Connecting Xiaomi Watches to Samsung Phone: Video Instructions and Error Solving

Synchronizing Xiaomi’s smartwatch with a Samsung phone is a task that seems simple at first glance, but often raises questions among users. The fact is that the brand ecosystems work on different protocols, and the standard Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) does not always correctly interact with the One UI shell. In this article, we will analyze all the ways of connecting – from basic synchronization to solving specific errors, such as no notifications or permanent communication breaks.

You will find here not only text instructions, but also step-by-step videos with a demonstration of the process on current models of watches (Mi Band 7/8, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) and phones (Samsung Galaxy S23, A54, Z Flip5). Particular attention is paid to setting up access rights in Android 13/14, as they become the main obstacle to stable operation of the gadget.

If you’ve already tried to connect a watch but have encountered an error, or the sync is interrupted, there’s a section in the article that diagnoses problems, from checking Bluetooth to resetting the watch, and we’ll compare the two official apps (Mi Fitness and Zepp Life) so you can choose the best option for your model.

For convenience, the material is divided into blocks:

• 🔹 Basic settings for those who connect the watch for the first time.
• 🔹 Error Solving – If Synchronization is Not Working.
• 🔹 Optimization – setting up notifications, alarm clocks, sports.

Let's go!

1.What Xiaomi watch is compatible with Samsung phones?

Before connecting, it’s important to make sure your watch model is officially supported by Xiaomi apps, with the table below showing the latest compatibility data (as of May 2026):

Note that new models (such as the Xiaomi Watch 3) may require an updated firmware for the phone. If your Samsung runs Android 10 and below, some features (such as quick notification responses) will not be available.

It’s also worth considering that Chinese versions of the watch (with the CN suffix in the title) may have language restrictions and compatibility with Xiaomi’s global servers, requiring a change of region in the app’s settings.

2.Preparing Samsung phone for connection

To avoid synchronization errors, you need to set your phone up correctly before you first connect the clock.

Pay special attention to permissions for the application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Mi Fitness (or Zepp Life).
2. Include all permissions, especially: 📍 Location (to search for devices) 📱 Notifications (for displaying messages) 🔋 Battery Optimization (Deactivate Restrictions)

Additionally. → Special access permits

• 🔄 Display over other windows (for Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro)
• 📶 Change of system settings (for automatic synchronization)

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If the watch is permanently turned off after you connect, try manually adding Mi Fitness to the list of Unoptimized apps (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Battery Optimization).

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect Xiaomi watches to Samsung

Consider the process, for example, the Mi Band 8 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 phone. For other models, the steps are similar, but may differ slightly (for example, the design of the application).

Step 1: Installation of the application

• 📱 Download Mi Fitness (for Mi Band, Redmi Watch) or Zepp Life (for Xiaomi Watch) from Google Play.
• 🔓 Register or log in through your account Xiaomi/Zepp. If you do not have an account, create it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

Step 2: Activation of the clock

• 🔋 Charge the clock to at least 50% (at low charge, synchronization may be interrupted).
• 🔄 Reset the clock: Press the button (or touch area) for 10 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears.

Error 2: The watch is connected but does not show notifications

• 🔹 Reason: Samsung blocks notifications for third-party apps.
• 🔹 Solution: Go to Settings → Notifications → Additionally. → Access notifications. Find Mi Fitness and enable access. In the app, check that notifications are enabled for the right messengers.

Mistake 3: Permanent communication breaks

⚠️ Attention: If the clock is off every 5-10 minutes, the problem lies in the optimization of the battery. On Samsung, even after manually shutting down the adaptive battery, the system can again restrict the background work of Mi Fitness. → Maintenance of the device → Battery → Background usage limits → Never sleeping apps → Add Mi Fitness.

Error 4: Step synchronization is not working

• 🔹 Reason: Time difference between watch and phone or Google Fit crash.
• 🔹 Solution: Check that the watch and phone have the same time zone. Disable and reconnect Mi Fitness to Google Fit (Profile) → Settings → Accounts. Clear the cache of Google Play Services (Settings) → Annexes → Google Play Services → Memory. → Clear the cache).

Error 5: The watch does not update the firmware

• 🔹 Xiaomi servers can block updates for devices with a changed region.
• 🔹 Solution: Check that the Mi Fitness app has selected Russia or Global. Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes corporate networks block updates). VPN Singapore or Hong Kong (e.g. 1.1.1.1).
• 🔕 To turn off notifications at night: Activate Do Not Disturb on the clock (Settings) → Don't disturb. → Schedule).
• 📊 To export data to Strava or Google Fit: In Mi Fitness go to Profile → Settings → Connected accounts. Sign in to the right service.
• ⚡ Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro is available for ultra-long-term operation (up to 12 days): Included in Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.
• 💊 For water or physical activity reminders: In Mi Fitness, go to Profile → Target reminders: Set an interval (e.g. every 2 hours).

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If you use Samsung Health to track your health, sync it to Mi Fitness via Google Fit. To do this, enable Samsung Health to export data to Settings → Connected Services → Google Fit.

7. Alternative ways of connecting (without Mi Fitness)

If the official annex is not suitable (e.g. due to regional restrictions), alternative methods may be used:

Method 1: Zepp Life app (for Xiaomi Watch)

• 📲 Supports Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Watch S1 and other models based on Zepp OS.
• 🔹 Benefits: More stable sync with Samsung. Advanced workout settings.
• ⚠️ Disadvantages: Does not support Mi Band. There is no Russian language in some versions.

Method 2: Notify & Fitness (for Mi Band)

• 🔄 It allows you to connect Mi Band without Mi Fitness.
• 🔹 How to set up: Download Notify & Fitness from Google Play. Enable Developer Mode on the clock (click 5 times on the Software Version in the watch settings). → Mi Band.

Limitations

• There is no official support, there are possible bugs.
• Not all features (such as Xiaomi Pay) will work.

Method 3: Connecting via Gadgetbridge (for advanced users)

• 🛠️ Open source software for working with wearable devices.
• 🔹 Instructions: Download Gadgetbridge from the official website (not available on Google Play). Enable Developer Mode on your watch and phone. → Device scanner.

It's important.

⚠️ Note: Gadgetbridge does not encrypt data, so do not use it to pay or store medical information.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)