Xiaomi Mi Band: A guide

Xiaomi has released the "Mi Band 2", the third generation of its fitness trackers. In this guide, we show you how to use the "Xiaomi Mi Band 2" correctly.

1. The connection with the smartphone

To use the fitness tracker, a connection to the iPhone or Android smartphone is essential.

• To do this, download the "MI Fit" app for Android or iOS.
• Then open the app and either log in to your existing Xiaomi account or alternatively create a new one.
• Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone.
• Then choose from the three options at the bottom of the screen that are labeled "Profile" and then tap on the "Add device" tab.
• In the following screen, select "Mi Band" as the device. Then the smartphone searches for your "Mi Band 2". You should have the "Mi Band 2" ready to be paired with the smartphone as close as possible.
• If a connection is established, the "Mi Band 2" answers by vibrating. Your smartphone then prompts you to touch the "Mi Band".
• A connection between smartphone and "Mi Band" is now established.

2. Make basic settings on the smartphone

On the overview page of your "Mi Band 2" the app now shows you various information such as your calorie consumption, the battery level of the device, your last measured heart rate, your last entered weight or your daily goal in steps. The app also offers extensive setting options for your smart bracelet.

• Immediately after connecting to the band, you have the option of basic settings in the app.
• Here you can determine on which side you should wear the "Mi Band" and also whether the display should switch on automatically when you look at the band. This function is certainly practical in everyday life, but it also consumes far more electricity.
• It is also possible to specify which information is to be displayed directly next to the watch on the band. You can choose between the number of calories, the heart rate or the steps. Then press the button on the "Mi Band" to cycle through the individual information.
• It is important to know in this regard that in order to display your heartbeat, you have to pause for a short time to display the heart rate. The "Mi Band" will then automatically start measuring your pulse.
• You can also allow the "Mi Band" on your smartphone at this point to measure your heart rate during the night for better sleep recording.

3. Define activity settings

In addition to the basic settings of your "Mi Band", you can also determine those that affect your daily activities.

• Now press the arrow in the top left corner and then select the "Profile" option at the bottom of the screen.
• Here you still have the opportunity to set your daily activity goal, as well as your target weight.
• At the same time, you can specify here whether you would like notifications about personal statistics.
• Under "Settings" you can also select the desired units for the display.

4. Determine notification settings

Thanks to the new display, the "Mi Band 2" can now not only alert you to the receipt of a message or a call by vibrating, but even shows which app sent the notification.

• Under the "Play" option at the bottom of the screen you can make these settings.
• With "Incoming calls" you determine how the "Mi Band" should react to calls, whether it should display them at all and if so, how long the vibration of the device should stop for a call. The situation is similar with "Incoming SMS", where you determine whether SMS should be displayed on the "Mi Band".
• You can convert your Xiaomi Mi Band into an alarm clock with the function of the same name. The function to be woken up based on the sleep phases was unfortunately removed by one of the last updates of the app.
• Under "Apps" you can define applications from which the Mi Band should display the corresponding notifications. Not all apps are compatible with this function, but among others Whatsapp, Twitter and Facebook.
• "Inactivity notifications" can also be determined here, for example when the device detects that you have been sitting at your desk for two hours.
• The "Unlock screen" function also enables the smartphone to be unlocked automatically if the Mi Band is connected.
• Finally, you can set up a synchronization between the "Mi Fit" app and other fitness apps such as Google Fit.

Alternative fitness tracker in the video test

Our test shows how good the Withings-Go fitness tracker is in comparison to the Xiaomi Mi Band 2.