The Xiaomi Watch 4 is one of the most popular wearables of 2023-2026, combining stylish design, advanced functionality and affordable price. However, many users face difficulties when connecting a gadget to a smartphone for the first time. Unlike previous models (for example, the Mi Band 7), there are nuances with the choice of application, setting up notifications and synchronizing data.
This article will help you figure out how to pair the Xiaomi Watch 4 with your Android or iOS phone, what apps you will need to do this, and what to do if the watch is not connected. We will look at official methods through Mi Fitness and Zepp Life, alternative options for older smartphones, as well as typical errors that prevent successful synchronization. If you just unpacked the watch or want to reconfigure it, read on.
What apps do you need to connect Xiaomi Watch 4?
Unlike the Mi Band fitness bracelets, where one app is enough, the Xiaomi Watch 4 may require two programs to be installed, depending on the region and firmware version.
- 📱 Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit) is the official application for most regions, including Russia and the CIS. Supports synchronization of steps, sleep, notifications and music management.
- 🌍 Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit) is an alternative software that is often used for global watches, has advanced health analysis features, but may not support some local services.
- ⚙️ Xiaomi Wear – an auxiliary application for updating the firmware (installed automatically when you first connect).
Importantly, if you bought a watch in China or through unofficial channels, you may need to change your region of settings or some of the features will be blocked, and we will discuss this in the section on connection errors.
Also, consider that only Zepp Life is available for iPhone – Mi Fitness is not available in the App Store, and Android owners are advised to try Mi Fitness first, and if the clock is not determined, switch to Zepp Life.
Preparation of watches and telephone before pairing
Before you connect the Xiaomi Watch 4, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid most of the errors:
Download Mi Fitness or Zepp Life from the official store|Turn on Bluetooth and GPS phone-on|Charge the watch to at least 50%|Make sure that the phone has the current version of the OS installed.|Turn it off. VPN (It can block Xiaomi servers)-->
Pay special attention to the permissions for the application. After installing Mi Fitness or Zepp Life, go to the phone settings and manually allow:
- 📍 Geodata (for accurate jogging tracking).
- 📱 Notifications (to let the clock show incoming calls and messages).
- 🔋 Auto-start (otherwise, the connection will break after the phone restarts).
On the Xiaomi Watch 4 watch itself, reset to factory settings before connecting (if you have already used them).
- Go to Settings → System → Reset.
- Select Reset all settings and confirm the action.
- Wait for the reboot (the watch will show the Xiaomi logo).
⚠️ Note: If the watch was tied to another Xiaomi or Zepp account, the reset will not remove this link.
Step-by-step: Connect via Mi Fitness
This method is suitable for most users in Russia and CIS countries.
- Open Mi Fitness and log in through your Xiaomi account (if not, sign up).
- Click on the Profile icon → Add the device.
- Select Xiaomi Watch 4 from the list (if there is no model, update the app).
- It'll appear on the clock. QR-code – scan it through your phone or enter a 6-digit code manually.
- Confirm the pairing on both devices.
Once you've successfully connected, the app will suggest you update your firmware, and don't give up, it will fix any bugs and add new features, and it will take you 5 to 15 minutes to update, during the process:
- 🔋 Don't turn off the clock from charging.
- 📶 Don't leave the Mi Fitness app.
- 🚫 Don't reboot your phone.
What if Mi Fitness can’t see the watch?
After updating the firmware, configure the main parameters:
| Parameter | Recommended value | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Synchronization frequency | Every 30 minutes. | For current steps and pulse data |
| Notifications | Enable for all applications | To see calls and messages on the clock |
| Raising your hand to activate | Turn on | Convenient to check the time without pressing buttons |
| Sleep tracking | Automatic. | To analyze sleep quality without manually starting |
Connect via Zepp Life (for iPhone and global versions)
If you have an iPhone or a watch purchased in Europe/Asia, use Zepp Life.The pairing process is similar to Mi Fitness, but there are a few key differences:
- Download Zepp Life from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play (for Android).
- Sign up or sign in via your Zepp account (you can link to Xiaomi later).
- Click Add Add the device → Xiaomi Watch 4.
- Follow the instructions on the screen (scanning) QR-code-in).
Zepp Life has additional features that are not available in Mi Fitness:
- 📊 Advanced Analysis of Stress and Energy Levels.
- 🏃♂️ Training with voice support (in English).
- 🎵 Music management on Spotify (for premium subscribers).
⚠️ Note: When using Zepp Life on Android, some notifications may be duplicated (coming in both Mi Fitness and Zepp Life).To avoid this, disable notification synchronization in one of the apps.
If you have previously used Mi Fitness but decided to switch to Zepp Life, follow these steps:
- Remove the watch from Mi Fitness (Profile → Xiaomi Watch 4 → Delete the device).
- Reset the clock to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset).
- Connect again through Zepp Life.
Solving problems: the clock is not connected or switched off
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can get errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The watch is not on the device list. | An outdated version of the app | Update Mi Fitness or Zepp Life in the store |
| The conjugation is interrupted by 50%. | Blocking with antivirus or VPN | Turn off protection while you connect. |
| The clock is connected, but the data is not synchronized. | No geodata permission | Go to your phone settings and allow access to the location |
| The connection is constantly breaking. | Energy saving Android/iOS | Add Mi Fitness to battery optimization exceptions |
If the watch is connected but discharges quickly, check:
- 🔍 Synchronization frequency (set no more than 1 time per hour).
- 📶 Permanent Bluetooth connection (in the clock settings, turn off device search after pairing).
- 🌡️ Background measurement of pulse (set the interval of 10–30 minutes).
💡
If the Xiaomi Watch 4 does not respond to touch after connecting, calibrate the screen: go to Settings → Display → Calibration and follow the instructions.
For owners of Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco smartphones, there is an additional nuance: the built-in dual devices feature (in Bluetooth settings) can conflict with Mi Fitness. If the watch is connected but does not sync data, turn off this option.
Configure notifications and additional functions
Once successfully connected, set up notifications to receive alerts for calls, messages and calendar events.
- Go to the Device Profile → Notifications.
- Turn on the option to display notifications.
- Select the applications for which you want to receive alerts (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, VKontakte).
- Set up vibrations and sound signals.
For advanced users, hidden functions are available:
- 🔑 Developer Mode: activated by 5x tapping the Software Version in the watch settings, allowing you to change animations, debug Bluetooth connection.
- 🎨 Installation of third-party dials: through the Amazfit Watchfaces app (requires registration).
- 📡 Using a watch as a remote for the camera: in Settings → Additionally. → Camera control.
💡
For Android notifications to work smoothly, you need to manually allow Mi Fitness or Zepp Life to show pop-ups. This is done in the phone settings: Apps → Special Rights → Show over other windows.
If you want to use the watch for contactless payments, link the card via:
- Mi Fitness: Profile → Xiaomi Watch 4 → Contactless payments (Mir, Visa, Mastercard cards are supported).
- Zepp Life: Device → Wallet → Add a card (requires confirmation via SMS).
Note: For payments, the hours must be unlocked (entered) PIN-The limit of one transaction is up to 5000 rubles (depending on the bank).
Update firmware and reset settings
Regular firmware updates fix bugs and add new features to check the relevance of the software:
- Open Mi Fitness or Zepp Life.
- Go to the watch profile.
- Click Firmware Update (if available).
- Confirm the download and wait until the end (the clock will restart automatically).
If the update freezes or is interrupted, try:
- 🔄 Restart your phone and watch.
- 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes the lock is at the provider level).
- 🔌 Use the original charging cable (low-quality cables can reset the connection).
For a complete reset (for example, before selling) do:
- On the clock: Settings → System → Reset → Reset all settings.
- In the app: Remove the device from the list (Profile → Xiaomi Watch 4 → Delete).
⚠️ Warning: After reset, the clock will return to factory settings, but binding to the account Xiaomi/Zepp To completely untie the device, you need to delete it through the web version of the account on the manufacturer's website.