Setting the color of the watch on Xiaomi: all the ways for Mi Band and Watch

Why Xiaomi Watch Color May Not Change – And How to Fix It

Xiaomi smartwatches are some of the most popular activity-tracking gadgets, but not everyone knows that their appearance can be customized completely. The color of the dial, font, background elements and even animations depends not only on the device model, but also on the firmware version, the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app and even regional settings. If you tried to change the shade of the watch through the menu, but nothing worked out, the problem may lie in one of three key factors.

First, not all models support dynamic color change. For example, the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4 have a limited palette, while the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro or Watch 2 Pro allow you to choose from thousands of shades. Second, some firmware (especially the Chinese versions) block access to advanced settings without binding to a Xiaomi account. Third, color schemes can be reset after a software update if you do not sync your settings with the cloud. Next, we will discuss how to circumvent these restrictions and customize the watch for yourself.

Ways to change the color of the dial depending on the model

The way you set up depends on the type of device. The Mi Band and Xiaomi Watch use different interfaces and applications. Below are the actual ways for each line.

  • πŸ“± Through the Mi app Fitness/Zepp Life: the main method for most models. Suitable for the Mi Band 5/6/7, Xiaomi Watch S1/S2.
  • βš™οΈ In the settings of the device: available on Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Watch S3 new models with AMOLED-screen.
  • 🎨 Using third-party dials: requires downloading.bin or.wfz files through special utilities.
  • πŸ”§ Through ADB-Teams: for advanced users willing to risk the warranty (relevant for Mi Band 4 with custom firmware).

If your model doesn’t support color change out of the box, don’t be too upset. For example, for the Mi Band 4, there are informal firmware with an extended palette, and for the Xiaomi Watch S1, you can install animated dials with dynamic backlighting. The main thing is to make sure that the firmware version of the device is compatible with the chosen method.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi model do you use?
Mi Band 5/6/7
Xiaomi Watch S1/S2
Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro
Another model.
I don't know.

Next Next post: Change Color Through Mi Fitness

This is the safest and most versatile way to work on most devices.

  • πŸ“² Smartphone with Mi Fitness (older models) or Zepp Life (newer models) installed).
  • πŸ”‹ Charged bracelet/watch (minimum 20% charge).
  • πŸ“Ά Stable Bluetooth connection.

Follow the algorithm further:

  1. Open the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app and connect to the device.
  2. Go to the Profile section β†’ My devices. β†’ [The name of your watch].
  3. Select Dials or Display (the name may be different).
  4. Scroll down to the Color Scheme or Style Customization section.
  5. Choose your preferred color from the palette or download a custom dial (if supported).
  6. Click Sync and wait for the clock screen to update.

Sync with cloud | Check the Mi Fitness |Switch off power saving mode on your phone | Make sure the watch is not in Do Not Disturb mode-->

Important: If color scheme option is missing, update the firmware of the watch through the Settings β†’ Software Update. For Mi Band 7 and later, the AutoChange color function is also available, which adjusts the dial to your outfit (works when you connect to a Xiaomi smartphone with MIUI 13+).

Extended settings for Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and Watch S3

Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and Watch S3 models support deep customization right on the device. Here's how to access hidden options:

  1. On the watch itself, swipe up the screen to open the menu.
  2. Select Settings β†’ Display β†’ Style of the dial.
  3. Slip on the current dial and hold 2 seconds - the editor will open.
  4. In the Colours section, select: 🎨 The main color is for the hour and minute hand; πŸ“Š Secondary color for second hand and indicators; πŸ–ΌοΈ Background color - for the substrate of the dial (available not on all models).

HSV

Save the changes and restart the clock (if the color didn't apply immediately).

The Watch S3 also has Dynamic Color, which automatically adjusts the palette to the time of day (dark tones at night, bright during the day) to activate it:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Adaptive lighting.
  2. Turn on the option Color Temperature on schedule.
  3. Set up time intervals to change shades.

πŸ’‘

If the clock starts to discharge quickly after changing its color, turn off the dial animation in the Display β†’ Effects settings. This will save up to 15% of the charge per day.

Installation of custom dials with non-standard colors

If the built-in options aren't enough, you can download the dials from third-party developers.

  1. Download the dial file in.bin (for Mi Band) or.wfz (for Xiaomi Watch) format from trusted sources: 🌐 AmoledWatchFaces (for the first time) AMOLED-screen); 🌐 Mi-Band.ru (Russian-speaking community); 🌐 XDA Developers (for advanced users).
  2. Install the download utility: For Mi Band: Mi Band Master or Notify & Fitness; For Xiaomi Watch: Amazfit Tool or Watch Face Tool.

Connect the watch to a PC or smartphone and download the file through the utility.

Restart the device if the color is not applied.

ModelSupported formatsMax. File size.Need root?
Mi Band 5/6.bin, .json100 KBNo.
Xiaomi Watch S1.wfz, .apk5MBNo.
Watch 2 Pro.wfz, .zip10MBFor certain functions
Mi Band 4.bin (caste only)50 KBBYes.

Warning: Installation of informal dials may result in:

  • ⚠️ Sync failure with Mi Fitness app;
  • ⚠️ Accelerated battery discharge (due to unoptimized animation);
  • ⚠️ Function block (for example, disabling the pulsemeter).
How to restore the original dial?
If the watch stops working correctly after installing the custom dial, reset the settings via Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset to factory. Mi Band 4 may require flashing through the Mi Fit Tool (instruction: link).

Problem Solving: Color does not change or is reset

If after all the manipulations the watch stubbornly ignores the new settings, check the following points:

  • πŸ”„ Data Sync: Make sure that Auto Sync is enabled in the Mi Fitness app (Profile) β†’ Settings β†’ Synchronization).
  • πŸ“± Firmware version: Mi Band 7 and later requires firmware at least 1.15.0.0 to work with color schemes.
  • πŸ”‹ Power saving mode: Turn it off in the clock settings (Battery) β†’ Energy saving regime).
  • 🌍 Regional restrictions: Some features are blocked on Chinese versions of devices without being linked to a Xiaomi account.

If the problem persists, try:

  1. Reconnect the watch to the app (Forget the device β†’ Reconnect the app).
  2. Clear the cache of the Mi Fitness application in the smartphone settings.
  3. Update the firmware of the watch manually through Settings β†’ System β†’ Software update.
  4. For Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro: Reset color settings through Settings β†’ Display β†’ Reset style.

⚠️ Note: On Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4, only firmware 1.6.0.0 and higher support color change. If your version is older, update it via Mi Fit Tool (instructions: 4PDA).

Tips for Choosing a Color Scheme for Different Scenarios

The color of the dial affects not only aesthetics, but also usability. Here are recommendations for different situations:

  • πŸƒ Sport and workout: Use bright contrasting colors (red, orange, neon green) for better readability in the sun. S3 Turn on High Contrast mode in the display settings.
  • 😴 Nighttime: Switch to darker colors (blue, purple, black) with minimal lighting to avoid irritating your eyes. On Mi Band 7, activate Night Mode in Settings β†’ Display.
  • πŸ’Ό Office and business meetings: Choose neutral colors (gray, beige, dark blue) with minimalist design. For Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Business or Classic dials will suit.
  • πŸŽ‰ Parties and activities: Experiment with gradients and animated flowers.On Watch S1 Pro can be set with Rainbow or Neon effect dials.

For models with Always-On Display (such as the Watch S3), consider that bright colors drain the battery faster, and the best option is a black background with white or green elements (as on AMOLED screens).

πŸ’‘

On Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, the color of the dial can be tied to the pulse: in the dial settings, select the option Dynamic color for heart rate - the watch will change hue depending on the heart rate.

FAQ: Frequent questions about color tweaking on Xiaomi

Can I change the color of the watch to Mi Band 3?
The Mi Band 3 only supports black and white, so you can't change color, but you can set custom dials that mimic color elements (like green or red stripes), but they'll be displayed in gray gradations.
Why did the color of the dial drop after the update?
This is standard behavior for Xiaomi devices. After updating the firmware, the dial settings are reset to factory. To avoid a problem, before updating: Sync the data with the cloud in Mi Fitness. Take a screenshot of the current dial (to restore manual settings). Use the dials from the official directory - they are saved after the updates.
How to make a gradient color on the Xiaomi Watch S2?
On the Watch S2, gradients are only supported in custom dials. Download a gradient-effect file (such as Sunset Gradient.wfz) and upload it via Zepp Life: Open Profile β†’ My Devices β†’ Dials β†’ Add. Choose Import and specify the path to the file. Once installed, the gradient will be animated when you turn your wrist. Official gradient dials are only available in the Chinese version of the firmware.
Can I adjust the color of the notifications separately from the dial?
Yes, on Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and Watch S3, the notification color is set separately: Go to Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Alert Style. Select Text Color and Background Color. For apps (like WhatsApp or Telegram), you can set individual colors in the Application Notification Settings section. On Mi Band, the notification color is rigidly tied to the dial theme.
How to return the standard color if the clock is glitching after a custom dial?
If the device is slowing or displaying time incorrectly: Reset the dial to factory via Settings β†’ Display β†’ Style Reset. For Mi Band 4/5, use the Mi Band Master utility and select the Restore Default Watchface option. If the watch does not respond, complete reset via Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset to factory (step and pulse data will be stored in the cloud).