Connecting Xiaomi Watch to a smartphone: full instructions with solutions to problems

The Xiaomi Watch has become an integral part of the active lifestyle gadget ecosystem, but its first phone connection is often a question for even power users. Unlike the classic Mi Band fitness bracelets, smartwatches require more complex setup due to the advanced functionality from handling notifications to installing third-party apps. This article covers all the steps from choosing the right app to the intricacies of syncing with iPhone and Android, including solving rare bugs that are not written in the official manuals.

We analyzed the reviews of owners of models Xiaomi Watch S3, Watch 2 Pro and Watch Color 3 for 2023-2026 to highlight the typical problems, from “can’t see the watch on Bluetooth” to “the Mi Fitness app is not updated”, and paid special attention to the differences in the setting for devices on Wear OS (for example, Xiaomi Watch 2) and proprietary firmware Mi Wear (Watch S line). If you just unpacked the box or try to reconnect the watch after reset, here you will find clear steps without excess water.

1.What app do you need to connect Xiaomi Watch?

The choice of the program depends on the model of the watch and the operating system of the smartphone. For most Xiaomi devices (except for the Watch 2/2 Pro on Wear OS), the official Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Wear) will be required.

• 📱 Supports Android 6.0+ iOS 12.0+ (But with limitations for the iPhone)
• 🔄 Automatic synchronization of step, sleep and pulse data
• 🛠️ Built-in tools for updating the firmware of the watch
• 🌍 Localization in 15 languages, including Russian

The Xiaomi Watch 2/2 Pro (based on Wear OS) uses the Wear OS by Google app, which provides access to Google Play on the watch, but requires Android 8.0+ (iPhone support is limited to basic features).

⚠️ Note: Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit) is not compatible with most Xiaomi Watch models, despite similar functionality.

2. Step-by-step instruction: connecting to an Android smartphone

Sync with Android phones takes 5-10 minutes with a stable Internet connection. Follow this algorithm to avoid common mistakes:

1. Install the app: Download Mi Fitness from Google Play. For models on Wear OS, use Wear OS by Google.
2. Account registration: Sign in with Mi Account (required! Without an account, hours are not synced). If you don't have an account, create it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.
3. Bluetooth Enablement: On your smartphone, activate Bluetooth 5.0+ and allow the app to access geodata (necessary for device search).
4. Search for watches: In the app, click Add device → Watch and select your model from the list.
5. On the watch, confirm the connection (usually a long press on the physical button or tap on the screen).
6. Update: After connecting, the application will offer to update the software - do not interrupt the process, even if it takes 20+ minutes.

Registered Mi|Bluetooth account enabled on phone |Clock charged at least 50% | Latest update Mi Fitness-->

If the clock is not set, check:

• 🔋 Charge level of the clock (less than 20% can block pairing)
• 📶 Internet connection stability (the application downloads drivers)
• 🔄 Reboot both devices and try again.

💡

If Mi Fitness is hanging in the “Device Search” stage, clear the app cache in the Android settings (Settings → Applications → Mi Fitness → Memory → Clear the cache).

3. Features of connection to iPhone (iOS)

iPhone owners face restrictions due to Apple's policy: the Mi Fitness app for iOS is stripped of features.

✅ It's working:

• 🏃‍♂️ Synchronization of steps, calories, sleep
• ❤️ Measurement of pulse and SpO₂
• 🔔 Notification of calls (without the possibility of reply)

❌ It's not working:

• 📞 Reception. SMS Notifications from messengers (except incoming calls)
• 💳 Xiaomi Pay and NFC-payment
• 🎵 Managing music on the phone
• 🔄 Automatic firmware update (requires manual installation via Android)

To connect:

1. Download Mi Fitness from the App Store.
2. Turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone and allow the app to access Notifications and Geoposition.
3. In the application, select Profile → Add device → Xiaomi Watch.
4. On the watch, confirm the pairing (the confirmation code will appear on the watch screen).

⚠️ Note: After iOS Update to Version 17.2+ Users report a problem with a permanent disconnection.Solution: In the iPhone settings, turn off Low Bluetooth power consumption (Settings) → Bluetooth → Information (i) → Low energy consumption).

4. Solving common connection errors

Even when following the instructions, users face typical problems, and we've compiled solutions for the most common cases:

Models on Wear OS (like the Watch 2 Pro) are characterized by a "No Internet Connection" error despite running Wi-Fi, which is due to a bug in the firmware of 2023.

1. On the clock go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi


2. Forget all the stored networks.




3. Connect again by selecting "Additional settings" → "Static IP"




4. Enter IP-address manually (e.g. 192.168.1.100)

5. Set up notifications and additional functions

After successful connection, it is recommended to personalize the settings for comfortable use:

For Mi Fitness (most models):

• 🔔 Profile → Notifications: Select apps that will duplicate notifications on the clock (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram).
• 🚶 Profile → Activity goals: set daily tasks in steps and calories.
• 💤 Profile → Sleep: Activate automatic sleep monitoring and alarm clock for sleep phases.
• 🔒 Profile → Security: Set up a lock on the watch screen when removed from your hand.

For Wear OS (Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro):

• 📱 Install Google Play Services for Watches via Wear OS → Available applications.
• 🎵 Configure music management via Spotify or YouTube Music.
• 🗣️ Activate Google Assistant for voice control.

To save battery power, turn off unnecessary functions:

Constantly active screen (AOD)


Automatic measurement SpO₂ (if not used)




Notifications from underused applications




Vibration when lifting your arm (if irritating)

💡

On NFC models (e.g. Xiaomi Watch S3), you need to update the firmware of the watch to version 2.1.0 or later before the first binding of the card for contactless payments.

6.How to reconnect the clock to a new phone?

When changing your smartphone or resetting your phone, you'll need to pair it again. The algorithm is different from the first connection:

1. Reset on the watch: For Mi Wear: Settings → About device → Reset. For Wear OS: Settings → System → Reset settings.

Deletion from the account

Mi Fitness

Profile → My devices

New connection

section 2

If a watch was donated or purchased by a used watch, the previous owner must delete it from his Mi Account via the web version of account.xiaomi.com (Devices → wristwatch → Delete).

⚠️ Note: When you reconnect to a phone with the same Mi Account, activity data (steps, sleep) will be stored in the cloud.

7. Compatible with other Xiaomi devices

Xiaomi Watch is integrated into the Mi Home ecosystem, which opens up additional opportunities:

• 🔑 Automatic unlock: The watch can unlock the smartphone Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco when approaching (required) MIUI 12+).
• 💡 Smart home management: Through the Mi Home app, you can assign a watch as a remote for smart lamps, sockets and robot vacuum cleaners.
• 🎧 Fast headphone connection: On the Watch S3 There is a quick pairing function with Xiaomi Buds.

To set up the integration:

1. Install the Mi Home app on your phone.
2. In Mi Fitness go to Profile → Smart home and log in with the same Mi Account.
3. In Mi Home, add the watch as a new device through Add → wristwatch.

Limitations:

• Smart home management is only available for Mi Mesh-enabled devices (e.g. Xiaomi Smart Lamp 2).
• The unlock feature only works on MIUI devices (not supported on iPhones or other brands).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Watch connectivity