Synchronizing smartwatches with Xiaomi Redmi 9: what you need to know before you start
Connecting a smartwatch to a Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphone seems like a simple task, but in practice users face sync errors, compatibility issues or broken notifications. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of connecting (via Mi Fit, Zepp Life and Google Fit), and also solve common errors such as no Bluetooth connection or failures when updating the firmware of the watch.
It is important to understand that the process depends on the model of the watch and the firmware version of the phone. For example, for Mi Band 7 or Amazfit GTS 4 you will need the Zepp Life app, and for older versions of Mi Band - Mi Fit. Also check that your Redmi 9 installed the current version of MIUI (at least MIUI 12), otherwise you may have problems with Bluetooth 5.0.
If you are first connecting a wearable device to Xiaomi, pay attention to the peculiarity of the synchronization protocol: some watch models (for example, Haylou Solar or Honor Band 6) require a pre-reset to factory settings to correctly determine the application.
What watch is compatible with Xiaomi Redmi 9?
Not all smartwatches work equally well with the Redmi 9.
- π± Bluetooth Protocol: Redmi 9 supports Bluetooth 5.0, but some budget watches (such as Xiaomi Mi Band 3) only work on Bluetooth 4.2 β this can cause synchronization delays.
- π Android Version: Watches from Amazfit or Huawei require Android 6.0+, Redmi 9 runs on Android 10 (with shell) MIUI), This ensures full compatibility.
- π Power consumption: Models with always-on display (e.g. Amazfit) GTR 3 Pro) will discharge the phone battery faster with constant synchronization.
The table below shows the proven watch models that work with Redmi 9:
| Model clock | Application for connection | Features | Average battery life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Band 7 | Mi Fit / Zepp Life | Supports AOD, 120+ training regimes | 15 days |
| Amazfit GTS 4 | Zepp Life | Built-in GPS, stress measurement | 8 days |
| Haylou Solar LS05 | Haylou Fun | Budget alternative to the Mi Band, pulsemeter | 20 days |
| Huawei Band 7 | Huawei Health | Requires registration with Huawei ID | 14 days |
If your model is not on the list, check on the official website of the watch manufacturer compatibility with Android 10 and MIUI. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Watch will technically connect to the Redmi 9, but some features (for example, Samsung Pay) will not work.
How to connect the watch to Redmi 9 via Mi Fit
Mi Fit is the standard sync method for most Xiaomi devices.
- Download Mi Fit from Google Play (version must be at least 4.6.0).
- Register an account: Use Mi Account (if not, create through Settings β Accounts β Xiaomi on your phone).
- Turn on Bluetooth: Go to Settings β Connections β Bluetooth and activate it. The watch should be in search mode (usually you need to press a button on the box or on the watch itself).
- Add the device: In Mi Fit, click Profile β Add the device and select your model from the list.
- Confirm Sync: The code will appear on the watch screen β compare it to the code in the app and confirm the connection.
If the clock is not set, try:
- π Reboot Redmi 9 and the clock.
- π± Remove the Mi Fit app cache (Settings) β Annexes β Mi Fit β Warehouse β Clear the cache).
- π Make sure the clock charge is above 20% (at low charge, some models refuse to sync).
Charge the watch to 50%+
Install the latest version of Mi Fit
Enable Bluetooth and geolocation on Redmi 9
Make sure the clock is in pairing mode
Shut down. VPN (It can block Xiaomi servers)-->
Connect via Zepp Life (for Amazfit watches and new Mi Band)
The Zepp Life app (formerly Mi Fit for Amazfit devices) has more advanced settings than the Mi Fit.
- Download Zepp Life from Google Play.
- Sign up with Mi Account, Google or Apple ID (yes, even Android).
- Click Add Device and select the watch model. For example, for the Amazfit GTS 4, select GTS 4 (not to be confused with GTS 3!).
- Confirm the connection on the clock (entry may be required) PIN-code, for example 0000 or 1234).
Important: Zepp Life has a Cloud Sync feature that allows you to recover data when you change your phone, activate it in your profile settings so you don't lose your training history.
If the connection is interrupted during the synchronization step, check:
- π Internet connection stability (the app downloads the firmware for the watch).
- π΅ No interference from other Bluetooth devices (e.g. headphones or speakers).
- π Watch firmware version (in Zepp Life go to Device Profile) β Update of the PO).
π‘
If the Amazfit watch is not updated via Zepp Life, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes corporate networks block Huami servers).
Set up notifications and calls on the clock
Once you've successfully connected, you need to set up notifications to see incoming calls and messages from messengers.
- Go to the Device Profile β Notifications.
- Activate the Call Notification and Notifications from the apps switch.
- Select the apps you want to see on your watch (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
- Set up the Vibration and Screenlighting at notifications.
Problems with notifications? Common causes:
- π« Energy Saving: At Redmi 9 Go to Settings. β Battery β Power saving mode and add Mi Fit/Zepp Life is an exception.
- π Android Settings: Check that the Watch App has Notification Rights (Settings) β Annexes β Zepp Life β Notifications).
- π΅ Conflict with other applications: Some launchers (like Nova Launcher) or optimizers (like Clean Master) block Mi Fit background work.
For models with call support (such as the Amazfit GTR 4 or Xiaomi Watch S1), additionally configure:
- π Microphone and speaker: In the clock settings, allow access to the phone's microphone.
- π‘ Bluetooth Calls: In Redmi 9, go to Settings β Connections β Additionally. β Audio via Bluetooth and select the watch as the output device.
Why are there no notifications from Viber?
Solving common connection errors
Even with the right settings, you can get errors.
β Error: βUnable to connect to the device"
Causes and solutions:
- π Low Charge: Charge up to 30% and try again.
- π± Outdated firmware: Update the Mi Fit/Zepp Life and watch firmware.
- π Bluetooth conflict: Disable all other Bluetooth devices on your phone.
β Error: βThe device is not supported"
This error occurs if:
- π You have selected the wrong watch model in the app (for example, instead of Mi Band 7, you have specified Mi Band 6).
- π The watch is designed for a different region (for example, the Chinese version of the Xiaomi Watch Color 2 is not supported in the European Mi Fit).
β οΈ Note: If you bought a watch on AliExpress or Gearbest, check their region in the settings. Some Chinese models require changing the region through the engineering menu (instructions are available in the manual). FAQ).
β Error: βData synchronization interrupted"
This is most often related to:
- π Unstable Internet: Connect to Wi-Fi or turn on mobile data.
- π Background Lock: In Redmi 9 Battery Settings, Turn Off Optimization for Mi Fit.
If nothing helps, reset the clock to factory settings:
- In the application, remove the device (Profile β Delete).
- On the clock, find the Reset option in the settings (usually the button is clamped for 10 seconds).
- Repeat the connection procedure again.
π‘
Most connection errors are solved by resetting the watch and reinstalling the app, and if the problem persists, check the compatibility of the watch model with your version of MIUI.
How to update the firmware of the watch through the phone
Updating firmware improves stability and adds new features.Instructions for Mi Fit/Zepp Life:
- Open the device profile in the application.
- Go to the Software Update or Firmware section.
- If an update is available, click Download and wait until it is completed (donβt turn off Bluetooth!).
- After downloading, confirm the installation on the clock.
Important:
- π The charge of the clock should be above 50%.
- πΆ The phone must be connected to stable Wi-Fi (mobile Internet can interrupt the download).
- β³ The process can take up to 20 minutes β donβt interrupt it!
β οΈ Note: If the update fails (e.g., the phone goes out), the watch may stop turning on. In this case, contact the service center - self-repair will lead to loss of warranty.
For Amazfit models, Zepp Life has Beta Testing, and if you want to try new features before the official release, activate them in your firmware settings, but remember, beta versions may contain bugs!