Modern wearables have become an integral part of the smart home ecosystem, and the bundle of the Redmi 8 smartphone with Xiaomi’s activity tracker is one of the most popular combinations on the market. Owners often face the need for the right initial setup so that heart rate, steps and sleep data are transmitted without delay and loss. The pairing process seems simple, but hidden MIUI settings can create additional barriers that require careful attention to each step.
To get started successfully, you’ll need to make sure that your device has all the necessary communication modules activated and the operating system version meets the minimum requirements of the companion application. It’s critical to use the official Mi Fit or Zepp Life app, since third-party counterparts often do not have access to the full functionality of the device. In this guide, we’ll take a detailed look at the whole way from unpacking the gadget to receiving the first notification on the wrist, eliminating typical user errors.
It is worth noting that the Redmi 8, despite its age, does a great job of background tracking tasks if you adjust the power consumption correctly. Bluetooth module in this smartphone works steadily, but aggressive battery optimization sometimes interrupts the connection. Understanding these nuances will allow you to enjoy the full functionality of the gadget without the need for constant reconnection.
Preparation of the smartphone and installation of software
The first step before trying to pair is to prepare the software environment on your Redmi 8. You need to download the official device management app, which is currently Zepp Life (formerly known as Mi Fit). Although some older bracelet models still support direct search through the standard Bluetooth menu, it is not suitable for full functionality and can lead to a limitation of the tracker.
Go to the Google Play Store or GetApps and search for the name of the app. Make sure that the developer is listed as Anhui Huami Information Technology to avoid installing fakes or malware. After installation, take your time to open the program - first create a Mi Account or log in to an existing one, since without authorization, data synchronization is impossible.
Why do you need a Mi Account?
Pay attention to the permissions requested when you first run. The app will need access to geolocation, camera, contacts and notifications. Denial of access to geolocation often blocks the operation of the Bluetooth scanner at the Android level, which is a common reason for not being able to find the device.
Configure Bluetooth and geolocation settings
The Android system on board Redmi 8 has strict security policies that require certain services to be enabled to operate the peripherals. Open the notification curtain and make sure the Bluetooth icon is lit blue. If the icon is not in quick access, go to Settings → Bluetooth and activate the switch manually.
Special attention should be paid to the GPS module. Many users ignore this option, considering it only necessary for maps, but the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) protocols used by the bracelets are tied to location services. Go to Settings → Location and turn on the module by selecting the "GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile" mode for maximum detection accuracy.
- 📍 Enable geolocation in the notification curtain before launching the search.
- 📶 Make sure the phone is not in flight mode.
- 🔍 Allow the application to access the location "Always" or "When using".
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone if the communication modules are unstable.
In some cases, cleaning up the list of previously paired devices helps. If your bracelet has previously connected to another phone and remained in Redmi 8 memory as a "forgotten" device, this can cause a conflict of addresses. Go to the list of associated devices, find your tracker there and click Forget device or Unpair.
The process of pairing through the Mi Fit / Zepp Life application
After you have done all the presets, you can go to the immediate connection procedure. Launch the Zepp Life app on your Redmi 8 and go to the Profile tab in the lower right corner of the screen, and here is the management menu for all connected devices and user account.
Click Add the device, which is usually located at the top of the screen or as a floating plus icon. In the list that opens, select the bracelet (or Band) category. The system will start scanning the space around it. At this point, make sure the bracelet is charged and on - if it is new, it may require charging for activation.
☑️ Checklist before connection
When you see a picture of your device showing the model on your smartphone screen, click on it to start the mating procedure. The bracelet screen may display a vibration signal or a request for confirmation of pairing (a tick or phone icon). Confirm the action by pressing the touch button of the tracker. The process takes from 10 to 30 seconds, after which time and date synchronization will occur.
| Phase | User action | Expected output |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Launching scanning in the application | Display of available devices |
| 2 | Choosing a bracelet model | Request for interface |
| 3 | Confirmation on the bracelet | Vibrosignal and communication icon |
| 4 | Finalization | Firmware update and synchronization |
Configure permissions and notifications in MIUI
Redmi's MIUI-enclosed smartphones are known for their aggressive power-saving system, which can kill application background processes to save charge. To keep the bracelet running correctly and notifications coming on time, you need to manually configure autostart and access rights. Without this step, the tracker's communication will be permanently broken.
Go to Settings → Apps → All apps and find in the list of Zepp Life (or Mi Fit). Go to the Permissions section and make sure that all items are included, especially access to contacts, call log and SMS. It is also important to activate AutoRun so that the application works immediately after turning on the phone.
⚠️ Note: If you do not configure autostart and remove battery restrictions, notifications from messengers will stop coming to the bracelet via the device. 15-20 minutes after unlocking the phone screen.
Next, go to Battery and Performance (or search for settings for Activity Control). Find the tracker app and select No Limits strategy, which will prevent the system from forcibly shutting down the synchronization process, which is critical for continuous monitoring of pulse and steps.
- 🔋 Set the energy saving mode "No restrictions".
- 🚀 Enable Auto-Start for the Zepp Life app.
- 🔒 Block the app from the recent task menu (swipe down).
- 📢 Allow display over other windows for calls.
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To ensure that notifications work, lock the app in the list of running programs: open the menu of recent apps, find Zepp Life and pull the icon down until the lock appears.
Firmware Update and Primary Synchronization
Once the device is successfully connected, the app will offer an update to the bracelet software.Firmware is the internal code of the device that manages all its functions. Manufacturers regularly release updates that correct heart rate errors, improve the stability of Bluetooth connections and add new dials.
The upgrade process can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the version installed on the device out of the box and the current version.At this time, the smartphone screen should be on and the application open in the foreground.Redmi 8 should be in close proximity to the bracelet, preferably at a distance of no more than 1 meter.
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Do not interrupt the update process or disable Bluetooth, otherwise the bracelet may go into recovery mode or stop responding to commands.
If the update is stuck at some percentage (e.g. 50% or 99%) and doesn’t move for more than 10 minutes, try restarting your smartphone and trying again. Sometimes it helps to temporarily shut down your mobile internet and use only Wi-Fi network, as update servers can be overloaded.
Solving common problems when connecting
Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have technical difficulties. One of the common problems is when the phone sees the bracelet but writes "Pairing error" or "Unconnected." In this case, a full reset of Bluetooth settings on the smartphone will help. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Reset and Reset → Reset settings Wi-Fi, mobile Internet and Bluetooth.
⚠️ Note: Resetting your network settings will remove saved passwords from Wi-Fi networks, so write them down in advance or be prepared to re-enter them.
Another problem is that the bracelet doesn't vibrate or react to touch when you try to connect. This can mean a deep battery drain. Put the device on charge for 15-20 minutes, even if the indicator doesn't light up immediately. Once you have at least a minimal charge, try pairing again through the app menu, rather than through the Bluetooth settings.
If Redmi 8 stops seeing the bracelet after the connection breaks, try removing the device from the app (profile → my bracelet → disable), turning off Bluetooth, restarting the phone, turning on Bluetooth and re-addling the device as new. Old cache entries often prevent you from shaking hands again.