Xiaomi’s smartwatch is not just an accessory, but a full-fledged assistant for health tracking, notification management, and even payment. However, many users face difficulties when connecting a device to a smartphone for the first time, especially when it comes to new models like the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or Redmi Watch 3 Active, where the synchronization process is different from the usual fitness bracelets Mi Band.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways Xiaomi smartwatches can connect to your phone, from standard sync through official apps to manual methods for older models, how to avoid errors like “Disconnected” or “Device not found”, and set up notifications, calls and additional features.
Before you start, make sure your phone meets the minimum requirements:
- 📱 Android 6.0+ (Full functionality is better than 8.0+) or iOS 12.0+ (restrictively).
- 🔋 Charge of at least 50% – at low battery level, synchronization may be interrupted.
- 📶 Bluetooth 4.2+ (model NFC or GPS You need Bluetooth 5.0).
1. What apps are needed to connect Xiaomi smart watches
Depending on the watch model, you’ll need one of the official apps. Xiaomi is gradually moving all devices to a single ecosystem, but older models still run through legacy programs.
| Model clock | Android app | Appendix for iOS | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 3/4/5/6, Redmi Watch | Mi Fitness (old) | Mi Fitness | Support ends in 2023, but works |
| Mi Band 7/8, Xiaomi Smart Band 8 | Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit) | Zepp Life | Registration is required through Xiaomi Account |
| Xiaomi Watch S1/S2, Watch 2 Pro | Xiaomi Wear or Zepp | Zepp (limited) | For NFC-Payment is required for Mi Pay |
| Redmi Watch 3/4 | Zepp Life | Zepp Life | Without support for Always-on Display on iOS |
Important: If your model is released after 2022, it's likely to run through Zepp Life.The Mi Fitness app is outdated and may not support new features.On iPhone, some features (like answering calls) will be limited due to Apple's policies.
⚠️ Note: Do not install applications from third-party sources (APK-In 2023, there were cases where fake versions of Zepp Life spread malware masquerading as official updates.
2. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect the watch to the phone Xiaomi
Consider the universal algorithm for most models. If you have a Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or another new model with Wear OS, Skip Steps 3-4 and use Xiaomi Wear.
Turn on Bluetooth on your phone
Charge the watch to 50%+
Install the application you need (Zepp Life or Mi Fitness)
Create/sign in to Xiaomi Account (required!)
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- Activate the watch. Press and hold the physical button (or touch area) on the watch body until the Xiaomi logo appears on the screen. For the Mi Band, just touch the sensor.
- Open Zepp Life (or Mi Fitness for older models) and click Add Device. If the app requests access to contacts, location or notifications, let it (this is for the correct operation of calls and notifications). GPS).
- Select a model in the list. The app will suggest a list of supported devices. Find your model (like Redmi Watch 3) and tap it. If your model isn't, update the app through Google Play or the App Store.
- Confirm pairing. A 4-digit code (e.g., 1234) will appear on the watch screen. Compare it to the code in the app and click "Confirm." If the code doesn't appear, reset the clock (hold the 10 seconds button).
- Update the firmware. Once connected, the app will prompt you to update the watch software. For models from 2023 to 2026 (for example, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro), the update is mandatory - without it, it will not work. NFC-Payment and voice assistant, it'll take 5-15 minutes.
If at the interface stage there is an error “I could not connect”, try:
- 🔄 Restart your phone and watch.
- 📱 Disable Power Saving Mode (It Can Block Bluetooth).
- 🚫 Remove the watch from the list of associated devices in the phone settings (Settings) → Bluetooth and reconnect.
Xiaomi Mi Band 7/8|Redmi Watch 3/4|Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro|Xiaomi Watch S1/S2|Another model|I haven't bought it yet.-->
3. Set up notifications and calls
By default, Xiaomi watches only show basic notifications (calls, SMS). To set up alerts from messengers or social networks, you need to:
- Allow notifications. In the Zepp Life app, go to Device Profile → Notifications and switch on. Then, in your phone settings, find the Apps. → Zepp Life → Notifications and allow access.
- Select apps. In the same Notifications section in Zepp Life, a list of installed messengers will appear (WhatsApp, Telegram, VK Check the ticks you want to see on your watch.
- Adjust the vibration and sound. For models with a speaker (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S2) You can turn on the audible alerts. → Sound and vibrations select the melody or turn off the sound, leaving only vibrations.
iPhone restrictions: On iOS, Xiaomi watches cannot show notifications from third-party apps (except calls and other devices). SMS) Because of Apple's policy, you can't respond to messages either by voice or by keyboard.
⚠️ Note: If notifications are late (or not arriving at all), check out the details: 🔋 Power saving mode on the phone (it can block the background work of Zepp Life). 📵 Battery Optimization Settings for the Application (in Phone Settings) → Annexes → Zepp Life → Select the battery "Without restrictions»). 🔄 Reconnect the clock to your phone (sometimes resetting the connection helps).
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To ensure that notifications from Telegram or WhatsApp are displayed correctly, enable the “Show notifications on the lock screen” option in the phone settings for these apps.
4. How to configure additional functions: NFC, GPS and voice assistant
New Xiaomi smartwatch models (such as Watch 2 Pro or Watch) S2) Supports advanced functions that need to be activated separately.
💳 Setting up NFC-Payment (Mi Pay)
For contactless payments:
- Make sure your model supports NFC (List: Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro, Watch 2 Pro, Mi Band 8 Pro).
- In the Zepp app, go to the Device Profile → Mi Pay and follow the instructions for linking a bank card.
- For Russia and CIS maps World are available, Visa/Mastercard Some banks (the list is updated).
📍 Activation. GPS route-tracker
To watch the routes of jogging or cycling:
- 🚴 Turn it on. GPS in the settings of the clock (Settings) → Connections → GPS).
- 📱 On your phone in Zepp Life, allow geolocation access (required to select Always, not Only when used»).
- 🔋 Keep in mind that GPS Battery consumption is high – the charge will last for 6-8 hours of continuous recording.
🎙️ Voice assistant (Wear only) OS)
Models on Wear OS (Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro supports Google Assistant:
- Install the Google app on your watch through the Play Market (available after connecting to Xiaomi Wear).
- Press the button on the clock and say a command (e.g., “Set an alarm clock for 7 a.m.”).
Why doesn't it work? NFC Xiaomi watch?
5. Solving common connection problems
Even if you do the instructions correctly, you can get errors, and let's look at the typical cases and how to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Device not found" when searching | Bluetooth is off or the clock is dead | Turn on Bluetooth, charge your watch, reboot both devices |
| The clock is switched on, but immediately switched off. | Conflict with another associated device | Remove the watch from the list of Bluetooth devices and connect again |
| Zepp Life app doesn't see a clock | An outdated version of the application or firmware | Update Zepp Life to the App Store/Google Play and watch firmware |
| Error "Can't update the firmware" | Weak Wi-Fi signal or little space on the watch | Connect to stable Wi-Fi, free up memory (remove unnecessary dials) |
| iPhones don't receive notifications | iOS restrictions for third-party devices | Use only basic functions (calls, SMS). For messengers need a watch on Wear OS |
If none of these methods helped, try resetting the clock to factory settings:
- On the clock go to Settings → System → Reset.
- Confirm the action (usually hold the button for 5-10 seconds).
- Reconnect the watch as if it were on the first time.
⚠️ Warning: Reset will delete all data from the clock (steps, sleep history, dials) and sync the data with the Zepp Life app before you lose your statistics.
6. Optimization of the clock: how to extend the autonomy time
One of the main complaints about Xiaomi smart watches is the fast battery discharge, especially in models with Always-on Display (for example, Xiaomi Watch). S2). Here's how to increase your work time:
- 🔋 Turn off Always-on Display. This feature uses up to 30 percent of your charge per day.
For models with Wear OS (Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro is also recommended:
- Turn off automatic data synchronization with Google Fit.
- Use dark dials (on the other hand) AMOLED-They save the charge on the screens).
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With the right settings, even Xiaomi Watch S2 Always-on Display can last up to 5-7 days without recharging (instead of the standard 2-3 days).
7.How to connect Xiaomi smartwatch to another phone
If you have changed your smartphone or want to sync your watch with an additional device (like your work phone), follow these steps:
- Untie the watch from your old phone. In the Zepp Life app, click on the device icon. → «Disable. then remove the watch from the Bluetooth device list in your phone settings.
- Reset the clock settings. On the watch itself, go to Settings. → System system → Reset (or hold the button for 10 seconds before the Xiaomi logo appears).
- Connect to a new phone. Install Zepp Life on a new phone, log in to the same Xiaomi Account and repeat the pairing process (see Section 2).
Important for iPhone: Xiaomi Watch can only be connected to one phone on iOS. To change the device you will have to reset the settings of the clock.
If you want to use a watch with two phones at the same time (like Android and iPhone), consider:
- 📱 The basic functions (calls, notifications) will work with only one device.
- 🏃 Training and sleep data will be duplicated in both apps (if you use the same Xiaomi Account).
- ⚠️ On iOS, some features (for example, NFC-Payment may not be available.
8. Alternative ways of connecting (without official applications)
In rare cases, official applications (Zepp Life, Mi Fitness) may not work due to regional restrictions or blockages, and alternative methods may be used:
🔗 Connecting with Notify & Fitness (for Android)
This third-party app supports most Xiaomi fitness bracelets and smartwatches:
- Download Notify & Fitness from Google Play.
- Enable Developer Mode on the Watch (click 5 times on “Build Number” in Settings) → The phone).
- At Notify & Fitness, select a watch model and follow the instructions.
Limitations: Not all functions (e.g, NFC) The data will be in sync and the data may be unstable.
🖥️ Connecting via Gadgetbridge (open source)
Gadgetbridge is an open application for managing wearable devices:
- 🔗 Download. APK Official website (not available on Google Play).
- 📱 Enable Bluetooth debugging in the phone developer settings.
- 🔄 Connect the watch through Gadgetbridge and set up alerts.
Warning: This method is suitable for power users. Some features (such as firmware updates) may not work properly.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party applications may result in: 🚫 Warranty loss (if the watch fails due to unofficial software). 🔒 Data breaches (some alternative programs collect health information). 🔋 Fast battery discharge (due to unoptimized code) We recommend using these methods only if official methods are not available.