How to connect a Xiaomi watch to a smartphone: instructions for all models (2026)

Introduction: why you need to synchronize Xiaomi watches with a smartphone

Xiaomi smartwatches and fitness bracelets are not just a time-tracking accessory, but a full-fledged assistant in everyday life: they can monitor heart rate, analyze sleep, display notifications from the phone and even control a smart home, but all these features become available only after connecting to a smartphone correctly. Without synchronization, the device turns into a regular pedometer watch.

The pairing process can seem challenging for beginners, especially when it comes to newer models like the Xiaomi Watch S3 or Mi Band 8 Pro. In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to connect, from standard Bluetooth synchronization to alternative methods for older devices, and learn how to solve typical problems when the watch doesn’t see the phone or refuses to update.

What Xiaomi watch models support connection to the smartphone

Before you start setting up, it’s important to make sure your watch model is compatible with your smartphone.Most Xiaomi devices work with both Android and iOS, but there are nuances. For example, some features (like answering calls) may be limited on iPhones due to Apple’s policies.

Here is the current list of supported models (for 2026):

• 📱 Mi Band series: Mi Band 8, Mi Band 8 Pro, Mi Band 7/7 Pro, Mi Band 6 (iOS-bound)
• ⌚ Xiaomi Watch Series: Watch S3, Watch S2 Pro, Watch 2 Pro, Watch 1 (requires software update)
• 🏃 Sports models: Xiaomi Smart Band 7, Mi Watch Lite (budget version with reduced functionality)
• 💎 Premium devices: Xiaomi Watch S3 Pro (eSIM support for phoneless calls)

If your model is older than Mi Band 5 or Mi Watch 1, you may need to manually install the old version of the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app.

Preparing for connection: what to do before synchronization

To avoid pairing errors, follow a few simple steps:

1. Charge the clock. Make sure the battery charge of the device is ≥ 50%. Some models (for example, Xiaomi Watch S3) refuse to connect at a low charge level.
2. Update your smartphone software. On Android, check the update version in Settings → System → Software Update. For iOS, upgrade to the latest version through Settings → Basic → Software Update.
3. Turn on Bluetooth and geolocation. On Android, activate Bluetooth and Precise Location (in Settings → Location → Mode → High Accuracy). On your iPhone, turn on Bluetooth and allow the app to access geodata.
4. Remove old pairings. If the watch has already been connected to another phone, reset it through the Settings of the watch → Reset to the factory.

A critical mistake many users make is ignoring permission to notify. Without this, the watch will not be able to show incoming calls and messages from messengers. On Android 12+, be sure to allow the Zepp Life or Mi Fitness app to access notifications in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Notifications.

Charge the clock to 50% or more

Update the smartphone to the latest version

Enable Bluetooth and geolocation

Remove old pairings from the clock

Allow notifications for the Xiaomi app-->

Step-by-step: how to connect Xiaomi watches to Android

The synchronization process with Android takes no more than 5 minutes, if you follow the algorithm:

1. Installation of the annex. 📱 Download the official app: For Mi Band 8/7/6 Xiaomi Watch S3/S2 — Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit) for Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and new models – Xiaomi Wear. 🔍 Make sure you download the app from Google Play, not from third-party sites (virus risk).

Account registration.

When you first start up, the app will prompt you to log in via Xiaomi Account, Google or Apple ID. If you do not have an account, register (you will need an email or phone number).

Find the device.

Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and watch. In the app, click Add Device → Watch/Fitness bracelet. Choose your model from the list. If there is no model, update the app.

The pair.

The watch will have a 6-digit code on its screen, confirm it in the app. If the code doesn't appear, reset the watch (press the power button for 10 seconds).

Set up notifications.

Allow the application to access:

• 📞 Calls (to display incoming calls).
• 💬 Messages (for notifications from WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).li>
• 🏃 Fitness data (for synchronization with Google Fit).

⚠️ Attention: On iPhone with iOS 17+ Some Xiaomi watches can be switched off from Bluetooth via 10-15 To fix this, turn off Low Bluetooth Power in Settings → Bluetooth.

Solution: Xiaomi Watches Are Not Connected to Phone

If synchronization fails, check the following points:

• 🔋 Battery charge. Make sure the watch is at least 30 percent charged. At low charge, it may not turn on Bluetooth.
• 📶 Bluetooth Version: Older smartphones (like Android 8 and below) may not support Bluetooth 5.0, which is required for the Xiaomi Watch S3. Check the specifications of your phone.
• 🔄 Conflict with other devices: If the watch has previously been connected to another phone or tablet, reset it via Settings → Reset.
• 🛡️ antivirus or VPN. Some antiviruses (e.g. Avast) block the connection.
• 📲 Incompatible software. If you have custom ROM (For example, LineageOS, you may need to manually install GApps to run Google services.