Integrating wearables into the Xiaomi ecosystem is a process that turns your smartphone into a true health and digital services management center. Xiaomi 10s, with a powerful processor and stable Bluetooth 5.2 module, is ideal for working with Mi Band bracelets and Redmi Watch or Amazfit watches. However, despite belonging to the same brand, the initial setup can raise questions for users accustomed to automatic synchronization.
Owners of Xiaomi 10s often face the need to choose the right software, as old applications like Mi Fit are gradually becoming a thing of the past, giving way to more functional counterparts. For new watch models released after 2021, it is critical to use the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life), rather than outdated versions of the software. Incorrect choice of software at the start stage can lead to a limitation of the functionality of the gadget or the inability to receive firmware updates.
In this article, we will take a closer look at each pairing step, focusing on the nuances of the MIUI shell installed on your smartphone. You will learn how to avoid typical connection errors, how to configure notifications and what permissions are required for stable operation of background processes.
Preparatory stage: compatibility check and charging
Before you start the pairing procedure, make sure that both devices are ready to go. Xiaomi 10s should have an active Bluetooth module and a stable Internet connection, preferably via Wi-Fi for fast loading of components. Make sure that the phone does not turn on the power saving mode, which can aggressively limit the operation of the Bluetooth scanner when searching for devices.
The watch or bracelet itself should be charged at least 20-30%. If the device is new and is in the box, it should be charged for 15-20 minutes, even if the indicator is on, this is necessary to calibrate the battery and prevent sudden shutdown at the time of writing system files at the first synchronization.
It’s also important to check the version of the Android operating system on your smartphone.To work properly, modern wearable apps require Android 6.0 and higher, which is the standard for Xiaomi 10s, but make sure you don’t use custom firmware with stripped down access rights to the Bluetooth system API.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to pair the clock directly through the standard Bluetooth menu in your phone settings without bypassing the app.This will result in the “Device is already connected to another phone” error and block further setup of health features.
Remove old versions of wearable apps from your phone if they were installed there before. Conflicts between Mi Fit, Zepp Life, and Mi Fitness can cause device recognition errors. Only leave the app that is recommended for your particular watch model.
☑️ Checking before connection
Selecting and installing the right application
The key to the connectivity chain is choosing the right software. Xiaomi ecosystem is divided into several branches, and it is important for Xiaomi 10s to install exactly the one that matches the model of your watch. For most modern devices (Mi Band 6/7/8, Redmi Watch, Amazfit GTS/GTR), Mi Fitness application (in some regions may be called Xiaomi Wear) is now relevant.
Download the application should be exclusively from official sources: Google Play Market or Mi GetApps. APK-files from third-party resources can lead to malware infection of the device or unstable data synchronization. After installation, do not rush to open the application - you first need to give it all the requested rights.
- 📱 Geolocation: required for running jogging and precision pairing functions via Bluetooth Low Energy.
- 🔔 Notifications: permission to read notifications allows you to broadcast messages from messengers to the watch screen.
- 💾 Memory: Required to save activity history, workout maps, and music files.
- 🏃 Physical Activity: Accessing Smartphone Motion Sensors to Synchronize Steps.
When you first launch the app, you will either create a Mi Account or log in to an existing one, which is a mandatory procedure, since all health data is stored in the Xiaomi Cloud. Without authorization, the functionality of the watch will be severely limited, and the training history will not be stored.
The difference between Mi Fitness and Zepp Life
The process of pairing devices via Bluetooth
After preparation, you can move to the direct connection. QR-Open the app on Xiaomi. 10s and go to the Devices tab or click the Add Device button on the home screen.
The system will start scanning available gadgets in range. Make sure the watch is no more than 1-2 meters from the phone. If the device is found, its image and name will appear on the smartphone screen. Click on it to start the procedure (mating).
The watch and phone will have confirmation codes, check them and press "Confirm" or "OK" on both devices, and it can take 2 to 5 minutes to install the necessary components and update the firmware, while keeping the devices apart and locking the screen.
| Phase | Action on the clock | Action on Xiaomi 10s | Expected output |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Search. | Waiting for connection | Launching scanning in the application | Appearance of the device name in the list |
| 2. Request. | Vibration and request | Pressing the "Connect" button | Request confirmation on both screens |
| 3. Synchronization | Load indicator | Uploading profiles and time | Connection installation and software update |
| 4. Finals. | Main dial | Screen of successful connection | Readiness to use |
In rare cases, you may need to manually enter the code displayed on the watch into the field on your smartphone. Watch the characters carefully, as the font on the watch display can be small. A mistake in one character will interrupt the process and you will have to start over.
Configure access rights in MIUI for stable operation
The MIUI shell installed on Xiaomi 10s is known for its aggressive power management system. By default, the system can "kill" the background processes of the watch application, which will lead to a connection break and no notifications. To avoid this, you need to perform a number of manual settings.
Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find your watch app (like Mi Fitness) in the list. Go to Battery and select No Limits mode. This will prevent the system from turning off the app to save energy.
Then you need to configure autorun. In the same app settings menu, find the "Start" option and activate it. It is also recommended to fix the application in memory: open the list of running applications, find the Mi Fitness window, pinch it with your finger and click on the lock icon. Now when you clear the memory ("cross"), the application will not be closed.
- 🔒 Permissions: Check that the app is given the right to display over other windows and access contacts.
- 📶 Bluetooth: Make sure that in the Bluetooth settings in the “Available Devices” section, the watch is displayed as “Connected” (two arrows), not just “Conjugated".
- 📍 Exact location: to work with Find Phone and Track routes without phone.
⚠️ Note: After updating the Android operating system or shell MIUI Power saving settings can reset to factory settings. Always check autostart status and battery limitations after major system upgrades.
If the notifications still don't come, check the settings of the notifications themselves inside the app. There should be a list of programs installed on the phone (WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS) that have switches opposite, activate only the ones you really need so that you don't overload the clock processor.
Personalization of interface and dials
One of the main reasons for buying a smartwatch is the ability to change its appearance. Once connected successfully, Xiaomi 10s will offer you an extensive library of dials. You can choose a static image, animated background or even a photo from your own smartphone gallery.
To set your own photo, go to the "Dials" section in the app, select the "My" or "Photo" category and upload the image. The system will automatically crop it to the format of the watch screen. It is recommended to choose a photo with a contrast center so that the time is clearly read.
In addition to the visual part, set up the widgets displayed. Swipe left and right on the watch you can add or remove modules: weather, pulse, stress level, music player. On Xiaomi 10s, these widgets are managed through the application in the section "Profile settings" → "Application settings".
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Use the Wrist Lift function with caution. If you gesture frequently, the screen will light up constantly, consuming the battery, and it is better to set the activation on a schedule (for example, only from 8:00 to 23:00).
You should also set activity goals. The app defaults 10,000 steps, but you can change that value depending on your lifestyle. Adjusting your goals will motivate you to close activity rings daily.
Solving Typical Connection Problems
Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have technical failures. The most common problem is that the phone sees the watch but can't complete the pairing. In this case, it will help to completely clean the Bluetooth cache. To do this, in the phone settings, find "Apps", turn on the system process map, find "Bluetooth" and click "Clear Data" and "Clear Cache".
If the watch doesn’t respond to taps or freezes when connected, reset to factory settings on the watch itself. Usually this option is in the Settings → System → Factory Reset menu. After reset, you need to re-add the watch as a new device, without trying to restore it from backup immediately.
Notification issues are often solved by simply restarting both devices: Turn off Xiaomi 10s and watches, wait 10 seconds and turn them on again.This restarts sync services and eliminates time conflicts of communication protocols.
- ❌ Error: Remove the device from the Bluetooth list in your phone’s settings and try again through the app.
- 📉 Unstable signal: Make sure there are no tight clothing or metal jewelry on your wrist blocking the antenna.
- 🔄 Software Update: If the watch firmware version is very outdated, first update the app on your phone, and then run the watch update.
In case nothing works, check whether a particular watch model is compatible with your version of the app region. Sometimes the Chinese version of the watch (CN Version) requires special versions of the app or a change of region in the Mi Account settings.
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90% of connection problems are solved by completely removing the device from Bluetooth, cleaning the app cache and re-attempting to pair with the geolocation enabled.