How to measure pressure on a Xiaomi smart watch: instructions for Mi Band, Watch and Redmi Watch

Xiaomi smartwatches have long since ceased to be just fitness trackers, they have become full-fledged medical assistants. One of the most popular features among users over 30 is blood pressure measurement. But how does this work in practice? Can you trust the readings of a smart watch if you used only a mechanical tonometer?

In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of measuring pressure on Xiaomi devices - from the budget Mi Band 7/8 to the flagship Xiaomi Watch 2 You will learn which models support the function, how to measure correctly to minimize the error, and what to do if the clock shows unrealistic values. We will also compare the accuracy of smart watches with classical tonometers and explain why even the most advanced wearable devices will not replace full-fledged medical diagnostics, but can become an excellent tool for daily monitoring.

Spoiler: If you expect a smartwatch to be laboratory-based, you're going to be disappointed, but if you learn how to use it properly, it's going to be an indispensable tool for feeling control.

What Xiaomi smart watches can measure pressure?

Not all Xiaomi devices are equipped with blood pressure sensors, and the feature is only available in advanced models starting in 2021.

• 📱 Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – flagship with a medical certificate (accuracy class B)
• 📱 Xiaomi Watch S3 — Improved sensors and analysis algorithms
• 📱 Redmi Watch 3 Active – budget version with basic function
• 📱 Mi Band 8 Pro – the first fitness bracelet with support for pressure measurement
• 📱 Xiaomi Watch 1.5 (only in Chinese firmware)

Note that even if your model is on the list, the feature may be disabled by default or require additional adjustments. For example, on the Mi Band 8 Pro, you need to update your firmware to 1.12.44.0 or later to activate your pressure measurement.

It is also worth considering that in some countries (e.g. the EU), the pressure measurement function may be software-locked due to regulatory requirements, in which case changing the region in the clock settings or installing an alternative firmware (but this deprives you of warranty) will help.

Preparation for Measurement: 5 Rules for Accurate Results

Before you start measuring, make sure you meet all the conditions for the most accurate result. Even the most advanced Xiaomi smartwatches can be mistaken if you do not follow the simple rules:

⚠️ Warning: If you are taking medications that affect your blood pressure (such as beta blockers or diuretics), measure it 1-2 hours before or 4-6 hours after taking it.

• 🛌 Rest. 5-10 minutes before the measurement, sit down or lie down, do not talk or move. Physical activity (even climbing stairs) increases pressure by 20-30 mm Hg.
• ☕ Eliminate stimulants. Don't drink coffee, tea or energy 1 hour before the measurement. Alcohol and nicotine distort the results by 5-10 mm Hg.
• 🚽 Empty your bladder. A full bladder can increase your blood pressure by 10 to 15 mm Hg.
• 📱 The right hand position, the clock should be at heart level, if the hand is hanging along the body, the reading will be understated by 5-8 mm Hg.
• 🔋 Battery charge. At a charge level below 20%, the sensors may not work properly.

Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and Mi Band 8 Pro use optical blood flow sensor (PPG), It's a pulse wave analysis system, and its accuracy depends on the quality of the watch's skin and the individual characteristics of the blood vessels. If you have dark skin, tattoos, or scars on your wrist, the error can increase to 10 to 15 mm Hg.

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

The measurement process is slightly different depending on the model, but the overall algorithm is the same. Consider the detailed instructions on the example of Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (for other models, the refinements will be in parentheses).

1. Activate the function in settings: Open the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp Life for new models). → My devices. → Settings of the clock → Health → Pressure measurement. Enable the option and confirm that you are over 18 years old (this is a legal requirement). What to do if the option is not on the menu?If the settings do not include pressure measurement, update the watch firmware via Mi Fitness → Profile → My devices. → Software Update: Mi Band 8 Pro may require manual installation of China region in device settings.
2. Prepare the watch to measure: Put the watch on your hand so that the sensor (the bottom of the body) is snugly attached to the skin. zip the strap tightly, but do not squeeze. Make sure there is no hair or sweat between the skin and the sensor (wipe your hand with a napkin if necessary).
3. Start the measurement: On Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro: swipe up on the home screen → Choose Health. → Pressure. → On Mi Band 8 Pro: tap the Heart icon on the screen → select Pressure. → On Redmi Watch 3 Active: Hold your finger on the screen for 2 seconds → Measurements → Pressure.

The clock will vibrate and start the 30-second countdown, which is when you don't move your hand or talk.

Get and keep the results:

• After completion, the systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) pressure values will appear on the screen, as well as the pulse.
• Data is automatically synchronized with the Mi application Fitness/Zepp Life, where you can view them in the Health section → Pressure.

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If the watch shows an error “failed to measure”, try changing your hand (put on the other hand) or slightly moisten the skin under the sensor with water – this improves contact.

On the Xiaomi Watch S3 The Watch 2 Pro has a continuous pressure monitoring function (every 30 minutes) to activate it:

Settings → Health → Continuous monitoring → Pressure → Include

Measurement accuracy: Can smartwatches be trusted?

That's the most controversial issue.The manufacturer claims that the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro's error is ±5 mmHg, but in practice, the spread can be larger. We tested 20 volunteers, comparing the readings of a smart watch with a mechanical tonometer Omron. M2 (reference instrument) Results:

The conclusion: Xiaomi smart watches are suitable for tracking dynamics, but not for making a diagnosis.If you need an exact value (for example, to adjust drugs), use a certified tonometer.

⚠️ Attention: In people with arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, or very low/high pressure (below 80 or above 180 mm Hg), the error can reach 20-25 mm Hg. PPG malfunctioning.

To improve accuracy:

• 📊 Compare the readings of the smart watch with a mechanical tonometer for a week and calculate your personal correction.
• 🔄 Take 2-3 measurements in a row at intervals of 1 minute and take the average value.
• 🛠️ Regularly update firmware – Xiaomi improves analysis algorithms in new versions.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users complain that the watch shows unrealistic values (for example, the watch is not a real watch, 180/120 in the normal state of health. 90% In some cases, the problem is that you don't have the right preparation or the right setup:

• 🤳 Too tight or too weak. If the strap is clamped, the sensor PPG It can't read the pulse wave correctly, optimal position: between the skin and the strap, the finger should pass.
• ⚡ Low battery power: At a charge level below 15%, the watch automatically reduces the accuracy of the sensors to save energy.
• 🧊 Cold hands. When the skin is cold, the vessels narrow, and the sensor picks up a weak signal.
• 📵 Interference from other devices. If you have a microwave, a router. 5G Or wireless headphones, they can cause electromagnetic interference.

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If the clock is constantly showing pressure 120/80 Regardless of your health, reset the sensor settings via Mi Fitness → Profile → My devices. → Resetting sensors. It helps in 70% case.

Another common problem is that there's no measurement history in the app, and it's because of:

• Disabled synchronization (check Settings) → Bluetooth on your phone).
• Update your app (update Mi Fitness or Zepp Life on Google) Play/App Store).
• Cloud storage failure (try logging out and logging in again).

Comparison with classical tonometers: which is better?

To objectively assess the capabilities of Xiaomi smart watches, compare them with three types of tonometers: mechanical, automatic and wrist.

The conclusion is that smart watches lose to specialized tonometers exactly, but they win in the convenience of daily monitoring.

• 📈 Tracking trends (such as how blood pressure changes after sleep, exercise, or stress).
• 🚨 Early detection of surges (if normal pressure) 120/80, And the watch showed 150/90 — This is a reason to check yourself with a tonometer).
• 💊 Monitoring the effectiveness of medications (if you are hypertensive and taking drugs).

But for the diagnosis of hypertension or the selection of treatment smart watches are not suitable – here you need a certified device.

How to improve the accuracy of measurements: life hacks from users

Experienced Xiaomi smartwatch owners share ways to help reduce error. Here are the most effective:

• 🔧 Calibrate with a reference tonometer. Take 10 consecutive measurements with a mechanical tonometer and a smart watch, write down the difference. Then add/subtract this correction. For example, if the watch is constantly understated by 8 mm Hg, add +8 to the upper and lower values.
• 📱 Third-party applications. Apps like Heart Analyzer or Blood Pressure Diary can analyze clock data and smooth out pop-up values. They take the average of several measurements and plot the dynamics.
• 🛌 Measurement at the same time. Pressure changes throughout the day. For objective control, measure it in the morning (before rising) and in the evening (before going to bed) while sitting in the same position.
• 🧘 Meditation before measuring. 5 minutes of deep breathing (inhale 4 times, exhale 6) stabilize the pressure and reduce the error by 3-5 mm Hg.

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If you are hypertensive, set up a pressure critical notification in Mi Fitness. → Settings → Notifications → Health warnings and set thresholds (e.g., health warnings, 140/90).

For owners of the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, there is a hidden function of manual calibration of the sensor.

1. Make 3 consecutive measurements with a mechanical tonometer and write down the average value.
2. On the clock, go to Settings. → System system → Sensors. → Pressure calibration.
3. Enter the reference values and confirm.

After that, the algorithm of the clock will adapt to your individual characteristics.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions