Xiaomi Mi Band 5: All New Features Explained
The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 adds a larger AMOLED display, magnetic charging, and built-in SpO2 (blood oxygen) monitoring, while keeping the familiar lightweight design and long battery life. This article details every major upgrade over the Mi Band 4 and explains what each new feature actually does in daily use.
Display and Design Upgrades
The most obvious change is the screen. The Mi Band 5 has a 1.1-inch AMOLED display (up from 1.0-inch on the Mi Band 4) with a resolution of 126 × 294 pixels. The bezels are noticeably thinner, and the panel is brighter, making it easier to read outdoors. The touch area is also more responsive thanks to a new capacitive touch sensor.
Xiaomi also introduced a new quick-release strap mechanism. Unlike the Mi Band 4, where the tracker sits inside a loop, the Mi Band 5 has a small button on the strap that lets you pop the unit out without removing the band. This makes charging and swapping bands much easier.
Magnetic Charging (No More Removing the Tracker)
One of the most requested features was a better charging method. The Mi Band 4 required you to pry the tracker out of the strap and clip it into a proprietary cradle. The Mi Band 5 uses a magnetic charger that snaps onto the back of the band. You simply bring the two small pins near the back of the tracker and they click into place.
The charger is included in the box, and it’s the same magnetic connector used on many other Xiaomi wearables. Charging time is roughly 1.5 hours for a full charge, and the battery life remains about 14 days with typical use (always-on display off, heart-rate monitoring every 30 minutes). With heavy use—like continuous heart-rate tracking and frequent workouts—expect around 7–10 days.
SpO2 (Blood Oxygen) Monitoring
The Mi Band 5 introduced a SpO2 sensor, which measures the oxygen saturation level in your blood. This is the same type of sensor found on more expensive fitness trackers. The band can take a spot check reading on demand, or you can set it to measure continuously during sleep.
How it works: the green and red LEDs on the back of the band shine light through your skin, and the sensor measures how much light is absorbed by oxygenated vs. deoxygenated blood. The result is a percentage (usually 95–100% for healthy individuals). The Mi Band 5 does not provide medical-grade readings, but it’s useful for tracking trends, especially during high-altitude activities or when you feel unwell.
Fitness Tracking and Workout Modes
The Mi Band 5 expands the workout modes from 6 on the Mi Band 4 to 11 on the global version (and up to 30 on the Chinese version). The global version includes:
- Outdoor running
- Treadmill
- Walking
- Cycling (outdoor and indoor)
- Pool swimming (with stroke detection)
- Rowing machine
- Jump rope
- Yoga
- Elliptical
- Freestyle
Each mode uses the accelerometer and heart-rate sensor to track duration, calories, and heart rate zones. The swimming mode also uses the gyroscope to detect strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly) and calculates SWOLF (swim efficiency) score.
Women’s Health Tracking
Another new feature is the menstrual cycle tracking. You can log the start and end dates of your period, and the band will show a predicted ovulation window and next period date. The data is stored in the Mi Fit app, and the band can send reminders when your period is approaching. This is a simple calendar-based tracker—it does not use skin temperature or other biometric data.
Smart Features and Notifications
The Mi Band 5 retains all the smart features from the Mi Band 4, plus a few additions:
- Notification mirroring for calls, texts, and apps (you can see the message but not reply on iOS; on Android, you can use quick replies on some versions).
- Music playback controls (play, pause, skip, volume).
- Camera shutter remote (works with the Mi Fit app on your phone).
- Find My Phone (triggers a ring on your phone).
- Weather forecast display.
- Alarm clock with smart wake-up (vibrates during light sleep).
- Sedentary reminders.
One notable addition is the ability to change the watch face. The Mi Band 5 supports custom watch faces—you can pick from a gallery in the Mi Fit app, or upload your own photo as the background. The band stores up to 5 watch faces at a time.
Compatibility and App Requirements
The Mi Band 5 works with Android 5.0+ and iOS 10.0+ devices. You need the Mi Fit app (now called Zepp Life in some regions) to set up and sync the band. The app is free and available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Important: the Mi Band 5 does not have built-in GPS. It relies on your phone’s GPS for outdoor runs and cycling to map your route and calculate pace. If you run without your phone, the band will track steps and heart rate but not distance or pace accurately.
Common Problems and Limitations
Users have reported a few issues with the Mi Band 5:
- Inaccurate heart rate during intense exercise – the optical sensor can struggle with rapid changes. Wearing the band tighter during workouts helps.
- SpO2 readings can be inconsistent – if the band moves on your wrist, the reading may fail or give an error. Rest your arm on a table and keep still for 30 seconds.
- No GPS – as mentioned, you must carry your phone for accurate distance.
- No NFC on the global version – the Chinese version has NFC for payments, but the international model does not.
- Battery drain after updates – some users see increased battery usage after firmware updates; a factory reset usually fixes it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mi Band 5 waterproof?
Yes, it has a 5 ATM rating, meaning it can be worn while swimming in pools or shallow water. It is not suitable for diving or high-speed water sports.
Does the Mi Band 5 have GPS?
No, it does not have built-in GPS. It uses your phone’s GPS when you start an outdoor workout. If you run without your phone, distance and pace will be estimated from step count.
Can I reply to messages from the Mi Band 5?
On Android, you can use quick replies (pre-set texts) for some messaging apps. On iOS, you can only view notifications—you cannot reply.
How do I change the watch face on the Mi Band 5?
Open the Mi Fit app, go to the device page, tap “Watch Face� and choose from the gallery. You can also upload a custom photo as a watch face.
Does the Mi Band 5 track sleep automatically?
Yes, it automatically detects when you fall asleep and tracks light, deep, and REM sleep stages. You can also enable SpO2 monitoring during sleep for more detailed data.
Is the SpO2 sensor accurate?
It is not a medical device, but it is generally within a few percent of a dedicated pulse oximeter for most people. It works best when you are still and the band is snug on your wrist.
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