How Do I Add Custom Watch Faces to MI Band 5?

Adding custom watch faces to your MI Band 5 can personalize your device and give it a fresh look. There are generally two main methods: using the official companion app's built-in store or, for truly unique designs, using an advanced sideloading method involving file management.

Official Method: Using the Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit) App

The simplest way to change your MI Band 5's watch face is through its official companion app, Zepp Life (or Mi Fit, depending on your app version and region). This method allows you to browse and install a variety of pre-approved custom designs.

Steps to Install from the App:

1. Download and Install the App: Ensure you have the Zepp Life app (or Mi Fit) installed on your smartphone and your MI Band 5 is paired.
2. Open the App: Launch the Zepp Life app on your phone.
3. Navigate to Profile: Tap on the "Profile" tab at the bottom right.
4. Select Your Device: Under "My devices," tap on your "Mi Smart Band 5" (or similar name).
5. Access Band Display Settings: Select "Band display settings" (or "Store" / "Watch faces").
6. Browse and Install: You will see a collection of available watch faces. Browse through them and select the one you like. Tap "Synchronize watch face" (or "Apply") to transfer it to your MI Band 5. The watch face will then be installed and set as active on your band.

Advanced Method: Sideloading Custom Watch Faces (.BIN files)

For those looking to install watch faces not available in the official app store, such as fan-made designs or highly customized creations, you can manually sideload .bin files. This method requires a bit more technical comfort as it involves directly interacting with your phone's file system.

Important Note: Accessing internal app data directories, like those specified below, often requires a file manager with root access on Android devices or specialized third-party applications designed to inject watch faces. Proceed with caution and ensure you understand the implications if attempting this on a rooted device.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sideload Custom Watch Faces:

1. Obtain Custom Watch Face Files:
   • Find and download custom MI Band 5 watch face files, which typically come in .bin format. Reputable sources include community forums and dedicated watch face websites.
2. Prepare Your Device and File Manager:
   • Install a file manager on your Android device that can access app data folders. While most standard file managers may not directly access data/data without root, some third-party watch face apps facilitate this process for non-rooted devices by handling the file injection.
3. Locate the Watch Face Directory:
   • Navigate to your device's internal storage and follow this general path: Android/data/.
   • Inside Android/data/, look for the folder corresponding to your MI Band's companion app. This is commonly com.xiaomi.hm.health (for Mi Fit) or com.huami.watch.hmwatchmanager (for Zepp Life).
   • For some specific setups or modified applications, you might also encounter a path like data/data/com.Xiaomi.8/. Inside this specific app folder, you would then navigate to files/watch_skin/.
   • Within the watch_skin/ directory, you will find a folder named with numbers, such as 59. Be aware that this number (e.g., 59, 58, or 57) can vary depending on the specific firmware version of your MI Band 5.
4. Replace an Existing Watch Face:
   • Inside the 59 (or 58, 57) folder, identify an existing watch face .bin file that you wish to replace. Note its exact filename.
   • Rename your downloaded custom .bin file to precisely match the filename of the watch face you intend to replace.
   • Copy your renamed custom .bin file into the 59 folder, overwriting the original file when prompted.
5. Synchronize via the Official App:
   • Open your official companion app (Zepp Life/Mi Fit).
   • Go to "Profile" > "Mi Smart Band 5" > "Band display settings" (or "Store").
   • Locate the watch face that you replaced in the list. It will still show the old thumbnail image, but when you select it, your custom .bin file will be loaded.
   • Tap "Synchronize watch face" (or "Apply") to install your custom watch face onto your MI Band 5.

Comparison of Methods

Feature	Official Method (Zepp Life App)	Advanced Method (Sideloading .BIN)
Ease of Use	Very easy, guided steps within the app.	Requires technical knowledge, file management, potentially root access or specialized apps.
Watch Face Source	Curated collection provided by Xiaomi/Huami.	Unofficial community-made designs, wider variety, personal creations.
Safety	Generally safe, watch faces are verified.	Exercise caution; download .bin files only from trusted sources to avoid malware.
Customization	Limited to available designs.	Unlimited potential for unique designs not found officially.
Requirements	Zepp Life/Mi Fit app, MI Band 5.	Zepp Life/Mi Fit app, MI Band 5, file manager with root access (or specific tools), custom .bin files.

Where to Find Custom MI Band 5 Watch Faces

Several online communities and websites are dedicated to sharing custom watch faces for Xiaomi bands:

• AmazfitWatchFaces.com: A popular hub for custom watch faces for various Xiaomi and Amazfit devices.
• Telegram Channels: Many Telegram groups exist where users share their creations and tools.
• Reddit Communities: Subreddits like r/miband often feature discussions and links to custom watch faces.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Ensure Correct File Naming: If sideloading, the custom .bin file must be renamed exactly to match the file it is replacing.
• App Cache/Data: If a custom watch face isn't appearing or syncing, try clearing the cache and data of your Zepp Life/Mi Fit app (this might require re-pairing your band).
• Firmware Compatibility: Some custom watch faces might be designed for specific firmware versions. Check the watch face's description for compatibility.
• Restart Devices: A simple phone and MI Band restart can resolve minor syncing issues.