Xiaomi smartphones have long since ceased to be just a means of communication — they have become multifunctional gadgets for monitoring health. Measuring the pulse through the phone can come in handy when traveling, at work or when there is no pulse oximeter at hand. But how does it work in practice? Spoiler: not all methods are equally accurate, and some Xiaomi models do not support this feature out of the box at all.
In this article, we will analyze all available methods – from built-in sensors to third-party applications, compare their accuracy with medical devices and tell you how to avoid typical errors. For example, did you know that measuring your heart rate through a smartphone camera can give you an error of up to 15% in bright light? POCO F5 Redmi Note 12 has hidden monitoring features that aren’t enabled by default?
Important: If you need data for medical purposes (such as arrhythmia or heart disease), it is better to use certified devices.
1. Built-in sensors: Which Xiaomi models support pulse measurement?
Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with pulse sensors, a feature only available in flagship models and some infrared sensor devices. Here is the full list of supported gadgets:
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra – Heart rate sensor built into the back panel (near the camera).
- 📱 Xiaomi 12S Ultra – improved sensor with support PPG-technology (photoplethysmography).
- 📱 Xiaomi 13 Pro and 13 Ultra – the sensor is integrated into the camera module, works through the Mi Fitness app.
- 📱 Black Shark 4/5 Pro – gaming smartphones with a pulse sensor for monitoring during streams.
- ⚠️ Redmi and POCO (Other than flagships, they do not have built-in sensors, but support measurement through the camera or connection to a smartwatch.
To check if there is a sensor in your model, go to Settings → The phone. → Full specifications → Sensors. If there's a Heart Rate Sensor item on the list, or PPG Sensor - you're lucky!
⚠️ Note: pulse sensors in Xiaomi smartphones are calibrated to the standard range of heart rate (60–100 With tachycardia (>120 oud/min) or bradycardia (<50 PM/min) the indications may be inaccurate.
| Smartphone model | Type of sensor | Accuracy (compared to pulse oximeter) | Whether an application is required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi 11 Ultra | Infrared (PPG) | ±5 bp/min | Mi Fitness or Zepp Life |
| 13 Pro | Optical (in camera module) | ±3 beats/min | Built-in function in Settings → Health |
| Black Shark 5 Pro | Dual sensor (PPG + archeometer) | ±2 bp/min | Shark Health |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | No built-in sensor. | — | Only through a camera or smartwatch |
2. pulse measurement via the application Mi Fitness (official method)
If your Xiaomi smartphone is equipped with a sensor, the most reliable way is to use the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Health), which is pre-calibrated for Xiaomi equipment and synchronizes with other devices in the ecosystem (for example, with the Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch).
Step instructions:
- Download Mi Fitness from Google Play or AppGallery (for models without Google services).
- Sign up or sign in through your Xiaomi account.
- Go to the Profile section → Devices → Add the device and select your smartphone.
- Allow sensor access in phone settings: Settings → Annexes → Mi Fitness → Permits → Sensors.
- In the app's main menu, tap on the Pulse icon (heart icon) and put your finger on the sensor (usually next to the rear camera).
The measurement process will take 10 to 30 seconds.
- 📵 Don’t move your phone – vibrations distort results.
- 💡 Lighting should be moderate (bright light or darkness interferes with the sensor).
- 🧘♂️ Sit still, don't talk.
Make sure the sensor is clean (wipe with an alcohol wipe)
Battery charge > 20% (at low charge, the sensor can be turned off)
Turn off the power saving modes
Remove the case (it can block the sensor)-->
The results will be stored in the history of the application. For more accuracy, repeat the measurement 2-3 times and take the average value.
Once a day.
Several times a week
Only when you're feeling bad.
Never tried.-->
Alternative method: pulse measurement through camera and flashlight
If your Xiaomi doesn’t have a pulse sensor, you can use a camera and flashlight, which works on all models, including the Redmi 10, POCO X3 or Mi A3, It requires a third-party application, and it's based on the analysis of skin color changes in blood pulsation (PPG-technology).
The best apps for this:
- 🩺 Heart Rate Monitor (from Azumio) – simple, with graphic visualization.
- 🩺 Instant Heart Rate – Supports data export to Google Fit.
- 🩺 Cardiio – uses a camera without a flashlight (works in good lighting).
The following is the Instant Heart Rate:
- Install the app and give access to the camera.
- Put your finger on the camera (don’t cover the lens completely!).
- Turn on the flashlight (in the app or through the notification curtain).
- Hold your finger still for 15-20 seconds.
- Get the result with an indication of heart rate and heart rate variability.
⚠️ Note: Camera applications can give up to 20% accuracy in people with dark skin or hand tremors. Repeat the measurement 3 times for accuracy.
Why do you need a flashlight for measurement?
Comparison of accuracy of methods:
| Method | The margin of error | Time of measurement | Is an account required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in sensor + Mi Fitness | ±3-5 beats/min | 10.30 sec. | Yeah (Xiaomi account) |
| Camera. + Instant Heart Rate | ±10-15 beats/min | 15-20 sec. | No. |
| Camera. + Cardiio (without flashlight) | ±15-20 beats/min | 20-30 sec. | No. |
4.Sync with Xiaomi smartwatches and fitness bracelets
The most accurate way to monitor your heart rate is to use a Xiaomi smartwatch or bracelet paired with a smartphone, even budget models like the Mi Band 7 or Xiaomi Watch. S1 equipped with optical sensors that surpass smartphone accuracy.
How to set up synchronization:
- Install the Zepp Life app (for bracelets) or Mi Fitness app (for watches).
- Connect the device via Bluetooth: Settings → Bluetooth → Find your bracelet/watch.
- In the app, go to Profile → Devices → Pulse measurement settings.
- Select a mode: 🔄 Automatic (every 30 minutes). 🏃 During training (continuously). 🛌 In a dream (for variability analysis).
Settings → Notifications
Advantages of this method:
- 📊 Data is stored in the cloud and synced with Google Fit/Apple Health.
- 🔔 You can set alerts when the heart rate goes beyond the norm.
- 📈 Available history of measurements for months (unlike a single measurement with a smartphone).
💡
If the pulse on the Mi Band bracelet shows unrealistic values (for example, 200 beats / min), remove the device, wipe the sensor with alcohol and put on tighter (for 2-3 cm above the wrist).
5. Mistakes and problems: why does the smartphone show the wrong pulse?
Even with proper measurement, Xiaomi’s smartphone can produce erroneous data, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix it:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse is not determined. | Dirty sensor or camera | Wipe the sensor with alcohol solution |
| The testimony will jump. | Trembling of the hand or weak finger contact | Put your phone on the table and hold your finger tightly. |
| Heart rate overestimated/underestimated | Bright lighting or dark skin | Use a flashlight and manual calibration app |
| App flies out | Incompatibility with the MIUI version | Update the software or use it. APK-version |
If the problem persists, try:
- 🔄 Reboot your phone (sometimes the sensors freeze after prolonged use).
- 📱 Calibrate the sensor: in Mi Fitness go to Settings → Sensors. → Reset calibration.
- 🛠️ Check for updates MIUI: Settings → Updating the system.
⚠️ Attention: On models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) The camera measurement may give false positives due to the display flicker.
Comparison with medical devices: how much can a smartphone be trusted?
We tested the pulse on Xiaomi 13 Pro (built-in sensor), Redmi Note 11 (through camera) and Beurer medical pulse oximeter. PO30. Results:
- 🩺 Pulse oximeter: 78 beats/min (standard).
- 📱 Xiaomi 13 Pro (Mi Fitness): 76 beats / min (error 2%).
- 📱 Redmi Note 11 (Instant Heart Rate): 85 beats/min (Error 9%).
Conclusions:
- 🔍 Embedded sensors flagship Xiaomi give an error of 2-5%, which is acceptable for household use.
- 📸 Camera measurement is less accurate (8–15%) but is suitable for trends (e.g., tracking heart rate changes before/after exercise).
- ⚕️ For medical purposes (diagnosis of arrhythmia, drug control), the smartphone does not replace a pulse oximeter or ECG.
💡
If you need to monitor your heart rate regularly (such as when exercising), you should use a Xiaomi fitness bracelet or a smartwatch, which is more accurate than a smartphone and does not require manual measurements.
7. Hidden functions and life hacks for advanced users
Few people know, but Xiaomi smartphones have hidden capabilities for monitoring the pulse, which are not advertised in the official instructions.
- 🔍 Developer Mode for Sensors: Activate Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then go to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Simulation of sensors. You can test the sensors here.
- 📊 Export of data to CSV: In Mi Fitness go to Profile → Export data and get a file with heart rate history for analysis in Excel.
- 🔄 Sensor calibration: If your pulse is constantly overestimated, type ##4636### into the engineering menu, select Sensor Test and follow the chart in real time.
For models POCO F4 GT And Black Shark has another trick: turn on the game monitoring mode in Settings. → Special facilities → In this mode, the pulse is displayed on top of the game in real time (useful for streamers or eSportsmen).