How to connect the Xiaomi Amazfit watch to the Mi phone: the complete guide

Integrating wearable electronics into the Xiaomi ecosystem is a process that at first glance seems trivial, but often faces software conflicts or shell features. MIUI. Owners of Mi and Redmi smartphones have the advantage of deep system integration, but even here there are nuances that require attention during initial pairing. GPS-tracking, pulse meter and synchronization of health data.

The main challenge is choosing the right software, as the Amazfit brand has replaced several device management platforms over the years. Whereas Mi Fit used to dominate, the focus is now shifting to Zepp, causing confusion among users trying to connect new or old models of gadgets. The wrong choice of software can lead to a limitation of functionality or complete inability to activate the device.

In this guide, we will take a detailed look at how to successfully pair, focusing on Android system resolutions and energy saving settings that often block background services, and learn how to avoid typical errors and ensure a stable connection between your phone and your watch without constant disconnection.

Selecting the Right Application for Management

The first and most critical step is to install the right software. The Amazfit brand has historically been linked to the Xiaomi ecosystem, so most watches, bracelets and weights use a single platform. Currently, the main and recommended application is Zepp (formerly known as Mi Fit), through which the device is first registered, firmware updated and fine-tuned dials.

However, there are models designed specifically for the global market or part of the new generation Amazfit GTR/GTS lineup that may require the use of the Amazfit app. Although these programs overlap by 90%, the servers for storing health data may vary. It is important for Mi phone owners to understand that the built-in Mi Health service can aggregate data from both sources, but the initial binding must occur in the “native” watch app.

Download apps exclusively from official sources to avoid malicious code or stripped-down versions. Xiaomi smartphone owners can use the built-in GetApps store or the official Google Play Market.

• 📱 Zepp: Universal app for most models, including the Bip, Pace, Stratos series and the new T-Rex.
• ⌚ Amazfit: A standalone app required for some specific models and watches released after 2020.
• 🏃 Mi Fitness: A new app that is gradually replacing Zepp for devices running the Zepp operating system OS.

Do not try to use third-party utilities for pairing, as they do not have access to the closed Bluetooth encryption protocols used by the manufacturer.This can lead to locking the device or incorrect display of data.

Preparation of Xiaomi smartphone to pair

Before you go directly, you need to prepare the phone’s operating system. MIUI shell is known for its aggressive energy saving policy, which can prevent the stable operation of wearable devices. Successful synchronization requires activating several system functions that by default can be disabled or limited.

First of all, make sure that geolocation services are enabled on the phone. It's not just a formality: the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol used to communicate with the clock requires access to a location to scan devices. Without GPS enabled, the phone won't physically see the watch on the list of available to connect.

⚠️ Note: If the watch doesn't show up in search after turning on Bluetooth, check if Plane mode is activated. Also make sure the watch isn't connected to another phone, as it can automatically try to reconnect with the previous device.

You need to check the version of the Android operating system. For the correct operation of modern applications Zepp or Mi Fitness requires Android version 6.0 and higher. Owners of older Mi models may face compatibility restrictions, which will require updating the phone software through the Settings menu → About Phone → System Update.

An important aspect is to clear the Bluetooth module cache if multiple devices have previously connected to the phone: Go to Bluetooth settings, find a list of paired devices, and remove any old or unknown gadgets to free up the resources of the communication module.

Step-by-step instructions for connecting the clock

The process of pairing the Amazfit watch with a Xiaomi smartphone is standardized, but requires a strict sequence of actions. Violation of the order of steps, for example, trying to pair through Bluetooth settings instead of an application, is the most common cause of errors.

Start by turning on the watch. If the device is new, it will automatically go into pairing mode. If the watch has been used before, you may need to reset to factory settings through the menu of the gadget itself: Settings → System → Reset. Once the watch is on, it will appear QR-code.

Open the installed app (Zepp or Amazfit) and log in to your account. On the home screen, select Add Device or click on Plus in the interface corner. The app will request permission to use Bluetooth and geolocation — confirm these actions, otherwise the search will not begin.

When the app finds your watch, click on the model name. A digital confirmation code may appear on your phone screen and on your watch screen. Make sure the codes match, and confirm pairing on both devices. The service installation process can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

After successful pairing, the app will suggest updating the watch firmware, and it is highly recommended to perform this action while near the charger, as the process may require significant energy consumption and rebooting of the modules.

Setup of permits and work in the background

The most common problem for Xiaomi + Amazfit owners is a connection break or no notifications. MIUI defaults to kill application background processes to save battery life. To keep the watch running properly, you need to manually set priorities for the companion app.

Go to your phone's settings, select the Apps section, and search the Zepp (or Amazfit) list. Go to Activity Control or Autostart. You want to allow the app to autostart, run in the background, and display over other windows. Without these permissions, the system will block the transmission of pulse or step data if the phone screen is turned off.

Also, check your notification settings. In the watch app itself, go to your device profile and select "Application Notifications." Make sure the switches for the right programs (Telegram, WhatsApp, Calls) are active. At the Android system level, you may need to additionally allow access to notifications in a special feature menu.

Remember that some features, such as weather or time synchronization, require a stable internet connection. If the watch loses communication with your phone, try rebooting the Bluetooth module on your smartphone: turn it off and on via Settings → Bluetooth or the Quick Access Panel.

Synchronization of data and accounts

One of the main purposes of using smartwatches is to collect health statistics. For owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem, it is important that data from the watches get into the overall picture of activity. The Zepp app allows you to link accounts with third-party services such as Google Fit, Apple Health (on iOS) or Strava.

To set up sync, open an in-app profile, select Add Accounts, and log in to the services you want, and then your workout, step, and sleep data will be automatically transmitted across platforms, which is especially useful if you're using multiple devices or if you're planning to switch smartphones in the future.

• 🔄 Bilateral synchronization: Changes made in one application (e.g., step goals) may be reflected in another.
• 📊 Analytics: Services like Google Fit provide more detailed graphics based on raw data from the clock.
• ☁️ Backup: Accounts are linked to ensure that your training history is preserved even if hours are lost or broken.

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Tip: Check the Zepp/Amazfit version of the app regularly in the Play Market Store. Updates often include sync bug fixes and new dials.

Note that the initial download of the story can take a long time, especially if you have a large training archive, and it is recommended to connect to a Wi-Fi network to speed up the process of sharing data with cloud servers.

Solving Typical Connection Problems

Even if all instructions are followed, there can be technical difficulties, most often users encounter a “failed to connect” error or a situation where the clock is visible on Bluetooth but not paired, and most of the time the problem lies in the Bluetooth cache or software version conflict.

If the watch is not an app, try “forgetting” the device in your phone’s Bluetooth settings, turning the watch off completely and turning it back on. Then re-search the app. Sometimes cleaning the cache of the Zepp app itself through the Android app management menu helps: Settings → Apps → Zepp → Storage → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Warning: If nothing works, complete a full Reset through the menu of the device itself, which will delete all data from the watch, but often solves problems with sticking the Bluetooth module.

Another common problem is not being able to update the firmware: make sure the clock is over 30% charged and the phone is in close proximity (no more than 1 meter). Interrupting the update can cause a software failure, so do not start the process if the phone or watch battery is drained.

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The key to solving 90% of connectivity problems is to completely reset the clock to factory settings and re-register in the app from scratch.

In rare cases, the problem may be hardware: If the watch does not see any phones and the reboot does not help, the Bluetooth module of the device may be defective and you will need to contact a service center.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions