Connecting Samsung Gear S3 to Xiaomi smartphones: a complete guide to solving typical bugs

Why the Gear S3 and Xiaomi are not an obvious pair

Smart watch Samsung Gear S3 Originally designed for the Samsung ecosystem, it was tied to the Galaxy Wearable app (formerly the Samsung Gear), but many Xiaomi device owners (especially the Redmi Note line) are also interested in the development of the new model, POCO or flagship Xiaomi 13/14) They want to use this watch because of its premium design, spinning bezel and autonomy. MIUI.

But there are workarounds! This article will help sync the Gear S3 (Frontier or Classic models) with Xiaomi, set up notifications, pedometer and even Samsung Pay payments (with restrictions).We will look at two methods: through an informal APK and using an intermediate device (for example, an old Samsung smartphone).

So let's get to the setup. If you've already had experience connecting wearables to Xiaomi (like the Mi Band or the Amazfit), some of the steps will seem familiar. But the Gear S3 requires a different approach.

Method 1: Connect via modified Galaxy Wearable app

The most popular way is to use a modified version of Samsung’s official software, which is suitable for most Xiaomi models on Android 8.0+ (including Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4, Xiaomi 12T and later), the main plus: no additional hardware is needed.

You'll need:

  • 📱 Xiaomi Smartphone with Developer Rights (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — tap 7 times)
  • 🔗 APK-Galaxy Wearable file (version 2.2.50.23072751 or later, but not the last!
  • 🔄 Package Disabler (to disable conflicting services)
  • 🔋 Charge hours at least 50% (during the setup they can discharge faster)

Step-by-step:

  1. Remove all Samsung apps from your phone (if they have been installed before). Use Settings → Apps → App Management and search for the keyword “Samsung”.
  2. Download the modified APK from a trusted source (recommended by APKMirror).Look for the version that says "for non-Samsung devices."

Remove all Samsung apps with Xiaomi|Download modified APK Galaxy Wearable|Enable debugging on USB developer-setting|Disable automatic update of the application|Charge the clock to 50%+-->

After successful connection, check:

  • ✅ Time synchronization (must be updated automatically)
  • ✅ Notifications (whether messages are coming from WhatsApp, Telegram)
  • ❌ Samsung Health – It’s likely won’t work without additional manipulation (more on this in the next section)

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If the clock is not determined, restart the Bluetooth module on Xiaomi: turn off Bluetooth, then enter the code ##232338## in the phone dialer and select "Bluetooth Test" → "Power Off". After 10 seconds, turn on Bluetooth again.

Method 2: Use of an intermediate device (for full functionality)

If you want all the features of the Gear S3, including Samsung Pay, sleep monitoring, and Samsung Health sync, you’ll need to use an old Samsung device (like the Galaxy S7 or Note 8), which is more complex but offers 90% of the functionality.

Scheme of work:

  1. The main phone is Xiaomi (for calls, SMS, notifications).
  2. Samsung Intermediate (for synchronization of health data and payments)
  3. The Gear S3 is connected to both devices in turn.

How to set up:

  1. On a Samsung device: Install the latest version of Galaxy Wearable and Samsung Health. Connect the watch and perform the initial setup. Activate Samsung Pay (if needed) and add cards.
  2. On Xiaomi: Install Notification Bridge (from F-Droid) to forward notifications. Enable Settings → Notifications → Additional → Notification forwarding.
  3. Data Sync: Use Google Fit to export data from Samsung Health to Xiaomi. Set up automatic export to Samsung Health Settings → Account and Settings → Sync with Google Fit.
FunctionMethod 1 (modified by APK)Method 2 (intermediate device)
Notifications (SMS, messengers)✅ It works partially (depends on the Xiaomi model)✅ Full support
Samsung Health (Step, pulse)❌ Not synchronizing.✅ Full synchronization through Samsung device
Samsung Pay❌ It's not working.✅ Works (requires Samsung phone to set up)
Calls in hours✅ It works (if Xiaomi supports Bluetooth Hands-Free)✅ Work.
Update of the watch firmware❌ Impossible.✅ Maybe through a Samsung device.
How to get around the restriction on Samsung Pay without a Samsung phone?
Technically, it is possible to emulate the environment of a Samsung device on Xiaomi using the Magisk Samsung CSC Changer module, but this requires root rights and can lead to a ban of Samsung Pay. Risks: 1. Locking cards in the application (if the bank detects suspicious activity). 2. Unstable NFC operation on some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro). 3. Loss of warranty for watches during informal firmware manipulations. We recommend using an intermediate device or alternative payment systems (Google Pay on Xiaomi).

This method requires more effort, but is justified if you actively use fitness tracking or contactless payments. APK.

Modified APK (Method 1)| Samsung Intermediate (Method 2)| Not yet decided | I have another way-->

Solving Typical Connection Problems

Even with the right setup, you can encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

1.The watch is not in place or is permanently switched off

The reason: Bluetooth stack conflict between Xiaomi and Samsung.

Decision:

  • 🔄 Reboot both devices.
  • 📱 On Xiaomi, clear the Bluetooth cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → System applications → Bluetooth → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
  • ⚙️ In the developer settings (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers, turn on Bluetooth debugging.
  • 🔋 If the clock is running out too fast, turn off Permanent Bluetooth scanning in the same settings.

2. notifications are delayed or not received at all

Reason: MIUI energy saving limits for the Galaxy Wearable background app.

Decision:

  • 🚫 Add Galaxy Wearable to battery exclusions: Settings → Battery and productivity → Battery consumption management → Choice of applications → Galaxy Wearable → No restrictions.
  • 🔔 In the notification settings for the application (Settings) → Notifications → Galaxy Wearable: Turn on all switches.
  • 📵 If you use MIUI 13/14, Turn off the Adaptive Battery in Settings → Battery → Additionally.

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On Xiaomi with MIUI 14+, notifications can be blocked by security. To fix this, add Galaxy Wearable to “Trusted Apps” in Settings → Privacy → Special Permits → Trusted Apps.

3. Health data synchronization is not working

The reason: Samsung Health app is not compatible with Xiaomi at the software level.

Bypass:

  • 🔄 Use Google Fit as a middleman: Set up Samsung Health data export to Google Fit (if you use an intermediate device). On Xiaomi, install Health Sync (from Play Market) and sync your data with Mi Fitness.

Notion

Google Sheets

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If you only need basic pedometer features, install the Galaxy Store’s Pedometer app on the Gear S3 (via Samsung’s intermediate device) and it will run autonomously, without syncing with your phone.

4. Unsupported device error when installing applications

The reason: Galaxy Store blocks installation on uncertified devices.

Decision:

  • 🛒 Download. APK-Gear application files S3 with APKMirror and install them manually through ADB: adb install com.samsung.appname.apk
  • 🔧 Use Package Disabler to disable the Galaxy Store and install an alternative store (e.g. Aptoide for Wear) OS).
  • Press Start and wait until the end (the clock will reboot automatically).