How to set up Xiaomi smart watches to the phone: full instructions for all models

Synchronizing Xiaomi’s smartwatch with your phone is the first step to using all the features of a fitness tracker, from heart rate monitoring to music control. However, many users face problems: the watch does not connect, the app does not see the device, or synchronization is interrupted. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step settings for all current models, from the budget Mi Band 7/8 to the flagship Mi Watch 2 Pro and Amazfit GTR 4.

Xiaomi’s ecosystem is different in that it uses different apps for different devices: Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit) for Mi Band, Zepp Life for Amazfit and Wear OS for Mi Watch based on Google, and we’ll look at each case in detail, and we’ll give you recommendations for fixing typical bugs, from Bluetooth problems to firmware failures.

1.What Xiaomi watches support phone connection?

Before you start setting up, make sure your watch model is compatible with your phone. Xiaomi releases several lines of wearables, and each requires a different approach:

  • πŸ“± Mi Band (1–8) β€” Budget fitness bracelets, connected through Mi Fitness (Android/iOS). Supports a basic set of functions: pedometer, pulsemeter, notifications.
  • ⌚ Mi Watch Lite – smart watches on proprietary firmware, work with Mi Fitness or Wear OS (for Google models).
  • πŸƒ Amazfit (Bip, GTR, GTS, T-Rex – premium sports watches that require Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit).

Important: A Wear OS-based watch (such as the Mi Watch 2 Pro) may conflict with Xiaomi’s MIUI 14+ phones due to the limitations of Google Services, requiring manual permission settings.

Model clockAnnexMinimum version of AndroidSupport for iOS
Mi Band 6/7/8Mi FitnessAndroid 6.0iOS 12.0+
Mi Watch LiteMi FitnessAndroid 7.0iOS 13.0+
Amazfit GTR 4Zepp LifeAndroid 8.0iOS 14.0+
Mi Watch 2 ProWear OS + Mi FitnessAndroid 9.0No.

⚠️ Note: If your phone is working on MIUI Global with Google services disabled (e.g. in China), Wear watch connection OS In this case, use alternative firmware or buy watches on a proprietary platform (Mi Band or Amazfit).

2. Preparation of the phone before connection

To avoid synchronization errors, make presets on your phone:

  1. Update your phone’s firmware to the latest version of MIUI (check in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update).
  2. Turn on Bluetooth and let the app use it in the background (Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Permissions β†’ Bluetooth).
  3. Turn off the power saving mode for the watch application (in MIUI it often blocks background work).
  4. Remove old versions of apps (Mi Fit, Amazfit) if they were installed earlier – they may conflict with new ones.

For Xiaomi phones with MIUI 13+, it is also recommended to:

  • πŸ”„ Reset network settings (Settings) β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Reset network settings if you have previously had connection problems.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Add the watch app to "Settings" (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Autostart control).
πŸ“Š What Xiaomi Watch Model Are You Using?
Mi Band 6/7/8
Mi Watch / Mi Watch Lite
Amazfit (Bip, GTR, GTS)
Another model.
I haven't bought it yet.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect Mi Band to the phone

Consider the Mi Band 8 process (relevant to all models in the series).

  • πŸ“² Xiaomi phone (or other phone) Android/iOS).
  • πŸ”‹ Charged clock (at least 20%).
  • πŸ“₯ Mi Fitness (download to Google Play or App Store).

Step 1: Installation of the application

Download and install Mi Fitness. On the first run:

  1. Select the region "Russia" (important for the correct operation of notifications).
  2. Sign up with your Xiaomi account (or Google/Apple ID).
  3. Allow all permissions (geolocation, notifications, contacts) requested.

Step 2. Connect the clock

β˜‘οΈ Checklist before connecting Mi Band

Done: 0 / 4

Next:

  1. In the application, click Profile β†’ Add the device β†’ Bracelet.
  2. Select the Mi Band 8 from the list.
  3. Click on the watch screen to activate the pairing mode (will appear). QR-code).
  4. Scan it. QR-code through the application or enter PIN-code (usually 0000).

Step 3: Set up notifications and synchronize

After connection:

  • πŸ”” Allow notifications to be accessed in phone settings (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Mi Fitness β†’ Notifications).
  • πŸ“Š Update the firmware of the watch (if an update is available).
  • βš™οΈ Customize the displayed data on the screen (steps, pulse, weather, etc.).

πŸ’‘

If the watch isn’t plugged in, try restarting your phone and resetting your Bluetooth settings (Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Three Points β†’ Resetting).

4 Connecting the Mi Watch and Amazfit smartwatches

Wear OS-based watches (like the Mi Watch 2 Pro) and Amazfit devices are different.

For the Mi Watch (Wear OS):

  1. Install the Wear OS by Google app from Google Play.
  2. Turn on the watch pairing mode (Settings β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Add a new device).
  3. In the Wear OS app, select Mi Watch 2 Pro from the list.
  4. Confirm the code on your watch and phone.

For Amazfit (Zepp Life):

  1. Download Zepp Life (Android/IOS)
  2. Sign up with your Amazfit or Xiaomi account.
  3. In the app, click Add Device β†’ Watch β†’ Your model.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen (you may need to update the firmware).

⚠️ Attention: Amazfit watches GTR 4 and later require a firmware update when you first connect. If the process is stuck in the Update stage, do not interrupt it - this can lead to the "bricking" of the device. Wait 10-15 minutes or connect the clock to charge.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you set it up properly, you can have problems.

Mistake.Reason.Decision
The watch is not on the device list.Bluetooth is off or the clock is deadCharge the clock, turn on Bluetooth and reboot the phone
The application freezes at the "Connection" stageThe MIUI Optimized BatteryTurn off battery optimization for the watch app
No notifications coming.No permissions are given in the phone settingsCheck the settings β†’ Applications β†’ Mi Fitness β†’ Notifications
The clock is constantly off.Weak Bluetooth signal or energy savingTurn off the power saving mode and keep your watch closer to your phone.

If the clock is not updated:

  • πŸ”Œ Connect the watch to charging (update requires at least 50% charge).
  • πŸ“Ά Connect your phone to stable Wi-Fi (firmware update goes over the Internet).
  • ⏳ Wait 10-20 minutes – the process may take time.
What to do if the clock freezes during the upgrade?
If the Mi Band or Amazfit watch hangs on the logo during the update, reset: 1. Connect the watch to charging. 2. Press and hold the button (or touch zone) for 10-15 seconds until the vibration appears. 3. Try again to update the firmware through the application. If this does not help, contact Xiaomi support with the model and firmware version (you can find it in the app in the About section).

6. Additional settings after connection

After successful synchronization, it is recommended to configure:

  • πŸ”” Notifications: Select which apps will send alerts to your watch (Mi Fitness) β†’ Device profile β†’ Notifications).
  • πŸƒ Sports modes: add frequently used activities (running, cycling, swimming).
  • πŸ”’ Screen lock: set up to unlock your phone in hours (works on Android).
  • 🎡 Music control: Allow player control from the clock (in the app settings).

The Mi Watch 2 Pro (Wear OS) is also available for:

  • πŸ“± Installation of third-party apps (Google Play on the clock).
  • πŸ—£οΈ Google Assistant Voice Assistant.
  • πŸ“ž Call reception (if available) SIM-card or phone).

πŸ’‘

For maximum autonomy, turn off unnecessary notifications and reduce the frequency of data synchronization (for example, a pulse every 10 minutes instead of 1 minute).

7.How to reset Xiaomi watches to factory settings

If the watch is unstable or you want to sell it, reset it.

For the Mi Band 6/7/8:

  1. In the Mi Fitness app, go to Profile β†’ Your device β†’ Untie.
  2. Press and hold the touch button for 10 seconds until vibrations appear.

For the Mi Watch/Amazfit:

  1. On the clock, go to Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset settings.
  2. Confirm the action (may be required) PIN-code).

⚠️ Warning: After the reset, all data from the watch will be deleted, including training history and settings. If you plan to sell the watch, pre-untie it from your Xiaomi account in the app.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Xiaomi watches

Can I connect Mi Band to iPhone?
Yes, Mi Band is compatible with iPhone (iOS 12.0 and later).Use the Mi Fitness app from the App Store.However, some features may be limited (e.g. unlocking your phone through the clock only works on Android).
Why does the clock run out quickly after you connect?
Main reasons: Too frequent data synchronization (set the interval 30-60 minutes), constantly on the pulsemeter (turn off the automatic measurement in the settings), outdated firmware (update through the application).
How to transfer data from one phone to another?
Sign in to Mi Fitness or Zepp Life on your new phone with the same Xiaomi/Amazfit account. All data is automatically synced to the cloud. Then connect the watch to the new device.
Can I use a Xiaomi watch without a phone?
Yes, but with limitations: Mi Band: will work pedometer and pulse meter, but there will be no notifications. Mi Watch 2 Pro: you can install applications and use basic functions (if you have Wi-Fi or other features). SIM-Amazfit: supports autonomous GPS Music (if you download tracks through the app).
What if the Mi Fitness app doesn’t see the watch?
Try these steps: Reboot your phone and watch. Remove the watch from the Bluetooth device list in your phone settings. Update the Mi Fitness app to the latest version. If nothing works, reset the watch to factory settings.