Alipay on Xiaomi Watches: What is this feature and how to use it in 2026

If you own a Xiaomi smartwatch (e.g. Mi Band 8 Pro, Watch) S3 Or Watch 2 Pro, you might have noticed Alipay on your settings or screen, which often raises questions about what it is, why it works, and how it works, especially for people outside of China, where Alipay is not as common.

In fact, Alipay on Xiaomi watches is not just a random option, but part of the payment services ecosystem integrated into the brand’s devices. In China, it’s the equivalent of Apple Pay or Google Pay, but with a number of unique features. In this article, we’ll go into detail about what Alipay is, how to activate it on a watch, what models support the feature, and whether it should be used outside of China. You’ll also find step-by-step instructions for setting up, comparisons with other payment systems, and answers to frequent questions.

What is Alipay and why you need it on Xiaomi watches

Alipay (or Alipay) is the largest Chinese payment system developed by Ant Group (part of the Alibaba ecosystem), essentially analogous to PayPal or YuMoney, but with much broader functionality: from paying for in-store purchases to transfers between users, paying for utilities and even investing.

On smartwatches, Xiaomi Alipay performs two key functions:

• 💳 Contactless payments: Payment for goods and services in Alipay-supporting stores without having to take out a smartphone or wallet.
• 🔄 Quick transfers – sending money to other Alipay users right from the clock (not available on all models).

It is important to understand that Alipay on a watch is not a separate application, but an integration with the main Alipay account, so you will need to:

1. Registered Alipay account (with a linked bank card).
2. Connect the watch to Mi Fitness or Zepp Life (depending on the model).
3. Activation of the function in the device settings.

Alipay is used everywhere in China, from supermarkets to public transport, but outside of China, its support is limited, but some stores (especially in tourist areas) accept payments through Alipay.

What Xiaomi Watches Support Alipay

Not all Xiaomi smartwatches are equipped with Alipay support, the feature is available mainly on flagship and mid-budget models released after 2020. Below is a table with current devices (2026):

Note that even if your model supports Alipay, the feature may be blocked for regions outside China.For example, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro in the global version has limited payment support.

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Before buying a watch, check on the Xiaomi website or with the seller whether a specific modification supports it (for example, the product is not a product, CN-Alipay: Chinese versions often have more features, but may not work with foreign banks.

How to set up Alipay on Xiaomi watches: step-by-step instructions

The Alipay setup process depends on the watch model and region. Below is a universal instruction for most devices (as exemplified by the Xiaomi Watch). S3):

Install Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app|Register an Alipay account (if necessary)|Connect the watch to your smartphone via Bluetooth|Update the watch to the latest version-->

Step 1: Registration with Alipay

If you don't have an account yet:

1. Download the Alipay app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Sign up by providing your phone number (Chinese or international, depending on the version of the app).
3. Link a bank card (Visa, Mastercard, and local banks in China are supported).

Step 2: Alipay's Link to a Watch

1. Open the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp Life for new models).
2. Go to the Profile section → My devices. → [Your watch].
3. Select Payments → Alipay.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to link your account.

Step 3. Activation on the clock

On the watch itself:

1. Press the button (or swipe down, depending on the model) to open the menu.
2. Find the Alipay icon (usually stylized as a blue logo with a white "A").
3. Click on it and confirm activation.

Step 4: Payment by the clock

To pay for the purchase:

1. Wake up the clock (raise your hand or press a button).
2. Select Alipay from the menu.
3. Bring the clock to the terminal (for the purpose of NFC) or show QR-cashier code (for payment by code).
4. Confirm the payment on the clock screen (if required).

Can Alipay be used on Xiaomi watches outside of China?

That's one of the most common questions. The answer is: technically yes, but with serious limitations.

Problems with use abroad:

• 🌍 Limited geography – most terminals outside China do not support Alipay, with the exception of some stores in tourist areas (e.g. Dubai, Singapore or Hong Kong).
• 💱 Foreign exchange restrictions – if your Alipay account is linked to a Chinese bank, foreign currency payments may be blocked or subject to high fees.
• 📱 Regional locks – Global versions of watches (e.g. Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro Global) are often stripped of Alipay function due to legal restrictions.

How do you get around the restrictions?

There are several ways:

1. Use the Chinese version of the watch - models marked CN (For example, Xiaomi Watch S3 CN) They have full Alipay support, but may not work with Google Pay.
2. Register for Alipay International Account – in some countries (for example, Hong Kong or Singapore) registration is available without a Chinese phone number.
3. Use alternative payments – if Alipay doesn’t work, set up Google Pay or Mi Pay (if supported).

⚠️ Note: When buying Xiaomi watches on AliExpress or other sites, check with the seller whether a particular Alipay modification supports in your region)".

Alipay vs Google Pay vs Mi Pay: What’s better on Xiaomi Watches

If your watch supports multiple payment systems, it’s worth comparing their capabilities.

What to choose?

• 🏙️ For use in China - Alipay or Mi Pay (maximum terminal support).
• 🌎 For travel or living abroad – Google Pay (if the watch is on Wear) OS) alternative methods.
• 💰 Alipay only for transfers between users (but requires a Chinese account).

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If you live outside of China and don’t plan to go there, setting up Alipay on a Xiaomi watch is mostly pointless.

Alipay security on watches: risks and how to avoid them

Any payment system on wearables raises security issues. Alipay on Xiaomi watches is protected by several layers:

• 🔒 Encryption NFC — Card data is not transmitted in plain form.
• 👤 Pin code or pattern lock – a confirmation is required before each payment.
• 📱 Link to your Mi Account – the watch must be logged in to your Xiaomi profile.

The main risks and how to minimize them:

1. Loss of watches – if the device is stolen, an attacker may try to pay for purchases. Solution: immediately lock the watch through Mi Fitness and untie Alipay in your personal account.
2. Phishing – Scammers may try to access your Alipay account through fake sites.Solution: Never enter card details on third-party resources.
3. Amount Limits – Alipay often has payment limits without additional authentication Solution: Set up in-app transaction notifications.

⚠️ Warning: If you sell or transfer a watch to another person, be sure to untie Alipay in the Mi Fitness settings! otherwise, the new owner will be able to pay for purchases from your account.

How to untie Alipay from the watch:

1. Open Mi Fitness. → Profile → My devices.
2. Choose your watch. → Payments → Alipay.
3. Click Delete or Untie your account.

Frequent Alipay issues on Xiaomi watches and their solutions

Even after setting up correctly, users are faced with errors.

If nothing helps:

• 📞 Contact Xiaomi Support (via Mi Community or official website).
• 🔄 Reset the clock to factory settings (in Settings) → System system → Reset).
• 📥 Re-flash the device (if you have experience with firmware).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Alipay on Xiaomi Watches