How to turn on a pedometer on Xiaomi phone: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with built-in high-precision accelerometers that allow you to track physical activity without the need to buy additional equipment. However, users often face a situation where, after buying a new device or updating the firmware, the step counter does not automatically start working or displays incorrect data. MIUI HyperOS, which aggressively manages background processes to save battery life.

To get your pedometer to work properly, you need to not only start the app, but also set up the system permissions correctly. Unlike other manufacturers, Xiaomi requires manual authorization for each activity tracker. If you ignore this step, the system can force the counter application to close, interrupting the collection of statistics when the phone screen is turned off.

In this guide, we will look at all the nuances of step count activation, from standard system tools to third-party solutions. You will learn how to prevent resetting statistics and why data in different applications may differ. Competent calibration and permission setting will ensure the accuracy of data, which is especially important for those who monitor health or participate in marathons.

Built-in MIUI and HyperOS tools

The first thing to start with is checking the standard Security app or Sport widget, which is preinstalled on all Xiaomi smartphones. In most cases, the pedometer is already active by default, but its widget can be hidden from the home screen. To activate, you need to (clamp) an empty area on the desktop, select Widgets, and find the Sport or Mi Fitness block.

Once you add the widget to the screen, the system will start showing the current number of steps taken. However, to fully work, you need to sync with your Mi Account. Without authorization, the data may not be saved in the cloud and will be lost when you reset your settings. Go to the widget settings and make sure that the "Sync Data" switch is in the active position.

Importantly, the built-in meter uses a vibration-sensitive accelerometer. If you carry your phone in your bag instead of your pocket, the number of steps can be understated. To improve accuracy in the widget settings, Sensitivity Mode is often available, which you should switch to High if you notice regular activity gaps.

⚠️ Note: If the widget on the home screen shows zeros after a walk, check if Flight or Energy Saving mode is on at the time of activity, as they can block the motion sensors from working.

Set up the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life)

For users of the Xiaomi ecosystem, the most effective way to track activity is by using specialized software such as Mi Fitness or its predecessor Zepp Life. These applications provide more detailed statistics, including analysis of sleep quality, heart rate and walking routes.

Once you've installed and logged in, the app will request access to motion sensors, and it's critical not just to click "Allow," but to select "Allow" option if the system offers that choice, which will allow the fitness tracker to work even when the app is rolled down or the phone is locked, and without that permission, the steps will only be counted when the app is open.

In your profile settings, be sure to include your anthropometrics: height, weight and stride length. Mi Fitness's algorithm uses these parameters to count the number of steps traveled and calories expended. Incorrectly entered step length will lead to a significant error in the final statistics, which will make the data useless for professional analysis.

Google Fit and Health Connect integration

Many users prefer Google Fit’s universal board or Google’s new Health Connect system, which acts as a central repository of health data. For a pedometer on Xiaomi to transfer data to these services, you need to configure a bunch of applications. Open your phone’s settings, search for the Apps section, and select Google Fit.

In the permissions menu, look for “Physical Activity” and make sure that access is allowed. Next, inside the Google Fit app itself, go to the settings and select “Manage Connected Apps.” Here you need to add a data source — in this case, it will be a built-in pedometer of the Xiaomi system or the Mi Fitness app, if it is an intermediary.

Using Health Connect is the preferred option for newer versions of Android, as it provides more reliable synchronization between different apps without duplication of data.If you have multiple fitness apps installed, Health Connect will combine their data into a single picture, eliminating conflicts and double counting steps.

Critical Permission Settings

The most common reason why the pedometer stops working on Xiaomi is the aggressive MIUI energy saving system. It automatically kills background processes, considering them as extra workload. To fix this, you need to manually change the settings for the chosen stepmer application. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications and find your application (for example, Mi Fitness or Google Fit).

In the app menu, find the "Space" option and activate it, which will allow the program to start immediately after you turn on your phone. Next, go to the "Battery Savings" section and select the "No Limits" option, which removes all prohibitions on background work, ensuring continuous data collection from the accelerometer.

Also check permissions under Other permissions, make sure that the "Master on top of other apps" and "Notifications" items are activated, the first is for widgets to work on the lock screen, and the second is for timely reminders to move if you sit still for a long time.

⚠️ Warning: After an operating system update, the power saving settings may reset to factory ones. Always recheck "No Limits" after each major update MIUI or hyperos.

Calibration of sensors and increase accuracy

If the pedometer is working but you notice significant discrepancies between the actual distance and the data on the screen, calibration may be required. Xiaomi's built-in sensors are usually accurate, but over time or after a drop, their readings may "float." To begin calibration, open the Security → Testing app (or enter the code ##6484# in the call).

In the engineering menu, select "Accelerometer" and follow the instructions on the screen: you usually need to put the phone on a flat surface and wait for the calibration to be completed, and then the system will recalculate the baseline gravity values, which will positively affect the accuracy of the pedometer.

For software calibration, in applications like Google Fit or Strava, there's a Pedometer Calibration feature that tells you to walk a known distance (like 400 meters in a stadium) with GPS on, and based on a comparison of GPS and pedometer data, the system adds a correction factor to the calculation algorithm.

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For maximum accuracy, carry your phone in your pants pocket. In a bag or backpack, the amplitude of the smartphone's oscillation differs from the amplitude of the stride, leading to a 10-15% understatement of the results.

Addressing common problems

Even after setting it up properly, users can run into problems: steps don't add, the meter resets, or shows random values. If the steps don't go, try restarting your smartphone. This trivial action often clears the cache of the system services responsible for processing data from the sensors and restores their normal operation.

If the counter shows steps when you are sitting still (for example, typing or driving in a car on a shaky road), this indicates high sensitivity. In the application settings, find the item "Noise filter" or "Sensitivity" and reduce its value, and it is also worth checking whether the phone is installed on a vibrating surface.

If the problem is systemic and not solved by settings, the accelerometer module itself may be damaged. Check the sensor through the engineering menu (code # # #6484##). If the accelerometer test fails or the values "jump" without the phone moving, hardware repair or replacement of the plume may be necessary.

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90% of pedometer problems on Xiaomi are solved by setting the power saving mode “No restrictions” for the tracker application.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions