How to connect a smartwatch to a Xiaomi phone: full instructions with photos and tips

Synchronizing your smartwatch with your Xiaomi phone gives you access to advanced features like health tracking, notifications, music management, and even payment. However, the connection process can be difficult — especially if you use a third-party watch (Huawei Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch) or outdated Mi Band models. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios, from standard binding via Mi Fit to solving errors like “device does not see” or “connection is permanently broken”.

It is important to consider that the connection algorithm depends on three key factors: 1) the watch model (e.g. Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro vs Amazfit GTR 4), 2) the smartphone firmware version (MIUI 13/14/15), 3) regional restrictions (in China and global versions, different applications are used).

We tested the instructions on current devices from 2023 to 2026, so all the steps are in line with the latest updates.

If you've never used a wearable before, don't worry: it takes no more than 5-7 minutes to prepare properly, and for experienced users, we've created unique life hacks to speed up synchronization and save battery life with constant connection.

1.What watches are compatible with Xiaomi phones?

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones support the connection of almost all smartwatches, but there are nuances:

• 🔹 Watch brand Xiaomi: Xiaomi Watch S3, Watch 2 Pro, Mi Watch Revolve – work through the official Mi Fit app (for global versions) or Zepp Life (for Amazfit models).
• 🔹 Watches of third-party brands: Huawei Watch GT, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Apple Watch – require the installation of branded apps (Huawei Health, Galaxy Wearable), but may limit features (for example, no payment Mi Pay).
• 🔹 Fitness bracelets: Mi Band 8, Honor Band 6 – connect via Mi Fit or Zepp Life, but have a reduced functionality compared to the watch.

Check compatibility on the watchmaker’s official website before buying, for example, Apple Watch can technically be connected to Xiaomi via third-party apps like WatchDroid, but notifications and calls won’t work due to Apple’s restrictions.

2. Preparing Xiaomi phone for connection

Before synchronization, perform the mandatory settings on your smartphone:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update. Older versions (below MIUI 12) may not support Bluetooth 5.2, leading to communication breakdowns.
2. Turn on Bluetooth and geolocation (yes, that’s important!): Go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth and activate both settings.
3. Allow auto-run for Mi Fit/Zepp Life: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Fit → Auto-run
4. Turn off power saving mode for stable Bluetooth operation: Settings → Battery → Power saving mode → Disable.

If you use Xiaomi with Global ROM, you don’t need to do any more manipulation, and owners of the Chinese ROM will have to install Google Services manually, otherwise Mi Fit won’t start.

Update MIUI to the latest version

Enable Bluetooth and geolocation

Allow autoplay for Mi Fit/Zepp Life

Turn off the power saving mode

Install Google Services (for China) ROM)-->

⚠️ Attention: On phones from China ROM Without Google Services, Mi Fit will give you an error, "No Internet connection" even if the network is working.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect the watch to Xiaomi

Consider the universal algorithm on the example of Xiaomi Watch S3 and Mi Fit application (similar to Zepp Life):

1. Install the app: 📱 For global versions of watches: download Mi Fit from Google Play. 🌏 For Chinese versions: use Zepp Life (available on the App Store or official website).
2. Register an account: 🔑 Sign in via Xiaomi Account, Google or Apple ID. 📧 Confirm email – without this, the watch will not be attached!

Add the device.

Open Mi Fit → Profile → Add Device → Select a Watch Model → Click “Connect”

Synchronize the clock

• 🔄 It'll appear on the clock. QR-Code – scan it through the app.
• 🔗 Confirm the pairing on both devices.
• Update your firmware (if available): Mi Fit → Device Profile → Software Update

The process takes 2-3 minutes. After successfully connecting, the watch will display a “Connected” notification on the screen, and the application will display data on battery charge and synchronization status.

4. Solving common connection errors

Even with the right settings, users are facing problems.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

If Huawei or Samsung watches don’t connect to Xiaomi, check:

• 🔧 Whether identified HMS Core (for Huawei)?
• 🔧 Notifications for Galaxy Wearable App Allowed?
• 🔧 Is it blocking? MIUI Optimization of background processes? (Switched off through Settings) → Special facilities → MIUI Optimization)

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 14+ And the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro can get a bug with "infinite sync" so you can turn off Automatic Data Sync in the Mi Fit settings and turn it on again.

5. Set up notifications and additional functions

After connecting, set the clock to your needs:

• 📱 Notifications: Mi Fit → Device profile → Notifications → Select applications We recommend leaving only messengers and calls so as not to overload the clock.
• 🎵 Music control: Enable the option "Player Control" in the settings of the watch - this will allow you to switch tracks directly from the wrist.
• 💳 Contactless Payment: For Mi Pay, link your bank card to the Mi Fit app (available only for global watch versions).
• 🏃 Sports Modes: Add Frequently Used Sports to Favorites via Mi Fit → Training. → My regimes.

For Amazfit watches (such as GTR 4), unique features are available:

• 🌡️ Body temperature measurement (requires calibration in Zepp Life).
• 🧘 Tracking Stress with Vibration at High Levels.
• 🔋 Extremely long-term autonomy (up to 28 days without recharging).

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To extend the life of the watch battery, turn off the permanent pulsemeter (Settings → Heart Monitor → Measure every 30 minutes) and reduce the brightness of the screen to 50%.

6. How to unplug your watch from your Xiaomi phone

If you want to reset the connection (for example, to sell a watch or connect to another phone), do the following:

1. Through the app: Mi Fit → Profile → Delete the device → Confirm
2. Through the settings of the clock: On the clock: Settings → System → Disconnect from the phone
3. Reset to factory settings (if the clock is glitchy): On the clock: Settings → System → Reset → Confirm

After the shutdown, all data (steps, pulse, training) will be stored in the Mi Fit/Zepp Life account, but sync with your phone will stop. To connect the watch to the new device, repeat the binding process from scratch.

⚠️ Warning: If you sell watches, make sure to reset to factory settings! otherwise the new owner will be able to see your personal details (training history, notifications and even tied cards in Mi Pay).

7. Application comparison: Mi Fit vs Zepp Life vs third-party

The choice of the app depends on the model of the watch and the desired functions.

For most Xiaomi users, the best choice will remain Mi Fit – it works more stable with native devices and supports all key functions. Zepp Life should be considered only by owners of Amazfit or those who need detailed sleep analytics.

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For the Xiaomi Watch S3 and later, use Mi Fit – only in this application is full synchronization with Mi Pay and branded dials available.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting the watch to Xiaomi