Owning a fitness tracker from Chinese giant Xiaomi opens up ample opportunities for the user to monitor health, but without the right software, the device turns into a simple accessory. Many beginners, first purchasing this gadget, wonder what the program for the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 watch is called, since there are no obvious pointers or signs on the box. QR-This is a fundamental step, because it's the software that synchronizes data, adjusts notifications and sets dials.
The software situation for this model is unique because of the rebranding that took place in the company ecosystem. For a long time, the Mi Fit application was the main management tool, which became the standard for millions of users around the world. However, in the process of rebranding and splitting ecosystems, a new application called Zepp Life appeared, which is actually an updated version of the old program, but with a changed interface and server logic. Understanding this difference is critical to successfully activate your tracker.
In this article, we will discuss in detail which software to choose for you, consider the installation and configuration process, and answer the most common questions that arise from owners of Xiaomi Mi Band 3. We will not only give the name, but also explain why choosing a particular application can affect the stability of the device in the long run.
Main application: Mi Fit and its transformation
Initially, all Xiaomi wearables, including the third version of the bracelet, worked exclusively through the Mi Fit platform. This app allowed not only to read steps and pulses, but also to adjust vibration alarms, activity goals and even control music on a smartphone.
But in 2021, the company rebranded the Mi Fit app and renamed it Zepp Life. It's important to understand that it's not just a logo change: the server architecture and the way you log in requires you to create a Zepp account to log in, although old Mi Account accounts are also supported with some limitations.
Despite the name Zepp Life, deep in code and in user memory, it is still the same “Mi Band 3” program, which provides the most complete compatibility with all the functions of the tracker, including weather display, sleep phase control and notification management from messengers.
⚠️ Note: When upgrading your old Mi Fit app to Zepp Life, you may need to re-authorize and re-assign the device. Make sure you remember your account password so you don't lose the stats you've accumulated.
The functionality of the application covers all aspects of the tracker’s life:
- 📊 Detailed activity analysis: steps, distance, calories and activity time.
- ❤️ Health monitoring: resting pulse and exercise, sleep phases, motion reminders.
- 📱 Notification management: calls, SMS, Social media posts and alarm clocks.
- 🎨 Personalization: installing third-party dials and setting up the display of information on the screen.
Zepp Life vs Mi Fit: What's the difference?
While technically the Zepp Life is the direct successor to the Mi Fit, there are significant differences that the attentive user will notice, primarily in terms of interface and logic. Zepp Life has a more modern, flat design, but it has become heavier and more demanding on the resources of the smartphone.
The second big difference is the ecosystem: Mi Fit was more versatile and local, while Zepp Life is sharpened to the global Zepp Health platform. This means that some features that used to work autonomously now require a constant Internet connection and a link to the cloud service. For Xiaomi Mi Band 3, this has little to no impact on the basic functionality, but can complicate the synchronization process in conditions of a weak signal.
The third aspect is that you've been using Mi Fit for years, and if you've been using Zepp Life, you can save history, but the interface is not familiar, and new users are immediately introduced to the Zepp ecosystem, which is a better choice in the long run, as support for the old Mi Fit app is gradually reduced to a minimum.
| Characteristics | Mi Fit (Old version) | Zepp Life (Actual version) |
|---|---|---|
| Package name | com.xiaomi.hm.health | com.huami.watch.hmhealth |
| Interface design | Classic, gray/blue | Modern, white/green |
| LA requirements | Android 4.4+, iOS 9.0+ | Android 6.0+, iOS 12.0+ |
| Account support | Mi Account, WeChat | Zepp Account, Mi Account, Google, Apple |
| Stability | High (time-tested) | Medium (frequent updates) |
Can I install two versions at once?
Alternative Apps: Notify for Mi Band
For advanced users who lack the functionality of standard software, there is a powerful alternative called Notify for Mi Band (formerly known as Notify & Fitness), a third-party application developed by enthusiasts that gives access to hidden tracker features not available in official software.
The main advantage of Notify is deep customization, you can change the order of display items in the wristband menu, adjust the vibration for each notification type separately, and even display the entire text of messages on the screen, rather than just "Incoming message."
Using third-party software requires caution, and the app works as a proxy: it reads data from the bracelet and sends it to the official application (Mi Fit or Zepp), or works independently, which can lead to increased battery consumption of the smartphone and occasional data desynchronization.
⚠️ Note: When using Notify for Mi Band, the official software warranty does not apply. Incorrect settings can cause the bracelet to stop reacting.-comand pressed.
Key Opportunities of Alternative Software:
- 🔧 Advanced screen vibration and brightness setting.
- 📝 Displaying full text of messages and notification history.
- 🌍 Weather widgets with detail by the clock.
- 🔄 Automation of actions (for example, turning on the alarm when removing the bracelet).
💡
Before installing Notify for Mi Band, make a full data backup in the official app, as switching to third-party software may require resetting the bracelet to factory settings.
Installation and initial setup process
Installation of the program for Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is a simple process, but requires a sequence of actions. First you need to download the installation file. For Android users, this is Google Play Store or the official Mi site, for iOS users, the App Store.
Once you have installed and registered your account, the app will request permissions to access Bluetooth, geolocation and notifications (BLE) on Android, without inclusion GPS-The device will not be searched for by the module, and this is a common mistake of beginners who don't understand why the phone doesn't see the bracelet.
Next comes the pairing process. Don't try to connect the bracelet through the standard Bluetooth menu of your phone's settings! The pairing should be done strictly within the app. Press "Add device", select Mi Band 3 and confirm pairing on the tracker screen by tapping the touch button.
Sequence of action:
1. Enable Bluetooth and GPS on the phone.
2. Launch Zepp Life/Mi Fit.
3. Go to Profile -> Add the device.
4. Select Mi Band 3.
5 Press "OK" on the bracelet screen when vibration appears.☑️ Checklist of successful installation
Solving Connection and Synchronization Problems
Even if installed correctly, users can face problems, the most common being that the bracelet doesn’t sync or loses communication all the time, often because of the aggressive energy savings built into Android shells (MIUI, EMUI, etc.), which kill the application’s background process.
To fix this, add the app to boot and remove battery restrictions. In the phone settings, find the Battery or Applications section, select Zepp Life and set the Unlimited mode. It is also useful to lock the app in the memory.
Another problem is time desynchronization. If the bracelet is running out of time, check if the phone time sync option is enabled in the device profile settings. Also make sure that the smartphone is automatically set to network time.
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet is stuck and doesn't respond to touch, put it on charge, 90% of the time, it takes the device out of deep sleep and restores performance.
The main steps of diagnosis:
- 🔌 Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone (turn off/on).
- 📱 Removal and re-installation of the application.
- 🔄 Reset the bracelet to factory settings through the device menu.
- 📶 Checking the stability of the Internet connection.
💡
The stability of the Mi Band 3 depends on the correct power saving settings in your smartphone operating system, not on the bracelet itself.