Xiaomi smartwatches are among the most popular wearables on the market due to their combination of functionality and affordable price. However, iPhone 8 owners often face difficulties in trying to synchronize devices from two different ecosystems. In this article, we will examine not only the standard connection procedure, but also the nuances that arise when working with iOS 15-17 on older iPhone models.
The main problem is that Xiaomi initially optimizes its Android devices, and Apple limits the capabilities of third-party gadgets in its ecosystem. For example, notifications on the clock may come with a delay, and some features (like quick response to messages) will not be available.
We tested compatibility with the Mi Band 7/8, Amazfit GTR 4 and Xiaomi Watch S3 on the iPhone 8 with the latest iOS. All of the steps below are relevant for 2026 and take into account the latest firmware updates. If you have already tried to connect the watch and got an error, at the end of the article there is a section with solutions to 10 common problems.
1.What Xiaomi watch is compatible with the iPhone 8?
Not all Xiaomi smartwatches work equally well with the iPhone 8. The main compatibility criterion is support for Bluetooth 4.2 or later. Here is a proven list of devices that are guaranteed to sync with the iPhone:
- 📱 Mi Band 6/7/8 — Budget fitness bracelets with a basic set of functions (stepmeter, pulse, notifications).
- ⌚ Xiaomi Watch S1/S2/S3 — Fully-fledged smart watches with AMOLED-screen-and-support GPS.
- 🏃 Amazfit GTR 4/GTS 4 — Models with advanced sports functions (measurement) SpO₂, stress-test).
- 💎 Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – flagship model with support for eSIM (but on the iPhone works without it) SIM-map).
Important! Watches based on Wear OS (such as the Xiaomi Watch S3 in some regions) may require additional settings, and note that the iPhone 8 will not work directly with Apple Health features – the data will have to be exported manually through third-party apps.
If your model is not included in the list, check it on the official Xiaomi website in the section "Compatibility". For example, the old Mi Band 1-5 can connect, but with limited functionality (no call notifications).
2.Preparing iPhone 8 for connection
Before you start syncing, you need to configure the iPhone 8 itself. Here are the key points that are often missed:
- Update iOS to the latest version. iOS 17.4 is current at the time of writing. You can check for updates in Settings → Main → Software Update.
- Turn on Bluetooth and make sure your iPhone sees other devices. Go to Settings → Bluetooth and activate the function.
- Allow notifications for the Mi Fitness or Zepp app (depending on the watch model). This is done in Settings → Notifications → [App name].
- Turn off Do Not Disturb mode as it can block notification synchronization.
We also recommend rebooting your iPhone before connecting, which will reset the Bluetooth cache and increase the chances of successful synchronization. If you have previously tried to connect the watch and you have an error, manually remove it from the Bluetooth device list.
💡
If you have iOS 16 or older, turn on Local Network to use the watch in Settings → Privacy → Local Network to improve connection stability.
3. Installation and configuration of the application
To connect the Xiaomi watch to the iPhone 8, you will need an official app.
- 🔹 For the Mi Band and most Xiaomi Watch, Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit).
- 🔹 For Amazfit - Zepp (formerly Amazfit).
- 🔹 Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – Xiaomi Wear (Wear only) OS).
Download the desired application from the App Store and follow the instructions:
- Launch the app and register (can be done via Apple ID, Google or phone number).
- Click "Add device" (the button is usually on the home screen).
- Choose your watch model from the list. If you don't have one, try the "Other device" option.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. At the connection stage, an iPhone can request permission to access Bluetooth, Notifications, and Health — allow everything.
Once successfully connected, the app will prompt you to update the firmware of the watch. Make sure that new versions of the software often fix compatibility errors with iOS. The update will take 5-15 minutes, do not interrupt the process!
Download the official app (Mi Fitness/Zepp)
Register or log in to your account
Turn Bluetooth on iPhone 8
Allow all application requests (notifications, location)
Charge the watch to at least 50%
-->
4. Step-by-step connection instruction
Now, let’s move directly to synchronization. Make sure that the Xiaomi watch is at least 30% charged and is located next to the iPhone 8 (no more than 1 meter away).
- Activate the watch: For Mi Band: Press the touch button until it appears QR-For Xiaomi Watch: press the side button for 3 seconds. For Amazfit: tap the screen and select the language.
- In the iPhone app, click "Connect" and select your model.
- Scanner. QR-Code: If the clock is displayed QR-code, point the iPhone camera at it. QR-No code – enter a 6-digit code that will appear on the watch screen.
Confirm the conjugation
Wait for the synchronization to be completed
If the process is suspended during the "Connection..." stage for more than 5 minutes:
- Close the application and restart it.
- Reset the clock (for Mi Band, put it in the dock for 10 seconds).
- Remove the watch from the Bluetooth list in the iPhone settings and try again.
Critical detail: iPhone 8 with iOS 17 may experience a “Device Failed to Add Due to System Restrictions” error on the first connection, in which case go to Settings → Privacy → Bluetooth and manually allow access to the Watch app.
5. Set up notifications and functions
Once you've successfully connected, you need to configure what notifications will arrive on your watch. By default, Xiaomi blocks most alerts from third-party apps on iOS.
- Open the Mi Fitness/Zepp app and go to Profile → My Device → Notifications.
- Activate the "Call Notifications" and "Application Notifications" switch.
- In the "Apps" section, select which programs you want to receive alerts from (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
- Return to iPhone Settings → Notifications → [Clock App] and turn on “Show on Lock Screen.”
Please note the limitations:
- ❌ On iOS, you can’t respond to messages directly from the clock (only view).
- ❌ Call notifications are delayed 2-5 seconds.
- ✅ Alarm clocks, reminders of inactivity and alerts about high pulse.
To make your fitness functions work, allow your app to access Health Data in your iPhone settings, but synchronization with Apple Health only works one way — data from the clock is transferred to Health, but not the other way around.
How to export data to Apple Health?
6. Solving common problems
Even with the right connection, iPhone 8 users often encounter errors. TOP-10 problems and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The watch is not in search. | Bluetooth disabled or occupied by another device | Reboot Bluetooth on your iPhone (Settings → Bluetooth → Off/On) |
| The connection is constantly breaking. | Weak signal or interference from other devices | Disable other Bluetooth gadgets (earphones, speakers) and reconnect the clock |
| No notifications coming. | iOS Limitations for Background Processes | Enable "Background Update" for the watch application in the iPhone settings |
| The watch doesn't update the firmware | Lack of memory or weak Wi-Fi | Connect to a 5GHz network and make sure your iPhone has ≥1GB of storage. |
| Incorrect pedometer data | The conflict with Apple Health | Turn off Health sync in Mi Fitness settings and reset the clock |
If none of these methods worked, try resetting the clock to factory settings:
- In the app, go to Profile → My device → Untie the device.
- On the watch, look for the Reset menu (for the Mi Band, hold the sensor for 10 seconds).
- Repeat the connection procedure again.
💡
If Xiaomi watches are connected but quickly discharge when working with the iPhone 8, turn off the “Constant pulse” in the settings. This will reduce the battery life from 2 days to 12-16 hours.
⚠️ On iPhone 8 with iOS 17.3 and later, the error "Device is not certified" may appear when connecting Xiaomi Watch S3. This is due to Apple's tightening security policy.Solution: temporarily roll back on iOS 16.7 (if possible) or use Amazfit GTR 4 – This model has been certified.
7. Alternative ways of connecting
If the standard method doesn’t work, there are workarounds:
- 🔄 Notify & Fitness app (for Mi Band): Download it from the App Store and connect the watch through it.This app bypasses the limitations of iOS and allows you to configure notifications more flexible than in official software.
- 🌐 Zepp Web Version (for Amazfit): Register on Zepp, link your watch through your browser, and then log in to your mobile app.
- 📱 Android emulator (extreme): Install a BlueStacks emulator on your computer, download Mi Fitness and plug in the watch. Then transfer the data to your iPhone through the cloud.
There are also informal firmware for Xiaomi watches that extend compatibility with iOS, such as AmazMod firmware for Amazfit, which adds support for widgets and quick answers, but installing them requires skill and can be unwarranted.
⚠️ Use of unofficial firmware on Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro with iPhone 8 may lead to loss of function NFC (Payment from hours. Before firmware, back up your data through the original application.
8. Optimization of the clock with iPhone 8
To ensure that Xiaomi watches work consistently with the iPhone 8, follow these tips:
- 🔋 Charging: Keep the charge level of the watch above 20%. on iOS, they discharge faster due to constant Bluetooth reconnections.
- 📶 Connection: Disable automatic Wi-Fi connection in iPhone settings – this will reduce interference for Bluetooth.
- 🛠 Updates: Check firmware updates once a week. Xiaomi regularly releases patches for iOS compatibility.
- 📱 Background Processes: Close unused apps on iPhone – they can block notifications for the clock.
If you use a watch for exercise, consider:
- 🏃 For accurate tracking of routes, turn on GPS on an iPhone (the clock will use its data).
- 💓 To measure the pulse while running, turn off "charge savings" in the clock settings.
- 🏊 Use Open Water mode for swimming – it’s better optimized for iOS.
For advanced users: If you want to receive email or calendar notifications, set up a forwarding via IFTTT. Create an applet with the trigger "New Event in Calendar" and the action "Send Notice to Zepp."