The Chinese giant’s modern wearables require regular maintenance of software to work smoothly, and device owners often face the need to install new security patches or functional improvements that come from the manufacturer, a process that doesn’t always go smoothly, especially if it comes to older models or specific regional versions of firmware.
The relevance of firmware has a direct impact on the accuracy of health sensors and battery life. Ignoring updates can lead to data out-of-synchronization or Bluetooth malfunctions. So it’s important to know how to properly initiate and complete upgrades so that the device doesn’t become a brick.
In this article, we will explore all the nuances of updating the Xiaomi Wear ecosystem, including working through the standard Mi Fitness application and third-party utilities. You will learn why the process can hang on a certain percentage and what actions you absolutely can not perform at this point.
Preparation of the gadget and smartphone for the procedure
Before any manipulation of system software, you need to make sure that the battery is sufficiently charged, the critical minimum is considered to be 50%, although developers recommend charging the device to 80-100%. If the battery dies when writing new memory sectors, recovery may not be possible without a service center.
Connection stability is the second key success factor: Make sure your smartphone is in the Wi-Fi signal receiving zone or has a good 4G/LTE signal, since firmware files can weigh between 50 and 200 MB.
☑️ Checklist before update
It’s also worth checking the free space on the phone itself. The cache of Zepp Life or Mi Fitness can swell up to gigabytes, which prevents the normal download of service packs. Clearing the cache in Android/iOS settings often solves the problem of “eternal search” of the new version.
Automatic updates via Mi Fitness app
The main and most secure way to get new versions of the OS is to use official software. After pairing the clock with the phone, the system independently checks the servers for current builds. Usually, the notification appears automatically, but it can also be initiated manually through the profile menu.
To do this, open the app, go to the device profile and find Settings → Software Update. If the new version is available, you will see the Update button. Clicking on it starts the download of the package, followed by installation confirmation.
During the process, the watch screen may go out and turn on several times, and the progress bar may freeze by 99%, which is normal for checking checksums, and it is strictly forbidden to interrupt the Bluetooth connection at this point, as this will violate the integrity of the file system.
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If the update doesn’t come automatically, try turning off Bluetooth on your phone for 10 seconds, then turn it on again and update the profile page in the app.
Update via Zepp Life app (for older models)
Many users still use Mi Band 4, 5, 6 trackers, which are historically associated with the Zepp Life app (formerly Mi Fit). The logic is similar, but the interface and version-checking algorithms are different. Often new firmware for older bracelets first appear here.
To start the process, open the Profile tab, select your device and click on the Update Version button. The system will prompt you to download the file. It is important to understand that for some models, such as the Mi Band 3, support has already been discontinued and new firmware files are not being released for them.
Sometimes there is a conflict of versions, when the application requires you to update yourself first, and then the gadget. Follow the sequence suggested by the interface. If you use third-party dials, they are better removed temporarily, as they can block the installation of system files.
Manual installation of firmware and regional versions
Sometimes, automatic search won’t find an update, even though forums are already discussing a new version, which involves rollouts, in which experienced users resort to manual installation by downloading a firmware file (.bin) from trusted sources.
The file must be placed in a specific directory on the smartphone or use special modified versions of applications that allow you to select the file manually. For example, Mi Band often uses the method of swapping the file in the app cache or using utilities such as Notify for Mi Band.
It is important to keep regional sensitivities in mind: China Version may not be global or vice versa, and cross-regional flashing may result in the device being locked or NFC functionality being lost.
⚠️ Warning: Installing firmware from an unverified source may contain malicious code or be corrupted.Always check the hash amount of the file and community reviews before manually installing it.
Compatibility table and software versions
Different device models support different versions of operating systems. Below is a reference table of current versions of software for popular models at the moment., version numbers may change with the release of new patches.
| Model of the device | Current version of OS | Min version of the annex | Type of update |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Watch S1 | 1.5.8 | Mi Fitness 1.8+ | OTA (Air) |
| Mi Band 7 | 1.0.9.46 | Mi Fitness 1.6+ | OTA (Air) |
| Redmi Watch 3 | 1.0.2.12 | Mi Fitness 2.0+ | OTA (Air) |
| Amazfit GTR 3 | 1.1.5.08 | Zepp 6.0+ | OTA (Air) |
As you can see from the table, most modern devices receive updates "over the air." However, for older models such as the Amazfit Bip, the process can take much longer due to the lower speed of the Bluetooth module.
If your model is not listed or the software version is significantly older than the specified one, it is possible that the device has reached the end of the support lifecycle (EOL), in which case new features will not be added, only critical fixes are available.
What if the software version does not change after the update?
Typical errors and methods of their elimination
One of the most common problems is the process freezes during the Unpacking or Installation phase, which is often due to background processes on the smartphone that kill the application to save energy, you need to add the Mi Fitness app to the battery exceptions and allow auto-start.
Another common error is “Can’t check the update” which indicates a network connection problem or a lockdown of Xiaomi servers by your ISP, which can be done by changing the DNS on your phone (e.g. Google DNS 8.8.8.8) or switching from Wi-Fi to the mobile network.
If the clock after the update stopped synchronizing data, try to perform a complete reset of the device. To do this, in the menu of the watch, find System → Reset or use the Untie function in the application, and then create a pairing again.
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90% of update problems are solved by restarting the smartphone and clock before the procedure, as well as cleaning the app cache.
⚠️ Warning: If the watch screen is out during the upgrade process and the device does not respond to buttons for more than 15 minutes, put it on charge. Do not immediately try to carry it for repair - often the system recovers itself after a full charge cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I upgrade a Xiaomi watch without a phone?
Will my data and settings reset after the update?
Why does the update take so long?
What happens if your phone runs out during the clock update?
⚠️ Note: Use of modified versions of applications (MOD) To install unverified dials or features may result in a kon lock Xiaomi account.