How to turn on and configure a pedometer on Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC: full guide 2026

The function of counting steps on Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC It doesn't work as clearly as the brand's flagship models, and many users find that the pedometer either doesn't activate automatically or it doesn't show accurate data, and it's because of the hardware features of the budget lineup: the Redmi. 9C NFC There is no specialized step sensor (as in the Mi Band), so the calculation is carried out through the accelerometer and algorithms. MIUI.

In this article, we will discuss all ways to turn on the pedometer, from standard settings Mi Fit to alternative applications like Google Fit. Particular attention will be paid to calibrating sensors, since without it, the error can reach the limit of the sensors. 30-40%. You’ll also learn why a pedometer can stop working after an update. MIUI How to fix it without resetting the settings.

If you are actively using your smartphone for fitness tracking, it is important to understand: Redmi 9C NFC It's not going to replace a full fitness bracelet, but when you set it up properly, it's going to give you enough data to do basic activity monitoring. MIUI 14 and Android 12.

1. Hardware capability check: Is there a pedometer in Redmi 9C NFC?

Before you set up the software, make sure your smartphone is physically able to count steps. 9C NFC This is the responsibility of two components:

• 🔹 The accelerometer is the main sensor that detects the movements of the phone's body, and it's the data that is analyzed by algorithms. MIUI step-count.
• 🔹 Algorithms MIUI Health is a software shell that converts raw sensor data into steps, and only works with an active Mi Fit or Zepp Life application.

To check for the presence of an accelerometer:

1. Install the Sensor Test app from Google Play.
2. Run the sensor test and find the Accelerometer string.
3. If the phone tilts the values change - the sensor is serviceable.

Important: Stepmer on Redmi 9C NFC It doesn't work in the background without running a fitness app. MIUI budgetary.

2. Enabling the pedometer through Mi Fit (official method)

The main activation method is the use of the proprietary Mi Fit application (or its updated version of Zepp Life). MIUI 12–14:

Step 1: Installation and authorization

• 📥 Download Mi Fit from Google Play or AppGallery.
• 🔑 Sign up with Mi Account (required! Without an account binding, the pedometer is not synced).
• 📱 Allow all application requests: access to geodata, physical activity and sensors.

Step 2: Set up a profile

1. Open Mi Fit and go to the Profile section → Settings → Devices.
2. Select Add the device → Phone (yes, smartphone is considered a "device" here").
3. Turn on the Step Count option and specify your height/weight for accurate calibration.

Step 3: Activate background data collection

• 🔄 Go to your phone settings → Annexes → Application management → Mi Fit.
• 🔒 Enable permissions: Autostart, Background, Display over other windows.
• 📊 In Mi Fit, activate data synchronization. → Autosynchronization.

Application installed and authorized|Permissions for sensors and geodata given|User profile is complete (height/weight)|Autostart and background work enabled|Phone added as 'device' in Mi Fit-->

Critical Feature: On Redmi 9C NFC The pedometer in Mi Fit does not update data in real time. Synchronization occurs every 10-15 minutes or when you manually open the application.

3. Alternative method: Google Fit and third-party applications

If Mi Fit is unstable, you can use Google Fit or specialized trackers like Pedometer, which has the advantage of more frequent synchronization and integration with other services (for example, Google Health Connect).

Configure via Google Fit:

1. Install Google Fit from Google Play.
2. Sign in to your Google account and allow physical activity.
3. Go to Profile. → Settings → Data Sources and Add Device → [A model of your Redmi].
4. Activate the Counting of Steps option.

Pros and cons of alternative applications:

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For maximum accuracy, use Google Fit with Mi Fit: data will be duplicated, but the error will be reduced due to cross-checking algorithms.

4. Pedometer calibration: how to reduce error

Even after turning on the pedometer on the Redmi 9C NFC It can overstate or underestimate the number of steps, and it's because there's no sensor, and it's dependent on the position of the phone (in your pocket, bag, hand:

Method 1: Test route

1. Walk exactly 50 steps with your phone in your hand (hold it naturally, don’t shake it!).
2. Note how many steps your smartphone counts (e.g., 62).
3. In Mi Fit go to Profile → Settings → Pedometer calibration.
4. Enter the actual number of steps (50) and save the settings.

Method 2: Sensitivity adjustment

• 📉 If the pedometer overstates – reduce sensitivity in the application settings.
• 📈 If it understates, carry the phone in an outer bag or on your hand (movements are recorded better).

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Calibration should be repeated every 2-3 months, as the algorithms are used. MIUI They may be removed after updates.

In my pants pocket|In the bag/backpack|In my hand.|On the lap belt.|Other-->

5 Why the pedometer doesn't work: Common mistakes

If after all the settings steps do not count, check these points:

Mistake 1: No synchronization with Mi Account

⚠️ Warning: Without authorization in Mi Account, pedometer data is not stored in the cloud and can be reset after the phone is restarted.

Mistake 2: Energy saving blocks background work

• 🔋 Go to Settings. → Battery → Energy saving regime.
• 🚫 Make sure that Mi Fit or Google Fit are not optimized by the system.
• ⚡ Turn on for them without restrictions in battery settings.

Mistake 3: Conflict with other fitness apps

If you have multiple trackers installed (e.g. S Health) + Google Fit, they can block access to sensors.Solution:

1. Leave only one application to count the steps.
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Run the remaining application and check the data collection.

Error 4: The outdated version MIUI

In versions. MIUI Below 12.5 pedometer on Xiaomi budget models malfunctioned:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Download the latest version MIUI (by the time of 2026, it is relevant MIUI 14 for Redmi 9C NFC).

6. How to reset pedometer data and start over

If the pedometer shows clearly incorrect data (for example, 30,000 steps per hour), sometimes it is easier to reset the statistics and recalibrate:

Method 1: Resetting to Mi Fit

1. Open Mi Fit. → Profile → Settings → Delete the data.
2. Choose Reset Steps and confirm.
3. Reboot the phone.

Method 2: Cleaning the application cache

• 🧹 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Mi Fit → Warehouse.
• 🗑️ Click Clear cache and Clear data (Warning: This will remove all settings!).
• 🔄 Run Mi Fit again and go through the initial setup.

Method 3: Completely reset fitness data

⚠️ Note: This method will delete all activity history, including data from connected devices (e.g. Mi Band). Use only if other methods do not help: Open your phone settings → Accounts. → Mi Account. Select Data Synchronization → Reset the Mi Fit data.

7. Optimization of battery consumption when using pedometer

Constant sensor operation and background synchronization increase battery consumption by 8-12% per day to reduce consumption:

• 🔋 Turn off Geolocation for Mi Fit (unless you use route maps).
• ⏳ Set the synchronization interval to 1 hour instead of 15 minutes.
• 🌙 Activate Dark Theme in the app settings (reduces consumption by 2-3%).
• 🚫 Close background applications that conflict with sensors (e.g., accelerometer games).

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If the battery goes down too fast, try using Google Fit in Battery Savings mode (Settings) → Battery → Optimization).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the pedometer on Redmi 9C NFC