Smartwatches have become an integral part of Xiaomi’s ecosystem, but their synchronization with budget models of smartphones (for example, Redmi 5) sometimes raises questions. Despite the fact that Bluetooth 4.2 in this device supports most of the brand’s wearable devices, users face nuances: from the lack of response of watches to search errors in the Mi Fit or Zepp Life applications. In this article, we will discuss the unique features of connecting watches to Xiaomi Redmi 5 on Android 7-9, which are not described in the standard instructions.
The problem is often not the watch itself, but the firmware of the smartphone or the conflict of background processes. For example, the Redmi 5 based on MIUI 10/11 can block automatic connection of devices due to battery optimization. We will consider not only basic synchronization, but also ways to circumvent typical errors, from resetting the Bluetooth cache to manual binding through the developer’s settings.
1. Compatibility of smart watches with Xiaomi Redmi 5
Before you try to plug in a watch, make sure it’s supported by your smartphone.The Xiaomi Redmi 5 (Redmi 5A/5 Plus models inclusive) works with most devices in the Mi Band, Amazfit and Haylou lineup, but there are nuances:
- 🔹 Mi Band 1-6: Full compatibility, but Mi Band 6 requires Android 6.0+ and Mi Fit 4.6.0+.
- 🔹 Amazfit Bip/GTR/GTS: Supported, but may occur when synchronized due to Bluetooth limitations 4.2.
- 🔹 Haylou Solar/LS02: It is connected via Haylou Fun, but MIUI 10 Sometimes you need to turn off battery optimization for an application.
- 🔹 Smartwatches from other brands (e.g. Huawei or Samsung): synchronization is theoretically possible, but functionality will be limited (no notifications, music control).
Important: Redmi 5 does not support Bluetooth 5.0, so watches with this version (such as the Amazfit GTR 3) will work in compatibility mode - there may be problems with communication stability. Check the Bluetooth version in the Settings menu → About phone → Bluetooth version.
2. Preparation of the Xiaomi Redmi 5 smartphone to connect
Before syncing, you need to configure your smartphone to avoid typical errors.
Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI|Remove old versions of Mi Fit/Zepp Life|Disable power saving mode |Enable geolocation (for some watch models)|Reboot your phone-->
Pay particular attention to application permissions, for example, Mi Fit requires access to:
- 📱 Contacts (to display call notifications).
- 📍 Geolocation (for accurate jogging tracking).
- 📂 Storage (to save training data).
- 🔔 Notifications (for broadcasting messages on the clock).
If you have used other fitness bracelets before, clear the Bluetooth cache:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find Bluetooth in the list of system applications.
- Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
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If the watch has been paired with another phone, reset it to factory settings, usually by pressing the button on the case for 10-15 seconds before vibration.
3. Step-by-step instruction for connecting via Bluetooth
Consider the universal algorithm for most Xiaomi/Amazfit smartwatches, as the Mi Band 6 is an example, but the steps are similar for other models.
Step 1: Installation of the application
Download the official application depending on the model of the watch:
| Model clock | Annex | Download link |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 1–6 | Mi Fit | Google Play |
| Amazfit Bip/GTR/GTS | Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit) | Google Play |
| Haylou Solar/LS02 | Haylou Fun | Google Play |
Step 2: Registration of an account
Launch the app and create an account (you can use Google, Facebook or email). Importantly, for the Mi Band and Amazfit, use the same Xiaomi account, otherwise the data will not sync between devices.
Step 3: Finding and pairing the clock
- Turn on Bluetooth on Redmi 5 (Settings → Bluetooth).
- Launch the application (such as Mi Fit) and click Add Device.
- Select a watch model from the list (e.g. Mi Smart Band 6).
- Click Connect and confirm the pairing on the phone.
- Wait for the firmware update of the watch (if available).
If the clock is not there, try:
- 🔄 Reboot both the watch and the phone.
- 📱 Enable Developer Mode on Redmi 5 and disable Background Process Limitation.
- 🔌 Bring the clock as close as possible to the phone (distance) < 10cm).
What if the clock is switched on but switched off?
4. Notification setting and data synchronization
Once we've successfully connected, we'll set up the notification broadcast and automatic synchronization.
Notifications
- In the Mi Fit app, go to Profile → Notifications.
- Turn on the Call Notification and Messages from the apps switch.
- Select apps that need to be duplicated by the clock (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram).
Note: Redmi 5 with Android 7-8 may not receive notifications due to system limitations.
⚠️ Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Mi Fit → Permissions and manually enable notification and autorun access.
Synchronization of data
To ensure that steps, sleep and exercise data are automatically updated:
- 🔄 Enable Auto Sync in the App Settings.
- 📶 Connect your phone to Wi-Fi or mobile internet (data synced to Xiaomi cloud).
- ⏳ Set a synchronization interval (every hour is recommended).
If the data are not updated:
⚠️ Check if the antivirus (such as Avast or 360 Security) blocks the application from accessing the Internet.
5. Typical errors and their solutions
Even after connecting correctly, Redmi 5 users are still experiencing errors.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The watch is not on the device list. | Bluetooth cache conflict or outdated watch firmware | Clear the Bluetooth cache (see Section 2) and update the clock through the app |
| The connection is interrupted after a few seconds. | Battery Optimization Blocks Background Operations of Mi Fit | Turn off optimization for the application (see spoiler in section 3) |
| No notifications coming. | No permission to access notifications | Enable permission manually (see section 4) |
| Watches don't update step data | Sync Disabled or Conflict with Another Fitness App | Check autosynchronization settings and remove duplicate apps (e.g. Google Fit) |
If none of the solutions worked, try alternative methods of connecting:
- 🔧 Use Notify & Fitness for Mi Band (available on Google Play) for advanced settings.
- 📲 Connect the clock through Settings → Bluetooth manually (no app), then tether to Mi Fit.
- 🔄 Reset the clock to factory settings and reconnect.
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On the Redmi 5 with a MIUI of 10–11, the clocks can shut down due to aggressive battery optimization.Always add Mi Fit to the power saving exceptions!
6. Optimizing the clock to save battery life
The Redmi 5 smartwatch and its 3300mAh battery require smart energy management. Here's how to extend your life:
- 🔋 Turn off the constant pulse in the clock settings (saves up to 30% charge).
- 📴 Reduce the frequency of data synchronization to 1 time in 2-3 hours.
- 🔔 Disable notifications from unnecessary apps (such as games or news services).
- 🌙 Turn on the clock sleep mode at night (turns off lighting and vibration).
For Redmi 5, MIUI settings are also relevant:
- Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Mode Selection.
- Choose Balanced over High Performance.
- Add Mi Fit to Secure Applications (so that it doesn’t get closed in the background).
Tip: If the watch is running out too fast, check the firmware. For example, for the Mi Band 6, the current version is 1.0.6.54 (checked in Mi Fit in the About section).
7. Alternative ways to connect (if Bluetooth does not work)
If standard Bluetooth connectivity is not possible (for example, due to hardware issues), try these methods:
Wi-Fi connection (for Amazfit)
Some Amazfit models (such as the GTR 2 or GTS 2) support Wi-Fi synchronization:
- Connect your watch and phone to a single Wi-Fi network.
- In the Zepp Life app, go to Profile → Device Settings → Wi-Fi Sync.
- Turn on the option and wait for the connection.
Use of third-party applications
If the official software doesn’t work, try:
- 📱 Tools & Mi Band (for Mi Band) – allows you to bypass the restrictions MIUI.
- 📱 Amazfit Watch Faces (for Amazfit) – an alternative for loading dials and syncing.
Note: Third-party applications may require root rights or ADB-For example, to unlock all the features of the Mi Band 6, sometimes you need to execute a command:
adb shell pm grant com.miband.app android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS