Rules for charging the battery of fitness bracelets of different models

Natalie Vesna 07.17.2020

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Since smart bracelets have recently become more and more popular, questions regarding their operation and proper operation have also increased. In this article we will look at an important aspect: how to charge a fitness bracelet, for how long, with what and from what power source.

The lifespan of your device’s battery depends on a conscientious approach to charging your gadget.

How and from what to charge

Before charging the bracelet, it is important to find out how and from what to power the battery (this should be indicated in the user manual). Depending on the designs and technologies that manufacturers used in their models, chargers for them may differ in the principle of connection or fastening. As a rule, smart bracelets are charged through:

• microUSB cable
• Special charging block (may have magnetic contacts)
• Charger with USB Type-C

Considering the type of charger, it is important to figure out which power source you can connect the gadget to:

• PC
• Laptop
• Power Bank
• From the outlet via a 5V power supply

In order not to harm the device, we recommend using the original charger or cable included with your model. If for some reason you do not have the original accessory, you can use someone else’s suitable charger one-time.

Charging rules

We’ll figure out how to properly charge a fitness bracelet, and at the same time answer all the questions that arise about charging devices. The rules are relevant for any device model, regardless of the manufacturer; compliance with them will help the battery retain its properties for a long time and protect the user from unnecessary problems during operation.

How to charge a fitness bracelet

The device requires a full charge after purchase. The remaining charge is visible after several presses of the button or sensor, in the menu, as well as in the application for controlling the bracelet on the phone. The indication will also allow you to understand that the fitness bracelet is charging.

The devices are usually not equipped with connectors like those seen on phones; instead, the capsule has special contacts and can be removed from the strap. To charge the bracelet, you need to use the USB cable connector, which is also equipped with contacts, while the other end of the cord is connected to the USB port of a computer or laptop. A charging cable is included.

Charging methods

Different models differ in design, so the method of connecting to a power source will depend on what kind of fitness tracker you have. The correct charging option is that recommended by the manufacturer of a particular device.

You can charge the battery using a low-current power supply or by connecting a cable to the USB connector of a computer. A portable battery (Power Bank) is also suitable for this purpose, but you need to check that the charging current matches that recommended by the manufacturer (usually 1-1.5 A). To charge the fitness bracelet, the capsule with the display (usually there is a hidden connector on the side) is removed, if provided for by the design of the model, and connected via a cable to a power source. Some devices do not require separation of the capsule from the strap, while others allow you to remove the strap from one side to carry out the charging procedure.

So, depending on the model, you can charge the device using a microUSB cable, capsule or charger with USB Type-C (this option allows you to replenish the battery’s energy much faster).

Is it possible to plug the device into a power outlet?

For charging, it is better to use a computer or a portable battery (power bank) as a power source. You can charge a fitness tracker from a power outlet via a power supply, but it is not recommended by the manufacturers. This is due to the transfer of a large current charge by a regular socket, which may not have the best effect on the operation of the device, while to charge the bracelet you only need 5 V. Moreover, if you use a socket, the process will go much faster.

How long does it take to charge a fitness bracelet?

For different device models, as well as under different charging methods, the time required to complete the process will differ. On average it varies from 2 to 4 hours. To avoid overcharging, it is better to study the documentation of your device.

How long should the gadget be connected to a power source?

It is undesirable for the battery to discharge to below 10%, this leads to shutdowns and premature wear. Also, the device should not take too long to charge, since not many models have an overcharge protection mechanism. It is necessary to bring it to 100% only when charging the bracelet for the first time after purchasing it; then you don’t have to comply with this condition, but in any case, when you reach a full charge, you must disconnect the device from the power source.

How often does it need to be charged?

Typically, various device models hold a charge for several days or weeks; the battery life is determined by the intensity of use of the bracelet. If all the capabilities of the device are constantly used, it will run out much faster than a sports tracker used periodically for certain tasks.

How to charge the bracelet: general rules

1. Check the manual or instructions for how long the smart bracelet should be charged in order to complete the process correctly.
2. Connect for recharge only through the original cord/power supply/dock.
3. You should not charge the device too often, for example, from 70% to 100%. This method can be used only in rare cases.
4. Before charging the fitness bracelet, do not allow the battery to discharge until the bracelet turns off (0%). This harms the gadget until it stops working. The optimal minimum level is 10%.
5. When reaching 100%, immediately disconnect it from the current supply. Leaving a battery on charge for too long will shorten its life.
6. A complete recharge of the tracker (from full discharge to full charge) should occur once every 6 months. This is necessary to calibrate the device's battery indicator.

Charging features of various models

Fitness trackers, due to the general promotion of a healthy lifestyle, are at the peak of popularity today; they have flooded the market, presenting themselves in all their diversity. Well-known manufacturers, keeping up with trends, produce various models that have their own characteristics. Due to the differences in charging methods, let's look at how to charge a fitness bracelet from Xiaomi, Huawei and other well-known brands.

Xiaomi

The Chinese company has been more successful in producing sports trackers than others. The Mi Band 2, Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4 models are very popular in the market.

You can see the charge level on the device screen by pressing the control button several times, or in the Mi Fit application (section “Profile”), if the software is on your smartphone. Charging the Xiaomi smart bracelet is simple:

• Remove the charging capsule.
• We place it in the charging unit.
• Connect to a power source (USB port of a PC, laptop or Power Bank). You can also charge from a USB outlet or, as a last resort, connect it to a regular outlet using an adapter.
• We disconnect from the power supply when the charge reaches 100% and return the capsule to its place.

To fully charge the Mi Band, 2-3 hours are enough, after which battery life is ensured for 7-20 days.

Huawei Honor Band

A MicroUSB cable and a docking station are included with bracelets from the well-known company Huawei. There is no need to remove the capsule for charging; a connector is hidden behind one half of the strap. In this case, you need to connect the bracelet to the docking station, and the other end of the cord to a power source, for example, a USB port on a PC or laptop, a smartphone charger, a portable battery, etc. Any device with a USB connector is suitable for charging.

It will take 1.5-2 hours to fully restore the battery's energy reserves, while during the process the bracelet remains functional and can act as a timer, stopwatch, clock, or report notifications. Autonomous operation is provided for 10-30 days, which will depend on the load.

Jet Sport

The popular Jet Sport sports trackers also do not require removing the capsule. The package includes a charger, but you can charge the bracelet in another way, for example, by connecting via a USB connection to a computer or laptop. To gain access to the contacts to which the charger is connected, you need to disconnect the bottom of the tracker strap. The process takes 2 hours, autonomy remains for 3-5 days, depending on the intensity of use. It is recommended to charge the device without waiting for it to be completely discharged already with the remaining 30% charge, and when it reaches 100%, immediately disconnect it from the power source. To avoid failures of the charging sensors, which result in the bracelet turning off at another 10-15%, you should reset the tracker once a month for preventive purposes, and then charge the battery to 100%.

iWOWN i6HR

The bracelet charges very quickly (30 minutes), and the procedure is different from those described above. Here the USB is located in the bracelet itself, so there is no need for a charging wire. To charge the device, you need to remove the host and insert it into the USB connector on your computer or laptop. When the device is charging, the indicator will stop flashing.

This charging method is convenient; you need to carefully remove and insert the USB so as not to accidentally damage the device connector.

How long to charge

The answer to the question of how long it takes to charge a fitness bracelet can be found in the instructions or manual, which are usually included with the product.

Charging time depends on the battery capacity and usually ranges from 2 to 3 hours. In addition, an alarm sound or vibration may occur when the charge reaches 100%.

You can find out that the bracelet is charged by the information on its display (some trackers must first be turned on with the power button).

Before the next recharge, it will take 7-20 days of operation of the device, depending on the intensity of its use and the activation of individual functions that significantly drain the battery. It is also worth considering the device model: the manufacturer indicates the battery life in the specifications or instructions.

Ways to increase battery level

Despite the fact that smart watches are capable of operating in battery mode for a long time, many users lose this time. To extend your device's battery life, you can disable some of its features, such as

• Sync the bracelet with your smartphone (if you only use the bracelet to display time, steps, calories and distance, or to measure your heart rate in real time, for example);
• Turn off or reduce the heart rate measurement;
• Turn off notifications from apps that are not important;
• Reduce display brightness;
• Deactivate screen activation by raising your wrist.

Turning off all of these power-hungry features will help your device last longer.

Is it possible to charge a smart bracelet from a power outlet?

Manufacturers of wearable devices do not recommend recharging the battery of a smart bracelet from a power outlet. This is due to the fact that a larger current flows into the battery than is provided by the manufacturer. Typically, the charging current value should correspond to 5V - 1A or 5V - 1.5A.

The smart bracelet will charge much faster from a power outlet, but this can damage the battery. Therefore, the manufacturer often indicates the recommended charging current in the operating instructions. This information can also be printed on the power supply, adapter, or the charger itself included in the kit.

You can also find out the recommended amperage for your gadget's battery by searching for the specifications of the required model in a web search.

What to do if Mi Band 6 does not charge

Sometimes the user encounters an unpleasant situation - the fitness tracker does not charge, although it is connected to a power source. We will determine the causes of the problem and methods to eliminate it.

• The contacts have oxidized . This can happen after moisture gets in. Moisten a cloth with alcohol and carefully wipe the capsule and charger.
• Broken wire . The cable may have broken in one or more places due to improper use. There is only one way out - buy a new charger.
• Deep discharge . If the gadget is discharged to 0%, it may take a long time to recharge it. Connect the wearable device to a power source and wait about an hour. Perhaps the tracker will come out of a deep discharge, and a charging animation will appear on the screen.
• Breakdown . After serious mechanical damage (for example, a fall from a great height), the bracelet may stop working and charging. Only a master can cope with such a breakdown. Therefore, contact the service center as soon as possible. There is a chance of free repairs under warranty.
• Non-working display . If the screen is broken, then you will not see the charging animation. You can distinguish a complete breakdown from a non-working screen as follows: if the smartphone sees the bracelet, then the reason is in the display. The application does not find the tracker - then you should suspect a serious breakdown.

How to charge without charging

Sometimes users are interested in how to charge a fitness bracelet without charging. After all, it happens when the original cable is damaged or lost. Then you can select and purchase a wire on the Internet designed specifically for your model.

There is another way. Make your own charger.

We do not recommend using this method to avoid damaging the device's battery if something goes wrong. We offer you video instructions for informational purposes only:

Is it possible to charge the bracelet without charging and wires?

Usually the device is charged using the original USB cable, but different situations happen in life and this is not always feasible. For example, the original cable may be lost, faulty, or simply not available at the moment. It is possible to charge the fitness bracelet without charging without charging. When using this method, the user does not require any special skills; the procedure is simple to carry out. To do this, perform the following steps:

• We take any USB cable.
• We expose the red and black wires.
• We press them to the contacts of the tracker, fixing them well.
• We connect the other end of the USB cable to a free port on a computer or laptop.
• The charging process of the device will begin, which can be seen on the display.

It is worth noting that it is still not advisable to regularly practice this method of charging the device, but if there is a temporary absence of a specially designed cord, this option will work quite well.

Bottom line

By studying the recommendations on how to charge a fitness tracker correctly and adhering to some rules of the charging process, you will increase the battery life of your smart bracelet.

Write in the comments if you have ever charged your device using non-original chargers and what problems you encountered during the process. And also share your experience and advice with our readers.

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How long does the device hold a charge?

Autonomy is affected by several factors: battery capacity, screen size, functions used and much more. Therefore, for some users, devices can hold a charge for up to 2 weeks, while for others, they can be discharged in just a couple of days.

We tell you how long each Xiaomi watch model will work:

• Mi Band 3 – up to 20 days;
• Mi Band 4 – up to 20 days;
• Mi Band 5 – up to 20 days;
• Mi Band 6 – up to 14 days.

Note! The sixth generation model has the smallest battery life in the Mi Band line. And all because they received a large 1.56-inch display that consumes a lot of energy, as well as an increased set of functions.

Charger connection methods

The designs of some models may differ, so the way they connect to the network also changes. First, it is worth noting that the battery can be charged using a low-current power supply or via the USB connector of a computer. You can also use portable batteries for charging (power banks), but the charging current must comply with the manufacturer's recommendations (often 1-1.5A).

To charge most modern models, you need to remove the capsule itself with the screen, and then connect it via a wire. Often the connector is located on the side of the capsule. Expensive models of bracelets are more like smart watches, so you won’t be able to separate the capsule from the strap. Often the connector on such models is on the reverse side. Some devices provide the ability to remove only one strap to connect a USB port to a power supply or computer.