Connecting Xiaomi smart watches through QR-Code: The Complete Guide to Android

Xiaomi's smartwatch today is not just an accessory, it's a full-fledged assistant for tracking health, managing notifications, and even paying for purchases, but to make all of these functions work, you need to connect the device correctly to your smartphone. QR-But many users have a problem: the code is not recognized, the application is error, the watch is not found.

In this article, we will learn how to scan. QR-Android code for connecting Xiaomi smartwatches (including Mi Band models) 7/8 Pro, Watch 2 Pro, Watch S3 You'll learn what applications are needed, how to avoid common errors, and what to do if the scan doesn't work, and we'll also look at alternative ways to connect in detail in case you have to do something about it. QR-The code is not available for some reason.

What Xiaomi smart watches support connection through QR-code?

Not all Xiaomi smartwatches require scanning QR-Some models use classic Bluetooth search, others use code only. Here is a current list of devices for which scanning is mandatory or recommended:

  • πŸ“± Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – Requires QR-code to activate all functions, including NFC
  • πŸ“± Xiaomi Watch S3 β€” The code is required to link to the Mi Account
  • πŸ“± Xiaomi Mi Band 7 Pro / 8 Pro β€” QR-Code makes it easier to set up notifications
  • πŸ“± Xiaomi Smart Band 8 – code used for fast synchronization with Zepp Life
  • πŸ“± Redmi Watch 3 Active – Scanning speeds up the connection process

If your model is not on this list, it's likely that standard Bluetooth search is enough to connect it. QR-code may be needed to update firmware or unlock additional features (for example, SpOβ‚‚ or stress monitoring).

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi Smart Watch Model Are You Using?
Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro
Xiaomi Mi Band 8
Xiaomi Watch S3
Redmi Watch 3
Another model
I haven't bought it yet.

It is important to consider that some regions (e.g. China) may require a Chinese version of the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app. QR-The code will be different and you need to look for it in the documentation for the device.

What Apps You Need to Scan QR-code?

To connect smart watches Xiaomi through QR-The code is used by one of the official applications, depending on the model:

Model clockAnnexDownload linkIs an account required?
Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Watch S3Xiaomi Wear (formerly Mi Wear)Google PlayYeah (Mi Account)
Mi Band 7/8 Pro, Smart Band 8Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit)Google PlayYes (Zepp/Mi Account)
Redmi Watch 3, Redmi Watch 2 LiteXiaomi Wear LiteGoogle PlayNo.

⚠️ Note: If you are not downloading from Google Play but from third-party sources (such as APKMirror), make sure the version is up to date.Old builds may not support new watch models or give a scan error QR-code.

Also, look at the region of your Mi Account, and if it's registered in China and you downloaded the European version of the app, the scan may not work.

  1. Remove the current app.
  2. Download the global version (e.g. Zepp Life Global).
  3. Register a new account with the correct region.

πŸ’‘

If the app doesn't find the clock, try turning on the Developer Mode on your smartphone and activating the Bluetooth Debugging option, which helps in 70% of connection problems.

Where to find out. QR-code?

QR-code for pairing can be in several places, depending on the model of the watch and configuration:

  • πŸ“¦ On the device box – usually pasted on the inside of the cover or on a separate liner.
  • πŸ“„ In the instructions for use - on the last page or in the section "Quick connection".
  • πŸ”‹ On screen protection film – some models (such as the Watch 2 Pro) have code under the film to be removed.
  • 🌐 Xiaomi official website – if the code is lost, it can be generated in the personal account Mi Account.

If you can't find QR-code, check the following points:

  • Make sure you take all the security film off the screen – sometimes the code is hidden underneath.
  • Look at the back of the clock -- some models have laser-coded code.
  • If a used watch, ask the previous owner to untie it from his account or your code will not work.
What to do if QR-code damaged or not scanned?
If the code is blurred, torn, or simply not recognized by the camera, try: 1. enter it manually (if it is text code, not graphic code). 2. Take a photo of the code on another device and zoom in on the image. 3. Contact Xiaomi with a photo of the box - they can send a new code. 4. Use an alternative method of connecting via Bluetooth (we will discuss this below).

⚠️ Attention: Never use QR-This can lead to your watch being linked to someone else's account or even leaking data. The official code is always unique to each device.

Step-by-step instructions: how to scan QR-Android

Now, to the scanning process itself, follow the instructions carefully to avoid errors.

  1. Install the app (Xiaomi Wear, Zepp Life or more, depending on the model).
  2. Sign up or sign in to your Mi Account/Zepp account.
  3. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and make sure the watch is charged (at least 20%).
  4. Launch the application and select the option "Add device".
  5. Put the camera on QR-Code – Keep your smartphone at a distance 10-15 code-wise.
  6. Then, make sure you are on the clock (if necessary).
  7. Wait until the synchronization is complete – it can take up to 5 minutes.

Install the official app | Charge the watch to 50% | Enable Bluetooth and GPS| Make sure the code is not corrupt |Configure the camera permissions in the app-->

If you have a β€œfailed to connect” error during the scanning phase, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot your smartphone and watch.
  • πŸ“Ά Shut down. VPN β€” It can block access to Xiaomi servers.
  • πŸ”’ Give all permissions to the application (camera, location, contacts).
  • πŸ“± Update the application to the latest version.

Important: If the watch has already been connected to another smartphone, you must first reset it to the factory settings. To do this, press the button on the case for 10 seconds or select Reset from the watch menu.

What to do if QR-code not scanned?

Sometimes, even with the right actions, the scan doesn't work, so let's look at the main reasons and solutions.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The camera doesn't focus on codePoor lighting or dirty lensWipe your camera, turn on your flashlight, try another scanning app (like Google Lens).
The application gives an error "Invalid code"The code is for another region or model.Download the correct version of the app (global or Chinese)
The watch does not respond to scansLow battery charge or software failureCharge the clock to 100%, perform reset
Scan loops in.Conflict with another Bluetooth deviceTurn off all other gadgets (earphones, fitness bracelets)

If nothing helps, try an alternative method of connection:

  1. In the application, select "Plug manually".
  2. Activate the pairing mode on the watch (usually by holding the button).
  3. Select a watch model from the list in the app.
  4. Confirm the code on the watch screen (if it appears).

πŸ’‘

If the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro is not connected through the QR-Try using the Xiaomi Wearable app instead of Xiaomi Wear – it works better with new models.

How to avoid errors when connecting through QR-code?

To make the process go smoothly, follow these tips:

  • πŸ”‹ Charge the watch to 100% – when low charge, it can shut down during synchronization.
  • πŸ“Ά Connect to stable Wi-Fi – some models require internet to activate.
  • πŸ”’ Disable ad blockers (such as AdGuard) – they can interfere with the work of Xiaomi servers.
  • πŸ“± Use the original charging cable – unoriginal cables can cause crashes.
  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware of the clock before connecting (if possible).

⚠️ Note: If you buy a watch from your hand, make sure to check if it is untied from the previous owner, otherwise you will not be able to link it to your account, even if you scan it. QR-To check the status of the clock:

  1. Press the button on the clock for 10 seconds.
  2. If a reset menu appears, the clock is not tied.
  3. If not, ask the seller to untie them through their account.

Also, look at the firmware region, and if the watch is for China and you're using a global app, some features (like NFC or Google Assistant) might not work, and you'd have to flash the watch over to the global version of the software.

Alternative ways to connect Xiaomi smart watches

If the scan is QR-For some reason, it is impossible to connect the watch in other ways:

  • πŸ” Bluetooth search: Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone. In the app, select Add Device" β†’ "Manually plug it in. Select the watch model from the list. Confirm the pairing on the watch.
  • πŸ“‹ Manual code entry: If QR-The code contains a numerical code, enter it in an application. 6-8 numbers and listed under the barcode.

Mi Account

  1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
  2. In the "Devices" section, select "Add new".
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen.

⚠️ Note: When connecting via Bluetooth without QR-For example, Mi Band 8 Pro will not work with notifications about calls if the watch is not tied to the account through the code.

If neither method worked, it might be the firmware of the watch.

  1. Download the latest version of the software from the official Xiaomi website.
  2. Connect the watch to charge.
  3. Use the Mi Fit or Xiaomi Wear app to update.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi smartwatches

Can you connect Xiaomi watches to iPhones? QR-code?
Yes, but with limitations. iPhones require the Zepp Life app (available in the App Store), but some features (like quick notification responses) on iOS won't work. QR-The iPhone code sometimes works unstablely.
What to do if you have scanned QR-The clock is not synchronized?
Try these steps: Reboot your smartphone and watch. Remove the watch from the list of devices in the app and add it again. Check if Bluetooth and geolocation are on on on your smartphone. Update the app and the watch firmware. If the problem persists, reset the watch to factory settings.
Can I use one of them? QR-code?
No, QR-If you want to connect your watch to another smartphone, first untie it from your current account in the app, then reset it on your watch and scan the code again.
Why does the app ask for permission to access contacts and SMS?
This is necessary for notifications (calls, messages) and quick response functions. If you refuse access, the watch will not be able to show incoming calls or SMS. Permissions can be disabled later in the Android settings, but some features will stop working.
How to Reset Xiaomi Smart Watches if They Are Not Connected?
Reset methods depend on the model: For Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro: press the side button for 10-15 seconds until the reset menu appears. For Mi Band 7/8: tap the sensor on the screen and hold 30 seconds. For Redmi Watch 3: in the settings menu, select Reset. After reset, you can reconnect the watch.