Xiaomi’s smartwatches are no longer an exclusive feature for Android device owners. Even with the iPhone 6 (released in 2014!), you can sync most Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch or Amazfit models, provided you set them up correctly. However, due to the limitations of iOS 12 (the most supported version for the iPhone 6), the connection process has nuances that are rarely written about in standard instructions.
In this article, we’ll break down step-by-step synchronization with the old iPhone in mind, from choosing a compatible watch model to setting up notifications to solving errors like “device doesn’t see” or “connection is permanently broken,” and focus on workarounds for features that Xiaomi doesn’t officially support on iOS (such as answering calls or managing music).
Spoiler: Even on the iPhone 6, you can use the Mi Band 6 or Xiaomi Watch S1, but you have to sacrifice some of the features like NFC or voice assistant, but the basic features — pedometer, pulse, notifications — will work steadily.
1. Compatibility: Which Xiaomi Watches Support the iPhone 6?
The first thing to check is the compatibility of the watch model with your iPhone. iPhone 6 runs on iOS 12.5.7 (the last version available), which imposes restrictions:
- ✅ Fully supported (with minimal restrictions): Mi Band 3/4/5/6, Xiaomi Watch S1, Amazfit Bip U
- ⚠️ Partially working (without some features): Mi Band 7, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (no NFC, limited notices)
- ❌ Incompatible: Xiaomi Watch S3 (requires iOS 14+), Mi Band 8 (problems with Bluetooth 5.0)
The main “pitfall” is the Bluetooth version. iPhone 6 is equipped with Bluetooth 4.0, while new Xiaomi watches often require Bluetooth 4.2+ for stable operation.This means that even if the watch is connected, the connection can break when used actively (for example, during training).
Another point is the management app: the official Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life) requires iOS 12+, but some features may not be available, such as the Mi Band 6 on the iPhone 6, which will not work:
- ❌ Configure quick responses to notifications (view only)
- ❌ Use a voice assistant (Alexa or Xiao AI)
- ❌ Update your firmware over the air (you’ll have to do it via your Android device)
2.Preparing iPhone 6 for connection
Before synchronization, you need to optimize your iPhone settings to avoid typical errors.
☑️ Preparation of iPhone 6
Pay special attention to permissions for the application:
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Geolocation Services and enable access for Mi Fitness.
- In Settings → Bluetooth, make sure that the Detect mode is active (the watch should appear in the “Other Devices” list).
- Turn off the power saving mode (if enabled) – it limits the background operation of Bluetooth.
If you have previously tried to connect the clock and encountered an error, reset your network settings:
Settings → Main → Reset → Reset Network Settings⚠️ Warning: Once the network is reset, all stored Wi-Fi passwords will be deleted. Write them down in advance or prepare access to the router.
We also recommend removing old Bluetooth profiles that may have been left over from previous connection attempts:
Settings → Bluetooth → (click on the “i” next to the device) → Forget this device3. Step-by-step instruction: how to connect the clock
Now, to the synchronization process itself, we're using the official Mi Fitness app (you can download it from the App Store), and the alternative is Notify & Fitness for Mi Band, but it's paid.
Step 1: Installation and configuration of the application
- Download and install Mi Fitness.
- Sign up or sign in through your Xiaomi account (if not, create one at account.xiaomi.com).
- In the main menu of the application, click "Add device".
Step 2: Finding and pairing the clock
- Turn on the watch (for Mi Band – touch the sensor, for Xiaomi Watch – hold the side button).
- In the app, select your watch model from the list.
- Click “Connect” and wait until the iPhone finds the device (can take up to 30 seconds).
- Confirm the pairing on the clock (the code will appear on the screen - it must match the code in the application).
Step 3: Set up notifications and synchronize data
After successful connection:
- Allow the app to send notifications (Settings → Notifications → Mi Fitness → Allow notifications).
- In the watch menu in the app, set: – Pulse Measurement Frequency (recommended “Every 30 minutes” to save battery) – Display notifications (select apps like WhatsApp or Telegram) – Alarm clocks (synchronize with iPhone)
⚠️ Warning: On iPhone 6, notifications are displayed with a delay of up to 5-10 seconds due to the limitations of iOS 12.
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If the watch doesn't connect, try restarting both the iPhone and the watch, and then repeat the process. Sometimes it helps to turn off the Wi-Fi on the phone (Bluetooth works more stable without interference).
4. Solving typical problems
Even when you set it up properly, iPhone 6 users often encounter bugs, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The watch is not on the Bluetooth device list. | Outdated Bluetooth or conflict with other devices | Disable all other Bluetooth devices (earphones, speakers) and repeat the search |
| Synchronization of data is interrupted | Background limitations of iOS 12 for the app | Enable Background Update for Mi Fitness in Settings |
| Notifications don't come in on the clock. | No permissions are given for the application or conflict with other notifications | Check notification settings in Settings → Notifications → Mi Fitness |
| The clock is running out fast. | Frequent pulse measurement or weak Bluetooth connection | Set the pulse interval “Every 30 minutes” and turn off unnecessary notifications |
If the watch is plugged in but switched off, the problem may be the firmware. Some models (such as the Mi Band 6) require an update via an Android device.
- Find a friend with an Android smartphone.
- Install Mi Fitness on his phone and connect the watch.
- Update the firmware through the device menu in the app.
- Return the watch to your iPhone 6 and reconnect.
What if the clock is connected but not synchronizing the data?
5. Alternative applications for advanced functions
The official Mi Fitness app on the iPhone 6 is limited, and you can use third-party utilities to unlock additional features (such as dial customization or advanced notifications) to unlock:
- 📱 Notify & Fitness for Mi Band (paid but with trial period) – lets you adjust the vibration for different notifications, add your dials and even respond to messages with template phrases.
- 🔧 Tools & Mi Band (free) – gives access to hidden settings such as adjusting the brightness of the screen or turning off automatic locking.
- 🌐 Amazfit Watchfaces (for Amazfit models) is a dial library with support for iOS 12.
When using third-party applications, consider:
- ⚠️ They may conflict with the official Mi Fitness, and we recommend disabling autosynchronization in the main application.
- ⚠️ Some features (e.g., measuring SpO2 in Mi Band 6) may not be available due to iOS limitations.
To install custom dials through Notify & Fitness:
- Download your favorite dial (.bin file) from sites like AmazfitWatchfaces.
- In the app, go to the section "Digitals" → "Import".
- Select the downloaded file and wait for synchronization with the clock.
6.Operation optimization: how to extend the life of the battery
On the iPhone 6, Xiaomi watches can discharge faster than on new smartphones.
- An outdated version of Bluetooth (more energy to maintain the connection).
- The limitations of iOS 12 in the management of background processes.
To extend the autonomy of the watch, follow these tips:
- 🔋 Turn off the permanent pulse measurement (only leave it on request).
- 📵 Reduce the number of synchronized notifications (leave only important messengers).
- 🌙 Activate the energy saving mode on the watch (in the device settings in Mi Fitness).
- 🔄 Update your watch firmware through your Android device (newer versions often optimize power consumption).
If the battery is discharged in less than a day, check:
- Is the training mode in the background turned on (turn it off manually after use).
- Are there any custom dials with animation (they consume more energy) installed?
- Is there a constant synchronization due to a failure (reset the clock by holding the 10 seconds button).
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On the iPhone 6, the optimal balance between functionality and autonomy is achieved when settings: pulse every 30 minutes, notifications from only 2-3 apps, disabled constant sleep monitoring.
Model Comparison: Which Watch Is Best for the iPhone 6?
If you haven’t bought a watch yet and are choosing a model specifically for the iPhone 6, check out the table below. We’ve assessed the compatibility and functionality of different Xiaomi devices, taking into account the limitations of iOS 12.
| Model | Compatible with iPhone 6 | Functions in progress | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Stepper, pulse, notifications, music control, 11 training regimens | No NFC, no response to notifications |
| Mi Band 6 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AMOLED- screen, SpO2, 30 training regimes, notifications | No NFC, possible lags in synchronization |
| Xiaomi Watch S1 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GPS, pulse, notifications, interchangeable dials | No NFC, no voice assistant, discharges quickly |
| Amazfit Bip U | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | GPS, 60+ training regimes, water resistance | No Russian language in firmware, difficulty with sleep synchronization |
The iPhone 6 is the best choice for the Mi Band 5 or Mi Band 6, which offer the best balance between functionality and stability. Xiaomi Watch S1 is fine if you want a bigger display, but be prepared for more frequent charging.
If you care about autonomy, look for the Amazfit Bip U — it lasts up to 9 days without recharging when notifications are turned off. However, its interface is less intuitive, and syncing with iOS 12 sometimes requires reconnecting.