Connecting smart watches Xiaomi Amazfit to the phone: full instructions with expert advice

Xiaomi Amazfit has long been one of the most popular gadgets for tracking activity, but many users face difficulties already at the stage of the first connection. According to statistics from service centers, 37% of calls on a smart watch are due to synchronization errors, from the banal β€œdoes not see the device” to firmware problems. This article will help avoid typical errors and set up a connection between the watch and the phone the first time.

We will not only discuss the basic connection procedure through the official Zepp app (formerly Mi Fit), but also the nuances for different operating systems, the features of specific models (Amazfit GTR 4, GTS 4 Mini, Bip 5), as well as ways to solve common problems.

What Amazfit models support phone connection?

Before you start setting up, it’s important to make sure your watch model is designed to work with a smartphone at all. All modern Amazfit devices (released after 2019) support synchronization, but there are nuances:

  • πŸ“± Full-function smart watches: GTR 4/3/2, GTS 4/3/2, Cheetah, Falcon – Supports notifications, calls, music and GPS.
  • ⚑ Fitness trackers: Bip 5/3, Band 7/8 β€” limited functionality (stepmeter, pulse, notifications without response capability).
  • 🚫 Outdated models: Amazfit Pace (2016) and Stratos (2017) are not officially supported after 2023.

For 2020-2026 models, the Zepp app (available on Android and iOS) is used, except for Amazfit PowerBuds, which require separate software. Importantly, Xiaomi has completely switched to the Zepp brand for all new Amazfit devices since 2023, so older versions of the Mi Fit won’t work.

πŸ“Š What Amazfit model do you use?
GTR 4/GTS 4
Bip 5/Bip 3
Band 7/8
Another model
I haven't bought it yet.

Preparing the phone before connecting

To avoid synchronization errors, the phone must meet the minimum requirements:

ParameterAndroidiOS (iPhone)
OS versionAndroid 8.0 and higheriOS 12.0 and higher
BluetoothVersion 4.0+ (BLE)Version 4.0+ (BLE)
Free seatMinimum 500MBMinimum 1GB
PermitsGeolocation, contacts, notificationsBluetooth, notifications, health
FeaturesPower saving mode can block communicationYou need to allow the background work of the application

On Android, check out:

  • πŸ”„ Turn off the charge saving mode in the battery settings.
  • πŸ“Ά Turn on Mobile Data or Wi-Fi to download the watch firmware.
  • πŸ”’ Allow Zepp to access Contacts and Phone (for calls).

⚠️ Note: On Huawei phones with EMUI 10+ You may need to manually add Zepp to the list of β€œSecure Apps” (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Zepp β†’ Battery β†’ Without it, the clock will shut down every day. 10-15 minute.

Step-by-step: how to connect Amazfit to the phone

The synchronization process takes no more than 5-7 minutes, if you follow a clear algorithm, and we will discuss a universal method that is suitable for all models in 2020-2026:

Charge of watches β‰₯ 50% | Installed app Zepp| Bluetooth enabled on phone | Search mode (vibrates) | Other Bluetooth devices disabled

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  1. Download Zepp from the official store: πŸ€– Google Play for Android 🍎 App Store for iOS ❗ Don't use it. APK from third-party sources – this can lead to data leakage or account blocking.
  2. When you first start, the app will suggest you create an account: πŸ“§ Email + password πŸ“ž Phone number (SMS-code) πŸ”„ Account. Google/Facebook (Android only) For models GTR 4 and newer mandatory binding of the phone number - this is necessary for the function Emergency call.
  3. Search device Press Add device β†’ Choose your model from the list. The watch should be next to you (≀ 1 m) and be in pairing mode (usually activated by a long press on a physical button: πŸ”„ Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (Settings) β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Off/On). πŸ”‹ Check the charge of the clock (at ≀ 15% are not visible to search). πŸ“± Make sure there are no active phones on the phone. VPN Firewalls (they block the connection).
  4. Data Synchronization After a successful connection, the app will suggest updating the firmware of the watch. Don't interrupt the process - this can lead to "bricking" of the device. Average update time: 5-15 To speed up synchronization: πŸ“Ά Connect your phone to Wi-Fi (mobile internet updates can slow down). πŸ”‹ The clock should be charged. β‰₯ 70%. ⏳ Do not close the Zepp app until the end of the process.

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If the Amazfit Bip 5 watch doesn’t sync steps, check the Zepp resolution settings in the Settings menu β†’ Apps β†’ Zepp β†’ Permissions β†’ Physical activity. Without this, no data will be transferred.

Set up notifications and calls

By default, the Amazfit watch only shows basic notifications (SMS, calls) to configure the display of messages from instant messengers and social networks:

  1. Android: Go to Zepp β†’ Profile β†’ Notifications β†’ Manage notifications and turn on switches for the desired applications (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.). Xiaomi/Redmi extra-phones: πŸ”„ Enable Auto Start for Zepp (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Zepp β†’ Auto-start). πŸ“΅ Disable Battery Optimization for the App.
  2. iOS (iPhone): On iPhone, notification settings are managed via the system: Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Zepp β†’ Turn on Allow notifications and Show lock screen. iOS restrictions: 🚫 Cannot respond directly from the clock (only viewing). πŸ“ž Clock calls only work for models with SIM (GTR 4 LTE).

⚠️ Note: On Samsung phones with One UI 5+ Notifications may be duplicated due to a conflict with Samsung Health's proprietary app Solution: Turn off health sync in Zepp (Profile) β†’ Accounts. β†’ Disable Samsung Health).

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right connection, users face typical problems, and we've put together solutions for the most common cases:

Problem.Reason.Decision
The watch is not in search.Bluetooth is in conflict with other devicesDisable all other Bluetooth gadgets (earphones, speakers)
The connection is always broken.Energy saving of the telephoneAdd Zepp to battery optimization exceptions
No firmware updates.Weak Wi-Fi signalConnect to 5 GHz network or use mobile internet
No notifications coming.Permits blockedCheck notification settings in Zepp and system
The clock doesn't vibrate when ringingDo Not Disturb on the clockTurn off the clock settings β†’ Do not disturb

For Amazfit GTS 4 and later, there is an additional diagnostic: press the button on the watch for 10 seconds β†’ select Settings β†’ Status β†’ Error Log. This shows the last crash codes (for example, E102 is a Bluetooth problem).

What if the watch is on the logo after the update?
If after firmware Amazfit does not turn on or stuck on the logo: 1. Connect the watch to charging and hold the button 20 seconds (hard reset). 2. If it does not help - use the Amazfit Tool (only for Windows) for forced flashing. 3. In extreme cases, contact the service - self-repair deprives of warranty.

How to disconnect the watch from your phone and connect to another device

If you are selling a watch or want to reconfigure it to another phone, you need to properly disconnect, and failing to do so can result in account lockdown (especially on NFC models).

Step-by-step:

  1. On your old phone: Open Zepp β†’ Profile β†’ My Devices. Select your watch β†’ Delete the device. Confirm the action (you may need to enter a password from your account).
  2. On the clock: Go to Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset. Select Reset to factory and confirm.
  3. On a new phone: Install Zepp and log in to the same account (or create a new one). Add the watch as a new device (see instructions above).

⚠️ Attention: On the Amazfit models GTR 3 Pro and GTS 3 resetting through the watch menu may not work due to a firmware bug. In this case, use the combination: Press the button β†’ 5 vibrations β†’ let go β†’ Hold it back for 10 seconds.

Tips for optimizing the hours

To ensure that the Amazfit watch is stable and energy efficient, follow these recommendations:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery savings: Turn off the constant pulse (if not needed) 24/7). Set your sleep schedule for the period of c 23:00 before 7:00. Use dials without animation (they eat up to) 20% charge).
  • πŸ“Ά Stable communication: Reboot your watch once a week (hold the button until it vibrates). Don't hold multiple Bluetooth devices (earbuds, speakers) near you. Update your firmware when notifications appear.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Security: Do not share code from SMS When registering, disable Auto Sign-in in the Zepp account settings. NFC (GTR (4) set up PIN-payment-code.

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Check the list of connected devices in your Zepp account (Profile) regularly β†’ If unknown gadgets appear, delete them immediately and change your password.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I connect the Amazfit to two phones at the same time?
Officially, no. The watch is tied to one Zepp account, but there's a workaround: On the main phone, turn off notifications in Zepp. On the second phone, install Zepp, log in to the same account, and only enable the necessary notifications (like calls). ⚠️ Restrictions: Health data will be duplicated and firmware updated only from the main device.
Why is the Amazfit watch not syncing data with Google Fit?
Since 2023, Zepp has changed its privacy policy.To resume sync: Open Zepp β†’ Profile β†’ Settings β†’ Accounts. Disable and reconnect Google Fit. In the Google Fit settings (Settings) β†’ Data management) allow access to Zepp. If it doesn't help, remove and reinstall both apps.
How to transfer data from one Zepp account to another?
There is no official way, but you can export data manually: In Zepp go to Profile β†’ Export data and save the file to your phone. Create a new account and connect the watch. Import data through Profile β†’ Import (not available for all models). ❗ Training and sleep data are not always correctly transferred. For a full migration, contact Amazfit with proof of ownership of the device (check).
What if the functions (pulse, GPS) are lost after the update?
This is a typical problem for the Amazfit Bip U Pro models and GTS 2 Mini after upgrading to 3.5 firmware+. Decisions: πŸ”„ Reset the clock to factory settings (Settings) β†’ System system β†’ Reset). πŸ“₯ Install the beta version of the firmware through the Amazfit Tool (instructions at amazfitwatchfaces.com). πŸ“§ Write in support of Amazfit with error logs (you can get them through Settings). β†’ Status. β†’ If nothing helps, roll back the firmware in the service center (you can not do this on your own).
Can I use Amazfit without a phone?
Yes, but with limitations: βœ… Work autonomously: Tracking steps, pulse, sleep. GPS (Music (if downloaded for hours). ❌ Not working without a phone: Notifications (SMS, Calls, instant messengers, firmware updates. NFC-payments (requires periodic synchronization) for eSIM models (GTR 4 LTE) Calls are available without a phone, but a separate call is required. SIM-map.