On your Mi Band 3, Bluetooth is generally always active to allow it to connect with your smartphone. You don't "turn on" Bluetooth on the band itself in the same way you would on a phone. Instead, the process involves enabling Bluetooth on your smartphone and then pairing the Mi Band 3 using its companion application.
To establish a Bluetooth connection and pair your Mi Band 3 with your phone, follow these steps:
1. Enable Bluetooth on Your Smartphone
Before anything else, ensure that Bluetooth is turned on within your smartphone's settings. This allows your phone to discover and connect with the Mi Band 3.
- For Android: Go to
Settings>Connected devices>Connection preferences>Bluetoothand toggle itOn. - For iOS: Go to
Settings>Bluetoothand toggle itOn.
2. Download and Install the Mi Fit (Zepp Life) App
The Mi Band 3 requires the official companion app, typically called Mi Fit (now often rebranded as Zepp Life), to manage its settings, view data, and establish a connection.
- Download Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit) from the Google Play Store for Android or the Apple App Store for iOS.
- Install the app and create an account or log in if you already have one.
3. Initiate Pairing within the App
Once logged into the Zepp Life app:
- Navigate to the
Profiletab. - Tap
Add deviceor the+icon. - Select
Bandfrom the list of device types. - The app will begin searching for nearby Mi Band devices. Ensure your Mi Band 3 is charged and close to your phone.
4. Confirm Pairing on Your Mi Band 3
Once your phone detects the Mi Band 3, a pairing request will appear on both your phone and the Mi Band 3's screen.
- On your Mi Band 3, you will see a pairing confirmation message. You will need to touch the screen or press the button on your Mi Band 3 to confirm the pairing process. This action on the band starts the final connection.
- Tap
PairorConfirmon your smartphone as well.
After successful confirmation, your Mi Band 3 will be paired with your smartphone via Bluetooth, and you can now synchronize data, customize settings, and receive notifications through the Zepp Life app.
Troubleshooting Common Pairing Issues
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Band not found by phone | Bluetooth off on phone; Band too far; Low battery | Ensure phone's Bluetooth is on. Bring the band close to the phone. Charge the Mi Band 3. |
| Pairing failed | Interference; App glitch; Previous pairing error | Restart phone's Bluetooth. Close and reopen the Zepp Life app. Restart your phone and Mi Band 3. Check if the band is already paired with another device and unpair it. |
| Unable to confirm on Mi Band 3 | Screen unresponsive; Firmware issue | Ensure the Mi Band 3 screen is clean and dry. If unresponsive, try restarting the band (if possible, though the Mi Band 3 has limited direct control). Ensure the band is charged. |
| Data not syncing | App permissions; Background restrictions | Grant all necessary permissions to the Zepp Life app (e.g., location, storage). Disable battery optimization for the Zepp Life app to allow it to run in the background. Ensure the app is open or running in the background while syncing. |
By following these steps, you'll effectively establish a Bluetooth connection for your Mi Band 3 and ensure it functions correctly with your smartphone.
