Where in Xiaomi with MIUI 12 hidden pedometer: 5 ways to find and configure

You bought a Xiaomi smartphone with a MIUI 12 shell, but you can't find a built-in pedometer? Or the step count suddenly stopped working after the update? This problem is familiar to many users - even though the feature is built into the system, its location is not always intuitive. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Mi 11, POCO X3, etc.) and the firmware version, the path to the pedometer may differ, and sometimes it even "hides" in unexpected sections.

In this article, we will not only show you all the possible places where a pedometer might be in MIUI 12, but we will also explain why it might disappear from the menu, how to return it, and what to do if the data is not updated. You will also learn how to sync steps with the Mi Band or Google Fit, and what alternative applications to consider if standard functionality does not suit you.

1. Standard pedometer location in MIUI 12

In most cases, the pedometer in MIUI 12 is integrated into the Health app (or Mi Health on some models), but its icon is not always visible on the home screen — the manufacturer often hides it in the Tools folder or Google.

• 📱 Method 1: Scroll through all desktop screens – the Health icon can be hidden on the last one.
• 🔍 Method 2: Use a search system: scroll down the home screen and type in a “stepmer” or “health” query».
• 📁 Method 3: Check the Tools folder (usually on the first screen next to the Camera and Gallery).
• 🔄 Method 4: If there is no icon at all, try updating the Health app through Google Play – sometimes it’s hidden because of an outdated version.

After opening the Health app, go to the Stats or Activity tab, where you will see a daily/week/month step schedule. On some models (POCO F3, Redmi 9T), the pedometer may be in the Fitness section inside the same application.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MIUI 12.5 Enhanced (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro) pedometer can be migrated to the Mi Fitness app. If it is not in Health, check this option.

2. Alternative path: through the "Settings" of the system

If the Health app is missing or the pedometer isn't displayed, try finding it through system settings. This method works on most Xiaomi devices, including Redmi and POCO:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. In the search box, type “stepmer” or “health”.
4. If the application is found, click on it and select Open.

If nothing is found in the list of applications, then the pedometer in your firmware is disabled at the system level, which is typical for some regions (for example, for European versions of Redmi without Google services), in which case one of the methods described below will help.

💡

On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi 9T), the pedometer only activates after the first launch of the Health app. If you have never opened it, the system may not display the feature in the menu.

3.Why did the pedometer disappear after upgrading to MIUI 12?

Many users find that after upgrading from MIUI 11 to MIUI 12, the pedometer disappears from the menu.

• 🔧 Changes to the firmware: In some versions MIUI 12 pedometer moved to Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Health).
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: On devices for the Chinese market (China) ROM) The pedometer can be blocked without VPN.
• 📱 Lack of sensors: Budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO C31) They may not have a hardware accelerometer to count steps.
• ⚙️ Resetting: After resetting to factory settings, the Health app may not automatically recover.

To return the pedometer, try the following steps:

1. Install or update the Mi Fitness app from Google Play.
2. Check for system updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
3. If you are using China ROM, switch to Global ROM or install Google Play Services.

4. How to turn on the pedometer if it is not on the menu?

If standard methods didn't work, try force-activating the pedometer through hidden settings or third-party tools.

Method 1: Activity Launcher

Activity Launcher (available on Google Play) allows you to open hidden system components:

1. Install and open Activity Launcher.
2. In the search, type “health” or “step”.
3. Choose an activity called com.mi.health or StepCounter.
4. Press Open – the hidden pedometer menu will open.

Method 2: Through ADB-Teams (for advanced teams)

If you are familiar with ADB, you can try to turn on the pedometer by the command:

adb shell am start -n com.mi.health/.StepCounterActivity

This command triggers the hidden pedometer activity, and if it doesn't work, it means that the component is disabled in your firmware.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB This may cause system failures. Before executing commands, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

5. synchronize pedometer with Mi Band and Google Fit

If you use a Mi Band fitness bracelet or other trackers, you can synchronize the pedometer data to make a more accurate record. Here's how to do this:

Synchronization with Mi Band

1. Install the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit).
2. Connect the bracelet via Bluetooth.
3. In the application settings, enable the option “Sync data with phone”.
4. Steps from the bracelet will automatically be summed up with the data of the smartphone.

Synchronization with Google Fit

For integration with Google Fit:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
2. Select Google and enable sync for Google Fit.
3. Install the Google Fit app and allow access to your Health data.

Is the Mi Fitness app installed?

Is Bluetooth on your smartphone?

Is synchronization allowed in Google account settings?

All applications are updated to the latest version?-->

6. Alternative applications for calculating steps

If the built-in pedometer in MIUI 12 doesn’t suit you (for example, due to inaccurate data or lack of feature), consider third-party apps.

• 🏃 Google Fit: Free solution with integration with other Google services. Supports automatic Health Sync from Xiaomi.
• 📊 Accupedo: Accurate pedometer with customizable sensitivity. There's a desktop widget.
• 🔋 Pacer: Combines pedometer with social functions (competitions, groups) Suitable for motivation.
• 🚶 StepCounter: Minimalist application without advertising, with support for offline mode.

When choosing an alternative, pay attention to:

• 🔋 Battery consumption: Some applications (such as Accupedo) can severely drain the battery due to constant sensors.
• 📱 Compatibility: Check if your Xiaomi model is supported (especially for new devices).
• 🔒 Privacy: Apps like Google Fit collect location data – learn privacy policies.

💡

Third-party pedometers are often more accurate than the built-in one, but they can drain the battery faster, and the best option is to use them only during training, and rely on a system pedometer in everyday life.

7. Solving Pedometer Problems

If the pedometer is not working correctly (does not count steps, shows zero values or freezes), use this instruction:

Problem 1: The stepmer shows 0 steps.

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes sensors fall asleep after a long downtime.
• 📱 Check the permissions for the Health app: Settings → Annexes → Health → Permits (must include Physical Activity and Body Sensors).
• 🔧 Reset the application data: Settings → Annexes → Health → Warehouse → Clear the data.

Problem 2: Data not updated

• 🔋 Make sure battery optimization doesn't block Health: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Health → No restrictions.
• 📶 Check your Internet connection – a network is required to sync with the cloud.
• ⏳ Wait 10-15 minutes – sometimes the data is updated with a delay.

Problem 3: The stepmer thinks the steps are inaccurate

• 🎯 Calibrate sensors: walk 20-30 steps with your phone in your hand, then check the data in the app.
• 📱 Move your smartphone to your pocket closer to your hip, so sensors can better capture movement.
• 🔧 In the Health settings, find the option “Pedometric Sensitivity”

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12.5+ If the pedometer is in conflict with the energy saving functions, add the Health app to the autorun exception list: Settings → Battery → Auto-start.

FAQ: Frequent questions about pedometer in MIUI 12