Connecting smart watches to Xiaomi Redmi 9: full instruction with error solutions

Introduction: Why sync your watch with your smartphone?

Smartwatches are no longer just accessories, they are a full-fledged assistant in everyday life. When you connect them to the Xiaomi Redmi 9, there are possibilities that many people do not even know about: from monitoring health (pulse, sleep, blood oxygen levels) to controlling notifications right from the wrist. But what if the clock is not determined by the phone or the connection is constantly broken?

This article will help you understand all the nuances of connection – from choosing the right application to configuring Bluetooth 5.0 on Redmi 9. We will look at not only the standard procedure, but also unique solutions for models that are not officially supported by MIUI. For example, you will learn how to get around the restrictions when syncing the Amazfit GTR 4 or Huawei Watch GT 3 with a Xiaomi phone.

1. Compatibility: What watches do you use with Xiaomi Redmi 9?

Before buying or trying to connect, it is important to make sure that your smartwatch is compatible with Redmi 9.The phone supports Bluetooth 5.0 and runs on MIUI (version 12-14), which ensures compatibility with most modern devices.

• ✅ Full compatibility: Xiaomi Mi Band 5/6/7/8, Amazfit Bip U Pro, Haylou Solar – these models were developed taking into account the Xiaomi ecosystem and connect through proprietary software Mi Fitness or Zepp Life.
• ⚠️ Partial compatibility: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, Huawei Watch GT 3 – require the installation of third-party applications (Notify & Fitness or Gadgetbridge) and may lose some of the functions (for example, payment through the Internet) NFC).
• ❌ Problem models: Apple Watch (requires iPhone), Fitbit Sense 2 (not officially supported by Xiaomi) – connection is possible only through workarounds with the loss of basic functions.

If your watch is not on the first list, don’t despair! In the “Problem Solving” section, we will tell you how to connect even incompatible devices with minimal functionality loss.

2.Phone Preparation: Bluetooth Settings and Permissions

To make the connection smooth, you need to configure Redmi 9 correctly. Many users miss this step and then encounter errors like "Device not found" or "Disabled to connect."

Enable Bluetooth in the notification panel

Open Bluetooth settings (Settings → Connections → Bluetooth)

Make sure that the Visibility for All mode is active (for 2 minutes)

Turn off the power saving mode (Settings → Battery → Power saving mode)

Update MIUI to the latest version (Settings → About Phone → System Update)

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Pay special attention to permissions. After installing a watch app (e.g. Mi Fitness), go to Settings → Apps → Application Management → Mi Fitness → Permissions and turn on:

• 📍 Geodata (for tracking jogging)
• 📱 Notifications (to make the clock show) SMS call)
• 🔋 Auto-run (for stable synchronization)

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If the clock is permanently off after you connect, try turning off the Adaptive Bluetooth feature in Settings → Additional → Special Features → Adaptive Bluetooth. This feature automatically turns off Bluetooth to save charge, which prevents the stable operation of wearable devices.

3. Step-by-step instruction: connect the watch to Redmi 9

Now, the manual is universal for most models, but we'll show you the features for popular brands, starting with officially supported devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Band 8):

1. Install the app: Download Mi Fitness (for Mi Band) or Zepp Life (for Amazfit) from Google Play. Avoid third-party APKs - they may contain viruses.
2. Sign in with your Mi Account (if you don’t have one, create a Profile → Registration along the way). You can use a Google or Apple ID account for Amazfit.
3. Enable the watch in pairing mode: For Mi Band: Press the touch button for 3 seconds until it appears QR-For Amazfit. GTR: Go to Settings. → Bluetooth → Add the device.
4. Scanner in the application: In the application, click "Add device» → «Bracelet (or Clock») → scan QR-code from the watch screen or select the model manually.
5. Confirm Connection: The phone and watch will show a confirmation code (e.g., 1234). Compare it and click Confirm on both devices.

If you connect a Huawei or Samsung watch, the process will be different:

4. Notification setting and data synchronization

Once you've successfully connected, you need to configure what notifications will be coming to the clock and how often the data will be synchronized. Open the watch app and go to Notifications (Profile → Notification settings).

For stable data synchronization (steps, pulse, sleep), check the following settings:

• 🔄 Autosynchronization: Enable the clock in the app (Settings) → Synchronization of data → Autosynchronization).
• 🕒 Update interval: set at least once every 1 hour (to save battery).
• 📶 Background activity: in the phone settings, allow the app to run in the background (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → [Appendix of the clock] → Battery → No restrictions).

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If notifications don’t arrive at the watch, check if the “Do Not Disturb” mode on the phone blocks them. Go to Settings → Notifications → Do Not Disturb and add the watch app to the exceptions.

5. Solving common problems

Even with the right connection, there can be errors.-5 Problems and solutions based on feedback from Redmi users 9:

⚠️ If the watch is switched on but switched off immediately, the problem may be MIUI Optimization is a built-in feature of Xiaomi that aggressively closes the background processes. To disable it, run the command to the ADB: adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1 This method requires unlocking the bootloader and can result in a phone reset! details - in the spoiler below.

Other common mistakes and decisions:

6.Optimization of work: how to extend the life of a battery of watches and phones

Synchronizing a smartwatch with a phone can significantly reduce the battery life of both devices. Here are proven ways to optimize:

• 🔋 Turn off unnecessary sensors: If you don't exercise, turn off permanent pulse measurement (Clock settings) → Heart monitoring → Manual mode. That'll save you up to 30 percent of your charge.
• 📶 Reduce synchronization frequency: In the watch app, set the data update interval once every 2-3 hours instead of the standard 30 minutes.
• 🌙 Use dark themes: On the clock with AMOLED-screen (e.g. Amazfit) GTR 4) dark dials reduce energy consumption by 15-20%.
• ⚡ Turn off vibration for unimportant notifications: In the app notification settings, turn off vibration for social media and advertising messages.

For Redmi 9, we also recommend:

• 📵 Disable device search over Wi-Fi in Bluetooth settings (Settings) → Connections → Bluetooth → Additionally. → Finding devices on Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 Limit background activity for unnecessary applications (except watches).

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If the watch battery runs out in a day, check if it is running in the background of GPS. Some applications (such as Strava) may turn it on without your knowledge. Turn off geolocation for unnecessary applications in Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Geodata.

7. Alternative ways to connect: if Bluetooth does not work

What if the Bluetooth on Redmi 9 is broken or the clock doesn't support this protocol?

1. Wi-Fi connection (for smartwatches): Some models (such as the Amazfit GTR 3 Pro) can sync over Wi-Fi. To do this: Connect your watch and phone to the same Wi-Fi network. In the watch app, select "Wi-Fi Connection" and follow the instructions.

Use of third-party applications

For incompatible watches (such as Garmin or Polar), install Notify & Fitness for Mi Band or Gadgetbridge, which emulates the Mi Band protocol, allowing you to connect other devices.

Manual addition through MAC-address

If the clock is defined by the phone but not connected, try entering it. MAC-manual:

1. Find out. MAC-the address of the clock (usually indicated in the device settings or on the box).
2. In Redmi 9, open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → Additional → Add the device over MAC.
3. Enter the address and confirm the connection.

⚠️ Warning! When connected through third-party apps (like Gadgetbridge), you will lose access to the watchmaker's branded features.For example, the Huawei Watch will not sync sleep data with Huawei Health if you use workarounds.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions