Synchronizing Xiaomi’s smartwatch with the Samsung Galaxy A32 phone seems like a simple task — until you encounter errors like “can’t find the device” or “permanent connection breaks.” The problem is that Bluetooth protocol on devices of different brands sometimes conflicts, and standard instructions from Xiaomi do not take into account the features of Samsung’s One UI firmware. In this article, proven ways to connect for all watch models (from Mi Band 3 to Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro), including bypassing typical bugs.
We’ll not only break down basic synchronization through the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit), but also alternative methods for when the watch fails to connect, focusing on setting up notifications (which often don’t come to Samsung because of energy saving) and optimizing battery consumption, a pressing problem with constant synchronization with the Galaxy A32. If you’ve tried to connect and got an error, skip the first partition and jump right to the solution.
Compatibility: what Xiaomi watches work with Samsung Galaxy A32
Theoretically, the Samsung Galaxy A32 (SM-A325F/SM-A325N) supports all Xiaomi smartwatches and fitness bracelets released after 2018.
- ✅ Full compatibility: Mi Band 4/5/6/7, Xiaomi Watch S1/S2, Xiaomi Watch Color 2, Redmi Watch 2/3. These models were tested with one UI 3.1+ They are working well through Mi Fitness.
- ⚠️ Limited functionality: Mi Band 3 and Amazfit Bip (although made by Xiaomi, but require old Mi Fit software, which may not be updated on Android 12)+).
- ❌ Connection issues: Xiaomi Watch 1 (first generation) – often loses communication due to outdated Bluetooth 4.0 protocol.
Important: The Galaxy A32 on Android 13 can block background Mi Fitness activity through the battery optimization system, which causes the watch to stop syncing steps and sleep data 2-3 hours after the phone screen is turned off.
| Model clock | Minimum version of Android | Required SOUTH | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 7 Pro | Android 6.0+ | Mi Fitness 5.6+ | Bluetooth 5.2 supports, but requires permission to locate the exact location of the GPS-synchronization. |
| Xiaomi Watch S2 | Android 8.0+ | Mi Fitness 6.0+ | Can conflict with Samsung Health – you need to disable autosynchronization in both applications. |
| Redmi Watch 3 Active | Android 7.0+ | Mi Fitness 5.0+ | There is no NFC support for payment through the clock (firmware restriction). |
⚠️ Note: If you are updating your Galaxy A32 Up to Android 13 via unofficial firmware (e.g. LineageOS), some watch features (e.g. measurement) SpO₂) It may not work properly due to the lack of certified Xiaomi drivers.
Preparing the phone and clock for connection
Before synchronizing, follow the mandatory steps on both devices, and skipping either of them can lead to errors such as "device fails to find" or "connection interrupted."
Update your phone to the latest version (check Settings → Software Update)
Remove old Mi Fit or Zepp versions (they conflict with Mi Fitness)
Turn on Bluetooth and Geodata (even if your watch doesn’t use GPS)
Add Mi Fitness to battery optimization exceptions (Settings → Device Care → Battery → Background restrictions)
Turn off VPN and power saving modes (e.g. Adaptive Battery)
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On Xiaomi watch, reset to factory settings if they have already been connected to another phone.
- Press and hold the touch button (or screen) for 10 seconds.
- In the menu, select Reset → Confirm (on some models, you need to swipe up / down to confirm).
- Wait for the reboot – the watch should show the welcome screen.
If you have an NFC model (e.g. Xiaomi Watch S2), disable Quick Pay in the watch settings before resetting. Otherwise, after synchronization, errors may occur when adding bank cards.
Mi Band 6/7
Xiaomi Watch S1/S2
Redmi Watch 2/3
Another model.
I haven't bought it yet.
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Step-by-step instructions for connecting
Follow this algorithm to avoid the typical mistakes, and if you're stuck at some point, don't force it to stop, wait 2-3 minutes.
- Install Mi Fitness: Download the latest version from Google Play. Don’t use APKs from third-party sources – they may contain outdated Xiaomi certificates that will not recognize the watch.
- Sign up for a Xiaomi account: If you don't have one, create it via Sign in → Sign up. Use a valid email and it will receive a confirmation email. Importantly, link the same account as other Xiaomi devices (if you have one) so that the data syncs between gadgets.
- Start searching for the device: In the app, click Profile → Add Device → Bracelet (or “Clock”, depending on the model). Make sure the clock is on the Bluetooth indicator (usually a blinking blue LED).
- Confirm pairing: The phone will request connection — press Pair. The watch may need to confirm action by pressing the screen or button. If the request does not appear, check that the Galaxy A32 has enabled visibility mode for Bluetooth (Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → Additional → Device Visibility).
- Update the watch firmware: Once connected, the app will prompt you to update the watch software. Don't refuse the update - without it, notifications and sleep monitoring on the Samsung Galaxy A32 may not work. The process will take 5-15 minutes; do not turn off Bluetooth or block the phone screen.
If the watch does not display the time or date after a successful connection, sync it manually:
- Open Mi Fitness → Select your device.
- Go to Device Settings → Time Synchronization.
- Press Sync now.
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If Xiaomi watches aren’t defined, try temporarily disabling Samsung Health – sometimes this app blocks Bluetooth connections with other brands’ devices.
Set up notifications and permissions
By default, the Samsung Galaxy A32 limits the background activity of apps, which may cause notifications to the clock to fail.
- Allow auto-run for Mi Fitness: Go to Settings → Applications → Mi Fitness → Battery → Allow auto-run.
- Turn off battery optimization: In the same app settings, select Battery Optimization → All apps → Mi Fitness → Turn off optimization.
- Configure notification access: In Mi Fitness, go to Profile → Notification Settings and turn on the option to Show notifications on your device. Then on your phone, allow access: Settings → Notifications → Additional → Access to notifications → Mi Fitness (enable)
For watch models with AMOLED-screen (for example, Xiaomi Watch) S2) You can set up the notifications in color:
- ⚙️ In Mi Fitness, select the device → Screen settings → Notification style → Colored.
- 🔔 In your phone settings, turn off Dark Theme or Energy Saving if notifications are displayed in black and white.
⚠️ Note: If after setting up notifications are duplicated (come to the phone and the clock), disable duplication in Settings → Notifications → Additionally. → Repeated Notifications on Galaxy A32.
Solving Connection Problems
If Xiaomi watches are not connected to Samsung Galaxy A32, use this table for diagnosis:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The watch is not on the device list. | Conflict with other Bluetooth devices | Turn off all other gadgets (earphones, speakers) and restart the phone. |
| Connection interrupted by 50% | Outdated watch firmware | Connect your watch to another phone (like Android 10), update the software, and then try again. |
| Notifications don't come in. | Mi Fitness in Sleep Mode | Add the app to battery exclusions (see section above). |
| The clock is running out fast. | Continuous synchronization with Samsung Health | Turn off autosynchronization in Samsung Health → Settings → Devices. |
If nothing helps, do a full network reset on the Galaxy A32:
- Go to Settings → General Management → Reset → Network Reset.
- Confirm the action (password or fingerprint).
- Reboot the phone and reconnect.
What to do if Xiaomi watches are not updated?
Optimizing battery consumption
Xiaomi and Samsung Galaxy A32 watches may conflict over different energy-saving approaches, and here’s how to extend the life of both devices:
- 🔋 On your phone, turn off the adaptive battery for Mi Fitness (Settings) → Caring for the device → Battery → Optimizing the battery).
- ⏳ On the clock, reduce the frequency of data synchronization: Device settings → Autosynchronization → Every 30 minutes (instead of 5 minutes).
- 📵 Turn off unnecessary notifications: in Mi Fitness, select which apps can send alerts to your watch (for example, leave only Phone, Messages and WhatsApp).
- 🌙 Use dark dials on the clock with AMOLED-screen (for example, Xiaomi Watch) S2) — This reduces battery consumption by 15-20%.
If the clock is discharged in 1-2 days, check whether the background processes on the phone are running:
- Open Settings → Applications → Mi Fitness → Memory.
- See Battery Use – If the value is greater than 5%, limit background activity.
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The most effective way to save charge is to turn off constant heart rate monitoring. Only turn it on during exercise through device settings → Heart Monitor → Manual.
Alternative ways of connecting
If the standard method doesn’t work, try these options:
- 🔄 Use the Zepp app (formerly Amazfit): Some Xiaomi models (like the Mi Band 7) are supported in Zepp. Download it from Google Play and repeat the connection process. Important: before you do, uninstall Mi Fitness to avoid conflicts.
- 🖥️ PC Connection: If the watch doesn't respond at all, connect it to your computer via the Mi Fit Tool. Instruction: Download Gadgetbridge. Connect the watch to your PC via a Bluetooth adapter. Update your firmware manually via the Firmware Update.
- 📱 Use the second phone: If the Galaxy A32 persistently does not see the watch, connect it to another device (for example, on Android 9-10), update the firmware, and then move the setting back.