If youβve just purchased a Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelet or another smartwatch model from the brand, the first question that arises is which app you need to install to connect the device to a smartphone. The answer depends on the generation of the bracelet, the region of purchase and even the firmware version. In this article, we will analyze all the official applications from Xiaomi and Huami/Zepp, The differences are also possible, as well as alternative solutions for those who want more features.
S 2020 Xiaomiβs fitness bracelet ecosystem has undergone major changes since the Mi Fit was used to manage all devices, but after the rebranding and brand separation, Mi Fitness (for the global market) and Zepp Life (for China and some Asian regions) have emerged. The old Mi Band models are also 3/4 They still work with Mi Fit, and the new ones require a new version, so to keep it from getting confused, we've put together a full compatibility table and step-by-step instructions.
Xiaomi's official apps: Mi Fitness vs Zepp Life
To start with, Xiaomi has fully moved from 2022 to two official apps, Mi Fitness (for the global market) and Zepp Life (for China and some Asian countries), while Mi Fit, which was the standard solution until 2020, is no longer updated and supports new bracelet models.
- π Mi Fitness is a global version for Europe, the United States, Russia and other regions, supports all bracelets starting with the Mi Band 5 and later, as well as the Xiaomi Watch and Redmi Watch smartwatches.
- π¨π³ Zepp Life is a Chinese version (formerly called Huami or Amazfit) that has advanced features for the Asian market, but can work in other regions with manual language change.
- β οΈ Mi Fit is an outdated app that can still be found on Google Play and the App Store, but it doesnβt support the newer Mi Band 4 and doesnβt receive security updates.
Itβs important to understand that Mi Fitness and Zepp Life are not just rebranded versions of Mi Fit, but completely redesigned apps with a new design, improved synchronization and additional features such as:
- π Advanced sleep analytics (including phases) REM nap).
- πββοΈ Automatic recognition 30+ Activity: There were only 6 in Mi Fit).
- π©Ί Stress and energy monitoring (only available in Zepp Life for some models).
- π Quick data sync with Google Fit, Apple Health and Strava.
β οΈ Note: If you bought the bracelet in China (for example, through AliExpress or Taobao), chances are it is tied to Zepp Life. Trying to connect it to Mi Fitness can lead to a synchronization error.
Compatibility table: what application for which model Mi Band
To avoid guessing which app to download, use our compatibility table. Here are all the current models of Xiaomi fitness bracelets and their official applications:
| Model bracelet | Supported applications | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 1/2 | Mi Fit (Old Version) | Not supported by new Android 12 smartphones+. |
| Mi Band 3/4 | Mi Fit, Mi Fitness (partially) | Mi Fitness does not support certain functions (for example, music management). |
| Mi Band 5/6/7/8 | Mi Fitness, Zepp Life | The Chinese version of the Mi Band 5 requires Zepp Life. |
| Xiaomi Smart Band 7/8 Pro | Mi Fitness, Zepp Life | In Zepp Life, additional widgets for Pro versions are available. |
| Redmi Watch 2/3 | Mi Fitness | Not supported by Zepp Life due to different firmware. |
If your model is not in the table, check the serial number on the box or in the bracelet settings (About the device) β Chinese versions often have the letter C in their title (e.g. Mi Band 7). NFC (C) which means the mandatory use of Zepp Life.
How to Download and Install Mi Fitness or Zepp Life
Installing an official app is a simple process, but there are a few things you should know about in advance. Here is a step-by-step guide for Android and iOS:
For Android:
- Open Google Play Market and search for βMi Fitnessβ or βZepp Lifeβ.
- Make sure the developer is Xiaomi Inc. (for Mi Fitness) or Huami Inc. (for Zepp Life).
- Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
- Launch the app and register an account (you can use Google, Facebook or phone number).
For iOS (iPhone):
- Open the App Store and find Mi Fitness or Zepp Life.
- Check that the app is optimized for your version of iOS (minimum support is iOS 12 for Mi Fitness and iOS 13 for Zepp Life).
- Install and open the app. You may need to allow notification and geolocation access when you first start up.
If you canβt find an app in your area, try:
- π Use it. VPN Connecting to the country where the app is available (e.g. Hong Kong for Zepp Life).
- π± Download APK-file from the official Xiaomi website or a verified source (e.g. APKMirror).
- π Update the bracelet firmware through PC-tools (e.g. Mi Band Tools) if the application does not recognize the device.
β οΈ Note: When installing Zepp Life on Android APK You may need to manually allow installation from unknown sources in your smartphone security settings (Settings) β Annexes β Special access β Installation of unknown applications).
βοΈ Preparation for the first connection of the bracelet
Step-by-step: how to connect the bracelet to Mi Fitness
Once you install the app, the most important thing is to sync the bracelet to your smartphone, and let's take Mi Fitness (the steps are similar for Zepp Life, but with a different interface design).
- Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and make sure the bracelet is charged (the indicator should flash green).
- Open Mi Fitness and click Profile β Add the device.
- Choose your bracelet model from the list (e.g. Mi Smart Band 7).
- Follow the instructions on the screen: confirm the pairing on the bracelet (click on its touch button) and wait for the synchronization to complete.
- After connecting, update the firmware (if a notification is available) β this will fix possible bugs and add new features.
If the bracelet is not connected:
- π Reset the bracelet (press the touch button for 10 seconds).
- π± Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugate devices in the Bluetooth settings of the smartphone and try again.
- π§ Check if the antivirus or power saving mode is blocking the application.
For models with NFC (For example, Mi Band 7 NFC) After the connection, you will need additional configuration of the payment system:
- Go to Mi Fitness. β Profile β Mi Band 7 β Contactless payments.
- Select a supported bank (e.g. SberBank or Tinkoff).
- Link the card and confirm through SMS.
π‘
If after updating the firmware bracelet stopped showing notifications, check the settings in Mi Fitness β Notifications β Allow notifications for apps and enable switches for messengers and calls.
Zepp Life: Features of the Chinese version of the app
Zepp Life (formerly Huami or Amazfit) is an app that was originally developed for the Chinese market, but thanks to its expanded functionality, it has become popular beyond its borders.
- π More detailed health analytics: in addition to standard metrics (steps, sleep, pulse), there is monitoring of stress levels, oxygen in the blood (SpOβ) And even breathing exercises.
- π― Personalized workouts: The app offers customized plans based on your data (e.g., marathon preparation or weight loss).
- π Support for multiple languages, including Russian, but some features (such as voice prompts) may remain in Chinese.
- π Integration with Chinese services (WeChat, Alipay) that are useless outside of China.
However, Zepp Life has its drawbacks:
- β οΈ There is no official support for some global models (e.g. Redmi Watch 3).
- π΅ Frequent synchronization problems if the bracelet is not purchased in China.
- π Certain functions (e.g, ECG Mi Band 7 Pro only works with Chinese accounts.
If you decide to use Zepp Life but encounter a connection error, try:
- Change region in bracelet settings to China (Settings) β About the device β Region).
- Install VPN Connecting to Hong Kong or China when you first launch the app.
- Update the bracelet firmware through PC-instruments (e.g. Mi Band Master).
How to get around regional lockdown in Zepp Life?
Alternative applications for Mi Band: when the official do not fit
Despite the convenience of official apps, many users are looking for alternatives because of:
- π« Limited functionality (e.g. no widgets in Mi Fitness).
- π Regional locks (Chinese bracelets do not work with Mi Fitness).
- π Desire to obtain advanced statistics (e.g. exporting data to Excel).
Here. TOP-5 Alternative applications for Xiaomi fitness bracelets:
| Annex | Supported models | Key functions | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notify & Fitness | Mi Band 3β8, Amazfit | Screen customization, notifications for any application, data export. | Paid version (β300 rubles), a complex interface. |
| Mi Band Master | Mi Band 1β7, Redmi Watch | Handheld firmware, hidden functions (e.g., always on screen). | It requires root for some operations. |
| Tools & Mi Band | Mi Band 4β8 | Set vibrations, change fonts, buttery saver. | Not supportive. NFC payment. |
| Amazfit Tools | Zepp/Life bracelets | Unlocking Chinese features (e.g., Chinese functions, ECG). | It works in an unstable way on new firmware. |
| Gadgetbridge | Mi Band 1-6, some smartwatches | Open-source, full control of data, no cloud synchronization. | No support for new models, complicated setup. |
If you choose to use an alternative app, remember:
- β οΈ Warranty Loss Risk: Unofficial firmware and tools can lock your device.
- π Increased battery consumption: Some apps (like Notify & Fitness) are constantly questioning the bracelet.
- π οΈ Technical difficulties: manual firmware may be required PC command-knowledge ADB.
π‘
For most users, official apps (Mi Fitness or Zepp Life) remain the best choice, and alternatives should only be considered if you need advanced features or circumvent regional restrictions.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even with official apps, users are experiencing bugs, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
1. The bracelet is not connected to the application
Possible causes:
- π Battery discharge (charge the bracelet to 50% and try again).
- π± Outdated version of the app (update Mi Fitness or Zepp Life in the store).
- π Conflict with another application (for example, if Mi Fit was previously used, delete it).
Decision:
- Reset the bracelet (press the button for 10 seconds).
- Remove the bracelet from the list of Bluetooth devices on your smartphone.
- Enable Developer Mode on the bracelet (via Mi Fitness) β Settings β About the device β Firmware version, press 5 times).
2. no notifications are coming.
Check it out.
- π Permissions for Mi Fitness in smartphone settings (Settings) β Annexes β Mi Fitness β Notifications).
- π΅ Is not the mode not to disturb on the bracelet.
- π Synchronization of notifications in the application itself (Profile) β Notifications β Management of notifications).
3. Data synchronization error
What to do:
- π Check your internet connection (data synced via cloud).
- β³ Wait 10-15 minutes β sometimes the delay is related to Xiaomi servers.
- π Reinstall the application by pre-saving data (export the history to Settings) β Export of data).
β οΈ Note: If after updating the firmware bracelet stopped correctly displaying time or data, reset to factory settings (Settings) β It'll delete all the data from the bracelet, but it'll bring back stable operation.