Modern wearable gadgets have ceased to be a luxury and have turned into an affordable tool for monitoring health, and the Chinese fitness tracker M4 is a prominent representative of the budget segment. Its popularity is due to its low price, basic step and sleep tracking functionality, and simple design that often does not require charging thanks to the built-in USB plug. However, despite its apparent simplicity, the initial setup process can cause difficulties for users, especially when it comes to pairing with a Androidsmartphone.
The main difficulty is that the device is not an independent gadget in the full sense of the word: for it to work fully, it definitely requires a connection s specialized application, which acts as an intermediary between the sensor and the phone’s operating system. Simply turning on Bluetooth and finding the device in the standard smartphone settings menu is a common mistake that is almost guaranteed to lead to failure, since direct connection without software is impossible. In this material, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to avoid common mistakes and ensure stable transfer of data about your activity.
Before taking active steps, you need to make sure that your smartphone meets the minimum requirements for the version of the operating system and the presence of the necessary permissions to work with peripherals. Chinese OEM versions of the M4 bracelet may require manually searching for an application's APK file on the Internet if the QR code on the package leads to a non-working resource or a Chinese market. Carefully study the packaging and accessories, since the choice of software depends on the correct identification of the model.
Identification of the model and selection of the correct application
The first and most critical stage is to determine the exact modification of your device, since the general name M4 hides many revisions from different manufacturers using different Bluetooth chips. The tracker body, usually on the back of the strap or under the removable capsule, is often marked QR code or the name of the recommended application, such as FitPro, WearPro or Fundoo. Ignoring this step and installing the first available software from Google Play may result in the gadget simply not recognizing your phone.
If there are no markings on the device itself, try scanning the code from the instructions or the box, but be careful: some links may lead to third-party resources. In this case, it is better to use a search by the name specified in the documentation, or consult with the seller. For most versions of M4, the universal solution is the application FitPro, which is available in the official Google Play store, however, there are modifications that work exclusively through WearPro.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to connect the bracelet through the standard Bluetooth menu in the Android settings until you complete the setup procedure inside the application. This will create a connection conflict, and the phone will no longer see the device in the search, requiring a complete reset of the network settings.
It is also important to consider the operating system version of your smartphone, as older versions of Android (below 4.4) or new beta versions may have problems with data transfer protocol compatibility. After installing the application, do not rush to open it right away - first you need to provide all the requested permissions, especially access to geolocation and Bluetooth, without which scanning devices in the background on modern versions of Android is impossible.
Preparatory steps before pairing
The success of synchronization is 90% dependent on proper preparation of the smartphone, since the Android system has strict power saving policies that can block the operation of peripheral devices. Before starting the procedure, make sure that the module Bluetooth is activated in the phone settings and, which is critically important, geolocation (GPS) is enabled. Starting with Android 6.0 and above, scanning BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) devices is technically tied to location access permission, and without this item the search simply will not start.
It is also worth checking the list of previously paired devices, since if your M4 bracelet has ever connected to this phone or another device nearby, it may try to connect automatically in the background, intercepting the connection from the application. Go to Settings → Connected devices and delete all entries associated with M4, Smart Band or unknown devices.
☑️ Preparing your smartphone for connection
The next step is to check the charge of the tracker itself. Although M4s are often powered by a built-in USB plug, the battery could become deeply discharged during long-term storage. If the screen does not light up when you triple-tap the sensor, place the metal USB contact in the charger port for 10-15 minutes. Only after making sure that the device responds to touches can you proceed to the software part of the setup.
Step-by-step guide for connecting through the app
After installing the selected application (for example, FitPro) and providing all the requested permissions, open the app and register an account. Although some features may be available without registration, creating a profile is necessary to save statistics and ensure that notifications work correctly. In the main menu of the interface, find the add device button, which is usually indicated by a plus icon or inscription "Device" / "Device" in the bottom navigation bar.
Click the search button and the application will begin scanning the space. At this moment, it is important not to touch the bracelet screen so as not to reset the pairing mode. When a device named M4 (or a combination of letters and numbers) appears in the list, click on it to initialize pairing. The process takes from 5 to 30 seconds, after which a confirmation request may appear on the tracker screen or the Bluetooth icon will simply light up.
After successful pairing, the application will offer to configure the user profile: height, weight, age and goals step by step. This data is necessary for correct calculation calorie consumption and the distance traveled. Do not skip this step, as default values can greatly distort statistics. Also in this menu you can configure the time format (12/24 hours) and interface language if the application supports Russification of the bracelet.
Setting up notifications and tracker functions
One of the main functions of the smart bracelet is receiving notifications from instant messengers and social networks, but their operation requires separate settings access rights. In the application menu, find the section Device Settings or "Device Settings", and then go to the notifications subsection (Push Notification). Here you will be asked to open the Android system notification menu, where you need to manually check the boxes next to the required applications: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, SMS and calls.
Simply turning on the switch inside the companion application is not enough - the Android system must know that a specific fitness application is allowed to “read” your notifications. Without this step, the bracelet will vibrate, but the screen will remain blank, or notifications will not arrive at all. Also here you can adjust the vibration interval and volume alerts, if the M4 model supports such settings.
| Function | Description | Required resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Pedometer | Counting movements through accelerometer | Fitness tracking |
| Notifications | Display messages on the screen | Access notifications |
| Time synchronization | Automatic clock setting | Local storage |
| Sleep monitoring | Resting phase analysis | Background activity |
The sleep and heart rate monitoring function deserves special attention, which requires constant background operation of the Bluetooth connection. To prevent the application from being “killed” by the energy saving system, find the “Battery” or “Applications” section in the phone settings, select your fitness tracker and set the operating mode "No limits" or add it to the White List. This ensures that data is collected continuously, even when the phone screen is turned off.
Solving common connection problems
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users often encounter a situation where the M4 bracelet stops syncing or the phone sees the device, but cannot pair. The most common cause is a full Bluetooth cache on the Android system. In this case, clearing the system service cache will help: go to Settings → Applications → Show system processes → Bluetooth and click "Clear cache" (not data, but cache).
Another common problem is a conflict between Bluetooth protocol versions. If you have a new phone with Bluetooth 5.0 or higher, and the M4 bracelet uses the old 4.0 module, sometimes you need to force pairing through the system menu after a reset. Try resetting the bracelet to factory settings (usually this item Reset in the device menu or long-pressing the touch button), and then repeat the search in the application.
⚠️ Attention: If the M4 bracelet appears in the list of paired devices as “Connected”, but data is not transferred, try forgetting the device in the Bluetooth settings, turning off Bluetooth on the phone, rebooting the phone, turning on Bluetooth and restart the search in the application.
In rare cases, the problem lies in antivirus software or third-party task managers that block low-level peripheral requests. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus or adding a companion application to the exceptions. Also check to see if your phone is in airplane or power saving mode, which aggressively limits background processes.
Additional features and calibration
After successful setup, don't limit yourself to just counting steps. The M4 bracelet, despite its budget, can analyze sleep phases and, in some modifications, measure the level of oxygen in the blood (SpO2), although the accuracy of these measurements should be taken as indicative. To improve the accuracy of the pedometer, it is recommended to calibrate: walk a known distance (for example, 100 meters) and compare the data with reality, if necessary, adjusting the step length in the user profile.
An important function is to find your phone: if you lose your smartphone at home, double tapping or long pressing the bracelet sensor will make the phone vibrate or make a sound. This function only works with an active Bluetooth connection and can be very useful in everyday life. Also in the application, you can often set an alarm clock that wakes you up with the vibration of the bracelet, without disturbing others with the sound of the phone.
Do not forget to periodically update the bracelet firmware if such an option appears in the application. Chinese electronics manufacturers often release patches that improve connection stability and correct errors in calorie counting algorithms. Checking for updates is usually located in the Device Info or "About device" section.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I connect the M4 bracelet to an iPhone (iOS)?
Yes, most versions M4 are compatible with iOS, but the connection process is similar: you need to download the appropriate application (often the same, FitPro or WearPro), allow access to Bluetooth and geolocation, and search for the device inside the application, and not in the iPhone settings.
Why does not the bracelet charge from the USB port of the computer?
The M4 bracelet requires a current of at least 0.5A - 1A. Many USB ports on computers, especially older or dormant ones, do not provide enough current to initiate the charging process. Use a smartphone charger or a USB port with active power supply.
How to reset an M4 bracelet to factory settings?
Usually there is a “Reset” or “Reset” item in the bracelet menu. If the menu does not work, you can try holding the touch button for 10-15 seconds until the screen blinks. Also, the reset option is often available in the companion application in the device settings.
The bracelet shows the wrong time, how to synchronize?
The M4 bracelet does not have its own real-time clock with a long battery life. The time is synchronized automatically every time you connect to your phone through the app. Open the app and wait for the data to sync.
Is the M4 bracelet waterproof?
Most M4 models are rated IP67, meaning they are splash and short-term immersion resistant (such as hand washing or rain). Swimming, diving or taking a hot shower with the bracelet is not recommended, as steam and water pressure can damage the seal of the case.