Connecting Xiaomi Watches to Redmi Phone: Full Instruction from A to Z

Xiaomi’s smartwatch is not just an accessory, it’s a full-fledged assistant for health tracking, notification management, and even shopping, but to unlock the full potential of the device, it needs to be connected to a smartphone correctly. If you have a Redmi phone (regardless of the model – Note 12, Redmi 10 or flagship series), the synchronization process has its nuances: from choosing the right application to configuring the permissions in the phone. MIUI.

In this article, we will look at all the ways you connect, through the official Mi Fit and Zepp Life apps, as well as alternative methods for older watches, and pay special attention to common errors: Why the watch doesn't find the phone, how to fix sync failures and what to do if Redmi can't see the device via Bluetooth. S3, Mi Band 8 or Amazfit GTR 4 – this instruction will help to avoid hourly fuss with settings.

Which Xiaomi Watches Are Compatible with Redmi Phones?

Before connecting, make sure your watch is officially supported by smartphones on the MIUI. Most Xiaomi and Amazfit models are compatible, but there are exceptions: For example, some fitness bracelets older than 2020 may require outdated versions of apps.

Here is the current list of supported devices (data for 2026):

⚠️ Note: If you have a Redmi with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), some of the features of the watch may not work properly.

Preparing Redmi Phone for Connection

Before you start synchronization, you need to configure the smartphone itself. MIUI has features in managing permissions and background processes that can block communication with the watch.

Step 1. Update the firmware

Outdated versions MIUI (below 12.5) may not support new watch models. → The phone. → System update. If you have an update available, install it.

Step 2: Turn on Bluetooth and location

Xiaomi watches for initial setup require:

• 🔵 Bluetooth (on and visible for other devices)
• 📍 Geolocation (necessary to locate devices near the site)
• 🔄 Autoturning the screen (simplifies scanning) QR-code)

Step 3: Configure permissions for the application

After installing Mi Fit or Zepp Life, go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → [name] → Permits and activate:

• 📱 Storage (for downloading firmware)
• 📡 Bluetooth and Location
• 🔔 Notifications (for synchronization of alerts)
• 🔋 Auto Start and Background Operation

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If the clock is permanently off after connecting, go to Settings → Battery and productivity → Battery consumption management and add the watch app to the list "No restrictions".

Step-by-step: Connect via Mi Fit

Mi Fit is the official app for most Xiaomi watches and Mi Band fitness bracelets. The interface is intuitive, but there are pitfalls, especially on Redmi with lightweight versions. MIUI (for example, MIUI Lite).

Install Mi Fit from Google Play or AppGallery|Turn on Bluetooth and geolocation|Register a Xiaomi account (if not)|Charge the watch to at least 50%|Restart your phone (recommended)

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Step 1: Installation and authorization

1. Download Mi Fit from Google Play or AppGallery.
2. Open the app and sign in under your Xiaomi account (if not, sign up).
3. Click Profile → Add the device.

Step 2: Finding and pairing the clock

1. Select your watch model from the list (e.g. Xiaomi Watch S3).
2. Press Hide and confirm Bluetooth access and location.
3. It'll appear on the clock. QR-code – scan it through your phone’s camera (let Mi Fit use the camera).
4. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes).

Step 3: Set up notifications and functions

After connection:

• 🔔 Include notifications for applications (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) in your Device Profile → Notifications.
• ⚡ Activate quick responses to messages (available on Xiaomi Watch) S3 newer).
• 💳 Link a bank card for contactless payments (if supported).

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If the watch does not connect at the scan step QR-In the code, try manually entering the 6-digit code that appears on the device screen.

Connect via Zepp Life (for Amazfit and new Xiaomi models)

The Zepp Life app has replaced Mi Fit for most Amazfit devices and new Xiaomi watches (like the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro).It offers advanced health analytics but requires more permissions.

The difference between Zepp Life and Mi Fit:

• ✅ Support PAI (personal activity index)
• ✅ Advanced reports on sleep and stress
• ❌ Higher battery consumption on the phone

Instructions for connection:

1. Install Zepp Life from Google Play.
2. Register (you can use your Xiaomi, Google or Apple ID account).
3. Click + → Add the device and select the model.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (similar to Mi Fit, but without it). QR-code - Bluetooth search is used).

⚠️ Note: If you have a Redmi with dual Bluetooth stack (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+), in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 5 times tap) turn on the option to disable A2DP This will solve the communication breakdown problem.

Solving Connection Problems

Even with the right setup, Xiaomi watches may not connect to Redmi.Let’s look at common bugs and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Phone can’t see a watch through Bluetooth

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📱 Remove the watch from the list of associated devices (Settings) → Bluetooth → [clock] → Forget it).
• 🔧 In Mi Fit/Zepp Life Click Cancel Pairing and Repeat the Process.
• 🛠️ If used MIUI 13/14, Turn off power saving mode for Bluetooth in Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime → Settings → Turn off for Bluetooth.

Problem 2: Persistent communication gaps

This is a frequent complaint from Redmi owners with dynamic RAM.

• 🔋 Add Mi. Fit/Zepp Life Excluding Battery Optimization.
• 📶 Turn off Wi-Fi Assist (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Wi-Fi Assist if it interferes with Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Enable Developer Mode and Activate Debugging over Bluetooth.

Problem 3: Data synchronization error

If the pedometer, pulse or notifications are not updated:

• 🔄 Reconnect the clock in the app.
• 📲 Check notification permissions for Mi Fit in phone settings.
• 🌐 Switch from mobile to Wi-Fi (sometimes it helps).

Configure notifications and additional functions

Once connected successfully, it’s time to customize your watch to suit your needs. Xiaomi offers flexible options for notifications, sports modes, and even music management.

Notifications from annexes

To receive alerts for the clock:

1. Open Mi. Fit/Zepp Life → Select the device → Notifications.
2. Turn on the Notification switch.
3. Select the apps you want to see (such as WhatsApp, Gmail).
4. Set up the display style (full text or just an icon).

2. Quick answers (for smartwatches)

On the Xiaomi Watch S3 You can respond to messages with voice or patterns:

• 🎤 Enable Voice Input in the clock settings.
• ✍️ Add response templates in the app (e.g., “I’ll answer later”, “OK").

3. Music management

The watch can work as a remote for a player on the phone:

• 🎵 Enable Music Management in the device settings.
• 🔊 Set up an automatic pause when taking off your watch (available on Mi Band 8 and later).

4. Contactless payments

If your model supports you NFC (For example, Xiaomi Watch S3):

1. Open Mi Fit. → purse.
2. Add a bank card (Mastercard, Visa, World are supported).
3. Confirm the link via SMS from the bank.

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For contactless payments to work on Xiaomi watches, Redmi phone needs to support Google Pay or Mi Pay. On models without Google certification (e.g. Redmi for China), this feature may not be available.

Alternative ways to connect (for older models)

If you have an outdated watch (such as the Mi Band 4 or Amazfit Bip), the official apps may not support it.

1. Notify & Fitness for Mi Band 1–5

Application from third-party developers with advanced functions:

• 🔔 Support for all notifications (including VK, Skype).
• 📊 Detailed statistics of sleep and training.
• ⚠️ Requires root rights for some functions (optional).

You can download it on the official website.

2. Gadgetbridge (for open firmware)

Open source software for smart devices that supports:

• 🔧 Work without a Xiaomi account.
• 📥 Exporting data to Google Fit.
• ⚠️ No contactless payment support.

Installation instructions:

1. Download. APK Gadgetbridge.
2. Enable installation from unknown sources.
3. Connect the clock through Add the device → Mi Band.

Manual Bluetooth connection (for experienced)

If the apps don’t work, you can try connecting manually:

1. Turn on the developer mode on the watch (usually by clamping the sensor for 10 seconds).
2. In Bluetooth Settings on your phone, find a device with the name MIBAND-XXXX.
3. Connect using PIN 0000 or 1234.

⚠️ Warning: Manual connectivity only allows access to basic functions (time, pedometer) and notifications and data synchronization will still require official software.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi watches to Redmi