Xiaomi smartwatches are some of the most popular gadgets for tracking activity, but their synchronization with the iPhone is often questionable, especially if we are talking about the iPhone 10 model, which, although it supports Bluetooth 5.0, but has iOS limitations when working with devices on Android Wear. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to connect Xiaomi watches (Mi Band 7/8, Watch 2 Pro, Watch S3, etc.) to the iPhone 10 in 2026, including bypassing typical errors and setting up advanced features.
The main problem is that Apple artificially restricts the functionality of third-party smartwatches on iOS. For example, you won’t be able to answer calls directly from the watch (like the Apple Watch), but the basic features — pedometer, pulsemeter, notifications — work steadily. We tested the connection on iOS 17.4 and identified key nuances that save time.
Important: if you have a Mi Band older than the 5th model or Amazfit (a subsidiary of Xiaomi), the connection algorithm will be different.
1.What Xiaomi watch is compatible with the iPhone 10?
Not all Xiaomi smartwatches work equally well with iPhones, here’s a current list of supported models (as of 2026):
- 📱 Mi Band 6/7/8 — Full compatibility, but without answering calls.
- ⌚ Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro is the best choice for iOS GPS and NFC pay).
- 🏃 Xiaomi Watch S3 — Supports notifications, but no Siri support.
- 💎 Amazfit GTR 4/GTS 4 — Extended functionality alternative (works through Zepp Life).
- ⚠️ Mi Band 5 and older – Connect but may lose touch when you update iOS.
The Mi Band 1-4 and Xiaomi Watch 1 models are not officially supported after the iOS 16+ update. If you have one of these models, you will need a workaround through third-party apps (we will discuss this in Section 5).
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Watches with NFC (Watch 2 Pro will not be able to emulate bank cards on iPhone – this feature only works on Android with Google Pay.
| Model clock | Appendix for iOS | Support for notifications | GPS | NFC (payment) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 8 | Mi Fitness | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro | Xiaomi Wear | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No, Android only) |
| Amazfit GTR 4 | Zepp Life | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Mi Band 5 | Mi Fit (obsolete) | ⚠️ Partially. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
2.Preparing iPhone 10 for connection
Before syncing, check the key settings of the iPhone 10 to avoid errors:
- Update iOS to the latest version (minimum requirement is iOS 15.0). You can check the version in Settings → General → About this device.
- Turn Bluetooth on in Settings → Bluetooth and leave it active throughout the connection phase.
- Allow notifications for the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app in Settings → Notifications.
- Turn off the VPN (if used) – it can block Xiaomi servers.
☑️ Checklist before connection
Pay special attention to geolocation permits. Mi Fitness and Zepp Life applications require location access for pedometer and GPS to work correctly.
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Geolocation Services.
- Find the Mi Fitness app and select Always.
⚠️ Note: If you previously connected a Xiaomi watch to another smartphone, reset it to factory settings via the Watch Settings → System system → Otherwise, the iPhone 10 may not detect the device.
3. Step-by-step instruction: connection via Mi Fitness
This method is suitable for most fitness bracelets Mi Band (6/7/8) and some models Xiaomi Watch.Using the official application Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit):
- Download the app from the App Store (check that the developer is Xiaomi Inc.).
- Sign up for an account or sign in via Google/Apple ID (if you already have a Xiaomi profile).
- Activate Bluetooth on iPhone 10 and place the watch next to each other (up to 10cm away).
- In the application, click Profile → Add device → Select a model.
- Follow the instructions on the screen: Confirm the pairing on the clock (usually you need to click on the touch button).
💡
If the watch doesn't detect, restart your iPhone 10 and try again. Sometimes it helps to turn off/on the Aviamode mode.
After successful connection:
- 🔄 Update the firmware of the watch through the device settings → Update of the PO.
- 🔔 Set up notifications in Profile → Notifications → Select applications (such as WhatsApp, Telegram).
- ⚡ Enable Autosynchronization for Sleep and Activity Data.
What if Mi Fitness can’t see the watch?
4. Connect Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and Amazfit via Zepp Life
For flagship models (Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Amazfit GTR 4), the Zepp Life app (formerly Amazfit) is used, offering enhanced features over Mi Fitness:
- Download Zepp Life from the App Store.
- Create an account or sign in via Apple ID/Google.
- In the main menu, click Add Device → Select a model.
- Confirm the pairing on the watch (for the Watch 2 Pro you will need to enter the PIN-clock-screen).
The benefits of Zepp Life:
- 📊 More detailed sleep analytics (deep/light sleep phases).
- 🏃 Support 150+ Sports modes (vs. 30 in Mi Fitness).
- 🎨 Customization of dials (more than 100 options).
💡
The Zepp Life app allows you to export health data to Apple Health, which is not available in Mi Fitness.
To set up notifications:
- Go to Profile. → Notifications.
- Turn on the Call Notification switch and select apps.
- Activate Vibration at notification (default disabled).
5. Solving Connection Problems
If Xiaomi watches don’t connect to iPhone 10, check out the following:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No clock detectable. | Bluetooth conflict | Reboot your iPhone and watch, then re-pair the pairing. |
| The application freezes at the connection stage | Outdated watch firmware | Update your watch through Mi Fitness on your Android device, then connect to your iPhone. |
| Notifications don't come in. | Limitations of iOS | Enable Notifications for the app in iOS settings. |
| The clock goes off in 5 minutes. | Energy saving iOS | Turn off Low Power in Settings → Battery. |
💡
If nothing works, try resetting your network settings on iPhone 10: Settings → Basic → Reset → Reset network settings. This will delete all stored Bluetooth devices, but often solves connection problems.
Older models (Mi Band 5 and below) may require a third-party app, Notify for Mi Band (available on the App Store), which allows:
- 🔔 Receive notifications from any applications (including VK, Instagram).
- 📞 See the name of the caller (only the number is displayed in the standard application).
- ⚡ Set up vibrations for different types of notifications.
⚠️ Note: Apps like Notify for Mi Band require constant work in the background, which can reduce battery life of the iPhone 10 on 10-15%.
6. Configure additional functions
After successful connection, optimize the clock to your needs:
🔋 Optimizing the battery
- Turn off the Constant pulse in the clock settings (saves up to 30% charge).
- Reduce the brightness of the screen by up to 50% through Settings → Display.
- Turn on the sleep mode for rest (disables notifications).
🏃 Sporting regimes
In the Zepp Life app, advanced training settings are available:
- Choose a sport (running, cycling, swimming).
- Activate Voice prompts (works through the clock speaker).
- Set up Autopause when you stop.
🛡️ Confidentiality
To limit Xiaomi’s access to your data:
- In Mi Fitness, go to Profile → Settings → Privacy.
- Disable Data Sharing and Personalized Recommendations.
- Export your data to Apple Health and remove it from the Xiaomi cloud once a month.
7. Alternative ways of connecting
If standard methods don’t work, try these options:
🔄 Connection via Apple Health
Some apps (such as Health Sync) allow you to sync data directly to Xiaomi in Apple Health:
- Download Health Sync from the App Store.
- Connect your Xiaomi account in the app settings.
- Select data for synchronization (steps, pulse, sleep).
🖥️ Connecting via Mac (for firmware)
If the watch requires a firmware update, but the iPhone 10 doesn’t see it:
- Use Mac or Windows with official Mi Fit for PC software.
- Connect the watch via a Bluetooth adapter (if the Mac does not have Bluetooth 5.0 built-in).
- Update the firmware, then reconnect to the iPhone.