Owners of new and not just fitness bracelets often face confusion about the names of the software. The question of what the Xiaomi watch app is called has become especially relevant since the separation of the manufacturer's ecosystems. Previously, everything was controlled by one program, but now the functionality is divided between the two main platforms, and the choice depends on the specific model of your gadget.
The wrong choice of software can lead to the fact that the device simply will not connect to the smartphone or will work with restrictions. In this article, we will understand what software is needed for the Mi Band, Redmi Watch and other models, you will learn the key differences between the utilities and understand which version you need to download for stable operation.
To make matters worse, the names have changed several times and older versions are still available in stores, and understanding the difference between Zepp Life and Mi Fitness will save you time and nerves when you first set up.
Evolution of the ecosystem: why there are two applications
Historically, the first generation of Xiaomi activity trackers were developed in conjunction with Huami (now Zepp Health), which is why the Mi Fit app has long been the main management tool, allowing you to synchronize your steps, sleep and pulse data, and update your device firmware.
But Xiaomi’s strategy has changed over time, with the company building a single platform for all its smart devices, including scales, watches, and even smart homes, and the Mi Fitness program (formerly known as Xiaomi Wear) leading to a split audience: the old models stayed with Zepp Life, while the new ones moved to Mi Fitness.
Why can’t we use one app for everyone?
It is important to understand that devices released after 2021 most often require the use of Mi Fitness, whereas classic Mi Band 4, 5 and 6 can work in both programs, but with different set of functions.
Zepp Life: Who is this app for?
The Zepp Life app (formerly Mi Fit) is now the main tool for classic fitness bracelet owners, and if you have a Mi Band 3, 4, 5 or 6, it's your first installer, and the interface is designed to collect health statistics and minimalist design.
It integrates deep with cloud services to analyze long-term activity trends, and users value Zepp Life for its tight connection and low power consumption when synchronized, but the face functionality is limited to basic options.
- 📱 Support for classic Mi Band trackers (up to version 6 inclusive).
- 🏃♂️ Detailed statics by sports and sleep phases.
- 🔋 Optimized battery consumption of the smartphone in the background.
It's worth noting that for some watch models, such as the Amazfit Bip or Lite, this app also remains relevant despite the watchmaker's rebranding.The notification algorithms in Zepp Life are considered more flexible for text messaging.
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Zepp Life is the choice for those who need maximum autonomy of the bracelet and detailed health statistics without unnecessary functions of smart watches.
Mi Fitness: The New Generation of Management
The Mi Fitness app (Xiaomi Wear) is a more modern platform designed specifically for the new devices in the ecosystem, and is needed by Mi Band 7, 8, 9, and all Redmi Watch and Xiaomi Watch models.
The main difference is that it supports online dials with theme stores and the ability to install third-party mini-apps on the watch itself, and the notification system has been rewritten to support faster data transfer and image display in messages.
Mi Fitness also integrates with Google Fit and Apple Health at a deeper level, allowing you to export training data to other sports apps. Google’s Wear OS watch (such as Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) will require a completely different app, the Google Pixel Watch/Wear OS, but for the bulk of Xiaomi devices, it’s Mi Fitness.
- ⌚ Support for Mi Band 7/8/9 and all Redmi Watches.
- 🎨 A huge library of online dials and widgets.
- 🌐 Integration with Google Fit, Apple Health and Strava.
⚠️ Note: When trying to connect Mi Band 8 to the Zepp Life app, the device may not be determined or require a factory reset, as the data encryption protocol in the new models has been changed.
Comparison table: Zepp Life vs Mi Fitness
To make a final decision, let’s compare the key characteristics of both apps in a spreadsheet format, which will help you quickly navigate if you’re in doubt about which version to download.
| Characteristics | Zepp Life (Mi Fit) | Mi Fitness (Xiaomi Wear) |
|---|---|---|
| Supported models | Mi Band 2-6, Amazfit | Mi Band 7-9, Redmi Watch, Xiaomi Watch |
| Dial shop | Limited, offline. | Huge, online updates |
| Interface. | Strict, minimalist | Bright, with animations |
| Third-party widgets | Not supported. | Supported (weather, steps, etc.) |
As you can see from the comparison, Mi Fitness wins in terms of customization and support for new technologies. However, Zepp Life remains the king of stability for older devices. The choice of a particular application is dictated primarily by the model of your gadget, not personal preferences.
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If you switched from Mi Band 5 to Mi Band 8, past activity data will not be automatically transferred.
Instructions for installation and first connection
The process of installing the app is simple, but it has its nuances, especially for Android users. For iOS, the procedure is standard: find the app in the App Store by name and click “Download”. For Android smartphones, the situation is a little more complicated due to regional restrictions.
Officially, apps may not be available in your region on Google Play, in which case it is recommended to download the installation file (APK) from the official Xiaomi website or trusted resources such as Mi Community.
☑️ Checklist before connection
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Open the app and sign in to Xiaomi’s account (Mi Account).
- Click the "Add device" button in the top corner.
- Wait for the device to be found or select it from the list manually.
- Confirm the pairing on the watch screen if a request appears.
It is important not to miss the firmware update step that the app will offer immediately after you connect.The firmware contains important bug fixes and new features. During the upgrade, keep your phone and watch close to each other and don't close the app.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to connect the watch through the standard Bluetooth menu settings of the phone. the pairing must occur strictly within the application, otherwise the data synchronization will not work.
Frequent synchronization problems and their solution
Even with the right app, users can experience connectivity issues, most often the watches don’t see the phone or constantly lose touch, often due to the aggressive energy savings that smartphone makers are introducing into the Android shell.
You need to manually configure permissions for the application. Go to Settings → Applications → Mi Fitness (or Zepp Life) → Permissions. Make sure that access to the location is set to Always mode, not Only in Use. Also enable auto-run.
What if the app sees the watch but doesn’t connect?
Another common problem is time desynchronization. If the clock is running out of time, check if the "Sync Time with Phone" option is enabled in the device profile settings. Also make sure the phone is automatically set to network time.
- ❌ Problem: Notifications don't come. Solution: Check if notifications are enabled in the app's settings.
- ❌ Problem: The pulse meter is not working. Solution: Tightly press the bracelet against the skin or reset the device.
- ❌ Problem: Account error. Solution: Sign out and log in again, changing region to China or Russia".