Why the pedometer on Xiaomi Redmi does not count the steps – a complete analysis of the causes and corrections

Have you noticed that the pedometer on your Xiaomi Redmi suddenly stopped recording the steps that were taken, even though everything worked perfectly before? Or is the counting still understated compared to reality? This problem is common among many users of Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other models running MIUI. The reasons can be due to software failures and hardware features of the device.

In this article, we'll look at all the possible reasons why the pedometer stops counting steps correctly, from banal permissions to accelerometer malfunctions. You'll learn how to check the sensors, what MIUI settings affect accuracy, and what to do if the problem is due to firmware or physical damage to your smartphone, and at the end you'll find a step-by-step instruction on diagnosing and troubleshooting.

1. Programmatic reasons: MIUI settings and permissions

In 70 percent of cases, the pedometer stops working due to incorrect system settings or reset resolutions. MIUI actively optimizes the background activity of applications, which can block access to motion sensors.

• 🔄 Permits for the Health app: Without access to physical activity and location, the pedometer will not be able to capture data.
• 🛡️ Battery limitations: MIUI can automatically limit the operation of background processes, including the calculation of steps.
• 🔄 System updates: after major updates MIUI 13/14 Sensor settings are often reset.

To check permissions, go to Settings → Apps → App Management → Health (Mi Health) → Permits and make sure that you are enabled:

• 📍 Location (required for calibration of steps)
• 🏃 Physical activity (the main resolution for pedometer)
• 🔋 Auto Start and Background Activity (to keep the application running continuously)

Attention! If you use third-party fitness apps (like Google Fit or S Health), they also require separate permissions. MIUI 14 introduced a Privacy Protection feature that can block access to sensors even for system utilities.

Failures in the operation of the motion sensor (accelometer)

The stepmer in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is based on data from the accelerometer, a sensor that detects acceleration and vibrations. If it fails or starts to give out incorrect data, the steps become impossible to count.

• 📉 The stepmer shows 0 steps even after a long walk.
• 🔄 Data jumps randomly (for example, 10 steps) → 500 steps → 10).
• 🎮 Games using a gyroscope (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact is not working properly.

You can check the performance of the accelerometer using special applications, for example, Sensor Test or Phone Tester. Run the sensor test and pay attention to the readings of the Accelerometer:

Attention! If the accelerometer is faulty, the only solution is to replace the motherboard in the service center, and you can't repair the sensor yourself, because it's soldered into the motherboard.

3. Conflict with other fitness applications

Many users install several fitness trackers on Xiaomi Redmi at the same time: the standard Mi Health app, Google Fit, Samsung Health or Huawei Health. This leads to a conflict of access to the sensors, and the pedometer can either duplicate data or stop working altogether.

Generally, the last app you installed is the priority, for example, if you installed Google Fit after Mi Health, it will receive data from the accelerometer, and the standard Xiaomi pedometer will be left without access.

Turn off auto-start for all fitness apps except one|Clear cache and data in Settings → Annexes|Check the sync settings in your Mi Account|Reboot your phone after the changes-->

The problem can also be due to synchronization with a smartwatch or a fitness bracelet, and if you connect to a Mi Band or Amazfit phone, the pedometer in your smartphone can automatically shut down to avoid duplication of data.

1. Open the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp for Amazfit).
2. Go to the device settings → Data Synchronization.
3. Turn off the option "Use the bracelet data for the phone pedometer".

4.The Impact of the MIUI Shell and System Optimizations

MIUI is known for aggressive optimization of background processes, which often interferes with pedometer operation, for example, the Memory Cleanup function can force Mi Health to close, and Performance Mode restricts access to sensors to save battery life.

For the pedometer to work stably, it is necessary:

1. Add Mi Health to optimization exceptions: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All Apps → Health → No Limits.
2. Turn off Adaptive Brightness and Performance Mode in the battery settings (they may affect sensor performance).
3. Enable "Continuous Activity" for Mi Health in the permission settings.

Attention! Some Redmi models (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro) have a bug after upgrading to MIUI 14 that resets the pedometer after the reboot, and the solution is to roll back the firmware to the previous version or wait for a patch from Xiaomi.

💡

If the pedometer started to glittle after the MIUI update, try resetting the Health app settings without deleting data. Go to Settings → Apps → Health → Storage → Reset settings.

5. Physical damage and hardware malfunctions

If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be physical damage to the smartphone, and most often the pedometer stops working after:

• 💥 Strikes or falls (even if the screen is full, the accelerometer could be affected).
• 🌊 Moisture intrusion (corrosion of sensor contacts).
• 🔧 Self-disassembly (damage to the motherboard plume).

This can be checked by indirect signs:

• 📱 The phone stopped determining the autorotation of the screen (also depends on the accelerometer).
• 🎮 Asphalt 9, Call of Duty Mobile, has become unmanageable.
• 🔊 Vibration when calling is unstable (may indicate problems with motion sensors).

If you suspect a hardware malfunction, don’t try to disassemble the phone yourself – this can lead to a loss of warranty. Contact Xiaomi’s service center for diagnosis. The cost of replacing the accelerometer (together with the motherboard) is between 3,000 and 8,000 rubles depending on the model.

6. Alternative ways of calculating steps

If the standard MIUI pedometer refuses to work, you can use third-party solutions. Here are 3 proven options:

1. Google Fit: 🔹 More accurate than Mi Health, thanks to Google algorithms. 🔹 Sync with Google Account and other services. 🔸 Requires constant access to location (battery discharge) ~5% day-to-day).
2. Accupedo (Pedometer): 🔹 It works without registration, minimalist interface. 🔹 Supports the widget on the main screen. 🔸 The free version shows ads.

Samsung Health

Xiaomi

• 🔹 Good integration with the Galaxy Watch smartwatch.
• 🔹 Detailed statistics (calories, distance, pace).
• 🔸 It takes up a lot of space (~150 MB).

Attention! This option is only available for the current day. Past data cannot be deleted.