How to set up Xiaomi Watch to see who is calling: Full Guide for All Models

Xiaomi smartwatches are not only a stylish accessory, but also a full-fledged assistant for managing calls. However, many users face the problem: when calling in, only the number is displayed on the watch screen, and the contact name is not. This creates inconvenience, especially if you often communicate with subscribers from the phone book. In this article, we will discuss why this happens and how to configure the name of the caller on all popular Xiaomi watches, from the budget Mi Band 7/8 to the flagship Xiaomi Watch S2 Pro.

The problem usually lies in one of three factors: incorrect synchronization of contacts, lack of permissions in the Mi application. Fitness/Zepp Life or outdated watch firmware. We will look at solutions for each case, and also give recommendations for optimizing the function. It is important to note that the configuration algorithm may differ depending on the model of the watch and the version of the smartphone operating system (for example, the version of the smartphone operating system, MIUI 14 vs Android 13).

If you use a Xiaomi watch with an iPhone, some of the features may be limited, as we will mention separately, and for owners of older models (for example, the Mi Band 5), we will give alternative ways to solve the problem, since official support for some features for them has already been discontinued.

Why does Xiaomi not show the name of the caller?

Before we get to the settings, it's important to understand the cause of the problem.-5 Reasons why the watch may not show the contact name:

• 📱 Contacts are not synchronized between the smartphone and the watch, and that's the most common reason that the watch simply doesn't have access to the phone book.
• 🔒 Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app doesn’t have permission to access contacts and calls.
• 📲 Outdated firmware of watches or apps, for example, Mi Band 6 before firmware 1.0.6.54 had a name display error.
• 🔄 Reset the clock settings without re-binding to the smartphone. After resetting, all data, including contact synchronization, is reset.
• 🍎 Use of iPhone.On Apple devices, Xiaomi watch functionality is limited due to iOS security policy.

This can also be a problem if you use a double-digit SIM-The card and the call go to a number that is not the main one in the synchronization settings, in which case the clock may not “understand” which one is from. SIM I got a call and only show the number.

⚠️ Note: If you recently upgraded your smartphone to Android 14, check the permission settings for the Zepp Life app. In the new version of the Google OS, Google has tightened its contact access policy, and some apps may lose rights after the update.

Preparation: What to do before setting up

Before you start changing your settings, follow a few preparatory steps that will save time and help you avoid common mistakes:

1. Update the watch to the latest version through the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app. Go to Profile → My Devices → [Clock Name] → Software Update.
2. Check the version of the application on your smartphone. Current versions: Mi Fitness: no lower than 5.6.0 (for older watch models). Zepp Life: no lower than 6.10.0 (for Xiaomi Watch S1/S2 and new fitness bracelets).

Make sure that Bluetooth is on.

Synchronize contacts

Google

Mi Account

If you use an iPhone, keep in mind that full synchronization of contacts is possible only through an iCloud account, but even then the functionality will be limited. For example, on the Mi Band 7, only the number will be displayed when calling, and the name will not.

Setting up the caller’s name on Mi Band (all models)

Mi Band fitness bracelets (including Mi Band 8) have a simplified notification system, but even these can be configured to display contact names.

1. Open the Mi Fitness app and go to Profile → My devices → [Your bracelet].
2. Select Call Notification and activate the switch.
3. Below, find the option to Show Contact Name (or Display Contacts depending on the version of the app) and turn it on.
4. Go back to the main menu of the bracelet and check that the Contacts section displays your phone book. If the list is empty, click Sync.

Update the bracelet firmware |Enable call notifications |Activate name display |Sync contacts |Reconnect the bracelet to the phone-->

⚠️ Note: On Mi Band 5 and older, the name display function only works when calling through the main one. SIM-If you use the second card. SIM, The bracelet will only show the number.

Set up Xiaomi Watch S1/S2 and Watch 2 Pro

The Xiaomi Watch has more options for working with contacts, but also more difficult to set up.The main difference from the Mi Band is using the Zepp Life app instead of Mi Fitness.

1. Open Zepp Life and go to Profile → My Devices → [Your Watch].

For the Xiaomi Watch S2 Pro, an additional feature is available – a quick answer to a call right from the clock (if they are connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth).

1. In Zepp Life, go to Settings of the Watch → Calls.
2. Turn on the option to respond from the clock.
3. Set up Quick Answers (e.g., “Re-Transfer”, “In Meeting”).

If not all contacts are displayed on the clock after synchronization, check:

• 📇 Contact groups in the phone book. The watch may not sync contacts from groups like Work or Family».
• 🔍 Account filter: In the sync settings in Zepp Life, select which accounts (Google, Mi Account, SIM) link up.
• 📵 On iPhone, Xiaomi Watch can only sync contacts saved in iCloud, and even then, names may not show up when you call.

Solving problems with contact synchronization

If you've done all the steps in the previous sections, but the names of the callers are still not displayed, the problem may be incorrect synchronization of contacts.

1. Check the app's permissions: On Android: Settings → Apps → Zepp Life/Mi Fitness → Permissions. Make sure Contacts, Phone and Storage are enabled. On iOS: Settings → Privacy → Contacts and enable access for Zepp Life.
2. Clear the app cache: On Android: Settings → Apps → Zepp Life → Storage → Clear the cache. Restart the app and re-sync.

Check your sync account

• In Zepp Life, go to Profile → Settings → Contact Synchronization.
• Select an account (Google, Mi Account or SIM) from which to download contacts.

💡

If you have duplicate contacts on your watch after synchronization, try combining entries in your smartphone phone book. Open Contacts → Settings → Combine duplicates (on Android).

Features of working with the iPhone

iPhone users face maximum restrictions when working with Xiaomi watches, due to iOS's security policy, which prohibits third-party devices from full access to the phone book and call logs.

• 📱 Use iCloud account to sync contacts. In Zepp Life, select Sync with iCloud (if the option is available for your watch model).
• 🔄 Configure call notifications as regular alerts. In Zepp Life, enable Notifications. → Calls, but keep in mind that only the number will be displayed.
• 📞 Add frequently used contacts to your favorites on the watch itself (if the model supports this feature). S2 You can add up to 10 contacts manually through the app.

It's important to understand that on an iPhone, it's impossible to fully display the names of callers on a Xiaomi watch because of Apple's limitations. The most you can count on is a notification of an incoming call with a phone number. If you're critical to the subscriber identification feature, consider using an Apple Watch or an Android smartphone.

⚠️ Note: On iOS 17 and the newer Zepp Life app, you can request additional permissions to access the Call Log. Without that permission, your watch won’t even be able to display notifications of incoming calls.

Additional functions: call management from the clock

In addition to displaying the name of the caller, modern Xiaomi watches allow you to control calls directly from the wrist.

• 📞 Call Deflection: Swipe left on notification (works on all models).
• 🔕 Silent mode: on Xiaomi Watch S2 Pro can be tapped on the bell icon in the notification to turn off the call sound on the phone.
• 🗣️ Speaking: Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro supports a call response from the clock (provided that they are connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth and are in range).
• ⏱️ Missed Call Reminder: If you didn’t get a response, the clock vibrates and shows a missed call notification.
• Set up Vibration when ringing (you can choose intensity and rhythm).