How to connect Xiaomi smart watches to Xiaomi smartphone: full instruction with error solutions

Xiaomi smartwatches and fitness bracelets have long been an integral part of the brand ecosystem, but many users still face difficulties when connecting devices for the first time. This is especially true for owners of Xiaomi smartphones who expect synchronization to go out of the box without undue effort. In practice, even between devices of the same manufacturer, there may be conflict versions of applications, Bluetooth errors or account problems.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to connect Xiaomi watches (including Mi Band). 7/8 Pro, Watch 2/3, Smart Band Pro and other models to smartphones Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi on the base MIUI. We will pay special attention to solving common errors (for example, code). 10008 Or "can't find the device," and optimize notifications and sensors, so if you've just unpacked a new gadget or want to reconfigure an old one, this will help you avoid hour-long Google and experiment with resets.

Warn in advance: the connection process may vary depending on the version MIUI, For example, the Mi Band 8 uses the Zepp Life app, and for the Watch, the model is the same. S3 Mi Fitness may be required. We cover all options, so read carefully!

1. What apps are needed to connect Xiaomi watches

The first step is to determine which app supports your watch model. Xiaomi is gradually moving all wearable devices to the Zepp Life platform (formerly Mi Fit), but some models still require Mi Fitness or even Xiaomi Wear.

⚠️ Note: If you are trying to connect the watch through Mi Fitness, but the app gives an error "Device is not supported", check the device:

• 📱 The region of the firmware of the smartphone - in MIUI Global and MIUI China has different versions of apps, for example, Mi Band 8 Pro does not work with Mi Fitness in China. ROM.
• 🔄 App version – Google Play and App Gallery can have different builds. Xiaomi smartphones better install APK via GetApps.
• 🛠️ Beta firmware availability – if the watch is on beta firmware, it may not be defined in stable versions of the application.

For the Watch models. S3 and newer, be sure to upgrade Zepp Life to version 6.10.0 or higher – older versions do not support new sensors (for example, in the old versions there is no support for new sensors, PPG 4.0 for measuring stress).

2. Step-by-step instruction: Connect via Zepp Life

Consider a universal connection method using the Mi Band 8 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Pro smartphone (relevant to all devices on Zepp Life).

Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone

Charge the watch to at least 50%

Install the latest version of Zepp Life

Disable VPN (can block Xiaomi servers)

Make sure there is no link to another phone on the watch.-->

1. Launch Zepp Life and log in to Xiaomi (or Zepp if you have Amazfit). If you don't have an account, sign up directly in the app. Important: use the same region as your smartphone firmware (for example, if you have one). MIUI Global, choose Europe or Russia).

2. Press "Add device" (icon "+" In the upper right corner, select your model from the list. If you don't have a model, update the app or check compatibility in the table above.

3. Activate the pairing mode on the clock:

- For Mi Band: tap the touch button and hold for 3 seconds until it appears QR-code.

- For Xiaomi Watch: Go to Settings → Bluetooth → Connect a new device.

4. The connection request will appear on the smartphone, confirm it. If the request does not appear:

- Reboot Bluetooth (Settings) → Bluetooth → Off/On).

In Zepp Life, click “Update List” (round arrow next to search).

5. After successful connection, the application will offer to update the firmware of the watch. We recommend you to agree, as in the new versions, synchronization errors with the new version are fixed. MIUI.

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If the clock is not defined, try connecting via Mi Fitness (even if the model is not officially supported), and then transfer the data to Zepp Life via export/import profile.

3. Connect via Mi Fitness (for older models)

If you have a Mi Band 5 or older model, you can use Mi Fitness. It's a similar process, but there are nuances:

1. Install Mi Fitness from Google Play or App Gallery. Don't download from third-party sites - modified versions with viruses are common.

2. Launch the app and log in to Xiaomi. If you already have attached devices, click on the avatar in the upper right corner and select "Add device."

3. Select your model from the device list. If you don't have one, try the "Other Device" option (suitable for Mi Band 4 and older).

4. Activate Bluetooth on the watch:

- For the Mi Band. 3/4: Remove the bracelet from your hand and touch the sensor. 5 successively.

For Mi Band 5: swipe down on the screen and select "Plug in".

5. The pairing notification will appear on the smartphone - confirm it. If the process is suspended during the "Connection..." stage:

- Restart the app.

- Turn off battery savings for Mi Fitness (Settings) → Annexes → Permits → Battery savings).

Check if the antivirus (such as Avast or 360 Security) is blocking Bluetooth access.

Mi Band 7/8

Xiaomi Watch S2/S3

Mi Band 5 or older

Amazfit (GTR/GTS)

Another model.-->

4. Solving common connection errors

Even with the right settings, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

Error 10008 ("Unable to connect to the device")

This error is due to Bluetooth version conflict or app cache issues.

• 🔄 Clear Zepp's cache Life/Mi Fitness (Settings) → Annexes → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

The clock is not specified in the list of devices

The problem is typical for smartphones with MIUI China ROM Or custom firmware. Solutions:

• 🔗 Connect via another app (e.g. Notify & Fitness for Mi Band from Play Market).

The connection is constantly breaking.

If the clock is switched on but switched off after a few minutes:

• 🔋 Turn off battery optimization for Zepp Life (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Zepp Life → No restrictions).
• 📶 Check for interference – other devices at 2.4 GHz (Wi-Fi, wireless headphones) can create conflicts.
• 🔄 Reconnect the device – remove the watch from the Bluetooth list and add again.

5. Set up notifications and calls

Once connected, the watch will only show basic information (time, steps) to configure notifications from messengers and calls:

1. Allow access to notifications:

- Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Zepp Life → Notifications.

Turn on the "Show Notifications" switch and select "Important" or "All".

2. Configure the display of specific applications:

- In Zepp Life, go to Profile → Notifications → Application management.

Select messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), social networks and other applications, notifications from which you want to see on the watch.

For calls:

Make sure Zepp Life has “Call Notifications” enabled.

- On your smartphone, check that Zepp Life has access to the Call Log (Settings) → Annexes → Permits → Call magazine).

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MIUI 14+ Additional permission may be required to display the text of the notifications (not just the app icon:

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Notification services.
2. Find Zepp Life and turn on “Read Notifications.”
3. Reboot your smartphone.

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For stable operation of notifications, disable the function "Saving traffic" in MIUI (Settings → SIM-maps and networks → Traffic savings, as it can block background synchronization.

6. Optimization of sensors (pulse, sleep, SpO₂)

Xiaomi watches are equipped with many sensors, but by default some features can be turned off to save battery.

Measurement of pulse:

- In Zepp Life, go to Device Profile → Monitoring of heart rate.

- Select mode:

Auto – measurement every 5–30 minutes (depending on the model).

- Manual only on request.

"Constant" - every 1-2 minutes (strongly puts down the battery).

Sleep tracking:

- Turn on "Smart Sleep Mode" in the bracelet settings.

For accurate sleep analysis, wear a watch on your non-working hand (for example, if you are right-handed, on your left).

Measurement of oxygen in the blood (SpO₂):

- In Zepp Life, activate "Monitoring" SpO₂" and set a schedule (for example, from 22:00 to 8:00).

- For Mi Band 8 Pro and Watch S3 Continuous measurement is available, but it reduces the operating time to 1-2 days.

⚠️ Warning: If the sensors show inaccurate data (for example, a resting heart rate of 220 beats/min), calibrate:

• Take off your watch and put it on a flat surface.
• In Zepp Life, go to Settings → Sensors. → Sizing.
• Follow the instructions on the screen (usually wait 1-2 minutes without moving).

7. Data transfer when changing the phone

If you have changed your Xiaomi smartphone and want to transfer data from your watch to your new device, follow this instruction:

1. Save the data on the old phone:

- Open Zepp Life and go to Profile → Export of data.

Select the.zip format and save the file to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) or to your computer.

2. untie the watch from the old phone:

- In Zepp Life, click on the clock icon → "Disable the device".

- On the clock, reset (Settings) → About the device → Reset).

3. connect the watch to the new phone:

Install Zepp Life and log in to the same Xiaomi account.

Repeat the connection process (see Section 2).

- Import saved data through Profile → Data import.

⚠️ Note: If you use different Xiaomi accounts on your old and new phone, your health and activity data won’t be transferred:

8. Alternative ways of connecting (without official applications)

If official applications (Zepp Life, Mi Fitness) don’t work, you can use third-party solutions, they are suitable for advanced users and allow you to unlock additional features (for example, custom dials or advanced notifications).

1. Notify & Fitness for Mi Band (for Mi Band)

Install the app from Google Play.

Provide all the permissions requested (including Special Opportunities).

Select the watch model and activate "Show notifications" and "Music Control".

2. Tools & Mi Band (for firmware and moding):

Allows you to install unofficial firmware (for example, AmazMod for Mi Band 7).

- Requires unlocking the bootloader on the clock (instructions are on) 4PDA).

Unofficial firmware can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of sensors.

3. Gadgetbridge (for Linux and Android without Google):

Open source software for working with wearable devices.

Supports basic functions (stepmeter, pulse), but without synchronization with Mi Cloud.

Install via F-Droid and connect the watch manually.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications:

• 🔒 Disable official apps (Zepp Life, Mi Fitness) to avoid conflict.
• 📱 Reset the clock to factory settings before connecting to new software.
• 🛡️ Check the application for viruses (for example, via VirusTotal) as some modified versions contain malicious code.

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The app side is useful for advanced features, but official Zepp Life/Mi Fitness ensures stable sensor performance and synchronization with Mi Cloud.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi watches