Can I connect the Apple Watch to a Xiaomi Android smartphone? Complete guide with workarounds

Apple Watch and Xiaomi smartphones operate on fundamentally different ecosystems: the first are sharpened for iOS, the second – for Android. At first glance, their compatibility seems impossible, but there are workarounds that allow you to partially synchronize the clock with Redmi devices, POCO In this article, we will discuss all the available ways of connecting, their limitations and alternatives for owners of Apple Watch, who have switched to Android or use both types of devices.

It’s important to understand that the full Apple Watch with Xiaomi is impossible without an iPhone, but some features (time display, pedometer, notifications) can be activated through third-party apps or informal protocols. We tested all methods on the models of Apple Watch Series 3-9 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 — the results are given below.

Why Apple Watch doesn’t officially support Android?

Apple has been artificially restricting its Android watches for several reasons:

• 🔒 Closed ecosystem: Apple aims to keep users in its ecosystem by offering exclusive features only to iPhone owners.
• 📱 iCloud binding: Activating Apple Watch requires an iPhone with the latest version of iOS, as the watch is tied to an iCloud account.
• 🔄 Absence API Android: Apple does not provide developers with tools to create official applications for Android.
• 💰 Monetization: Selling iPhone as a must-have companion for Apple Watch increases company profits.

However, enthusiasts have found ways to get around these limitations, and below we will look at both legal methods with partial functionality and risky solutions using informal software.

Method 1: Connect via Aerlink (partial synchronization)

Aerlink app: Wear OS & Apple Watch (available on Google Play) allows you to connect the Apple Watch to Xiaomi via Bluetooth and access basic features.This method does not require jailbreak or root, but has serious limitations.

What works:

• ⏱️ Time and date display (synchronized with phone).
• 📊 Stepmeter and physical activity data (partially).
• 🔔 Notifications of calls and SMS (text only, without the possibility of reply).
• 🎵 Managing music on the phone (play/pause, track).

What WON'T work:

• ❌ Install applications through the App Store.
• ❌ Apple Pay and other payment features.
• ❌ Sync with Apple Health or Google Fit.
• ❌ Update of the watch firmware.

Instructions for connection:

1. Download Aerlink from Google Play to your Xiaomi.
2. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and watch (Settings) → Bluetooth on the Apple Watch).
3. Start Aerlink and select the Apple Watch from the list of supported devices.
4. Follow the instructions on the pairing screen. When you see a request on the clock, confirm the connection.

Charge your Apple Watch to 50% or more

Update the firmware of the watch via iPhone (if available)

Turn off the clock from iCloud (Settings) → [Your name] → Apple Watch → Delete)

Make sure that Xiaomi has Bluetooth 5.0 enabled.+

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⚠️ Note: When connected via Aerlink, the watch can run out faster than usual due to a constant Bluetooth connection.We recommend turning off sync overnight or using the power saving mode on the Apple Watch (Settings) → Battery → Energy saving regime).

Method 2: Using iPhone as an intermediary (for full functionality)

If you have an old iPhone (even an iPhone) 6s It can be used as a bridge to connect the Apple Watch to Xiaomi, a technique that allows you to keep all the functionality of the watch, including Apple Pay, app installation and firmware updates, but requires you to have an iPhone nearby at all times.

How it works:

1. The iPhone remains the main device for the Apple Watch (tied to iCloud).
2. Xiaomi has an app to send notifications (such as Pushbullet or Join).
3. The iPhone receives notifications and sends them to Xiaomi, which in turn sends them to the Apple Watch.

Annexes required:

• 📱 Pushbullet (for synchronizing notifications between iPhone and Xiaomi).
• 🔄 Join by Joaoapps (alternative with advanced settings).
• 🔔 Notification Mirroring (for duplicate notifications on the clock).

This method is suitable for those who often use the features of the Apple Watch, but the main phone is Xiaomi. SE (2020) at home in modem modem mode, and notifications will be duplicated on the Apple Watch via Xiaomi.

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If you do not have a second iPhone, you can buy a used model (for example, iPhone 7) for 5-10 thousand rubles specifically for working with the Apple Watch. OS.

Method 3: Unofficial firmware (for power users)

There are custom firmware that allows you to “unlock” the Apple Watch to work with Android, the most famous project is watchOS Porting, but it requires deep technical knowledge and is fraught with risks:

• 🔧 Jailbreak on Apple Watch (Series 3 only supported) SE).
• 💻 Requires a Mac or Linux for firmware.
• ⚠️ High probability of "bricking" of the watch (turning into a "brick").
• 🔄 Loss of Apple’s Warranty.

Step-by-step (for Apple Watch Series 3):

1. Download the utility for jailbreak and Android Wear firmware for the Apple Watch.
2. Connect your watch to your Mac via Wi-Fi (use idevicepair and ideviceinstaller).
3. Install. checkra1n watchOS hack.
4. Sweeve a modified version of Android Wear via fastboot.

⚠️ Note: After firmware Apple Watch will no longer receive official updates from Apple, and many features (for example, ECG Fall Detection may not work properly, and this method is only suitable for experimentation and is not recommended for everyday use.

Comparison with alternatives: should you contact the Apple Watch on Android?

If your goal is just a wearable watch for Xiaomi, it may be worth considering alternatives from Xiaomi, Amazfit or Samsung. Below is a comparison of the Apple Watch Series 8 with popular models on Wear. OS Zepp OS:

As you can see from the table, the Apple Watch is losing to competitors in autonomy and compatibility with Android. If you want a watch exclusively for Xiaomi, it makes sense to choose a model on Wear. OS (Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 or Zepp OS (Amazfit GTR 4).

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The Apple Watch on Android is always a compromise.If you want all the features of the watch, it's best to use it with an iPhone or consider alternatives for Xiaomi.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When connecting the Apple Watch to Xiaomi, users experience common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔌 Watches do not connect over Bluetooth: Make sure that Xiaomi has Developer Mode turned on and Bluetooth power saving turned off (Settings) → Battery → Battery mode → Restart both devices. Reset your network settings to the Apple Watch (Settings) → Mainstream → Reset → Reset the network settings).
• ⚡ Fast battery discharge: Turn off background sync in Aerlink (Settings) → Synchronization → Open only. Activate the Power Saving Mode on the watch. Reduce the brightness of the screen (Settings) → Display and brightness).
• 🔔 No notifications: Check permissions for Aerlink in Settings → Annexes → Permissions (must be enabled Notifications, Bluetooth, AutoRun) Disable battery optimization for Aerlink. Reinstall the app.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the Apple Watch to factory settings (Settings) → Mainstream → Reset → Erase content and settings) and reconnect.

Security and privacy: risks of using informal methods

Connecting the Apple Watch to Android through third-party apps or custom firmware carries risks:

• 🕵️ Data Leakage: Some apps (like Aerlink) require notifications to be accessed, which can allow developers to read your emails.
• 🔓 Vulnerabilities: Unofficial firmware may contain backdoors or viruses.
• 📵 Block iCloud: When you often connect / disconnect Apple Watch from different devices, Apple can block the watch on suspicion of theft.
• 💸 Loss of warranty: Any modifications to watchOS will void Apple's warranty.

How to minimize the risks:

• Use only proven apps (e.g. Aerlink with a 4.5 rating)+ Google Play).
• Don't enter Apple data ID third-party.
• Update your Apple Watch firmware regularly (if you use your iPhone as an intermediary).
• Turn off Bluetooth on Xiaomi when you are not using your watch.

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Before using unofficial firmware, back up your Apple Watch data via iTunes (if you have access to your iPhone) to help restore your watch in the event of a crash.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions