Synchronizing Xiaomi’s smartwatch with the iPhone 7 Plus is a task that seems simple at first glance, but often comes with nuances. Owners of the Mi Band, Amazfit or Xiaomi Watch face iOS limitations, lack of official support for some features and connection errors. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting, from standard binding via Mi Fitness to workaround solutions for advanced functionality.
The main problem lies in Apple’s policy: since iOS 13, the company has tightened third-party apps’ access to health data and notifications, which means that even after a successful connection, the watch may not show incoming calls or WhatsApp messages, but there are working methods to circumvent these restrictions, which you will learn about in the section on setting up notifications.
It is also important to consider the model of the watch: for example, Xiaomi Mi Band 7 and Amazfit. GTR 4 connect via different apps (Zepp Life and Mi Fitness respectively) and for Xiaomi Watch S3 You may need additional authorization through Mi Account, and we have covered the instructions for all popular models that are up to 2026.
Xiaomi Watch Compatibility with iPhone 7 Plus: What You Need to Know
Before connecting, check three key points:
- 📱 iOS version: iPhone 7 Plus supports a maximum of iOS 15.8.1 (at the time of writing).Some features of the watch (for example, Always-On Display) may not work correctly on older versions of the system.
- 🔄 Sync app: Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit) is used for Mi Band and Xiaomi Watch, Zepp Life is used for Amazfit. Make sure you have the latest version installed (update via the App Store).
- 🔋 Battery charge: Initial connection consumes up to 30% of the charge hours. If the level is below 50%, recharge the device.
Also note that Apple is blocking access to some Xiaomi sensors:
| The function of the clock | It works on an iPhone. | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Stepper | ✅ Yes. | Data synced with Apple Health, but may be duplicated |
| Notifications | ⚠️ Partially. | Only SMS Calls and calls (for others, workarounds are needed) |
| Measurement of heart rate | ✅ Yes. | The accuracy depends on the density of the strap fitting |
| NFC-pay | ❌ No. | Xiaomi Pay is not supported outside of China |
| Voice assistant | ❌ No. | Siri doesn’t integrate with Xiaomi watches |
⚠️ Note: If you upgraded the iPhone 7 Plus to iOS 16+ through third-party firmware (e.g, Checkra1n), synchronization with the clock may not work smoothly, in which case, roll back to the official version or use compatibility mode in the application settings.
Preparing iPhone 7 Plus for connection
To avoid synchronization errors, make presets on your smartphone:
- Turn on Bluetooth: Go to Settings → Bluetooth and activate the switch. Make sure the iPhone sees other devices (try connecting the headphones to check for the device).
- Allow notifications to be accessed: Go to Settings → Notifications → Mi Fitness/Zepp Life and enable options Allow notifications and sounds.
- Set up Apple Health: Open the Health app, go to Profile → Annexes → Mi Fitness and enable all permissions for step, sleep and heart rate data.
- Update the watch firmware: If the watch was already in use, reset it to factory settings via Settings → Reset on the device itself.
Critical: On the iPhone 7 Plus with iOS 15, there may be a "Device Unconnected" error due to background conflict.
Close all background applications (swipe up in multitasking)
Reboot your iPhone
Turn off the VPN (if used)
Make sure your watch is over 50% charged.
Check the stability of the Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)-->
If you’re using the Mi Band 6 or older model, be sure to turn off the Power Saving feature in the clock settings before connecting – it blocks a stable connection to the iPhone.
Step-by-step: how to connect the watch to the iPhone
Consider the universal algorithm for most Xiaomi models (for specific devices, there are refinements in the next section).
Step 1: Installation of the application
Download the official application depending on the model of the watch:
- 🔹 Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit) – for Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch S1/S2, Redmi Watch.
- 🔹 Zepp Life - For Amazfit GTR 4, GTS 4, Bip 5.
Download links: App Store → Search → "Mi Fitness or Zepp Life".
Step 2: Registration of an account
When you first start the application, you will be offered:
- Sign in via Mi Account (if any).
- Register by phone number or email.
- Use the account Google/Apple ID (Not recommended due to synchronization problems).
Important: Link the same account that was used on the watch before (if it was already in use), otherwise the health data will not be transferred.
Step 3: Finding and Connecting the Device
The algorithm for Mi Fitness:
- Click Profile → Add the device.
- Choose your watch model from the list.
- Click Connect and wait for the iPhone to find the watch (they should blink or vibrate).
- Confirm the pairing on both devices.
For Zepp Life:
- Slap the icon. + top-right.
- Select Add the device → Wrist devices.
- Follow the instructions on the screen (scanning may be required) QR-clock-code).
💡
If the clock is not located, try rebooting it by holding the power button for 10 seconds.
Step 4: Set up the basic parameters
After connecting, the application will offer:
- 🔄 Update the firmware of the watch (be sure to agree - this will fix compatibility bugs).
- 📏 Enter personal data (height, weight, age) to track activity correctly.
- 🔔 Set up notifications (more in the next section).
⚠️ Warning: If the clock is permanently off after you connect, check your Bluetooth settings on your iPhone. → Bluetooth find your watch in the device list and tap the i icon next to the name. Make sure the "Connect Automatically" option is enabled".
Features of connection for different watch models
Not all Xiaomi watches connect the same way. Below are the key differences for popular models.
Xiaomi Mi Band 7/8
These fitness bracelets are synchronized through Mi Fitness, but have nuances:
- 🔋 To save battery, turn off the automatic heart rate measurement in the bracelet settings (this will reduce the operating time from 15 to 7 days).
- 📱 To receive call notifications, go to Mi Fitness Device Profile → Notifications → Incoming calls and switch on the switch.
Xiaomi Watch S2/S3
Smartwatch with Wear OS (Global market models require:
- 🔄 Additional installation of the Wear application OS by Google from the App Store.
- 🔒 Authorization via Mi Account with a phone number binding (without this, payments and voice assistant will not work).
Important: On the iPhone 7 Plus, this watch is limited to no response to messages and third-party apps.
Amazfit GTR 4 / GTS 4
These are the models that use Zepp Life.
- 🎵 Music notifications (such as those from Spotify) are only displayed if the Zepp Life app is running in the background.
- 🌍 For accurate tracking GPS Turn on the option to use in the settings of the clock GPS phone.
Redmi Watch 3
Budget model with simplified synchronization:
- ⚡ Supports fast connection – just bring the watch to the iPhone with Bluetooth enabled.
- ❌ It does not have the Always-On Display function when linked to iOS.
How to check the originality of Xiaomi watches before connecting?
Set up notifications on iPhone 7 Plus
Xiaomi’s default iOS watch only shows calls and SMS. To expand the list of notifications:
Method 1: Through Mi. Fitness/Zepp Life
- Open the app and go to the Device Profile → Notifications.
- Turn on the switches for the desired applications (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram).
- In iPhone settings → Notifications for each application enable the option to Show on the lock screen.
Method 2: Through Shortcuts (bypass)
If notifications do not arrive:
- Install the Shortcuts app (if it is not by default).
- Create a new script with the action "Send notification to the device".
- Choose your watch as your device (it should be displayed in the list).
This method allows custom notifications to be sent, but requires manual script start.
💡
On iOS 15+ Notifications from third-party messengers (Viber, Instagram) may not come due to Apple's restrictions.The only solution is to use forwarding through the Internet. IFTTT (see next section).
Method 3: Automation through IFTTT
Service IFTTT (If This Then That allows you to forward notifications:
- Download. IFTTT From the App Store and register.
- Create a new applet with the trigger "New Notice in [Appendix]".
- Select “Send Notice to Mi Band” as an action.
Example of an applet for Telegram:
IF: New message in Telegram
THEN: Send notification to Mi Band via Mi Fitness⚠️ Attention: Use IFTTT This may result in delay of notifications before 5-10 This method is not suitable for instant alerts.
Solving common problems
If the watch is not connected or is not running smoothly, check these points:
Problem. 1: The watch is not in the Mi. Fitness/Zepp Life
- 🔄 Reset the clock (hold the button) 10-15 seconds).
- 📱 Remove the watch from the list of Bluetooth devices on your iPhone and try to connect again.
- 🔋 Check the battery charge of the watch (should be) >30%).
- 📶 Turn it off. VPN and the plane mode on the phone.
Problem 2: Permanent connection breaks
Causes and solutions:
| Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|
| Weak Bluetooth signal | Keep your watch and phone at a distance. <10 footprint |
| Conflict with other devices | Disconnect from the iPhone other gadgets (earphones, speakers) |
| Energy saving on the clock | Turn off the savings mode in the clock settings |
| Background restrictions of iOS | B Settings → Mi Fitness → Background Activity Enable Content Update |
Problem 3: Health data is not synchronized
If steps, sleep, or heart rate are not displayed on Apple Health:
- Open Mi Fitness → Profile → Settings → Data Synchronization.
- Turn off and turn on the sync with Apple Health again.
- Reboot the iPhone.
Problem 4: Watches don’t vibrate when notified
Check it out.
- 🔔 In the settings of the clock is included mode "Do not disturb".
- 📳 In Mi Fitness, in the notification section, are vibrations activated.
- 🔕 On iPhone in Settings → Sounds. → Vibration not disabled system vibration.
💡
If after all the manipulations, the watch still does not connect, try using the developer mode on the iPhone. Mac/Pc, Open Xcode and enable the option "Enable" UI Automation. That'll reset the Bluetooth cache.
Optimizing the work of the watch with the iPhone 7 Plus
To ensure that the clock is stable and long:
1. Battery savings
- 🔋 Turn off the constant pulse (measure your heart rate every 10 minutes instead of 1 minute).
- 🌙 Use the Dark Dials (AMOLED-The screens use less energy).
- 📴 Reduce the brightness of the screen to 30-40%.
2. Improved data accuracy
- 🏃 For accurate running tracking, calibrate the pedometer: walk 50 steps, then in Mi Fitness specify this value in Settings → Stepper → Sizing.
- 💤 To monitor sleep, wear a watch on 1.5-2 wrist-wise.
3. Extended functions
The iPhone 7 Plus is not available all the features of the watch, but you can activate:
- 🎵 Music management: In Mi Fitness, enable player management – this will allow you to skip tracks swipes on the watch screen.
- 📸 Remote camera shutter: In the watch settings, activate Camera Control, then in the iPhone Camera app, the watch will work as a remote control.
💡
On the iPhone 7 Plus, it is not possible to use a voice assistant (like Alice or Google Assistant) through Xiaomi watches due to iOS restrictions.The alternative is quick responses to messages (configured in Mi Fitness).