How to measure the pressure with Xiaomi smart watches: instructions with nuances

Xiaomi smartwatches and fitness bracelets have long since ceased to be just an accessory for counting steps. Today they can monitor heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and some models even measure blood pressure. But how does this work in practice? Can you trust the readings of a gadget, and why the results sometimes differ from a mechanical tonometer?

In this article, we will look at which Xiaomi models support pressure measurement, how to measure correctly to minimize error, and what to do if the watch gives an error, and also compare the accuracy of smart watches with medical devices and tell you in which cases it is better not to rely on the gadget.

Spoiler: Most Xiaomi smartwatches (including the popular Mi Band 7/8 and Amazfit GTR/GTS) do not measure pressure directly, but instead calculate it by indirect parameters such as heart rate, heart rate variability and accelerometer data, which means readings can be approximate, especially if the technique is broken.

What Xiaomi Smart Watch Can Measure Pressure?

Not all of the brand’s devices are equipped with this feature, and here is the current list of models that support blood pressure measurement (BP):

• 📱 Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – flagship with medical certificate (accuracy class B according to the standard) EN ISO 81060-2)
• 📱 Amazfit GTR 4 / GTS 4 – use algorithms PPG + AI calculator
• 📱 Amazfit Balance – a new model with improved sensors
• 📱 Redmi Watch 3 Active – budget version with basic function
• ❌ Mi Band 6/7/8 — They don’t measure blood pressure despite online rumors

Important: Even if your model is on the list, the feature may be blocked in some regions due to local medical regulations, such as in the EU and the US, the measurement of blood pressure on smartwatches is often disabled by default.

Preparation for Measurement: 5 Rules for Accurate Data

The pressure measurement error of a smartwatch can be as high as ±10 mm Hg, and this is ideal. To reduce the error, follow these recommendations:

1. Calm down. Take your blood pressure 5-10 minutes after you're stressed or stressed, and even climbing stairs can distort your results.
2. Right hand position. The clock should be at heart level. If you're sitting, put your hand on the table; if you're standing, bend your elbow under 90.°.
3. The strap should not hang around, but don't hold your hand, it will disrupt blood flow.
4. Ambient temperature: At temperatures below 10°C or above 35°C, the sensors are not working properly.
5. Time of day: To compare the dynamics, measure the pressure at the same time (for example, in the morning and in the evening).

Remove tight clothing from your hand |Do not talk or move |Make sure battery power >20 percent |Switch off vibrations and notifications-->

⚠️ Attention: If you are taking medications that affect your heart rate (beta blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs), the clock reading may be underestimated.

Step-by-step: how to measure the pressure on the watch Xiaomi

Consider the process on the example of Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (for other models, the steps are similar, only the names of menu items may differ).

1. Activate the function in the app. Open Mi Fitness (or Zepp for Amazfit). Go to Profile → Device → Health Settings → Pressure Measurement. Enter your age, height, weight (this is needed to calibrate the algorithms).

Calibration (for the first use only).

The watch needs a mechanical blood pressure reference, manually enter the systolic and diastolic pressure values obtained by the medical device.

Starting the measurement.

On the clock:

Press the button → Select “Health” → “Pressure measurement” → “Start”

Do not move for 30 to 40 seconds while the process is underway.

Reviewing the results.

The data will be displayed on the watch screen and synced with the app, and you can also see the day/week schedule.

⚠️ Note: If the clock shows a higher value 180/120 mmHg or lower 90/60 Don't panic, check it with a mechanical tonometer first. Smartwatches are prone to false alarms with arrhythmia or weak sensor signal.

Comparison with a medical tonometer: how accurate is the clock?

Manufacturers claim an error of between ±5 and 10 mm Hg, but real tests show more pessimistic results. Here are the results of independent studies (2023):

The conclusion is that smartwatches are good for tracking trends (like how blood pressure changes throughout the day), but not for making a diagnosis. If you want accurate data, use a certified blood pressure monitor.

💡

Xiaomi watches show relative pressure changes (e.g., “rise 10 mm Hg after stress”) better than absolute values.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Users often face incorrect readings due to simple errors.Here's the top-5 problems and solutions:

• 🔄 The watch shows "Measurement error." Causes: Weak contact of the sensor with the skin (sweat, dirt, hair). Wipe your hand and sensor with an alcohol wipe. Low battery charge (<15%). Charge the device. Drive while measuring. Repeat the procedure in a calm state.
• ❓ The results are very different from the blood pressure monitor, and you may not have calibrated or entered incorrect personal data (age, weight), recalibrate the watch using a mechanical tonometer.
• ⏱️ Measurement takes too long or is interrupted. The problem may be the firmware. Update the watch software through the official app.

💡

If the watch is constantly understating or overstating the pressure, try resetting your health settings to factory. For this, in the Mi Fitness app, go to Profile → Device → Reset your health data.

When can you not rely on a smart watch?

There are situations in which using a Xiaomi watch to measure pressure is not only inaccurate, but also dangerous.

⚠️ Warning: If you have been diagnosed with grades 2–3 hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, or have had a heart attack/stroke, trust only medical devices!

• 🏥 During a hypertension attack, the clock may not have time to respond to a sudden surge in pressure.
• 💊 When you take drugs that affect heart rate, the clock algorithms don't take into account the effects of the drugs.
• 🩺 To diagnose diseases, only a doctor can interpret your health in the context of your health.
• 👵 People over 65 years old, and as they age, the vessels lose their elasticity, and the sensors. PPG (Photoplethysmography works less accurately.

In these cases, use automatic or mechanical blood pressure monitors with a cuff on your shoulder – they have been clinically tested and certified as medical devices.

Alternative Ways to Monitor Pressure with Xiaomi

If your watch model does not support direct pressure measurements, indirect methods can be used:

1. Heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) tracking: A sudden increase in heart rate (>100 beats/min) or a decrease in HRV may indirectly indicate a surge in pressure. In the Mi Fitness app, this data is displayed in the Heart section.
2. Integration with external blood pressure monitors: Some Xiaomi smartwatches (such as the Watch 2 Pro) can synchronize with Bluetooth tonometers, and data automatically enters one application.
3. Smart scales with pressure measurements: Models like the Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale 2 (with an additional accessory) can measure blood pressure through the hands when in contact with electrodes.

These methods are less accurate than direct measurements, but help track dynamics.

FAQ: Frequent questions about measuring pressure on Xiaomi