How to accurately measure the pulse on the Xiaomi phone: apps, sensors and life hacks

Xiaomi smartphones are no longer just a means of communication, they have become multifunctional devices that can track the health of the user. One of the most popular parameters that can be measured without additional gadgets is the pulse (heart rate, heart rate). But how to do this correctly so that the data is accurate? In this article, we will examine all the available methods, from built-in functions to third-party applications, and also explain why the indicators on the phone can differ from medical devices.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi doesn’t equip most of its smartphones with hardware pulse sensors (unlike the Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch smartwatches). However, this does not prevent heart rate measurement using the camera and flash — a technology called photoplethysmography (PPG). We tested all the current methods on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra models to give clear recommendations. If you are looking for a way to quickly check your heart rate without buying a pulse meter, this is the guide for you.

Can you trust the pulse measurement on a Xiaomi phone?

The accuracy of measuring heart rate via a smartphone is the most controversial issue, and research has shown that such methods can be as low as ±10-15 beats per minute compared to medical devices (ECGs or chest pulsemeters).

Reasons for inaccuracies:

• 🔦 Camera quality and flashes: budget models (e.g. Redmi) 10A) They are less stable than flagships (Xiaomi 13 Pro).
• 💡 Lighting: bright sunlight or dark space distorts the signal.
• 🖐️ Finger Position: Pressure, hand tremors, or wrong phone angle affect readings.
• 📱 Software algorithms: Free applications often use simplified calculation formulas.

However, for quick self-diagnosis (for example, after training or under stress), a smartphone is suitable. For medical purposes, it is better to use certified devices, such as the Xiaomi Mi Band 7 with a PPG sensor or a chest pulsemeter.

Method 1: Built-in function in MIUI (for selected models)

Some Xiaomi smartphones have a built-in heart rate measurement feature in the Health app (formerly Mi Health) and it is available on flagship models with an infrared sensor (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra or Xiaomi 12S Ultra).

Open the Health App

Go to the Measurements section → Pulse.

If the Start Measurement button is active, the function is supported

If there is no partition, use third-party applications-->

How to measure your pulse through a built-in function:

1. Open the Health app (heart-shaped icon).
2. Click on the Measurement tab in the lower menu.
3. Select Pulse and place your finger on the back camera (usually the index finger of your right hand is required).
4. Do not move for 30 to 60 seconds while you are freezing.

⚠️ Note: The feature only works on phones with infrared sensors, if your model doesn't support it (e.g., the device is not compatible with infrared sensors, POCO X5 Pro, the Health app just won't show this section.

Method 2: Applications for measuring pulse (TOP-5)

If your Xiaomi doesn’t have a hardware sensor, use third-party apps. We tested 15 programs and selected the most accurate and convenient ones:

How to use any of these applications:

1. Download and install the program from Google Play.
2. Launch the app and allow access to the camera and microphone (if required).
3. Put your finger on the camera + flash (usually indicated in the hint).
4. Wait until the end of the measurement (usually 15-30 seconds).

💡

For more accuracy, wipe your finger and phone camera with a napkin before measuring – fat or sweat can distort the signal.

Method 3: Measuring pulse through Xiaomi smartwatch

If you have a Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch, sync them to your smartphone for more accurate measurements.

• ⏱️ Continuous monitoring: the clock measures the pulse every 5–30 minutes (configured in the app).
• 📊 Sleep analytics: Tracking heart rate during sleep helps detect sleep apnea or stress.
• 🏃 Sports modes: automatically records the pulse during training.

How to set up synchronization:

1. Install the Mi Fitness app (for Mi Band) or Wear OS (for Xiaomi Watch S3).
2. Connect the watch to your phone via Bluetooth.
3. In the device settings, enable Continuous monitoring of heart rate.
4. The data will be displayed in the app and on the clock screen.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi smart watches use optical sensor PPG, It can cause problems with tattoos on the wrist, very hairy skin, or heavy tans, and in such cases wear the bracelet on the other hand or above the elbow.

Method 4: Manual pulse measurement with a stopwatch

If you need to take your pulse immediately, and you only have a phone with no special applications on hand, use the classic method with a stopwatch. This is the most versatile method, independent of the Xiaomi model.

Algorithm:

1. Open the stopwatch on the phone (Clock → Stopwatch app).
2. Find a pulse on the wrist (radiation artery) or neck (carotid artery).
3. Take 30 seconds and count the number of hits.
4. Multiply the result by 2 - get heart rate in beats per minute.

Where to look for pulse:

• 🖐️ Wrist: Place 2-3 fingers on the inside of your hand (on the side of your thumb), 2 cm below the fold.
• 🦒 Neck: Apply your fingers to the lateral surface of your throat next to your indentured person (don’t press hard!).
• 🦵 Foot: on the back of the foot, between the bones (suitable for bedridden patients).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with modern applications, users often make mistakes that distort the results.

Critical error: using a phone to measure heart rate in people with arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation. PPG algorithms in smartphones are not adapted for irregular heart rate and may show falsely normal values. In such cases, use only medical devices (ECG, holter).

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For maximum accuracy, conduct 3 measurements in a row with an interval of 1 minute and take the average value.

FAQ: Frequent questions about pulse measurement on Xiaomi