How to connect a smart watch to Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: full instructions with photos and tips

Synchronizing your smartwatch with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is a process that only at first glance seems simple.In practice, users face compatibility issues, Bluetooth connection errors or Mi Fit proprietary app malfunction.This article will help avoid typical errors and set up communication between devices in 10 minutes, even if you are new to the Xiaomi ecosystem.

Weโ€™ll look at not only the standard connection procedure through official software, but also alternative ways for third-party watches (such as Amazfit or Huawei), and also understand why the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 14+ firmware may not work automatically synchronizing health data. At the end, you will find a table of compatibility of popular watch models with your smartphone and answers to frequent questions.

1. Preparation of the smartphone and the clock for synchronization

Before you start connecting, make sure both devices are ready to interact. The Redmi Note 9 should have:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Bluetooth enabled (version 5.0 or later โ€“ check in Settings) โ†’ Connections โ†’ Bluetooth).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery charge above 30% (at low charge, the system can block background processes).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Installed a watch management app (e.g. Mi Fit, Zepp or Wear) OS โ€” clock-model).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Updated software: on the smartphone should be the current version MIUI (How to check: Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Updating the system).

For the watch, check:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Charge level (minimum 20%, otherwise the connection may be interrupted).
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Search Mode: Most models (e.g. Mi Band 7 or Amazfit) GTR (4) shall be set to pairing mode by long pressing of the screen or button.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Resetting: If the watch has already been connected to another phone, reset via the device menu or in the app.

โš ๏ธ Attention: Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 12.5 and below may not work the function "Fast Connection" for the Xiaomi watch. in this case, use manual device search in Mi Fit.

๐Ÿ“Š What kind of smart watch do you use?
Xiaomi/Amazfit
Huawei
Samsung
Apple
Others
I haven't bought it yet.

2. Selection of the application for connection

The model of your watch depends on what software you need to sync. Below is the compatibility table with the Redmi Note 9:

Model clockAnnexSupport for MIUIFeatures
Mi Band 6/7/8, Xiaomi Watch S1/S2Mi Fit or Zepp LifeMIUI 11+Requires registration in Mi Account
Amazfit GTR 3/4, Bip U ProZepp (formerly Amazfit)MIUI 12+Supports offline maps
Huawei Watch GT 3/4Huawei HealthMIUI 12.5+You need to allow auto-start in the settings of Redmi Note 9
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5/6Galaxy Wearable + Google Play ServicesMIUI 13+There may be problems with notifications

Xiaomi watches are officially Mi Fit, but since 2023, the company has been actively moving users to Zepp Life. Both apps are available on Google Play and AppGallery (if you have a global version of the Redmi Note 9).

  • ๐Ÿ“ฅ Mi Fit in Google Play
  • ๐Ÿ“ฅ Zepp Life in AppGallery

โš ๏ธ Note: If you are using Redmi Note 9 with Chinese firmware (CN ROM), Some Mi Fit features can be blocked without VPN. Install Zepp Life or reflash your phone to the global version.

๐Ÿ’ก

Before installing the app, clear the Google Play Services cache in your phone settings. This will eliminate possible authorization errors in Mi Fit.

3. Step-by-step instructions for connecting via Mi Fit/Zepp Life

Consider the process on the example of the Xiaomi Mi Band 7 and Mi Fit app (for Zepp Life, the steps are similar):

  1. Start Mi Fit and log in via Mi Account (or create a new account).

If the clock is not there, follow the following steps:

Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (Settings โ†’ Connections โ†’ Bluetooth โ†’ Off/On)

Remove the watch from the list of associated devices in the settings of Redmi Note 9

Update the firmware of the watch through the application (section "Firmware")

Check if an antivirus (such as Avast) blocks access to Bluetooth-->

Once you've successfully connected, the app will suggest you update the firmware of the watch, don't interrupt the process, which can lead to a build-up of the device, and the average refresh time is 5-15 minutes.

How to reset Xiaomi watch to factory settings?
1. On the watch, go to Settings โ†’ About device โ†’ Reset (for Mi Band โ€“ press the screen for 10 seconds). 2. Confirm the action in the Mi Fit. 3. After reset, the watch will automatically restart and be ready for a new connection.

4. Set up notifications and data synchronization

By default, Mi Fit and Zepp Life limit notifications to receive messages from messengers and watch calls:

  1. Open the app and go to Profile โ†’ Notifications.
  2. Turn on the "Notifications on the Device" switch.
  3. Select the applications you want to see notifications from (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, VKontakte).
  4. In the Redmi Note 9 settings, allow auto-run for Mi Fit: Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Application management โ†’ Mi Fit โ†’ Auto-start.

To synchronize health data (steps, pulse, sleep):

  • ๐Ÿ“Š Enable "Continuous Monitoring" in the settings of the clock (Health section").
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Set the synchronization interval: Mi Fit โ†’ Profile โ†’ Settings โ†’ Synchronization of data โ†’ Every 30 minutes.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Allow access to fitness data in phone settings: Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Permits โ†’ Physical activity.

โš ๏ธ Attention: Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 14 may not work synchronizing steps with Google Fit due to manufacturer restrictions. Use embedded reports in Mi Fit or export data manually.

๐Ÿ’ก

For stable notifications, disable battery optimization for Mi Fit in the Redmi Note 9 settings (Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Battery Optimization โ†’ All apps โ†’ Mi Fit โ†’ Without restrictions).

5. Solving common problems

Even after a successful connection, Redmi Note 9 users face typical bugs.

Problem.Reason.Decision
The watch is connected but does not show notificationsBlocking background activity of Mi FitAllow auto-start and disable battery optimization for the app
Bluetooth communication is constantly lostConflict with other devices (headphones, speakers)Turn off unnecessary Bluetooth devices in your phone settings
The watch firmware is not updated.Weak Wi-Fi or mobile internet signalConnect to 5 GHz or use mobile data at high speed
Step data is not synced with Google FitMIUI 14+ Restrictions for Third Party ServicesExport data manually through Mi Fit โ†’ Profile โ†’ Data Export

If Xiaomi watches are not defined by the app, try:

  1. Remove the Mi Fit cache in your phone settings (Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Mi Fit โ†’ Storage โ†’ Clear the cache).
  2. Reinstall the app.
  3. Reset your network settings on Redmi Note 9: Settings โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Resetting network settings.

For Amazfit or Huawei watches, check out:

  • ๐Ÿ”— Permits for Zepp/Huawei Health: Access to location, camera (for the purpose of QR-code) and contacts.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Account Region: Some features (e.g. Huawei Pay) only work with accounts registered in Upported Regions.

6. Alternative ways of connecting (without Mi Fit)

If you use a watch from a third-party brand (such as Garmin or Samsung), or the official software is not suitable, use universal methods:

Method 1: Notify & Fitness for Mi Band (for unofficial firmware)

This app supports most smartwatches, including Xiaomi, and offers advanced notification settings:

  1. Download Notify & Fitness.
  2. Connect the watch through standard Bluetooth.
  3. In the application, select the device model and configure the notification display.

Method 2: Through Wear OS (for Android Wear watches)

If your watch is running on Wear OS (like Fossil Gen 6)

  1. Install Wear OS by Google.

โš ๏ธ Note: When using third-party apps (such as Notify & Fitness), turn off standard sync in Mi Fit to avoid conflicts.

7. Optimize the work of the watch with Xiaomi Redmi Note 9

To extend the working hours and improve communication stability:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Turn off unnecessary functions: permanent pulse meter, automatic sleep detection (if not used).
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Limit background activity of Mi Fit: in the phone settings, allow only basic resolutions.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Update the firmware of the watch and phone: new versions MIUI Frequently correct Bluetooth errors.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Use the original cable to charge the watch โ€“ unoriginal can damage the battery.

To save power, Redmi Note 9:

  • ๐Ÿ“ต Turn off Bluetooth when you are not using your watch.
  • โšก Enable Battery Optimization for Mi Fit (but not Without Limits, otherwise notifications will be delayed).
  • ๐Ÿ“ด Limit background data transfer for the application in Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Mi Fit โ†’ Transfer of data.

๐Ÿ’ก

For maximum compatibility, use the watch and phone on the same MIUI version. For example, Mi Band 7 is optimized for MIUI 13+, and MIUI 12 can cause lags.

8. Frequent questions and answers

โ“ Can I connect the Apple Watch to the Redmi Note 9?
Technically, yes, but with serious limitations. You'll need to: Install Wear OS by Google (unofficial support); turn off iCloud on your watch (this will reset it to factory settings); connect via Bluetooth, but most features (such as Apple Pay or ECG) won't work. Recommendation: Choose a Wear OS or Mi Band watch for a full Android smartphone.
โ“ Why After Updating MIUI Notifications for the clock stopped coming?
This is a typical problem after upgrading to MIUI 14. Solution: Go to Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management โ†’ Mi Fit โ†’ Permissions. Enable "Master over Other Windows" and "Autostart." Clear the Mi Fit cache and restart the phone. If it doesn't help, roll back to the previous version of Mi Fit (download APK with APKCombo).
โ“ How to transfer data from one clock to another?
There is no official way to transfer data between different watch models, but it is possible to do so: ๐Ÿ“ค Export your story from Mi Fit to Google Fit (Section Profile) โ†’ Export of data). ๐Ÿ“ฅ Connect a new watch and manually enter critical data (weight, height, goals by steps). ๐Ÿ”„ Use third-party services like Health Sync to sync between accounts. Important: Sleep and heart rate data cannot be transferred, it is tied to a particular device.
โ“ Why the clock is fast discharged when connected to the Redmi Note 9?
Main causes: ๐Ÿ” Constant data synchronization (turn off automatic download in Mi Fit). ๐Ÿ“ถ Unstable Bluetooth connection (phone and watch must be within 10 meters radius). ๐Ÿ”‹ Worn-out watch battery (check at service center) To extend the running time: Settings of the clock โ†’ Display. โ†’ Backlight time: 5 seconds Clock settings โ†’ Notifications โ†’ Vibration: Medium
โ“ Can you connect a watch to two phones at the same time?
Most Xiaomi and Amazfit watches only support one device connection: ๐Ÿ“ฑ Mi Band can be used on two phones, but the data will be duplicated. ๐Ÿ”„ Some models (e.g. Amazfit) GTR 4) allow switching between devices via the clock menu. โš ๏ธ Notifications will only be sent to the last connected phone.