How to connect a smartwatch to Xiaomi Redmi 3

Synchronizing wearable electronics with classic smartphone models often causes difficulties for users. Xiaomi Redmi 3, released a few years ago, is still actively used due to its reliability, but working with modern gadgets based on Android may require a specific approach. The main difficulty lies in the versions of the operating system and the features of the background processes in the shell. MIUI.

To successfully pair, you'll need to not only turn on Bluetooth, but also configure the application permissions correctly. Android 5.1 Lollipop, which is often installed on these phones by default, has its own power consumption restrictions. Ignoring these nuances leads to the watch constantly losing communication or notifying.

In this article, we will discuss a complete algorithm of actions that will help to avoid typical errors. We will consider the preparation of the smartphone, the installation of the necessary components and the finer details of the notification system.

Preparation of the smartphone and compatibility check

The first step is to assess the current state of your gadget's software. The Redmi 3 model can run on different versions of MIUI, and it depends on how you connect. Make sure the phone is on Bluetooth and it can be seen for other devices. Without this basic condition, further action is meaningless.

It’s also important to check for memory space. Watch management apps like Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit) or Galaxy Wearable require not only installation space, but also space to caching workout data. If memory is crowded, synchronization will be error-prone or interrupted.

⚠️ Warning: Before you start installing new apps, it is recommended to clear the Bluetooth cache in the system settings to avoid conflicts of old pairing profiles.

Check the Android version in the Settings section β†’ If you have a very old build, some modern apps may not be installed from the official store, and then you'll need to find a compatible version. APK-file or update firmware to current available for your model.

Selecting and installing the right application

The key is choosing a control software. For most Xiaomi (Mi Band, Amazfit) watches, the gold standard remains the Zepp Life app. However, some models, especially those recently released, may require the Mi Fitness app or proprietary software from the watchmaker.

Download programs only from trusted sources. Using modified versions from third-party sites can lead to personal data leakage or unstable work. Redmi 3 is best suited for the version of Zepp Life, optimized for older processors, as new heavy versions can slow down on this device.

Why is the app not in the Play Market?
Some older devices may not appear on the compatible list on Google Play. APK-file directly from the official website of the watch manufacturer or from a reliable repository, having previously allowed installation from unknown sources in the security settings.

Once installed, take your time to open the app. You must first give it all the permissions you ask for. Android strictly controls access to geolocation and contacts that are necessary for the trackers to work correctly. Without location permission, Bluetooth scans may not start.

The process of pairing via Bluetooth

The process of connecting requires care. Don't try to pair the clock directly through the Bluetooth menu in the phone settings. This is a common error that causes the device to appear as "Connected" but no data is transmitted. The pairing must occur exclusively within the interface of the installed application.

Open the app on your smartphone and go to your user profile. Click on the add-on button and select the type of gadget you have from the list. At this point, a confirmation code may appear on the watch screen. Make sure the numbers on the watch display and on the Redmi 3 screen match before clicking on "Confirm."

β˜‘οΈ Checklist of successful connection

Done: 0 / 1

If it takes too long to find a device, try rebooting the Bluetooth module. To do so, turn it on and off in the notification curtain. Also make sure the watch is not connected to another phone in range, as it automatically tries to connect to the last known device.

Configure access rights in MIUI

MIUI shell is known for its aggressive energy saving policy, which often kills background processes. To keep the watch running smoothly, add an app to the autoboot. Go to Security β†’ Permits β†’ Autostart and activate the switch opposite your watch app.

Next, you need to configure the power saving mode for a particular application. Go to Settings β†’ Battery and Performance. Find the installed application in the list and select No Limits mode. This will prevent the system from turning off the synchronization process even if the phone screen is out.

Setup parameterRecommended valueWhere to find out.
Auto-startIncluded.Security β†’ Permits
Energy conservationNo restrictions.Settings β†’ Battery
NotificationsShow on the lock screenSettings β†’ Notifications
Access to geolocationAlways allowed.Settings β†’ Applications

Ignoring these settings will cause notifications to stop coming 15-20 minutes after locking the screen.The system will consider the application unused and unload it from RAM. On Xiaomi Redmi 3 with its RAM capacity, this happens quite often.

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Secure the app in a list of recent tasks. Open the menu of running apps, find the window of the program for the clock, and pull it down (or press the lock) to lock it in memory.

Solving Notification Issues

Often, users are faced with a situation where the clock is connected, steps are counted, but messages from messengers do not come. First of all, check the internal settings of the companion application itself. There should be a separate section "Application Notifications", where you need to manually tick against WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber and other necessary services.

The second important aspect is the rights to read notifications: the first time you run, the system will ask permission to read notifications. If you accidentally fail, the functionality will not work. You can check this in the Settings menu β†’ Advanced Settings β†’ Access to notifications.

⚠️ Note: Android 5.1 and Early Versions MIUI Sometimes it is necessary to restart the smartphone after granting all rights for the changes to take effect for system services.

If notifications are late, try turning off traffic savings for this app. Also make sure that in Do Not Disturb mode, the phone does not block all sounds, as some watch models duplicate this status.

Additional functions and data synchronization

Once the basic functionality has been successfully configured, you should look for additional features, many of which allow you to control music played on Redmi 3 or find your phone by sound, which also require stable connection and appropriate permissions.

For sports users, GPS accuracy is important. The watch itself often lacks a built-in GPS module and uses the geolocation of the smartphone. So when you start a workout on the watch, the phone must be unlocked and the app screen is running so that the coordinates are transmitted in real time.

πŸ“Š What watch do you connect to Xiaomi?
Mi Band 3
Mi Band 4
Amazfit Bip
Other brands

Regularly update the watch firmware through the app. Manufacturers often release patches that improve Bluetooth connection stability and fix errors in step-counting algorithms. On older phones, this process can take longer, don't interrupt it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why can't the phone see the clock when searching?
Make sure the watch is not paired with another device. Reset the clock settings to factory through the device menu. Check if geolocation is enabled on the smartphone, as Android 6.0 and higher (and some builds 5.1) block Bluetooth scans without GPS.
Can I connect two hours to a Redmi 3?
Officially, most apps only support one account and one active device at a time, and connecting the second clock will require the app to be cloned (the app cloning function in MIUI) or the use of a second user profile if the Android version allows it.
How to remove old devices from the Bluetooth list?
Go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth. Find the name of your watch in the "My Devices" list. Click on the gear icon or arrow next to the name and select "Cancel pairing" or "Forget device." After that, search the app again.
Does the MIUI version affect the work of the watch?
Yes, the newer versions of MIUI (8, 9, 10) have more stringent background limitations than stock Android, requiring more careful permissions and autoruns, as described in the Energy Saving section.

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The stability of the Xiaomi Redmi 3 smartwatch depends 90% on the right power saving and auto-start settings, not the Bluetooth version.