Wearables from different manufacturers are often interoperable, with users choosing to integrate ecosystems. Xiaomi smartphone owners often aim to connect Samsung Gear 2 smartwatches to use their functionality. Despite the fact that the devices belong to different brands, the technical possibility of synchronization exists, although it requires a number of specific settings.
The main difficulty is that the standard method of connecting through Galaxy Apps on devices not Samsung often blocked system or does not offer the necessary options. To successfully integrate, you will have to use alternative ways to install utility applications and change standard Bluetooth connection settings. It is important to understand that the process is not “official” in the usual sense, but it is tested by many enthusiasts.
In this guide, we will discuss all the stages of pairing, from software preparation to fine-tuning notifications. You will learn how to bypass the limitations of the Android operating system on the shell of MIUI or HyperOS. The correct sequence of actions will avoid connection errors and ensure stable operation of the gadget.
Software preparation and compatibility check
Before starting the procedure, make sure your Xiaomi smartphone meets the minimum requirements.The device must be running Android operating system version 4.4 and higher, although for comfortable work it is better to use the latest versions.
The key is to install the right apps. Since the standard Galaxy Apps store may not be available or work properly on Xiaomi, you will need to download the APK installation files manually. You will need two main components: the Samsung Gear Manager (sometimes found as the Galaxy Gear) and the Gear Plugin plugin, which can be downloaded from trusted archives or through alternative app stores.
⚠️ Note: When installing applications from unknown sources, the system MIUI You will need to confirm the installation in the security settings, allowing installation from third-party sources for your browser or file manager.
It’s also worth checking the firmware version of the Samsung Gear 2. If the watch is running a very old version of the software, the pairing process may not be correct.Ideally, the watch should be updated to the latest version available to them, which can be done by temporarily connecting it to a Samsung device or via Wi-Fi if this feature is supported by the current firmware.
Installation and configuration of Samsung Gear Manager on Xiaomi
Once you download the Samsung Gear Manager installation file, you can run it. During the installation process, the system can request permission to access contacts, call logs and location. These permissions are critical to the clock, because they transmit notifications and call data. Without all the permissions requested, the app will not be able to function properly.
Start the application installed. On the start screen, select the option to add a new device. Since automatic search through the standard interface may not work, manual input or specific order of action is often required. In some versions of the application for non-Samsung devices, you need to click on the Settings button (cogs) in the upper corner and select Device Registration.
☑️ Access rights verification
If standard search doesn't find a watch, try running the scan directly from the Bluetooth settings in the Android system, but don't pair the device there. Just make sure the watch is visible. Then go back to Gear Manager and repeat the search. The app should detect the Samsung Gear 2 and suggest pairing.
| Component | Appointment | Necessity |
|---|---|---|
| Gear Manager | Main management application | I'll be sure. |
| Gear Plugin | Service plugin for the operation of functions | I'll be sure. |
| Galaxy Apps | Additions store (optional) | Preferably. |
| Google Services | Android Background Services | I'll be sure. |
The process of pairing via Bluetooth
When the Gear Manager app is ready to go, go to the direct connection. Turn on the watch by holding the Home button on the case. The pairing code should appear on the watch screen. Simultaneously, a confirmation request will appear on the Xiaomi smartphone screen. Make sure the codes on both devices match, and click "Confirm" or "OK".
At that point, the system can request permission to access call history and messages. This is standard procedure for Android devices. If you refuse access, the watch will only work as a stopwatch and remote control. To be fully used, you need to allow all the permissions you request at once, otherwise some of the functions will not be available, and you will have to reset the settings.
Once paired successfully, the app will start synchronizing data, which can take anywhere from one to five minutes depending on the amount of contacts and history, while keeping your smartphone screen on and not switching to other heavy applications, the process will end with a successful connection message, and the clock will appear dial.
Configure permits and energy saving in MIUI
The MIUI shell and Xiaomi’s new HyperOS are known for their aggressive energy-saving policies, which can automatically “kill” Gear Manager background processes, causing the watch to permanently shut down or stop notifying.
Go to your phone's settings, find the Apps section, and select Gear Manager. From Activity Control or Battery, select No Restrictions mode. This will prevent the system from stopping the application. It is also recommended that you stick the application in memory by pulling down the list of running applications and clicking on the lock next to the Gear Manager.
⚠️ Warning: Without setting up auto-start and no battery restrictions, notifications on the watch may be delayed or not at all.This is not a defect of the watch, but a feature of the Xiaomi optimizer.
Additionally, check the permissions in Security -> Permissions. Make sure Gear Manager has autorun access. Some Xiaomi firmware versions require you to manually enable autorun for every utility app associated with wearable electronics.
Solving Notification and Synchronization Problems
A common problem when connecting the Samsung Gear 2 to Xiaomi is the lack of notifications from messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber).This is because the standard notification filter may be configured incorrectly or the system blocks access to the notification content.
To fix this, open the Gear Manager app on your phone, go to the clock settings and find Notifications. There should be a list of apps. Make sure the switches against the programs you want are active. If the list is empty, try sending a test message or logging into an application that isn't displayed so that it appears in the list.
If notifications come but the text is hidden (writes "Content is hidden"), check the privacy settings on Android itself. Go to Settings → Notifications → Hidden Content and make sure that important apps are allowed to display. It's also worth checking if the "Do Not Disturb" mode on the watch itself is enabled, which can be swiped on the watch screen.
- 📱 Check that the Bluetooth settings in the "Access to Contacts" section are ticked "Allow".
- 🔔 Make sure that the Gear Manager app has the “Show Notifications” option enabled".
- ⚙️ Restart both devices if notifications are missing after system update.
Additional features and work with widgets
Once the basic features are successfully configured, you can extend the watch’s functionality. Samsung Gear 2 supports the installation of widgets and dials. To download new dials, you may need to install an additional WatchMaker app or use the built-in store if it is available in your region.
The watch can also be used as a remote for the smartphone camera. To do this, the phone must have a Camera app with remote control support (a standard Xiaomi camera usually supports this). On the watch, select the camera widget, and you can see the picture from the lens and take pictures by pressing on the screen.
You can also control music, and watches can switch tracks and adjust volume in a standard player or in popular apps like Spotify and Yandex Music, and just run the music on your phone and go to the appropriate widget on your watch.