Connecting Xiaomi Mi Watch to iPhone: full instructions with solutions

Why connecting Xiaomi Mi Watch to iPhone isn’t always an obvious task

Xiaomi Mi Watch (including Mi Watch Lite, Mi Watch Color and Mi Watch Revolve) was originally designed with the Android ecosystem in mind, but many iPhone users also want to use its functionality, from health monitoring to notifications, the problem is that the official Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) has limited support for iOS, and some features may not work properly.

In this article, we will look at all the steps of connecting, from installing the necessary software to configuring notifications and solving typical errors, you will learn which Xiaomi Mi Watch models are best compatible with the iPhone, how to circumvent the limitations of iOS and what to do if the clock is not determined by the system, and we will also compare alternative applications for advanced functionality.

Compatibility of Xiaomi Mi Watch with iPhone: which models are supported

Not all Xiaomi smartwatches work equally well with iPhones. Here's the up-to-date compatibility table for 2026:

Important: Wear-based watch OS (Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro connects to iPhone via Wear app OS Google is losing some of the features of the Xiaomi ecosystem.

Before buying, check the iOS version on your iPhone:

• 📱 iOS 10-12 — Only basic models (Mi Watch Lite) are supported).
• 📱 iOS 13+ — Compatible with most watches, but requires the Zepp Life app.
• 📱 iOS 16+ — Notifications may be affected due to Apple’s privacy policy.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Watches with NFC (Mi Watch Color 2 won’t work with Apple Pay on iPhone – this feature is blocked at the firmware level.

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect Xiaomi Mi Watch to iPhone

The connection process consists of 4 key steps. Follow the instructions strictly in order to avoid errors.

Step 1: Installation of the official annex

Download one of the applications depending on the model of the watch:

• 📲 Mi Fitness (for Mi Watch) Lite/Color) — App Store.
• 📲 Zepp Life (for Mi Watch) Revolve/S1) — App Store.

After installation:

1. Open the app and register for a Xiaomi account (or sign in via the app). Google/Facebook).
2. Click Add Add the device → Choose a watch model.
3. Allow access to Notices, Contacts and Health (optional).

Step 2: Activate Bluetooth and synchronize

On the clock:

1. Press the power button for 3 seconds to turn them on.
2. Go to Settings → Bluetooth and activate device search.

On the iPhone:

1. Open the Settings. → Bluetooth and make sure it is on.
2. Back in the Mi app Fitness/Zepp Life – The watch should appear on the list of available devices.
3. Click on the watch name and confirm the pairing.

Charge the watch to 50%+

Update the firmware of the watch (if there are updates)

Disable VPN on iPhone

Make sure that the iPhone is free 1 GB of memory-->

Step 3: Set up notifications and permissions

To ensure that notifications from the iPhone are displayed on the watch:

1. In the app, go to Device Profile → Notifications.
2. Turn on the Display Notifications switch.
3. In iPhone Settings, find the Mi app Fitness/Zepp Life and allow notifications.

For correct work it is also necessary:

• 🔄 Allow background activity of the application (iPhone settings) → Mainstream → Content updates).
• 📵 Turn off the mode Do not disturb on the clock.
• 🔋 Make sure the clock is on Connected to the phone (in the Settings menu) → Connection).

⚠️ Warning: If notifications don't come, reboot your iPhone and watch, then re-synchronize them through the app. Sometimes deleting and re-installing the app helps.

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If the clock is not defined, try resetting it to factory settings: Settings → System system → Reset. Reconnect after reset.

3. Alternative applications for enhanced functionality

The official Mi Fitness and Zepp Life apps have limitations on iOS, and you can use:

How to choose an alternative application:

• 🔍 If you need advanced notifications (message responses, music management) – Notify & Fitness.
• 📊 For detailed health analysis (sleep, pulse, SpO₂) — Tools & Mi Band.
• 🔄 If it’s important to sync with Apple Health – Amazfit (but check compatibility with your model).

Example of Notify & Fitness settings:

1. Install the app and resolve all requests (Notifications, Bluetooth, Health).
2. From the Devices menu, select the Xiaomi Mi Watch and follow the pairing instructions.
3. In the Notifications section, enable forwarding for the desired applications (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).

Typical problems and their solutions

Even with the right connection, users are experiencing errors.

Problem 1: The watch doesn’t connect to the iPhone

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery discharge – charge up to 30% and try again.
• 📶 Bluetooth conflict – disable other devices (earphones, speakers) and reboot your iPhone.
• 🔄 Outdated firmware – update the watch through the app (Device Profile) → Update of the PO).
• 🚫 Block iOS – check if Restrictions mode is enabled (Settings) → Screen time. → Content restrictions).

Problem 2: Notices are not coming.

Checklist for diagnosis:

1. Make sure that iPhone Settings for the Mi Fitness app allow Notifications and Background Update.
2. Check if the app has been added to the blacklist (Settings) → Notifications → Mi Fitness → Allow notices).
3. Restart the app and watch (press the power button for 10 seconds on the watch).

If the problem persists, try:

• 🔄 Remove the watch from the app and reconnect.
• 📱 Reset network settings on iPhone (Settings) → Mainstream → Transfer or discharge → Resetting network settings).
• 🔋 Remove and re-insert the watch battery (for models with removable battery).

Problem 3: Watches run out quickly when connected to iPhone

This is all about data synchronization.

• ⚡ Turn off unnecessary functions: Constant pulse, Sleep Autodetection, Smart alarm clock.
• 🔄 Reduce the sync frequency in the application settings (e.g., once every 30 minutes instead of 5 minutes).
• 📴 Use the flight mode on the clock at night (but notifications won't work).

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If the Xiaomi Mi Watch doesn’t connect to the iPhone after the iOS update, try rolling back the Mi Fitness app version via TestFlight or wait for the official patch.

5. Health data synchronization with Apple Health

By default, Mi Fitness does not export data to Apple Health.To migrate information about steps, sleep and heart rate:

Method 1: Through Health Sync

1. Download Health Sync from the App Store.
2. In the settings, select Source: Mi Fitness and Purpose: Apple Health.
3. Specify categories for synchronization (steps, sleep, weight, pulse).
4. Press Sync.

Method 2: Manual export/import

If the automatic synchronization does not work:

1. In Mi Fitness, export data to a file CSV (Profile → Export of data).
2. Send the file to your Mac or iPad.
3. Use Apple Health Importer (App Store) to download your data.

Synchronization limitations:

• 🚫 Pressure and stress data not transferred to Apple Health.
• 🔄 History only synchronized in the last 30 days.
• ⚠️ With manual import, duplicate records are possible.

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To avoid duplicates, clear Apple Health data for the right period before syncing: → Profile → Export data → Delete all data.

6. Update firmware Xiaomi Mi Watch via iPhone

Firmware updates improve iOS compatibility and fix bugs. How to update your watch:

1. Make sure your watch is over 50% charged.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi (on the clock: Settings) → Wi-Fi).
3. In annex Mi Fitness/Zepp Life Go to Device Profile → Update of the PO.
4. If the update is available, click Download and Install.
5. Do not disconnect the watch from your iPhone until the process is complete (it takes 5-15 minutes).

What to do if the update is suspended:

• 🔄 Restart the clock (press the power button for 15 seconds).
• 📱 Remove the watch from the app and reconnect.
• 🔋 Connect the clock to charging and try again.

The latest stable firmware for popular models (June 2026):

• Mi Watch Lite: 1.0.14.86 (fixes notification errors)
• Mi Watch Color: 2.1.0.78 (IOS 17 support added)
• Mi Watch Revolve: 1.2.5.44 (power consumption optimized)

⚠️ Note: Do not install beta versions of firmware on the watch connected to the iPhone – this can lead to incompatibility with iOS and loss of functionality.

7.Comparison of Xiaomi Mi Watch with Apple Watch for iPhone users

If you use an iPhone, should you choose the Xiaomi Mi Watch over the Apple Watch?

When to choose Xiaomi Mi Watch:

• 💰 Budget up to 15,000 ₽.
• ⏱ Long-term autonomy (a week or more).
• 🏃‍♂️ Important are the basic functions of the tracker (steps, sleep, pulse).

When to use the Apple Watch:

• 📱 Full integration with iPhone (calls, messages, Apple Pay).
• 🏥 Advanced health monitoring (ECG, drop detection).
• 🎧 Support for Apple services (Music, Podcasts, Fitness)+).

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If you want a watch solely for sports and sleep monitoring, the Xiaomi Mi Watch is a great budget option. SE (25,000 ₽).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi Mi Watch to iPhone