Losing a smartwatch or a fitness bracelet is a frustrating situation, but not a hopeless one. - Xiaomi's modern devices like the Mi Band 7/8, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or Redmi Watch 3, They have a remote search function through branded applications, and the key is to know how to use it correctly and what nuances to consider so as not to aggravate the problem.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways Xiaomi watches can be found through Mi Fitness (old models) and Zepp Life (new models), and what to do if the device doesn’t respond to a signal, is out of range of Bluetooth or is dead, and you’ll learn how to turn on the beep, check the last location, and even lock the watch to protect your personal data.
Important: Search methods depend on the watch model and firmware version. For example, the Mi Band 6 and later support Find Device only in Zepp Life, whereas Mi Band 5 may require Mi Fitness. We cover all options.
1 What apps support Xiaomi watch search
The device search feature is available in two official Xiaomi apps, but support for these is dependent on the watch model:
Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit) is the main application for all modern devices released after 2021, and it implements the Find Device feature, which sends an audio signal to the watch if it is within Bluetooth range (up to 10-15 meters indoors).
- 🔹 Mi Band 6/7/8 and Mi Smart Band;
- 🔹 Xiaomi Watch 2/2 Pro, Xiaomi Watch S3;
- 🔹 Redmi Watch 3/4;
- 🔹 Xiaomi Smart Band Pro.
Mi Fitness is an outdated app that may still be needed to find Mi Band 5 and earlier models, and the functionality is similar, but the interface is different. Importantly, since 2023, Mi Fitness has not been updated, so it is not recommended for new devices to use it.
If you are not sure which app is right for your model, check the table below:
| Model clock | Suitable annex | Support for search function |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 5 and older | Mi Fitness or Zepp Life | Yeah (both) |
| Mi Band 6/7/8 | Zepp Life | Yes. |
| Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro | Zepp Life | Yes (with firmware 2023+) |
| Redmi Watch 3 Active | Zepp Life | Yes (limited) |
The critical nuance is that if the watch has been untied from the Xiaomi account or reset to the factory settings, the search function will not work, in which case one can only hope for the honesty of the finder.
2. Step-by-step instructions: how to find a watch through Zepp Life
If your Xiaomi watch is synced to Zepp Life, follow this instruction:
1. Open the Zepp Life app on your smartphone and make sure it’s connected to your Xiaomi account (or Zepp if you used it to sign up).
2. Go to the Profile tab (the human icon in the lower right corner).
3.Look for My Devices section and select your watch from the list.
4.Shoot the icon of three dots (⋮) top-right corner of the device screen.
5. In the drop-down menu, select Find Device (or Find Device in Russian).
After that, the watch should emit a loud beep (if it is within range of Bluetooth).
Make sure Bluetooth is on on your phone |
Check that the clock is not in "Do not disturb" mode"|
Charge the phone (search drains the battery)|
Wear headphones if the signal is quiet-->
If there's no sound, check:
- 🔋 Charge level of the clock (at a charge below 5% the function may not work).
- 📶 Distance to the device (maximum 10-15 meters in the room).
- 🔇 Do not disturb on the clock (turn it off in the settings).
⚠️ Warning: If the watch is in a case or bag, the sound may be muted. Try searching in a quiet room or use headphones to listen.
3.Search through Mi Fitness for older models
For owners of Mi Band 5 and earlier versions, the process is slightly different:
1. Open the Mi Fitness app and go to the home page.
2. Find your watch card and tap it.
3. In the upper right corner, click on the gear icon (⚙️) — This is the device settings button.
4. Scroll down to the Additional section and select Find the bracelet.
The watch will vibrate and make sound. If the function is inactive, upgrade the app to the latest version or reconnect the device.
What to do if there is no button in Mi Fitness "Find a bracelet"?
4. How to find a watch if it is out of range of Bluetooth
If the watch does not respond to the signal via Find Device, it means that it:
- 📴 Out of range of Bluetooth (more than 15 meters).
- 🔋 Completely discharged.
- 🚫 Disconnected or dropped.
In this case, there are two options:
1. Checking the latest location
Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro with a GPS) They can store the last coordinates in the app:
— Open Zepp Life. → Profile → My devices.
Select a watch and find the Activity or Routes section.
— If the clock is maintained GPS, This can show the last point on the map.
2.Use of the “Lost Mode” function
For eSIM watches (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S3) Remote lock option available:
In Zepp Life, go to the device settings.
Select Lost Mode (Lost Mode)
Specify the contact phone number that will be displayed on the watch screen.
If someone else finds the watch, they can call you directly from the device.
⚠️ Warning: Lost Mode only works when you are actively connected to the network (via Wi-Fi or eSIM).If the clock is offline, the lock will only work when you next connect.
5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Many users have trouble finding a watch because of bugs, and here are the most common ones:
Mistake 1: The clock doesn’t make sound, even though it’s nearby.
Reasons:
- 🔇 "Do not disturb" mode is on" (DND). Solution: Turn it off in the clock settings.
- 🎵 Volume level is at minimum.Solution: Turn up volume with Zepp Life.
- 🔄 Solution: Wait 1-2 minutes and try again.
Error 2: The app doesn't see the clock
If Zepp Life or Mi Fitness does not detect the device:
- 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn off/on).
- 📱 Reinstall the app.
- 🔋 Check the charge of the clock (plug in to charge for 10 minutes).
Error 3: Find Device is inactive
This means that:
- 📵 The clock is untied from the account. Solution: Re-synchronize via Add Device.
- 📱 Outdated firmware. Solution: Update the watch through the app.
💡
If you lose your watch a lot, turn on the “Disconnect Notification” option in Zepp Life settings, and the phone will vibrate as soon as the watch is out of range of Bluetooth.
6. Additional ways to find lost hours
If standard methods don’t help, try alternatives:
1. Search through Google Location History
If the phone has a location chronicle on, you can check where the clock was last with the phone:
Open Google Maps Timeline.
Choose the date when the clock is gone.
Look at the route, maybe the clock is still in one of the places.
2. Use of third-party applications
Apps like Tile or SmartThings Find (from Samsung) can help if an additional Bluetooth tracker is attached to the watch, but this method is not suitable for clean Xiaomi watches.
3. Calling the support team
If the watch was linked to Xiaomi’s account, you can try blocking it through support:
- Write to the chat support.xiaomi.com.
Provide the serial number of the device (located on the box or in the Zepp Life settings).
— Ask to block the clock. IMEI (It doesn’t work for all models).
💡
The most reliable way to avoid loss is to enable the “Request” option in Zepp Life. PIN When you take off, you can't take off the watch without entering the code.
7 What to do if a watch is found by a stranger
If you suspect that the watch was picked up by other people, follow the algorithm:
Remote locking:
In Zepp Life, go to the device settings.
Select Untie the device or Reset to factory settings.
This will delete all data from the clock (if it connects to the network).
2.Auditing the markets of secondary devices:
Visit Avito, Yulu or local social media groups.
Use filters by model and city.
3.Police referral:
— If the watch is expensive (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S3), Write a statement of theft/loss.
Provide the serial number and check (if preserved).
⚠️ Warning: Don't try to track the thief yourself - it's dangerous and illegal.