What application is needed for Xiaomi watches on iPhone: a full review of 2026

You bought a Xiaomi smartwatch (like the Mi Band 8, Watch 2 Pro or Smart Band 7 Pro) but you run into a problem: there is no Mi Fit app on the iPhone that runs on Android. You just can’t find it on the App Store — and it’s no coincidence. The fact is that Xiaomi’s ecosystem for wearables has undergone a major change: the brand has moved to the Zepp platform, and old apps are either removed or work with restrictions.

In this article, we’ll look at what app you really need to sync your Xiaomi watch with your iPhone in 2026, how it differs from each other, and how to avoid typical connection errors. We’ll also look at the unique nuances of working with iOS — for example, why certain features (like answering calls) may not be available, and how to get around it. If you’ve tried to connect your watch and got an error, here’s the solution.

Xiaomi’s official iPhone apps: what to choose?

Xiaomi has three main smartwatch and fitness bracelet management apps to date, but not all of them are available on the App Store or support iOS.

• 🔹 Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit) is the main app for most Xiaomi watches and bracelets (including Mi Band) 7/8, Watch S1/S2). Available on the App Store.
• 🔹 Zepp A&I is a new app for flagship models (e.g. Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro). Supports iOS, but with limitations.
• 🔹 Mi Fitness is an outdated app, removed from the App Store in 2023.

It’s important to understand that the name of the app depends on the model of your watch, for example, for the Mi Band 8 you need Zepp Life, and for the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – Zepp A&I. If you install the wrong app, the watch may not connect or work with errors.

How do you determine which application you need?

To avoid guessing, check the exact model of your watch - it is indicated:

• 📦 On the device box (usually at the bottom or on the side).
• 🔍 In the settings of the clock: Settings → About the device → Model.
• 🛒 In a check or card of goods (if you bought online).

Please check our compatibility table:

If your model isn't in the spreadsheet, check the official Xiaomi website or documentation in the box.Sometimes new devices are only supported in Zepp A&I, which may not yet appear on the App Store for your region.

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Update iOS to the latest version before installing the app. Some features (such as notifications) require iOS 15 or later.

Step-by-step: how to connect Xiaomi watch to iPhone

Let’s take a look at Mi Band 8 and the Zepp Life app:

1. Download the app: 📱 Open the App Store on iPhone. 🔍 Search for Zepp Life (Developed by Huami Inc.). ⬇️ Install the app (free, weight) ~150 MB).
2. Register an account: 📧 You can use email, phone number or account Google/Apple ID. 🔐 Create a strong password (useful for data recovery).

Connect the watch.

• 🔄 Turn Bluetooth on your iPhone.
• 📱 In the app, click Add Device → The clock/Bracelet.
• 🔍 Choose your model from the list.
• 🔗 Put the watch on the phone and confirm the pairing.

Charge your watch to 50% or more |

Update iOS to the latest version|

Make sure Bluetooth is on |

Download the correct app (Zepp Life or Zepp A&I) |

Prepare data for account registration-->

If the clock is not connected:

• 🔄 Reboot your iPhone and watch.
• 📱 Remove the application and install it again.
• 🔧 Check if it's blocking. VPN or antivirus compound.

Restrictions on the use of Xiaomi watches with iPhone

Unfortunately, not all of Xiaomi’s smartwatch features work as well on iPhones as they do on Android.

• 📞 Call Answers: Most models (except the Watch 2 Pro) cannot answer calls directly from the clock.
• 🎵 Music management: no way to switch tracks to iPhone (only pause/playback works).
• 📱 Notifications: coming with a delay (before) 5-10 Seconds, some messengers (such as WhatsApp) may not be displayed.
• 📍 GPS: In some models (for example, Mi Band 7 Pro) GPS It only works when you connect to Android.

⚠️ Note: If you use the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro with Zepp A&I, then synchronizing contacts with the iPhone is impossible due to Apple restrictions.

Despite these nuances, the core features (heart monitoring, steps, sleep, exercise) work steadily, and if you're critical to making calls or music, consider alternatives like the Apple Watch or the Wear OS watch.

Alternative Apps: Should You Try?

In the App Store, you can find third-party apps for managing Xiaomi watches, for example:

• 🔧 Notify & Fitness for Mi Band – allows you to configure notifications more flexible than in the official application.
• 📊 Mi Bandage – Expands Sleep and Exercise Monitoring Capabilities.
• 🔄 Tools & Mi Band adds widgets to iPhone screen.

However, these applications have serious disadvantages:

• 💰 Often require a paid subscription for full functionality.
• 🔒 May request access to personal data (contacts, location).
• 🛠️ Do not guarantee stable operation - synchronization failures are possible.

⚠️ Note: App parties may violate Apple's privacy policy, resulting in account locking or app removal from the App Store.Use them at your own risk.

If you do decide to try, read the reviews in the App Store first and check if your watch model is supported.For example, the Mi Band 8 doesn't work with all alternative apps.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

When connecting Xiaomi watches to iPhones, users often face problems, and here are the most common solutions:

If none of the solutions worked, try resetting the clock to factory settings:

1. On the clock: Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. In the app: delete the device from your account and add again.

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Before resetting the clock, be sure to synchronize the data with the application, otherwise the statistics of training and sleep will be lost.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions