Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 9T have built-in motion sensors that allow you to track physical activity without having to buy additional gadgets. Many users buy the device without knowing that the step counting function is already active by default and just waiting to start. The built-in algorithm analyzes the fluctuations of the body in space, converting them into distance traveled and calories expended.
However, just having a sensor doesn’t guarantee you’ll see the numbers on the screen. Often, the standard interface hides this information by requiring manual activation of the widget or installing a special application. In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to activate and adjust the activity tracker on your model.
It is important to understand that the accelerometer and gyroscope must function properly, and if you notice that the phone does not respond to the tilts or turns of the screen, you may need to precalibrate the sensors before using fitness functions.
Checking the built-in meter in the Security application
In the MIUI shell that is installed on Redmi 9T, the basic step count is integrated into the system application Security. This is a standard solution for the Xiaomi ecosystem, without requiring third-party software installation. To access the statistics, you need to find the corresponding icon on the desktop or in the Tools folder.
Once you open the app, find the health section. The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same. Inside, you'll see ongoing progress for the day if the feature hasn't been disabled earlier in the privacy settings.
Sometimes users accidentally delete the label or hide it, thinking it is a virus or garbage. Deleting the system application "Security" or its components can lead to loss of access to the basic functions of the pedometer without the possibility of recovery by standard methods.
⚠️ Note: If you use the "Energy Saving" mode in an aggressive way, the system can block the background step count to save battery power.
For a detailed setup, go to the profile menu, where you can specify your weight, height and age, which are critical for calculating calorie expenditure. Without them, the phone will only count mechanical steps, but will not be able to estimate the load on the body.
Activation of the pedometer widget on the desktop
The most convenient way to always see your progress is to display data on the home screen. The widget allows you to monitor activity without opening unnecessary applications. On Xiaomi Redmi 9T, this is done through a widget menu, which is caused by a long touch of the empty area of the screen.
From the menu that opens, select the “Widgets” section. Scroll down to find a health-related item or a “Safety” app, and the system offers a range of design options, from a simple text counter to graphic activity circles.
Pick the right design and drag it to the free desktop space. Once installed, the widget will immediately display the steps you've accumulated today. If there are zeros, try taking a few steps and updating the screen.
☑️ Customization of the widget
It's worth noting that widgets consume additional RAM resource. If your smartphone is slow, don't overuse the number of live update widgets. One step counter has little to no effect on performance, but five of these elements can cause interface lags.
Using the Mi Fitness app for advanced statistics
For those who want to see more detailed analytics, Xiaomi has developed Mi Fitness (formerly known as Zepp Life) which synchronizes with system sensors and provides in-depth analysis of sleep, pulse (if there is a sensor) and activity history.
Once you have installed and logged in to your Mi Account, the app will automatically request access to your physical activity data, and you must provide all the permissions you request, including location access and background work, so that tracking is not interrupted.
Unlike the standard counter, you can set daily goals, participate in challenges with friends, and receive achievement awards. The interface is more friendly and contains graphs showing the dynamics of the week or month.
⚠️ Note: When you first start Mi Fitness, you may need to update the components of Google Play Services.
The app also allows you to add other activities, such as running, cycling or yoga. GPS-Tracking can be activated to build a route map, which gives a more accurate distance count than just steps.
Why are the data in Mi Fitness and Security different?
Comparison of embedded solutions and third-party applications
Users often wonder if it’s worth installing third-party software from Google Play when the phone already has everything? Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of native solutions against popular analogues like Google Fit or Samsung Health (installed separately).
Third-party applications often have a more beautiful interface and better integration with other services, such as MyFitnessPal for power control, but they require more CPU resources and more often request access to geolocation, which puts the battery down faster.
The built-in solutions are optimized specifically for the Redmi 9T hardware. They run at a low level of the system, which ensures high accuracy and minimal power consumption. For the average user who just needs to know if he has passed 10,000 steps, the built-in functionality is more than enough.
| Function | System application | Mi Fitness | Google Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accuracy of steps | Tall. | Very high. | Medium |
| Battery consumption | Minimum | Low. | Medium. |
| Availability of schedules | Basic | Detailed. | Detailed. |
| Integration with MIUI | Complete. | Complete. | Partial |
The choice depends on your goals. If you're a professional sportsman, the combination of a third-party app and a smartwatch is perfect, and a standard set of tools is enough to maintain a healthy lifestyle in everyday life.
Set up notifications and activity goals
To make your phone really active, you need to set reminders. Without targeting, the numbers on the screen are just statistics. In the Security or Mi Fitness settings, find "Steps Goal."
Set a realistic value. The World Health Organization recommends that you pass around 7-10 Thousands of steps a day, but you can start by doing it. 5 It's about regularity, not records.
Turn on goal notifications. The phone will vibrate and show the message when you execute the plan. This works as positive reinforcement. You can also set up a reminder if you sit still for a long time.
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Install wallpaper on your desktop with a motivating inscription or an image of sports themes – this will visually remind you of the goal every time you pick up the phone.
It's important not to overdo the beeps, because the constant snooping can be annoying to others and to yourself, and it's best to leave only the final notification at the end of the day or when you're doing 100% of the plan.
Solving problems: pedometer does not work or resets
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the steps are no longer counted or the meter is zeroed after rebooting, most often the problem lies in the energy saving settings, the system kills the counting process, considering it as a background task.
To fix this, go to Settings → Battery and Performance. Find the Security app or Mi Fitness. Select No Limits mode for background work. This will prevent the system from turning off the meter.
Another possible reason is that sensors are out of order. Try calibrating them. There are codes in the engineering menu for that, but it's easier to use the calibration apps from Play Market that will take you through the eight procedure.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use apps to “twistle” steps while shaking your phone.This can cause sensors to overheat and the accelerometer to malfunction in other applications, such as in the navigator or games.
If nothing works, check for system updates. Xiaomi regularly releases patches that fix MIUI bugs. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and check for updates.
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The most common reason for pedometer resetting is aggressive battery optimization, and switching the app to No Limits mode solves the problem 90 percent of the time.