Owning modern wearables from Xiaomi and its sub-brand Amazfit offers a wide range of opportunities for health control and smartphone management. However, immediately after unpacking, many users are faced with a Chinese interface and lack of basic settings. The initial configuration is a critical step without which the device will not be able to fully function in conjunction with your phone.
The activation process requires careful attention, especially when choosing a control application. Depending on the watch model (there are Bip, Stratos, GTR, GTS or new T-Rex series), the software may differ. For models released after 2019, the only relevant application is Zepp (formerly known as Mi Fit for older devices), whereas very old gadgets may require Amazfit ToolBox. Ignoring this fact will make it impossible to synchronize data.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at every step from downloading software to fine-tuning notifications. You will learn how to avoid typical pairing errors and how to make your device as comfortable as possible. A competent initial setup will save you hours of time in the future and ensure that all functions work consistently.
Preparation and installation of the Zepp application
The first step to fully using your gadget is to install a control center. On modern smartphones with Android and iOS operating systems, the main tool is the Zepp app. It can be found in official Google Play stores or the App Store. Beware: the app icon is a stylized letter "Z" on a black or white background.
Once you download the program, you need to register your account, which is a requirement to store your activity statistics in the cloud, you can use your phone number, email address, or log in through social media accounts, and you should choose your region automatically when registering, or you should specify your actual address so that weather widgets and maps work correctly.
Some older users may be offered the Amazfit app, which is normal for 2016-2018 devices, but it is no longer suitable for current models. If the system insists on upgrading to Zepp, accept it, as support for legacy applications is gradually phased out.
Matching a clock with a smartphone
Connecting a device to a phone is often difficult because of Bluetooth, and it's important to understand that pairing must be done through the application interface, not through the standard Bluetooth menu in your phone settings. If you've pre-connected the clock through the system menu, remove the device from the paired list, otherwise the app will not be able to find the gadget.
Turn on geolocation (GPS) In modern versions of Android, it's a requirement to scan peripherals. Open the Zepp app, go to your profile, and select the add-on. QR-code that appears on the watch screen, or find the device automatically.
You'll see a request on your watch to confirm pairing, and you'll usually click on the green tick or the confirmation button, and when you're successfully connected, you'll start synchronizing your time and baseline, and if you're stuck, try restarting both devices and repeating the procedure.
☑️ Checklist of successful pairing
In the rare cases where automatic search doesn’t work, you can use manual mode. This requires you to select your device model from a list. The communication protocol may differ from model to model, so choosing the right series (e.g., Amazfit GTR 2 instead of just GTR) is important for connection stability.
Interface translation and basic settings
After the first turn on, many users see Chinese or English, and to change the language to Russian, you need to go to the application settings. The path usually looks like: Profile → My devices → System settings → Language.
If the menu doesn't have Russian, it's possible that the watch firmware needs an update. In the Zepp app, there's often a notification in the device management section about the new version of the software. Press "Update" and wait for the process to be completed. Important: don't turn off the phone screen and keep the watch next to it during the update.
In parallel with the language, you should set the dial. In the Dials section, there is a huge store of free and paid options. You can choose a static image, animation or even upload your photo. Once you select the dial, the dial will automatically set to the watch via Bluetooth.
What to do if the language doesn’t change?
Set up notifications and calls
One of the main functions of a smartwatch is to display notifications, so you have to give the app permissions to come in, and in the device management menu, look for "Application Notifications" or App notifications, and you have to activate the switches for the right programs: messengers, email, social networks.
For Android users, it is critical to prevent the system from "killing" the background process of the Zepp app. Go to the phone's battery settings, find the app and select "No Limits" or "Out-Start" mode. Without this notification, they may come with a delay or not come at all.
Call response is not available on all models. If your watch has a speaker and microphone (such as the GTS 2 series or T-Rex Pro), the menu will have a Bluetooth call option. Turn it on, and the watch will work like a headset. On models without a speaker, you will only see the caller's number and reset the call.
| Function | Requirements | Where to set up |
|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp Notifications | Permission to access | Appendix Zepp → Notifications |
| Answer to the call | Microphone in watch | Settings → Bluetooth calls |
| Change of dial | Internet | Profile → Dials |
| Sleep monitoring | Pulse sensor | Profile → Health settings |
💡
For stable notifications in Android 12 and above, turn on the option “Continuous work” or “Start in the background” for the Zepp application in the system settings.
Adjusting health and activity
The accuracy of the measurements depends on the correctness of the personal data entered. In the user profile, indicate your weight, height, date of birth and, importantly, the goal by step.
In the Health section, you can adjust the frequency of your pulse measurement, you should choose a 10-minute or 30-minute interval to balance data accuracy with autonomy, and you should also activate stress and blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring if your model supports these functions.
Athletes can use PAI, which is a single measure that measures your weekly activity, and try to keep your index above 100, which indicates that you are working hard enough to maintain heart health.
⚠️ Attention: The pulse sensor on the back should fit tightly to the skin. If you wear the watch too loose or tattoo the place of attachment, the readings may be incorrect or intermittent.
Solutions and optimization of work
Even after setting it right, there may be minor disruptions. If the clock stops syncing time, check if the phone time sync option is enabled in the app. A common cause of outsynchronization is aggressive energy saving on the smartphone, which blocks the background communication.
If you have problems with GPS (track is not recorded or shifted), wait for the satellite signal before the start of the workout. In the training settings, turn on the option "Use GPS phone" if the built-in module in the watch is unstable or absent.
To extend the battery life, turn off the "Raise the wrist to turn on the screen" function or reduce the brightness. It is also worth removing unnecessary widgets from the dial that constantly update data, such as the weather or currency exchange rate.
💡
The most common reason for notification problems is the lack of permission to auto-run the Zepp app in the smartphone battery settings.