Is the Apple Watch and Xiaomi compatible?
Apple Watch and Xiaomi smartphones operate on fundamentally different ecosystems: the former are closely integrated with iOS, and the latter with Android. At first glance, their compatibility seems impossible, but in practice there are workarounds. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to connect the Apple Watch to Xiaomi phones (including Redmi and POCO), and explain why official synchronization is not available and what functions are lost.
It’s important to understand that even if you connect successfully, the Apple Watch won’t be a full-fledged accessory for Xiaomi. Some features (such as Apple Pay, ECG or HealthKit sync) will remain unavailable. However, the basic features — notifications, pedometer, music control — will work. Next, we’ll look at all the options, from official restrictions to alternative solutions.
Why Apple Watch doesn’t support Xiaomi
The main reason for the incompatibility lies in Apple’s policy of artificially restricting its watches to iPhones (iOS 15 versions at least) by blocking the connection to Android devices at the firmware level.
- 🔒 Closed Bluetooth protocol: Apple Watch uses proprietary Apple Wireless Direct Link protocol (AWDL), which is not documented for third-party developers.
- 📱 iCloud binding: An Apple account is required to activate the watch ID, Verified through Apple servers.
- 🔄 Absence API Android: Apple does not provide tools to integrate WatchOS with other OS.
- 🛡️ Hacking protection: Chases are blocked when you try to connect to uncertified devices (the error "Unsupported Device" appears").
Despite these limitations, enthusiasts have found ways to get around the locks, followed by instructions for different scenarios.
Method 1: Connect via iPhone (intermediary)
The most reliable method is to use an intermediate iPhone to initially set up the Apple Watch, and then connect them to Xiaomi in limited functionality mode, which is suitable if you or someone you know has a spare iPhone 6s or newer.
Replacement iPhone (iOS 15+)
Charging cable for Apple Watch
Apple ID account
Xiaomi smartphone with Bluetooth 5.0+
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Step-by-step:
- Turn on the Apple Watch and hold it to the iPhone. The iPhone screen will display a notification that says "Use your iPhone to set up this Apple Watch."
- Follow the instructions on the screen by confirming your Apple ID binding. Install all available WatchOS updates.
- After setting up, turn off the watch from your iPhone via Settings → Bluetooth (don’t delete it from your account!).
- On Xiaomi, turn on Bluetooth and find the Apple Watch on the list of available devices. Connect like a normal headset.
Critical detail: after disconnecting from the iPhone, the watch will retain basic functionality (time, pedometer, pulsemeter), but will lose access to the App Store, notifications from third-party apps and synchronization with iCloud.
⚠️ Warning: If you reset the Apple Watch to factory settings without a tethered iPhone, it will not be possible to activate it again. Always keep a spare iPhone on hand to reconfigure it!
Method 2: Using third-party applications (Android)
For Xiaomi owners who don't have access to an iPhone, there are alternative apps that mimic connectivity.
- 📱 Bubble Clouds (for Apple Watch Series 3 and later) – lets you receive notifications and manage music.
- 🔗 Watch Droid – partially restores synchronization of health data.
- 🛠️ Aerlink (requires root on Xiaomi) is the most functional option, but risky.
Let’s look at Bubble Clouds (the safest way to connect):
- Download Bubble Clouds from Google Play to your Xiaomi.
- Run Bubble Clouds and select Connect to Apple Watch. Follow the instructions on the screen.
| Function | Does it work? | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Notifications | ✅ Yes. | Text only, without interactivity |
| Stepper | ✅ Yes. | Data is not synchronized with Mi Fitness |
| pulsemeter | ✅ Partially. | Measurements by hand only |
| Apple Pay | ❌ No. | Requires an iPhone |
| Siri | ❌ No. | It only works with iPhone. |
⚠️ Note: Apps like Aerlink require root access on Xiaomi, which cancels warranty and increases the risk of hacking!
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If you have an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer, turn off the “Find My” feature in iCloud settings before connecting to Android – this will prevent the clock from blocking.
Method 3: Connect via Mac or iPad (bypass)
If you have a MacBook or an iPad, you can use it as an intermediary to set up an Apple Watch and then connect the watch to Xiaomi, which is more complicated, but it gives you more options:
- Connect the Apple Watch to a Mac or iPad via the standard Watch app.
- Once activated, disconnect the watch from the device, but do not remove it from your Apple ID.
- On Xiaomi, install the Gadgetbridge app (open source) and connect the watch through it.
Gadgetbridge supports basic functions:
- Time synchronization;
Display notifications (without answers);
- Controlling music on the phone;
Monitoring activity (without detailed analytics).
How to update WatchOS without iPhone?
What Apple Watch features won’t work with Xiaomi
Even if you successfully connect, some of the features of the Apple Watch will remain unavailable.
- 💳 Apple Pay: Requires binding to iPhone and Apple ID.
- 📊 HealthKit Sync: Health data not shared with Mi Fitness or Google Fit.
- 🎵 Apple Music and Podcasts: Not working without iPhone.
- 📞 Calls in hours: You can only accept (without dialing option).
- 🔄 WatchOS updates: It is impossible to install new firmware versions.
- 🏃 Training with GPS: It only works if the Apple Watch Cellular is active. SIM-card.
If you are critical of these features, it is worth considering alternatives – for example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or Amazfit GTR 4, which work fully with Android.
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Connecting the Apple Watch to Xiaomi is possible, but it’s always a compromise: you get the basic functionality of the smartwatch, but you lose the exclusive chips of the Apple ecosystem.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When connecting the Apple Watch to Xiaomi, users face typical problems.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Unsupported Device" | The watch is trying to connect directly to Android | Use your iPhone for initial setup |
| The watch is not on the Bluetooth list. | Apple Watch in energy saving mode | Reset the clock (hold the side button + Digital Crown) |
| Persistent communication breaks | Weak Bluetooth signal on Xiaomi | Turn off “Adaptive Bluetooth” in your phone settings |
| No notifications coming. | No permission given to the intermediary app | Check the settings → Applications → Permissions |
If the clock starts to run out quickly after connecting to Xiaomi, turn off background sync in the phone's Bluetooth settings. It's also recommended to turn off "Wi-Fi on the watch" (if the model supports), as they will constantly try to connect to Apple's network.
Alternatives: which smart watch is better for Xiaomi
If fighting the limitations of the Apple Watch seems too difficult, consider a watch specifically designed for Android:
- 📱 Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro: Full sync with Mi Fitness, NFC Payment for up to 7 days of autonomy.
- 🏃 Amazfit GTR 4: 150+ Training modes, BioTracker 4.0 sensor, Strava compatibility.
- ⚡ Huawei Watch GT 4: Fast charging, accurate heart rate measurement, eSIM support.
- 💰 Realme Watch 3: Budget version with the SpO2 100+ face-piece.
The advantages of these models over the Apple Watch when used with Xiaomi:
Full notification synchronization (including responses to messages)
- Automatic firmware update;
Integration with Google Assistant and Mi AI
Support for Google Pay and local payment systems (such as Mir Pay).
If you are fundamentally important to Apple Watch (for example, because of design or habit), try to connect them according to the instructions above – but be prepared for restrictions.