Step-by-step, connecting Xiaomi watches to a smartphone: from Mi Band to Watch 2 Pro

Xiaomi smartwatches are not just accessories, but a full-fledged assistant for health tracking, notification management and even contactless payments. But to unlock the full potential of the device, it needs to be connected correctly to a smartphone. Many users face difficulties already at the synchronization stage: the app does not see the clock, the connection is constantly interrupted, or the gadget refuses to update. In this article, we will examine all possible ways of connecting, from the standard procedure to solving non-typical errors.

Xiaomi Watch Feature (be it Mi Band 8, Watch) S3 Or Smart Band 7 Pro, in that they require a mandatory Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life) or Xiaomi Wear — without it, synchronization is impossible, and the connection algorithm may vary depending on the watch model, firmware version, and even the region of purchase. For example, global versions of devices often work with Mi Fitness, and Chinese versions only with Xiaomi Wear Lite. We took into account all the nuances to make the instruction suitable for 95% of models on the market.

If you've just unpacked your watch and you don't know where to start, don't worry. We'll go through every step from installing an app to setting up notifications. And if something goes wrong, there's a section at the end of this article with common bugs and their solutions. For convenience, we've also added interactive checklists and spoilers with more information.

1.What app do you need to connect a Xiaomi watch?

The first and most important step is choosing the right app. Xiaomi uses several official programs to manage wearable devices, and it depends on your choice whether you can connect the watch at all.

• 📱 Mi Fitness (formerly Zepp Life) is the main app for the global versions of the watch (Mi Band) 6/7/8, Watch S1/S2/S3, Smart Band Pro. Supports Russian language, synchronization with Google Fit and Apple Health.
• 🌐 Xiaomi Wear is a universal app for new models (Watch 2 Pro, Band 8 Pro). has advanced control functions, but may not support older devices.
• 🇨🇳 Xiaomi Wear Lite – Chinese version for devices purchased in China (Mi Band 8) NFC, version of the Watch S3). Requires a Chinese Mi Account and may not work without it VPN.
• ⚠️ Zepp (obsolete) – previously used for Amazfit watches, but some Xiaomi models (e.g. Watch) S1) They may still require it for full functionality.

How do you know which app you want? First, look at the watch box -- if it says Global Version, feel free to install Mi Fitness. Second, check the model in the compatibility list on the official website. For example, Mi Band 8 only works with Mi Fitness 5.0.+, Watch 2 Pro requires Xiaomi Wear 2.1+.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a watch in China (e.g., AliExpress or Taobao), there is a high risk that it is blocked for international applications, in which case you will have to use Xiaomi Wear Lite with a Chinese account or look for alternative firmware.

Also, pay attention to the phone’s operating system:

• 🤖 Android 8.0+ — All Xiaomi applications are supported without restrictions.
• 🍎 iOS 12.0+ — Only Mi Fitness works, but with reduced functionality (no answers to calls, limited notifications).

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect Xiaomi watches to the phone

Now, to the process of connection, we're going to break down the universal algorithm that works for most models, and if your watch requires specific actions, that's going to be mentioned separately.

Step 1: Installation of the application

Download Mi Fitness or Xiaomi Wear from the official store:

• 📲 Mi Fitness for Android
• 📲 Mi Fitness for iOS
• 📲 Xiaomi Wear for Android

Important:

Step 2: Registration of Mi Account

When you first launch the app, you will need to log in. If you already have a Xiaomi account (for example, for a phone or a smart home), use it. If not, sign up via email or phone number. Chinese versions of watches may require a Chinese number account (+86).

Step 3: Turning Bluetooth on your phone

Xiaomi Watches Connect to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), therefore:

1. Activate Bluetooth in your phone settings.
2. Make sure that the “Visibility for All” mode is on (some phones call it “Pair”).
3. Allow the application to access geodata and contacts (this is necessary for the correct operation of notifications).

Step 4: Adding a device to the app

Open Mi Fitness or Xiaomi Wear and follow the instructions:

1. Click "Add device" (the icon "+" in the upper right corner).
2. Select the category "Smart watch" or "fitness bracelet".
3. Find your model in the list (for example, Mi Band 8 or Watch). S3).
4. Hold the watch close to the phone (at a distance of 10-15 cm) and wait for detection.

Step 5: Synchronization and adjustment

After successful connection:

1. The app will offer to update the firmware of the watch – agree, as new versions fix errors and add features.
2. Configure the basic parameters: units of measurement (km/mile), time format (12/24 hour), interface language.
3. Allow notifications to be accessed (in your phone settings, find Mi Fitness) → Notifications → Permission).

Registered Mi Account|Bluetooth is on and visible to everyone|Application Mi Fitness/Xiaomi Wear installed|The clock is charged at least 50%|The phone and the clock are close by (in radius). 1 )-->

If an error occurs at some point (e.g., no clock is detected), go to the section "Different Problems and Solutions".

3. Features of connection for different watch models

While the overall connectivity algorithm is similar, some Xiaomi models have unique nuances. We've put them together in a table for convenience:

For example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro runs on Wear. OS, So it requires not only the Xiaomi Wear app, but also a separate Google Play app installation on the watch, which takes extra time, but also opens up thousands of apps from the Play Market.

Mi Band 8, in turn, has the function of "Double tether" - the watch can be connected to two phones at the same time (for example, to personal and work).

1. Connect the watch to the first phone.
2. In the Mi Fitness settings, select "Add a second device".
3. Scanner. QR-code on the second phone scan the code from the screen of the first.

4. Set up notifications and additional functions

Once connected successfully, Xiaomi watches can be customized to suit your needs. Let’s look at the most useful features that are available after synchronization.

Notifications from the phone

To have the clock show incoming calls, SMS and messaging:

1. In the Mi Fitness app, go to Device Profile → Notifications.
2. Turn on the "Notification" switch.
3. Select the apps you want to see on your watch (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
4. On your phone in Bluetooth settings, find your watch and allow access to contacts and call logs.

⚠️ Note: On iPhone, notifications only work for calls and SMS. Messages from Telegram or Viber will not be displayed due to Apple restrictions.

Xiaomi’s screen and dial settings offer hundreds of free dials that can be downloaded directly from the app:

1. Open the Device Profile → Dials.
2. Select the category ("Sport", "Classic", "Minimalism").
3. Click "Install" on your favorite option.
4. Some dials require additional synchronization – wait for the process to be completed.

You can also download custom dials from sites like AmazfitWatchFaces, but you will need a third-party AmazTools app to do this.

Activation of payments (NFC)

If your model supports contactless payments (e.g. Mi Band 8) NFC watch S3), setting up will take 5-10 minutes:

1. In the application go to the Device Profile → Contactless payments.
2. Select a bank from the list of supported banks (for example, SberBank, Tinkoff, VTB).
3. Tie the card by following the instructions on the screen.
4. After confirmation, wait for synchronization with the clock (can take up to 5 minutes).

Important: For payments, the watch must be unlocked (bring it to the terminal within 30 seconds of being removed from your hand).

💡

If notifications come with a delay, try turning off the power saving mode for the Mi Fitness app in your phone settings.This is especially true for Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO, where the background activity of applications is limited.

5. Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even with the right connection, there can be errors, and we've collected the most common problems and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: The watch is not detected in the app Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery discharge – charge the watch to at least 30%.
• 📱 Older version of the app – Update Mi Fitness or Xiaomi Wear in Play Market/App Store.
• 🔄 Bluetooth Conflict – Turn off Bluetooth on your phone, restart it and turn it on again.
• 🌍 Incorrect account region – if your watch is Chinese, change the region in your Mi profile to “China".
• 🔧 Firmware failure – reset the clock to factory settings (press the button for 10-15 seconds before vibration).

Problem 2: The connection is constantly broken.

• 📶 Interference from other devices – disable other Bluetooth-enabled gadgets (earphones, speakers).
• 🔋 Energy Saving – Add Mi Fitness to the Exception List in Phone Battery Settings.
• 🔄 Reconnect – Remove the watch from the phone’s Bluetooth device list and reconnect.
• 📱 OS Failure – Restart the Phone and Watch.

Problem 3: Notices are not coming Check:

• ⚙️ App permissions – in your phone settings, give Mi Fitness access to notifications, contacts, and call logs.
• 🔔 Notification settings – in the app, check if alerts are included for the right messengers.
• 📵 Do Not Disturb – Turn it off on the clock (swipe down the screen and check the bell icon).
• 🔄 Sync – manually update data in Mi Fitness (pull the screen down).

Problem 4: The clock is not updated.

• 🌐 Internet connection – connect your phone to Wi-Fi or mobile internet.
• 🔋 Battery charge – a minimum of 50% charge is required to upgrade.
• 🕒 Sync Time – Update the time and date on the phone (automatic sync should be enabled).
• 🔧 Manual firmware – if automatic update does not work, download the firmware from the official forum and install via Mi Fitness.

No clock detectable.|The connection is constantly breaking.|No notifications coming.|No firmware updates.|Another problem.|It's working fine.-->

6.How to disconnect Xiaomi watch from your phone?

If you want to connect the watch to another phone or just temporarily turn it off, do it right to avoid crashes.

Method 1: Through the application

1. Open Mi Fitness or Xiaomi Wear.
2. Go to the Device Profile → Settings (⚙️) → Disable the device.
3. Confirm the action.

After that, the watch will be deleted from the account and you can connect it to another phone.

Method 2: Through Bluetooth settings

1. On the phone, open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Find your watch in the list of connected devices.
3. Click on the icon "⚙️" Next to the name and select "Forget the device".

This method is less reliable, as it does not delete the watch from the Mi Account. For a complete reset, it is better to use the first method.

Method 3: Resetting the clock to factory settings

If the watch is not turned off via the app (for example, due to a failure), perform reset:

1. On the clock, go to Settings. → System system → Reset (for Mi Band – press the touch button for 10 seconds).
2. Confirm the reset.
3. After the reboot, the watch will be like new – you can connect it to any phone.

⚠️ Note: Reset deletes all data from the clock (steps, sleep history, dial settings).If you plan to connect it back to the same phone, pre-sync the data in Mi Fitness.

7. Alternative ways of connection (without an official annex)

If for some reason you can’t use Mi Fitness or Xiaomi Wear (for example, due to regional restrictions), there are a few workarounds.

Method 1: Notify & Fitness for Mi Band

It is a third-party Android app that supports most of the official software features, including notifications, sleep monitoring and dial settings.

• 🔓 It works without a Mi Account.
• 🔧 More settings (e.g. custom vibrations for notifications).
• 🌍 Supports the Russian language.

Cons:

• ⚠️ No official support - bugs are possible.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge due to background activity.

You can download it from the Play Market.

Method 2: AmazTools is a tool for deep customization of Xiaomi and Amazfit watches.

• 🔄 Install custom firmware.
• 🎨 Change fonts and animations on the screen.
• 📊 Exporting health data to CSV.

However, it requires root access on the phone or special drivers, and detailed instructions can be found on the official website.

Method 3: Gadgetbridge is an open application for managing wearable devices without transferring data to Xiaomi.

• 🔒 Full offline work (data is stored only on the phone).
• 📊 Synchronization of steps, sleep and pulse.
• 🔔 Notifications (but without support for responses).

You can download it on the official website or via F-Droid.

💡

Using third-party apps can deprive you of Xiaomi’s warranty and support. If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to stick to official software.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)