi Band and Amazfit
Price: Free
Func Button
An excellent application for switching tracks, allows you to set actions for single, double and triple clicks. It has little functionality, but maximum benefits.
Func Button for Mi Band 2
Price: Free
Music Control
Software for managing music, and in the paid version functionality for working with a camera is available. There are minimal settings, so you can set the parameters very quickly. The connection occurs via the MAC address of Mi band 3, which must be entered in a special field.
Music&Camera Control for Mi Band 2
Price: Free
Mi Band 2/3 & Amazfit Selfie
A simple application that allows you to take selfies from your phone by pressing a button on the fitness tracker. The standard Android camera is not supported; you need to install an additional program from the list of suggested ones.
Mi Band Selfie
Price: Free
Smart Alarm (XSmart)
Xiaomi smartwatches do not have a smart alarm, so the only option is to use a functional application. To work, you will need a constant connection to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
Smart Alarm for Mi Band (XSmart)
Price: Free
Hunt Mi band
A program for finding a bracelet in an apartment. To authorize, you need to enable visibility mode on Mi Band 3; authorization is performed through Mi Fit or third-party utilities.
Find Mi Band 3
Price: Free
Find Mi band
Very useful software that allows you to find a lost bracelet. The connection is made via MAC, the program has an indicator in the form of emoticons (the closer to the tracker capsule, the more smiling it becomes).
Find Mi Band
Price: Free
Mi HR with Smart Alarm
An application for continuous heart rate measurement, you can also update the firmware, but you won’t be able to download the update yourself. This program is the only way to install Russian on Mi band 3 in iOS.
Mi HR with Smart Alarm - be fit Band
Price: Free
Mi Band 2 Music Control
A small shareware application that allows you to control music on your phone. Pressing the bracelet's touch button switches songs. After the purchase, you can assign any other action to a key press. For example, take a photo with the main smart camera.
There are no other options in the list of possibilities. The functionality of Music & Camera Control is duplicated by Notify & Fitness.
Gagdetbridge - an alternative application for Xiaomi Mi Band
If Mi Fit for a fitness bracelet is not suitable for you for some reason, try installing Gadgetbridge. It is not available in the Google Play store, so you need to download the application from the developers' website.
Gadgetbridge works with many fitness bands. The list of supported devices does not yet include the latest Mi Band 6 model. The problem is probably temporary and the developers will fix it with future updates.
The Gadgetbridge app has a fairly simple interface, but it takes some getting used to. Screenshots: fossdroid.com
The functionality of Gadgetbridge depends on the device on which the user installs the program. In the case of Mi Band, you can configure through the application:
- notifications about incoming calls, emails, SMS messages and instant messengers, system alerts;
- synchronization of time, activity information, and so on;
- displaying information on sleep or physical activity;
- battery charge display;
- alarm clocks.
Users of fitness bracelets may not like the Gadgetbridge application due to the fact that it is impossible to refuse the transfer of personal information to the developer’s server or delete this information. But at any time you can save all collected activity data and import it to another device.
Comparison, by reviews and popularity
Surveys of Mi Band owners say that the majority prefer to use Notify and Fitness, since its range of functions is the widest. Among those who bought several types of electronics, the modified Mi Fit is more popular. The authorship of the mod does not really matter; the list of fixes is approximately the same.
They speak negatively about the standard Xiaomi application. Disadvantages include slow operation and little space for customization. There are sharply negative reviews about the Tools & Mi Band program. It is reported that the developer does not fix bugs and refuses to make contact with customers.
The best choice for those who do not want to understand the intricacies of settings is the Lolex or MIUI.su mod. Advanced tracker owners will find interesting features in Notify & Fitness.
Correct setup of Mi Band 5 (new)
After synchronizing the gadgets, the user is presented with many possibilities of the Mi Smart Band 5. Settings can be made both on it itself and through the application. Let's look at what changes can be made.
The mobile device or application may also crash periodically. In this case, the problems are as follows:
- Bluetooth does not work. You need to go to the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone and delete devices that have not been connected for a long time. Then you should restart the phone, and with it Bluetooth and GPS.
- The phone does not see the tracker. Clear the Mi Fit app cache in your phone settings.
- Check the operation of 3 main points: Wi-Fi (mobile Internet), Bluetooth and GPS.
- The inability to connect the tracker to a smartphone appears in the following cases: Not the original Mi Band 5. A fake will not connect to the smartphone under any circumstances. In this case, you should return the product to the seller or spend money on a new, already original, tracker. Read the instructions for verifying the authenticity of the tracker using the Mi Band 4 as an example.
- Mi Band 5 does not respond to the smartphone. Most likely the problem is with the charging. You should connect the tracker to a PC or Power Bank and wait until the charge is replenished (on average, 90 minutes). A defect is also possible; if the first method does not help, contact the seller.
On the tracker itself
Having Mi Bend 5 in hand, the owner has the following settings available:
- setting the alarm time;
- changing the display brightness;
- auto screen lock;
- setting the dial.
You can make changes to the listed items in just a few clicks. But more detailed configuration of the device is available in the official program from the manufacturer.
In the Mi Fit app
The expanded functionality of the fifth version of trackers also indicates a greater number of parameters available to the user. Thus, Mi Fit allows you to set up activity goals, display elements on the watch screen, add friends, etc.
In addition, it is worth noting the presence of three main tabs in the program:
- "Profile". The section with basic parameters allows you to set data about the user’s age, weight, change the name, gender, etc.
- "Status". Here you can configure the duration of sleep, current weight, pulse, etc. Each parameter comes with statistics that make it convenient to track your own progress.
- "Notifications". In this section, the user can configure events about which the watch will notify by vibration. This could be: an incoming call, messages on social networks, notifications from applications, etc. In the same window, it is recommended to activate the inactivity alert - it will prevent the owner from spending a long time without moving.
IPhone Applications
Mi Fit
Pros: the basic set of options is free
Cons: no firmware with Russian-language interface
The classic application from the manufacturer Xiaomi is suitable for connecting to an iOS-based smartphone. Downloading and installing the software is free.
To solve everyday problems - see how many steps you have taken and calories burned - there are enough free functions. To store data on heart rate, sleep, workouts and collect statistics based on them, you will have to pay extra and buy PRO.
A significant drawback of the application for Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is the menu, which is created in Chinese or English. Russian is not yet supported, but the controls are intuitive.
Mi Heart rate - be fit
Pros: installation is free, setting up notifications and alarms
Cons: most useful components are paid
The application expands the functionality of the bracelet.
The user manually sets the heart rate measurement frequency and saves data from the bracelet to the software.
Among the settings there is a Russian language, so there are no problems with use.
Mi band master
Pros: stylish desktop design
Cons: many paid features
Mi band Master looks much more brutal and attractive than the original program for Mi Band 3, and it has a lot of settings.
Popular options among users include more thorough counting of steps, calories, and the ability to synchronize with built-in health programs.
No less popular and the main feature: the program allows you to switch and pause musical compositions with one or two touches on the bracelet screen.
User reviews
Most users who use the technology are satisfied with its performance. However, they note that for the application to function correctly, version 10 of iOS is required. Therefore, all iPhones below the fifth generation may work with errors. Because of this, the measurement accuracy of the device is reduced.
On iOS, the alarm function works the same as on Android smartphones. It can monitor a person's sleep quality and make recommendations to improve it. The program menu displays all the information that will help a person improve his life.
Some users say that the application often closes on the iPhone 5. The developers advise in such cases to reinstall the program. This problem occurs even among owners of sixth generation devices.
