Modern wearables have become an integral extension of the smartphone, providing instant access to notifications, a health tracker and a music player. Xiaomi ecosystem users often face the need to properly synchronize devices to maximize functionality.
It is important to understand that connecting a watch to an Android phone can happen differently depending on the tracker model and firmware version. Some devices require the installation of a specialized Mi Fit or Zepp Life app, while others support direct pairing through the system menu. Ignoring software requirements often causes the gadget to not see the accessory.
In this article, we will take a look at all the steps of customization, from preparation to fixing common bugs. You will learn what applications are needed for different models, how to set the permissions correctly and why it is important to follow the sequence of actions. Follow the instructions to make your Xiaomi smartphone and smartwatch work in the perfect bundle.
Preparation of gadgets before the first launch
Before starting the procedure, make sure that both devices are ready to work. Charge the tracker to at least 20-30%, as the initial setup and firmware update process consumes a significant amount of energy. If the battery sits down at a critical moment, the device may go into protective mode or not complete the installation of drivers.
On your smartphone, you need to activate the Bluetooth module. To do this, lower the notification curtain and click on the appropriate icon, or go to Settings → Bluetooth. Make sure the phone is visible to other devices, although in modern versions of MIUI this happens automatically when the function is turned on.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to pair exclusively through the standard Bluetooth menu in your phone settings. This will result in an “Unconnected” error, as the watch requires authorization through an intermediary app.
It’s also worth checking your smartphone’s operating system version. Most modern accessories require Android version 6.0 and higher to work smoothly. If you have an older device, some features, such as text output or camera control, may not be available.
Choosing the Right Synchronization Application
The key is the choice of software.The ecosystem of Xiaomi and partner brands (Amazfit, Huami) uses different platforms to manage.Most Mi Band 1-6 fitness bracelets and older watch models require the Mi Fit app or its updated version of Zepp Life.
For more advanced models such as the Mi Watch or Redmi Watch, the Zepp or Mi Fitness app (formerly Xiaomi Wear) is often used.The best way to download the current version is from the official Google Play store or AppGallery to avoid malicious code.
- 📱 Zepp Life (Mi Fit): Suitable for Mi Band 1-7, Amazfit Bip, GTR, GTS series.
- ⌚ Mi Fitness: Required for Redmi Watch, Mi Watch Lite, Mi Band 7/8 (new).
- 🔋 Galaxy Wearable: Sometimes required for Samsung watches if you plug them into a Xiaomi phone.
Once you install the app, start it and create an account, you can use your existing Mi Account to synchronize your health data across all your devices, and you need to register to save your statistics and customize your profiles.
Step-by-step instructions for connecting
The pairing process starts with the application being installed. On the home screen, find the add button, which is usually located at the top right or in the center with the words "Profile" or "Add." The system will ask for permission to use geolocation and Bluetooth - be sure to agree, otherwise the search will not begin.
When the app starts searching, bring the watch closer to the phone. The model name, for example, Redmi Watch 3 or Mi Band 6, appears on the screen. Click on it. The watch screen may ask you to confirm pairing with the code or the OK button.
Once confirmed, the setup process will begin. The phone may suggest updating the watch software. This is a critical step, since older firmware versions often contain bugs that interfere with the stable operation of notifications. Wait until the download and installation are completed without turning off the smartphone screen.
⚠️ Warning: During a firmware update, the distance between the phone and the watch should be minimal. Interrupting communication may lead to the need to flash through the service center.
Configure permissions and notifications in MIUI
MIUI is known for its aggressive energy saving system, which can kill the background processes of a watch application. To get notifications on time, you need to manually configure permissions. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find your watch app (e.g. Zepp Life).
From the app menu, select "Allowances" and enable access to contacts, calls, SMS and location. Then go to "Start" and activate it, which will allow the application to work constantly, even if you close it from the list of tasks running.
| Setup parameter | Action. | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-start | Turn on | Launch the application after restarting the phone |
| Battery | No restrictions. | Preventing background closure |
| Notifications | Allow everything | Getting push notifications from messengers |
| Access to Bluetooth | Permission. | Stable connection with accessory |
In addition, in the app for the watch you need to find the section Profile" →"Notifications of apps" and check boxes against the right programs (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber). Without this step, the vibration of new messages will not work.
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If notifications come with a delay, try finding the connected clock in Bluetooth settings and pressing the gear icon, then select “Unpair” and run again.
Solving Common Connection Problems
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the phone can't see the watch or the connection is cut. First of all, check if the device is connected to another smartphone. The watch can only communicate with one phone at a time. If it was previously used with another device, remove it from the Bluetooth list there.
Another common problem is a crowded Bluetooth cache. Try clearing the system service cache. To do this, turn on the developer mode (7 times click on the build number in About Phone), then go to Advanced Settings → For Developers and select Clear Bluetooth cache.
- 🔄 Reboot: Turn off and turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
- 🗑️ Reset: Reset the clock to factory settings via the device menu.
- 📶 Interference: Get away from sources of strong radio interference (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves).
If nothing works, uninstall the watch app, restart the phone, download the latest version of the app, and try to start the process anew. Often the problem lies in outdated configuration files.
Hidden functions after connection
Functionality after synchronization
Once you've completed all the steps, your phone and watch become a single system, so you can not only see incoming calls, but you can also control the music playback on your smartphone right from your wrist, which is especially convenient when you're training when your phone is in your bag.
Health monitoring is taking it to the next level: heart rate, sleep and blood oxygen (SpO2) data are automatically uploaded to the app and plotted charts. From this data, MIUI can make recommendations on daily routines. It also has Find a Phone feature that makes the smartphone make sound even when it is silent.
⚠️ Attention: The pressure measurement function or ECG (if supported by the model) requires additional calibration and regular wear of the device tightly pressed against the wrist.
Remember to sync your data regularly by opening the app, which ensures that all your statistics are stored in the cloud and available for analysis in the long run. Modern algorithms analyze trends over weeks and months, helping to track progress.
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Properly configuring permissions in MIUI is the key to stable notifications and maintaining the training history.