How to connect the fitness bracelet Honor to the smartphone Xiaomi: full instructions with solutions to typical problems

Synchronizing the Honor Band fitness bracelet with Xiaomi’s phone may seem like a simple task, but in practice, users are faced with the nuances of compatibility between the two ecosystems. Despite the fact that both brands are running Android, their branded applications (Huawei Health and Mi Fitness) are not originally designed for cross-platform interaction. This article will help you understand how to connect devices correctly, what settings are priorities, and what to do if the bracelet refuses to connect to Xiaomi via Bluetooth, although it sees it in the list of available devices.

We’ll look at two main scenarios: official connectivity via Huawei Health (with restrictions on phones without Google services) and alternative methods for users who have not had a standard way of doing things, including Honor Band 6/7/8 and Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO smartphones based on MIUI 12-14, which is the combination that most often raises questions, and how to set up notifications, synchronize steps and pulses, and why some features may not work properly.

Why Honor Band might not connect to Xiaomi: Key reasons

Before you go into the instructions, it is important to understand what obstacles you may encounter.

• 📱 Lack of Google services on Xiaomi phones for the Chinese market (e.g., models with Global ROM firmware without GMS). Huawei Health app requires Google Play Services to work properly.
• 🔄 Bluetooth profile conflict: Some versions of MIUI automatically assign the bracelet an incorrect profile (like a headset instead of a fitness device).
• 🔒 Power saving limitations: The adaptive battery feature in Xiaomi can block background activity of Huawei Health, interrupting communication.
• 📲 An outdated version of the app. Huawei Health had issues recognizing Xiaomi phones as compatible devices before version 12.0.1.300.

Another nuance is regional restrictions: If your Honor bracelet is bought in China and your Xiaomi phone is a global version (or vice versa), you may need to change the region in your app settings, for example, for the Honor Band 7 in Huawei Health, you need to choose the China Mainland region, even if you are in Europe.

⚠️ Warning: If your Xiaomi phone is running on MIUI EU firmware (unofficial European build), turn off the Private DNS function in network settings before connecting the bracelet.

The official way: connect via Huawei Health

This is the main method recommended by the manufacturer.It is suitable for most Honor Band models (5/6/7/8) and Xiaomi phones with Google Play Services.

1. Install the Huawei Health app from Google Play or AppGallery (if you have Huawei Mobile Services).
2. Sign up or sign in to your Huawei ID account. If you don't have one, create it via email or phone number.
3. Turn on Bluetooth and geolocation on your Xiaomi phone. Without geodata, the app may not detect the bracelet.
4. Start Huawei Health, click Devices → Add Device → Bracelet and select your Honor Band model.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen. When the bracelet vibrates, confirm pairing on both devices.

Once you've successfully connected, the app will suggest you update the bracelet firmware, and don't give up the upgrade, because it will fix most compatibility bugs, and it will take 5-10 minutes, and don't interrupt or leave the app.

Bluetooth enabled on your phone

Geolocation Permit for Huawei Health

Bracelet charged at least 50%

The latest version of Huawei Health is installed (check out Google Play)

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If the bracelet does not appear in the list at the device search stage, try:

• 🔄 Reboot phone and bracelet (Put the button on Honor Band for 10 seconds).
• 📱 In Xiaomi settings go to Bluetooth → Additional → Reset settings.
• 🔍 Remove the Huawei Health app cache in Settings → Apps → App Management.

Alternative Connection Methods for Phones Without Google

If your Xiaomi doesn’t support Google Play Services (like models for the Chinese market or custom firmware), the official Huawei Health app won’t work.

Method 1: Using APK- version of Huawei Health with a patch

Some enthusiasts are modifying the original app to remove Google dependency, such as the Huawei Health Mod version from developer acr12 (available on 4PDA or XDA forums).

• 🚨 Violate Huawei's privacy policy.
• 🔄 Do not support automatic data synchronization.
• 📱 Requires manual updates when new versions are released.

Installation instructions:

1. Download. APK-a file from a verified source (e.g, 4PDA).
2. In Xiaomi settings, allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special permissions → Install unknown applications.
3. Install the APK and launch the app. Google Play Services may be missing when you first start up — ignore it.
4. Connect the bracelet manually through Add the device.

Method 2: Notify & Fitness app for Mi Band

It is a versatile fitness bracelet app that supports many Honor Band models (such as the Band 5/6).It does not require Google Play Services and runs on any Xiaomi firmware.

Features of the work:

• ✅ Supports notifications, pedometers, sleep monitoring.
• ❌ There is no official synchronization with Huawei Health (data stored locally).
• 🔧 Requires manually configuring the bracelet profile (select Honor Band 5/6 in the list of devices).

Official Huawei Health App

Notify & Fitness for Mi Band

A modified version of Huawei Health

Another way.-->

Setup of notifications and data synchronization

After a successful connection, it is important to properly configure notifications and background synchronization.Huawei Health may block some features on Xiaomi due to battery optimization by default.

To allow all permits:

1. Go to Xiaomi Settings → Applications → Application Management → Huawei Health.
2. Enable: - Autostart - Background activity - Precise location - Show over other windows
3. In Battery → Battery Optimization, select No Limits for Huawei Health.

To set up notifications:

1. At Huawei Health, go to Device → Notification Settings.
2. Turn on the Call and Message Notification switch.
3. Select applications that must be duplicated on the bracelet (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS).
4. On Xiaomi phone, in the notification settings for each app, allow access to Huawei Health.

⚠️ Warning: If notifications are delayed after setting up, check if MIUI Optimization is blocking them. In the engineering menu (#4636##) disable the Optimize MIUI battery for Huawei Health.

Solving Typical Connection Problems

Even after successful synchronization, Xiaomi users often encounter errors. Let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The bracelet is plugged in, but immediately shut down

The reason is usually a Bluetooth connection conflict.

• 📱 On a Xiaomi phone, go to Settings → Bluetooth, find your Honor Band and forget the device.
• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (press the button for 10 seconds).
• 🔗 In Huawei Health, remove the device from the list and add it again.

Problem 2: Step or sleep data is not synchronized

This is due to background limitations of MIUI. Correction:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Huawei Health → Permissions and turn on all switches.
2. In Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization, select All Apps → Huawei Health → No Limits
3. Manually run sync in Huawei Health by pulling the screen down.

Problem 3: The bracelet doesn't vibrate when notified

Check it out.

• 🔔 Huawei Health includes app-specific notifications (Device → Notifications).
• 📵 Do not disturb the bracelet (check the bracelet menu).
• 🔊 In Xiaomi’s settings for each application (e.g. WhatsApp), is it allowed to duplicate notifications to external devices?

Optimization of the bracelet with Xiaomi: tips and tricks

To ensure that the Honor Band works consistently, follow these guidelines:

• 🔋 Charging the bracelet: Connect it to charging only after full discharge (no more than 1 time every 5-7 days). Frequent recharging shortens battery life.
• 📶 Firmware updates: Always install the latest bracelet updates through Huawei Health. Newer versions fix compatibility bugs with Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Reconnect: Once a month, forget the bracelet in your Bluetooth settings and reconnect it. This resets the connection cache.
• 🛡️ Security: If you use Huawei Health Mod, check the app’s permissions to access contacts and messages regularly.

For Xiaomi users with MIUI 14, it is useful to know that the system automatically restricts the background activity of applications 3 days after installation.

1. After installing Huawei Health, immediately add it to Secure Apps (Settings → Battery → Secure Apps).
2. Turn off the Adaptive Battery feature for Huawei Health.

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If the bracelet started to discharge quickly after connecting to Xiaomi, check if constant data synchronization in the background is enabled. In Huawei Health, go to Settings → Autosynchronization and set the interval no more than 1 time per hour.

Honor Band vs Mi Band: What’s Best for Xiaomi

Many Xiaomi users are doubtful whether to buy the Honor Band, if there are native Mi Band.

Bottom Line: The Honor Band wins in price/quality and notification stability, but requires extra effort to customize on Xiaomi.The Mi Band is easier to connect, but has a less bright screen and frequent sync problems on custom firmware.

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If you want maximum compatibility with Xiaomi and minimal hassle when setting up, choose the Mi Band. If you are willing to spend time on optimization, but want the best screen and price, take the Honor Band.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Honor Band to Xiaomi