Xiaomi Health Band

This page is for “Xiaomi Health Band” - my previous health tracking device before transitioning to Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Commentary

The Xiaomi Health Band was my go-to health tracking device until I started hitting limitations on what could be tracked, especially HRV (Heart Rate Variability) values. Combined with the newer app versions that limited data sharing with Apple Health, this led me to transition to the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Recommendation for Others: The Mi Band is still something I recommend to others if they’re looking for a first-time health tracker or an easy-to-use, lightweight, less obstructive, and easy-to-handle device. For Android users, I suggest using “Notify for MiBand” instead of the standard app for better functionality and data access.

Key Advantages: Lightweight design, long battery life, basic health tracking, and affordability make it an excellent entry-level health device for those new to fitness tracking.

Technical Specs

• Form Factor: Lightweight fitness band
• Display: Small OLED display
• Battery Life: Extended battery life (days to weeks)
• Water Resistance: Basic water resistance for daily use
• Connectivity: Bluetooth for smartphone pairing
• Sensors: Heart rate monitoring, step counting, sleep tracking
• Compatibility: iOS and Android support
• Price Point: Affordable entry-level health tracking

Useful Applications

iOS Applications

• AmazeTools - Alternative sync tool for better Apple Health integration
• Zeplife - Official Xiaomi health app (limited Apple Health sync in newer versions)
• CSVImport - Import exported health data into Apple Health

Android Applications

• Notify for MiBand - Recommended alternative app with better functionality and data access
• Mi Fit - Official Xiaomi app (standard functionality)

Data Export and Import

• Export Functionality - Available under Settings -> User Rights -> Export Data
• CSV Format - Export data in CSV format for manual import
• Apple Health Integration - Use CSVImport for importing exported data

Tips and Tricks

Heart Rate Sync Issues with Apple Health (iOS)

Very regularly Zeplife will fail to sync properly with Apple Health on iOS. To handle this, I have used 2 options:

Option 1: Use AmazeTools for Sync

• AmazeTools: Alternative sync tool that provides better Apple Health integration
• Reliable Sync: More consistent data synchronization compared to Zeplife

Option 2: Manual Data Export and Import

1. Export Data: Find option under Settings -> User Rights -> Export Data
2. Select Timeframe: Export data for the specific timeframe you want
3. Download: Download the zip file and open it with password displayed on screen
4. Process CSV: Navigate to HEARTRATE_AUTO folder and format the CSV file

CSV Formatting Command:

sed 's/\(.\{10\}\),/\1 /' HEARTRATE_AUTO_numbers.csv > edited_date_heartrate.csv

5. Import to Health: Share the processed file with iPhone and use CSVImport to import data into Apple Health

Recommendations for New Users

• Android Users: Use “Notify for MiBand” instead of standard Mi Fit app
• iOS Users: Consider AmazeTools for better Apple Health integration
• Data Backup: Regularly export data to avoid sync issues
• Entry Level: Excellent choice for first-time health tracking users

Reference material