How to connect a smartwatch to the phone Xiaomi Mi 6: all ways + problem solving

Why syncing watches with Xiaomi Mi 6 can cause difficulties

Xiaomi’s Mi Band, Amazfit, Redmi Watch series of smartwatches officially support MIUI-based connectivity, but Xiaomi Mi 6 owners often face nuances, as the 2017 model runs MIUI 10/11/12 (depending on firmware), and modern versions of Mi Fit or Zepp apps are optimized for new devices, which can lead to pairing errors, no notifications, or a fast battery drain of the watch.

Another problem is the Bluetooth version limitations. The Mi 6 is equipped with a Bluetooth 4.2 module, while the latest watch models (such as the Amazfit GTR 4 or Mi Band 8) require Bluetooth 5.0+ to work properly. However, this does not mean that connection is impossible: most functions will remain available, but there may be delays when synchronizing data.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting (including workarounds for outdated versions of software), as well as give recommendations for setting up for maximum stability. If your clock is not determined by your phone, do not rush to blame the technique: 80% of the time the problem is solved by adjusting the MIUI settings or resetting the app cache.

What watches are compatible with Xiaomi Mi 6: support table

Before buying or trying to connect, check if your watch model supports the Mi 6. Below is an updated compatibility table for 2026, based on user tests and official Xiaomi data.

⚠️ Note: If your watch model is not listed in the table, this does not mean complete incompatibility. Try connecting via Mi Fit or Zepp – many devices from third-party brands (for example, Haylou or Huawei Band) use the same synchronization protocols as Xiaomi.

Preparing the Xiaomi Mi 6 phone for connection

Before pairing the watch, you need to optimize the Mi 6 settings to avoid typical errors.

Update MIUI to the latest available version (check in Settings → About Phone → System Update)

Remove old versions of Mi Fit/Zepp apps and install fresh ones from Google Play or AppGallery

Turn on Bluetooth and Geolocation (required for the pedometer to work correctly)

Turn off the power saving mode for the watch application in Settings → Battery → Selection of applications

Reboot your phone (this will reset the Bluetooth module cache)

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Pay special attention to application permissions. Once you install Mi Fit or Zepp, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → [app name] → Permissions and activate:

• 📍 Location (necessary for tracking routes)
• 📱 Notifications (to allow hours to duplicate incoming calls and messages)
• 🔋 Auto Start (prevents background shutdown)
• 📶 Mobile data (for synchronization without Wi-Fi)

Critical: On the Xiaomi Mi 6 with MIUI 10, there may be no Auto Start option in the settings. In this case, use the alternative path: Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode → Select apps and add Mi Fit to exceptions.

Step-by-step: Connect via Bluetooth

This is the standard method that works for most watches, and the instructions are relevant for the Mi Band, Amazfit Bip and Redmi Watch.

1. Open the Mi Fit or Zepp app and sign up (if you haven't already) and use the same account you use on your watch (usually Xiaomi Account or Zepp Account).
2. Click on the profile icon in the upper right corner → “Add device”.
3. Select your watch model from the list. If you don't have one, select "Other device" and type the name manually.
4. Activate Bluetooth on the Mi 6 and wait for the watch to appear in the list of available devices. On the watch itself, confirm the pairing (usually a long press on a button or tap on the screen).
5. Once you've successfully connected, the app will suggest you update the watch firmware, and you'll agree that this will fix any compatibility bugs that might be involved.

⚠️ Note: If the watch doesn’t appear in the Bluetooth device list, try it:

• 🔄 Reboot both the watch and the phone.
• 🧹 Clear Bluetooth cache on Mi 6: Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → ⋮ → Clear the cache.
• 📱 Install an alternative app (e.g. Notify & Fitness for Mi Band).

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If the watch is plugged in but is permanently off, check your energy saving settings. In Settings → Battery → Power saving mode, add the watch app to exceptions and turn off the "Background Limit" option.

NFC connection (for Mi Band 7/8 Pro and Amazfit GTR 4)

Newer watches (such as the Mi Band 8 Pro or Amazfit GTR 4) support fast pairing via NFC. This method is more convenient than Bluetooth, since it does not require manual device search. However, on the Xiaomi Mi 6, there is a caveat: the NFC module is located at the top of the phone, so the watch should be attached strictly to this zone.

Instructions:

1. Activate NFC on Mi 6: Settings → Connections → NFC.
2. Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp app and select Add Device via NFC.
3. Attach the watch with the back to the top of the Mi 6 (where the Mi logo is located).
4. Confirm the pairing on the phone and watch screen.

⚠️ Attention: If NFC-coupling doesn't work:

• 📱 Make sure the watch is on mode. NFC (device settings).
• 🔋 Check the battery power of the watch at a level below 20% NFC may be off.
• 🛠️ Update the Mi 6 firmware to MIUI 12.5+ — In older versions there are bugs with NFC.

Solving Typical Connection Problems

Even after successful pairing, Xiaomi Mi 6 users may encounter errors, and below is a list of the most common problems and ways to fix them.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the clock to the factory settings.

1. On the watch, find the Settings → System → Reset (the path may differ depending on the model).
2. Confirm the reset and wait for the reset.
3. Repeat the connection procedure again.

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In 90% of cases, connection problems are solved by resetting the Bluetooth cache on the phone or reinstalling the app. Don't be quick to blame the technique - check the software settings first!

Alternative ways of connecting (without official applications)

If Mi Fit or Zepp refuse to work with Xiaomi Mi 6, you can use third-party apps. They do not always support all the features, but at least allow you to synchronize steps and heart rate.

Top.-3 alternative:

• 📊 Notify & Fitness for Mi Band – Supports Mi Band 3-8, notifications, music management.
• 🏃 Tools & Mi Band – Extended settings for Mi Band, including custom dials.
• ⚙️ Amazfit Tool – for Amazfit watches allows you to bypass the restrictions of official software.

Instructions for Notify & Fitness:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open Settings → Connect the device and select the watch model.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen. The app will automatically find the watch via Bluetooth.
4. Set up notifications in the Notifications section.

⚠️ Note: Third-party apps may require root rights to work properly. On Xiaomi Mi 6, you can get root through unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), but this cancels the warranty and can lead to unstable system operation.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting the watch to the Xiaomi Mi 6