Xiaomi Watch 4: how to connect to the phone in 5 minutes – instructions with pictures and solutions to problems

The Xiaomi Watch 4 is not just an accessory, but a full-fledged assistant for tracking health, sports achievements and managing notifications. However, many users face difficulties already at the first connection stage: the application does not see the device, then synchronization is interrupted, then the watch refuses to update. This article will help avoid typical errors and set up wireless communication between the watch and the smartphone on the first try.

We’ll break down the official way you connect via Mi Fitness (formerly Zepp Life), alternative methods for older versions of Android, and we’ll also give you a checklist for troubleshooting, and we’ll focus on setting up notifications from instant messengers and social media, the most problematic part for beginners. If you’ve just unpacked the box with the Xiaomi Watch 4 or are trying to reconnect the watch after a reset, this guide will save you hours of searching for solutions.

1.What you need to connect Xiaomi Watch 4

Before you start syncing, check the minimum hardware and software requirements. Watch Xiaomi Watch 4 is compatible with most modern smartphones, but there are nuances:

• 📱 Android: version 6.0 and higher (recommended 8.0)+ For stable operation. On Android 12 devices+ Additional permissions may be required for notifications.
• 🍎 iOS: iPhone with iOS 12.0 and later, but the functionality on the iPhone is limited – for example, you can not answer calls directly from the clock.
• 🔋 Battery charge: the watch must have at least 50% charge. At low battery level, the connection process can be interrupted.
• 📶 Bluetooth: version 5.0 and higher. Older smartphones (e.g. Bluetooth 4.2) may have problems syncing data.

Also make sure that your phone has an official Mi Fitness app installed (you can download it from Google Play or the App Store).Alternate firmware (such as Amazfit) is not supported by the manufacturer and may result in a loss of warranty.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, Pre-update the Mi Fitness app to the latest version via the Mi App Store. In some regions (e.g. Europe), the app may be called Zepp Life, but functionally it is the same thing.

Step-by-step: how to connect Xiaomi Watch 4 to the phone

Follow this algorithm to sync your watch to your phone without errors, and it takes 5-7 minutes to complete.

Step 1: Turn on the clock and activate Bluetooth

Press and hold the physical button on the right side of the Xiaomi Watch 4 body for 3-5 seconds until the Mi logo appears on the screen. After downloading, swipe up the screen to open the menu, and find the Bluetooth icon (stylized letter "B"). Tap it to activate device search.

Step 2: Launch the Mi Fitness app

Open Mi Fitness on your phone and log in to your Xiaomi account (if you haven't already). From the bottom menu, select Profile (human icon) → Add device. From the list of supported gadgets, find the Xiaomi Watch 4 and tap it.

Step 3: Synchronizing devices

The app will suggest you turn on Bluetooth and Geolocation -- allow both requests. Then the watch will have a 6-digit confirmation code. Check it against the code in the app and click Confirm. If the codes don't match, reboot the clock and try again.

Step 4: Update the firmware (if necessary)

Once you've successfully connected, Mi Fitness will automatically check for updates. If new firmware is available, follow the instructions on the screen. Don't interrupt the process, it can cause the clock system to crash. Average refresh time: 10-15 minutes.

Make sure the watch is charged (>50%)

Enable Bluetooth and geolocation on your phone

Update the Mi Fitness app to the latest version

Sign in to your Xiaomi account

Start the process of connecting in daylight hours (for better screen visibility)-->

3. Set up notifications and calls on Xiaomi Watch 4

By default, the Xiaomi Watch 4 only shows basic notifications (calls, SMS). To configure notifications from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) and social networks, follow the following steps:

For Android:

1. Open Mi Fitness → Select your watch in the list of devices.
2. Go to Notification Settings → Notifications Management.
3. Activate the Allow Notifications slider and select the apps you want to see on your watch.
4. In Android settings (Settings → Applications → Mi Fitness → Notifications), enable permission to display notifications.

For iOS:

On the iPhone, the functionality is limited: you can only receive notifications about calls and SMS.

1. In Mi Fitness, enable Call Notification.
2. In the iPhone settings (Settings → Notifications → Mi Fitness) allow Banners.

Important: On the Xiaomi Watch 4, you can only answer calls if the watch is connected to the phone via Bluetooth, and the phone is enabled with mobile Internet or Wi-Fi. At the same time, the phone itself can be in another room (the radius of Bluetooth is up to 10 meters).

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If notifications don't come, reboot the watch and phone, then re-enable notification permission in Mi Fitness. Sometimes reinstall the app helps.

4. Typical connection errors and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and we have collected TOP-5 errors and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Warning: If after several attempts to connect the watch stopped turning on or the Mi logo hung, perform a hard reset. To do this, press the physical button for 15-20 seconds until the screen blinks. All data on the clock will be deleted!

The watch is not on the appendix

The confirmation code doesn't match.

The application freezes at the connection stage

Notifications don't come in.

Another problem.

It went smoothly.-->

5 How to reconnect Xiaomi Watch 4 to a new phone

If you have changed your smartphone or want to sync your watch with another device, follow these steps:

1. Reset the clock settings: On the clock go to Settings → System system → Reset settings. Confirm the action by entering PIN-Code (default 1234 if you have not changed it).
2. Remove the watch from your old phone: In Mi Fitness, click on the watch icon → Delete the device.
3. Connect to a new phone: Follow the instructions in Section 2 of this article.

If you want to use a watch on two phones at the same time, that’s impossible — the Xiaomi Watch 4 only supports sync with one device.

6. Additional settings after connection

After successful synchronization, we recommend setting the following parameters for comfortable use:

• ⏰ Alarm clocks: Mi Fitness can create up to 10 alarm clocks with vibrations on the clock, useful for those who do not want to wake up the household with the sound of the phone.
• 🏃 Sports modes: add frequently used activities (running, cycling, swimming) to your favorites for quick access.
• 🔒 Screen lock: turn on PIN-code or pattern lock in Settings → Security so that no one can view your notifications.
• 🎨 Dials: Mi Fitness has over 100 free dials. To save battery, choose Always-On Display in dark colors.

Also pay attention to the settings of automatic sleep tracking and reminders about inactivity – they can be configured to your daily routine in the Health section of the application.

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Once connected, be sure to check the notification and permission settings for Mi Fitness in the system. Without this, the watch will not be able to show incoming calls and messages.

7.compatibility of Xiaomi Watch 4 with other devices

Although the main purpose of the Xiaomi Watch 4 is to work with smartphones, they can be integrated with other equipment:

• 💻 Laptops/PC: via Mi Fitness for Windows (not officially supported, but runs through Android emulators).
• 🎧 Xiaomi headphones: watches can control music playback on wireless headphones Redmi Buds or Xiaomi FlipBuds.
• 🏠 Smart home: through Mi Home you can configure automation (for example, turn on the light when you wake up).

However, full synchronization is only possible with Android or iOS phones, and on other platforms (for example, HarmonyOS or Windows Phone), the functionality will be severely curtailed.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi Watch 4