During the confrontation between Apple and Samsung, Xiaomi managed to loudly declare itself with the Mi Band 4 bracelet. It tracks fitness activities, heartbeat, can control music and performs many other actions. The Quad has a bright AMOLED display, advanced ID and exercise sensors.
The main competitor of the new model is Honor Band 5. However, developers from all over the world are coming up with applications that expand its standard options, which makes Mi Band 4 cooler. For example, you can see the names of incoming callers during a call, choose different watch faces, etc. It's worth getting to know a few of these programs better.
Notify & Fitness
Notify & Fitness has a lot of cool features, but requires syncing with Mi Fit or Gadgetbridge. By default, Mi Band 4 can display notifications. Using Notify & Fitness, you can read messages, set alarms and reminders. There is a set of watch faces from different developers.
An interesting option is setting up notifications for friends and family. There is a history of readings, heart rate and sleep graphs. The data is displayed on the screen in a convenient form. exported to a number of applications. You can set up repeat reminders for almost all types of notifications, not to forget about a missed call, for example. The application also synchronizes with Google Maps.
The utility has too many functions to list them all in one article. It costs $5, but it's definitely worth every penny you pay. There are paid services - synchronization with Strava and Runkeeper, which will make working with them more convenient. The free version (with ads) also has many features.
The latest version of the application has added a watch face designer for Mi Band 5.
For Windows Phone
Unfortunately, owners of Windows smartphones have almost no choice: there are only a few options that can be connected to a third Mi Band. Their big drawback is that their functionality is too narrow. Each program is responsible for one aspect of using the Xiaomi Mi Band bracelet. Software that would contain everything you need does not yet exist. Nevertheless, developers are working on creating a universal program.
Bind Mi band
Pros: there is synchronization with OneDrive
Cons: no Russian-language firmware
The Bind Mi band application is an analogue of the regular Mi Fit.
With its help, you can easily figure out how to turn on the new Xiaomi Band 3 and how to start counting steps. Among the functionality there is classic tracking of sleep and heart rate. The user can also create graphs and tables to monitor their progress and training program.
Bind allows you to set up notifications for alarms, missed calls and SMS. The owner of the bracelet and the application independently decides at what time period he needs signals from other software on the smartphone.
Navigation
Notify & Fitness has a navigation feature, but the Navigation utility is definitely worth a look because it costs only $1 and works very well. By selecting a destination in Google Maps on your smartphone, you can see turns, distance to the destination, and expected time of arrival on the bracelet screen. Now you don't have to constantly hold your phone in your hand to view the route. There is support for the Russian language.
Master for Mi Band
The Master for Mi Band application is constantly updated and new functionality is added. The latest versions have added smart locking, the ability to flash Mi Band 5 firmware (.fw, .res), setting a password, interval measurement of heart rate and sleep without a phone. Of course, there is sleep analysis, a smart alarm clock and call notifications. During heavy physical activity, the high heart rate notification option will be especially useful. If you have Android 5.0, you can control music and volume. There is a function to display weather and humidity.
Modified Mi Fit LolexMod 2.4.2
Features of Mi Fit LolexMod:
- More correct translation;
- Display the caller's name or phone number in a creeping line;
- Centering, text shift;
- Removed the limitation on the vibration delay for an incoming call, you can select from 0 seconds;
- Added the ability to transfer “Mi Fit” to a memory card;
- Increasing the number of applications for receiving notifications to 50;
- Notification about “Loss of connection” with a smartphone;
- In some items the backgrounds have been changed;
- Many other minor improvements/fixes.
We wrote here how to download and install the modification.
Gagdetbridge
Gadgetbridge is a good alternative to Mi-Fit: the problem with this app is that you cannot opt out of sending personal data to their server or delete this information. It has all the features (sleep tracking, alarm clock, activity tracker, etc.). However, to synchronize with it, due to recent changes in the Mi Band 4 firmware, you will now only need a smartphone running the Android operating system.
Switching from one fitness bracelet to another causes difficulties due to the impossibility of exchanging data between systems: all information remains in the memory of the bracelet on which it was recorded. GadgetBridge is an open source application that works with many smartwatches and fitness trackers, such as Mi Band, Amazefit, Pebble, Casio, Lenovo and others. Therefore, you can always save and import your data to them.
Programs for device management for smartphones on Android (Android)
There are quite a lot of applications for Android phones that expand the functions of the tracker and allow you to get the most out of your purchase.
Mi Fit (for all generations of bracelets)
An original application that can be recommended to all tracker owners is Mi Band of different versions. The program easily synchronizes with a fitness bracelet based on a Bluetooth connection and includes all basic features, including saving and viewing statistics. With its help, you can save and view data analysis and set up a tracker. The utility has a Russian language in the interface and is available for free download in the online market.
Note! The only caveat is that the program involves installation only in automated mode (for this reason, this application is not suitable for custom firmware). Also, the menu completely lacks a “smart” alarm clock, only the standard version with bracelet vibration.
Lolex mod (for 2 and 3 versions)
The program is an improved version of the standard utility for Russian-speaking users. List of benefits:
- adapted options for date, time, etc.;
- connection to some social networks networks that are not included in the standard version;
- attractive interface;
- no advertising;
- convenient display of a contact when making a call (for the third generation of bracelets).
Can be downloaded freely from the Play Market. Similar to the standard application from Xiaomi, this utility also does not have some necessary functions (for example, music control).
Fix-it (for second generation bracelets)
A narrow-profile application for synchronizing Mi Band 2 bracelets. It is aimed at eliminating communication problems between a fitness bracelet and a personal smartphone. To diagnose the connection, you need to uninstall (or not install) the official Mi Fit utility, and then start synchronization. The program is presented only in English and does not have additional functions for data statistics.
Notify and Fitness (for all bracelets)
The program can please you with a wide selection of functions for working with Mi Band bracelets. The developers did not limit themselves to standard tasks; the utility is capable of:
- carry out weight monitoring;
- display battery life statistics;
- present various activity graphs, etc.
This program will allow you to directly authorize a fitness bracelet and assign icons for notifications (in the third version). The main advantage is the installation of custom firmware software.
Attention! A utility with a basic set of capabilities can be downloaded for free. Extensions for monitoring individual workouts are paid.
Find Mi Band (for second generation trackers)
The tool helps you find your lost bracelet using your smartphone. In some situations, you can make it easier to find a device that has been lost on the street. For a regular search, you will need to enter the MAC address of the bracelet and look at the indicators of a special scale on the screen (the distance of the devices from each other).
The application has a fairly simple and intuitive interface and can be used as an additional utility.
Mi Band Master (for the second and third versions of the tracker)
The process of connecting the program does not require installation of the original Mi Fit. In addition to standard features, the utility allows you to manage music tracks on your phone (you can configure track changes, etc.). The utility can be downloaded for free from the mobile market.
To use the extended list of features, you need to sign up for a premium account (paid).
Gadgetbridge (for Mi Band 3)
The main task of this program is to flash a personal device. The utility helps to establish contact with the Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet without third-party tools. It lacks all the necessary functions, so it is not suitable as a full replacement for Mi Fit.
Important! The program cannot be downloaded from the Play Market; it can only be found on the official website of the developers.
Mi Band Channel (for second generation bracelets)
Special software for setting up the weather forecast. Using this application, it is possible to install a convenient service for monitoring weather conditions. The interface is made in English without the ability to select a language. To start working with the bracelet, you will need to enter its MAC address.
Mi Band Data (for trackers of the third version)
The utility does not have any useful content or unique capabilities. With its help, you can only view information about the steps taken and the remaining battery charge. Those. the program simply duplicates data from the bracelet screen, and does not complement its work.
The application can be downloaded absolutely free from the market.
Tools & Mi Band (for Mi Band 3 bracelets)
A tool for conveniently setting up personal notifications about calls, messages, reminders, etc. The main advantage of this software is the ability to use it together with Mi Fit without technical glitches.
This application only exists in a paid format. The price of the tool is about 250 rubles.
Music Control (for second and third generation bracelets)
A free program that you need to easily manage music files. It requires a minimum of user settings and allows you to adjust playback parameters. With paid access, you can set up synchronization with the front camera of your smartphone to take video/photos (the bracelet acts as a special remote control).
Attention! Synchronization with the tracker occurs after entering the MAC address in a special field.
Mi Band 2/3 & Amazfit Selfie (for trackers version 2 and 3)
A utility with a fairly simple selection of functions: it allows you to quickly take a selfie by touching the front button of the bracelet. The application is provided to users completely free of charge. A small drawback is that there is no support for the main camera (you can use the front one).
To increase the capabilities and use the main camera module, download additional tools.
Smart Alarm (XSmart) (for third generation bracelets)
Free software that compensates for one of the shortcomings of the original application. With its help, you can set up a special type of alarm clock. The application installs a “smart” option - it gives a wake-up signal during REM sleep. This alarm clock will help you optimize your sleep and improve your well-being in the morning.
Note! For correct operation, a constant Bluetooth connection is required, which will increase battery consumption.
Mi Bandage (for bracelets versions 2 and 3)
An application with a concise and user-friendly interface that is not loaded with unnecessary information. The program will allow:
- easy to set up all kinds of notifications;
- make finger swipe patterns;
- monitor connection status;
- switch music files.
The basic version can be downloaded for free. The extended version will require a payment of 116 rubles, for this amount you can disable advertising, activate additional modes of use and gain access to some management features.
Func Button (for second and third generation trackers)
The program allows you to quickly switch musical compositions between each other. There is a function to assign a certain number of touches to different commands for the tracker. The utility can be freely downloaded from the online market.
Although the tool has a limited number of functions, it performs the minimum stated without delay.
Be sure to check out:
The fitness bracelet does not count steps. The main reasons for breakdowns of the pedometer, heart rate monitor and calorie counter IWOWN I6 Pro - a budget, multifunctional and high-quality fitness bracelet for tracking sports activity Xiaomi Mi Band 2 fitness bracelet: water test How to remove the strap from a fitness bracelet: rules and nuances
Tools & Mi Band
The Tools & Mi Band app is a paid app, but costs only $4. Here, unlike Gadgetbridge, the range of available functions has been significantly expanded. For example, you can set up notifications for individual contacts from WhatsApp or your phone book. This program requires synchronization with Mi Fit or Gadgetbridge to work.
You can set custom reminders or alarms in Mi Tools. For example, a reminder to drink water every 2 hours. With Mi Tools, you no longer need to be tied to desktop computers or laptops to receive notifications.
The Mi Band 4's automatic DND feature mutes any notifications while you're sleeping or busy. It syncs with Sleep as Android. There is viewing of caller names, messages, custom alarms, repeat notifications, templates. No data export to Runtastic and Strava apps.
Mi Band 5 is fully supported! Control of dials, gestures and sensors is available. There is a function for retrieving SMS codes for quickly confirming purchases in online stores. There is a cancel button, mute and a heart rate monitor. Tasker widgets and plugins are supported.
Modified Mi Fit from MIUI Russia 3.0.2
Features of Mi Fit from MIUI Russia:
- Completely redesigned Russian and Ukrainian languages;
- Ability to enable display of contact information on Mi Band 2;
- Lost connection notification activated for Mi Band 2;
- Voice assistant in Russian;
- Correct operation of Google maps;
- Fonts in the application have been improved;
- Ability to enable notifications for 20 applications (instead of 5);
- Ability to set a delay before calling from 1 second;
- Added support for notification icons for new applications on Mi Band 2;
- Synchronization with Google Fit and WeChat is activated;
- Chinese QQ and similar services are disabled;
- Possibility to share statistics in Telegram.
Installing Mi Fit from MIUI Russia is similar to installing the LolexMod modification. All actions and instructions are described here.
Source of material: https://miui.su/mifit
AmazFaces Watchface
The AMOLED display has not yet achieved ideal clarity, but the manufacturer has provided the ability to install new watch faces from the Internet in the Mi-Fit application. You must first download them using AmazFace.
The application has a large selection of watch faces (more than 35 thousand) for all watches from Xiaomi. Including animated ones. There is a search by tags and categories. There is a function for creating an individual watch face with the ability to install any GIF picture.
Connecting to an Android Phone
To connect a smart watch from the Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi to Android, you must first download the Xiaomi Wear application. It is freely available on the Play Market and takes up about 100 megabytes of memory.
Download QR Code
Xiaomi Wear
Developer: Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co.,Ltd
Price: Free
Also in the instructions from the box with the watch you can find a special QR code, scanning which you will be taken to a page with the required application. If you don’t know how to scan a Qr code with a Xiaomi phone, we recommend that you follow the link provided and study the detailed instructions on this topic.
As soon as this program is installed on your Android smartphone, you can start connecting to the watch. This is done like this:
- Go to the Xiaomi Wear app. After the first launch, you will be asked to read the privacy policy. Accept all terms and conditions by clicking the appropriate button.
- The first page with a welcome message will appear, here you need to click the “Start” button, having first read all the information.
- At the next stage, select your country of residence (for example, Russia), as well as your gender: male or female. After that, click the “Next” button.
- Enter your date of birth and weight. After adding each information, you need to click on the “Next” button.
- All the steps described above are about registering an account in the Xiaomi Wear application. Next we move on to connecting the smartwatch with the smartphone.
- Click the “Add device” button, select your smartwatch model - Xiaomi Mi Watch or Mi Watch Lite version.
- Turn on the watch and click the “Next” button on it, read the user agreement, then the phone will search for the device.
- As soon as the devices detect each other, you need to confirm pairing on the watch. The synchronization process may take several seconds.
Congratulations, connecting your smartwatch to your phone has been successfully completed!
Now you can customize your smartwatch: choose a design and background, configure buttons, select brightness, activation method, and so on. But in any case, the initial setup has already been completed, you can use the gadget for its intended purpose.
Don't forget to use the app on your smartphone, as you can find a lot of information about your body there. As for smart watches, this information is shown on their screen in a truncated form.
Band Selfie
Band Selfie allows you to set up your fitness band as a remote camera shutter. The settings are a little complicated, but you can figure it out. There is an important caveat: it only works with cameras like Open Camera, Bison Camera, Night Selfie Camera.
With Band Selfie it’s good to take selfies - the fitness bracelet will work as a remote control for the front camera of your smartphone. This feature is especially useful for group shots: no one will have to leave the frame to take a photo.
To work correctly, install and launch Open Camera, it will automatically detect Mi Band 4. Then go to the Music screen on the bracelet to take a photo. You cannot use music controls when selfie mode is on.
The application is distributed free of charge and does not contain advertising.
iOS apps
After reviewing the applications that can be downloaded on Android, let's move on to iPhones. The list here is smaller, but you can still find great programs.
Mi Fit
The official Xiaomi program for controlling the bracelet is also available on iOS. The functionality is practically no different from its Android counterpart, so there is no point in talking about the capabilities separately.
Mi Fit
Price: Free+
Mi band master
A good application with advanced functionality necessary for full use of Mi Band 4. There are free and paid versions. After installation you can:
- Monitor your activity with a pedometer and count calories burned.
- Monitor sleep analysis: quality, duration and phases.
- Find out the weather forecast without going to your phone.
Mi Band Master
Price: 279.00 RUR
AmazTools
An interesting program with useful options for tracking activity. It can synchronize training data (steps, heart rate, calories, distance) with HealthKit, as well as customize the interface design using different fonts. AmazTools also acts as a remote control for the iPhone camera, flashlight and music player.
AmazTools — Watchfaces & More
Price: Free+
My heart rate
An ideal application for athletes that constantly monitors heart rate and also works in training mode. Before starting, you need to indicate the desired result: fat burning or muscle building. Heart rate will help during classes, telling you what intensity of exercise is currently needed.
Mi HR - be fit
Price: Free+
