How to properly set up Xiaomi watch with your phone: from pairing to fine settings

Xiaomi smartwatches are some of the most popular wearables on the market due to their combination of functionality, design and affordable price. However, even experienced users sometimes face difficulties in the first setup: the device does not connect to the phone, data is not synchronized or notifications disappear. This article will help you to understand all the nuances from basic pairing to hidden features that the manufacturer does not always advertise.

We will look at not only the standard procedure through the official Mi Fit and Zepp apps, but also alternative ways for older models (e.g. Mi Band). 2/3), We'll focus on setting up notifications, saving energy and integrating with Google Fit and Apple Health. 2 Pro or Amazfit GTR 4 — This guide will save you hours of searching for answers online.

1. Preparation for setting up: what to check before connecting

Before you start syncing, make sure your smartphone and watch meet the minimum requirements, which will save you 80% of the problems during the pairing phase.

Phone requirements:

• 📱 Operating system: Android 6.0+ iOS 12.0+ (for the Mi Band 7 Pro and newer - Android 8.0+/iOS 13.0+).
• 🔄 Bluetooth: version 4.2 or higher (for stable operation) BLE-linkage).
• 📶 Internet: Connecting to Wi-Fi or mobile network to download firmware.
• 🔋 Battery charge: the clock must be at least 20%, otherwise the process will be interrupted.

Watch requirements: Make sure your device has not previously been linked to another account Mi/Zepp — If the used clock, reset to factory settings (instructions in section) 5).

Important: On iPhone, some features (such as quick notification responses) may be limited due to Apple's policy. Android owners are advised to turn off power saving mode for the Mi app Fit/Zepp battery-setting.

2. App selection: Mi Fit vs Zepp - which is best for your model

Xiaomi uses two official watch management apps, and the choice depends on the device model:

If your model is supported by both apps (e.g. Mi Band 7 Pro), go for Zepp, which offers more customization options. For older fitness bracelets (Mi Band 3 and earlier), only Mi Fit is available.

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On iPhone, the Zepp app can request access to the Local Network – this is necessary for synchronizing the weather and the Internet. GPS-Allow access, or some of the functions will be unavailable.

Download the desired application from official stores:

• 🤖 Mi Fit for Android
• 🍎 Mi Fit for iOS
• 🌐 Zepp (official website)

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

Consider the process using the Mi Band 8 and Mi Fit app (for Zepp, the steps are similar, but with a different interface design).

Step 1. Registration of an account

Open the app and create an account (or log in via) Google/Facebook/Xiaomi). Use the same region as when buying a watch – otherwise you may have firmware issues (e.g., for the Chinese version of Xiaomi Watch). S3 You will need an account with the China region").

Step 2: Adding a device

1. Click Profile → Add the device.
2. Select your model from the list (if not, update the app).
3. Click Hide and confirm access to notifications/contacts.

Step 3: Synchronization

Once you've successfully connected, the app will suggest you update your firmware. Don't refuse, it will fix the bugs and add new features, and it will take 5-15 minutes (hours will reboot 1-2 times).

4. Set up notifications and calls

By default, Xiaomi watches show notifications from all apps, but this quickly drains the battery.

In Mi Fit/Zepp:

1. Go to the Device Profile → Notifications.
2. Turn on the Notification switch.
3. Select the apps you want to see on your watch (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
4. Activate the option to Show content if you want to see text messages.

On Android: check the system settings:

1. Open the Settings. → Annexes → Mi Fit/Zepp → Notifications.
2. Allow notifications to be displayed and turn off battery optimization for the app.

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On iPhone, notifications from third-party messengers (Viber, Skype) may not come due to iOS restrictions. Solution: Enable the "Show on the Lock Screen" option in the notification settings for these applications.

Call settings:

• 📞 To answer phone calls from the clock (Xiaomi Watch) S3 Activate Call Notifications and Allow Microphone Access.
• 🔇 To turn off vibration when calling: Device profile → Vibration. → Calls.
• 📵 On the Mi Band, you can only reject the call (swipe left) or turn off the sound (swipe right).

5. Resetting and reconnecting the clock

If Xiaomi watches are out of sync, show a connection error or an update is “hang” perform a reset.

Method 1. Through the menu of the clock (for models with a screen):

1. On the clock go to Settings → System → Reset.
2. Confirm the action (may be required) PIN-code, if installed).
3. After restarting, reconnect the watch through the app.

Method 2. Hardware reset (for all models):

• 🔄 Mi Band 1-6: Remove the capsule from the bracelet and press the button 3 times in a row.
• 🔄 Xiaomi Watch/Amazfit: press the physical button on 10–15 seconds before the logo appears.
• 🔄 Redmi Watch: Press the touch button on the screen for 10 seconds.

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After reset, the watch may freeze on the logo. Don't panic - wait 5-10 minutes or plug in to charge. If the problem persists, update the firmware via Mi Fit.

Method 3. via the app (if the watch does not respond):

1. In Mi Fit/Zepp Go to the Device Profile → Untie the device.
2. Confirm the uncoupling and perform a hardware reset (method 2).
3. Reconnect the watch as a new device.

⚠️ Note: If the watch was linked to the previous owner’s account (for example, when buying a used one), the reset will not help. Mi/Zepp Or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

6. Advanced settings: what can be configured besides the basic

Many users are limited to basic synchronization, but Xiaomi watches support hidden features that greatly expand the capabilities of the gadget.

1. Setting up screens and dials

• 🎨 In Mi Fit/Zepp readily available 50+ Free dials for the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro can be downloaded from third-party themes via Amazfit Watch Faces.
• 🔄 To change the order of the screens: Device profile → Display. → Screen order.
• 🌓 Set up automatic dial change by time of day (available in Zepp for Amazfit) GTR 4).

Energy conservation and autonomy

3. Integration with other services

• 🏃‍♂️ Synchronization with Google Fit/Apple Health: Profile in Mi Fit → Related accounts.
• 🎵 Music management: on Xiaomi Watch S3 You can switch tracks directly from the clock (set up in Notifications) → Music).
• 🔑 Unlocking the phone: activate in the Settings of the clock → Unlocking the smartphone (requires Android 5.0)+).

7. Solving common problems

Even after setting it up correctly, users encounter common errors, and here's how to fix them:

Problem 1: The clock is not synced to the phone

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone and watch.
• 📱 In Android settings, turn off power saving mode for Mi Fit/Zepp.
• 🔗 Remove the device from the list of conjugate gadgets and connect again.
• 📡 Check the Internet connection – without it, the firmware does not update.

Problem 2: Notices are not coming.

• 🔔 In your phone settings, check if notifications are allowed for Mi Fit/Zepp.
• 📵 Make sure the clock is not in "Do Not Disturb" mode".
• 🔄 Reconnect the clock to the phone.
• 📱 On iPhone: Enable the option of Repeat notifications in the app settings.

Problem 3: The clock is running out quickly

• 🔋 Turn off the constant pulse (only during exercise).
• 🌡️ Reduce the frequency of measurement SpO₂ (oxygen saturation) up to 1 time per hour.
• 📵 Disable notifications from unnecessary applications.
• 🔄 Update the firmware – new versions optimize energy consumption.

⚠️ Note: If after updating the firmware watch Xiaomi Watch S3 or Amazfit GTR 4 stopped turning on, plug them into charging for 30 minutes - sometimes the reset happens automatically. If that doesn't work, perform a hardware reset (press the 20 seconds button).

8.Alternative applications for extended management

The official Mi Fit and Zepp apps don’t always give you full control over the watch, but there are third-party solutions for advanced users:

1. Notify & Fitness for Mi Band (Android)

• 🔔 Flexible notification settings (keyword filtering, app exclusion).
• 📊 Extended training statistics (exports to the GPX/TCX).
• 🔧 The ability to change the order of the menu on the clock.

🔗 Download it to Google Play

2. Tools & Mi Band (Android/iOS)

• 🎨 Download custom dials (including animated ones).
• 🔄 Backup of data from the clock.
• 📵 Setting up "quiet hours" (disabling notifications at a given time).

3. Gadgetbridge (Android, open source)

• 🔧 Full control over watch settings without Xiaomi cloud.
• 📊 Synchronize data with OpenStreetMap for tracks GPS.
• 🛠️ Support for outdated models (Mi Band) 1/2).

⚠️ When using third-party applications, Xiaomi’s official warranty may be cancelled.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions