Connecting Xiaomi fitness watches to a smartphone: from pairing to data synchronization

Xiaomi’s fitness watches are among the most popular wearables, thanks to a combination of functionality, sensor accuracy and affordable price, but even experienced users sometimes have trouble connecting a device to a smartphone first. In this article, we will analyze not only the basic steps of pairing via Bluetooth, but also the nuances of settings for different models (Mi Band). 7/8, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Amazfit GTR 4), and also solutions of typical errors like "the device does not see" or "data is not synchronized".

Two key things to consider are choosing the right app (Mi Fitness or Zepp Life) depending on the watch model, and optimizing power consumption so that the gadget doesn’t run out in a day. If you’ve just unpacked a box with a new watch or encountered problems after resetting your settings, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes and customize your device to suit yourself.

What app you need to connect Xiaomi fitness watch

The first step is to decide on the official app, as Xiaomi uses two different platforms for its wearables, depending on the series of your watches:

• 📱 Mi Fitness – for Mi Band models including Mi Band 8), Xiaomi Watch S1/S2, Xiaomi Watch Color. the application supports basic functions: sleep monitoring, pedometer, notifications, but has limited options for customizing dials.
• 🌐 Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit) – for Amazfit devices (e.g, GTR 4, GTS 4) and some Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro models. There are more health analytics, support for third-party dials and advanced training settings.

Important: If your model supports both apps (e.g. Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro), choose Zepp Life, which offers more personalization options. NFC).

Before installing, check the compatibility of your smartphone:

⚠️ Note: Some features may be limited on iPhones, such as Zepp Life, which doesn’t synchronize notifications from WhatsApp and Telegram without additional settings in iOS system settings.

Step-by-step: how to connect a fitness watch to the phone

Consider the universal algorithm for most models. If you have a Mi Band, skip the charging steps - bracelets usually come with a small charge, enough for the first connection.

Charge your watch to 50% or higher (except for the Mi Band)

Install the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app

Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone

Allow the application to access the location (required!)

Remove the watch from the box and remove the protective film from the contacts (if any)-->

Follow the instructions:

1. Turn on the watch. For the Mi Band, click the touch button; for the Xiaomi Watch, hold the side button for 3 seconds. The Xiaomi or Amazfit logo will appear on the screen.
2. Launch the app and create an account (or sign in via Xiaomi Account, Google, Apple) ID).
3. Click "Add device" (Icon "+" In the upper right corner, select your model from the list. If you don't have one, update the app.
4. Bring the watch to the phone at a distance of less than 10 cm on the screen of the clock will appear QR-pairing.
5. Confirm the connection in the application and on the clock (on the Mi Band you need to touch the sensor, on the Xiaomi Watch – press the button).
6. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes).

Once the app is successfully connected, it will prompt you to update the firmware. Update the software only when the charge level of the watch is above 30% and the Internet connection is stable - interruption of the process can lead to the "bricking" of the device.

Setup of notifications and data synchronization

By default, Xiaomi fitness watches show call notifications and SMS, But messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) require manual configuration.

On Android:

1. Open the phone settings → Annexes → Mi Fitness/Zepp Life → Notifications.
2. Enable the permission to "Show notifications".
3. In the application itself, go to the Profile → My devices. → [Your watch] → Notifications.
4. Select the apps you want to see on your watch (e.g. Gmail, Instagram).
5. Set up vibration and display of the notification text (in whole or only the sender’s name).

On the iPhone:

1. Go to the iPhone Settings → Notifications → Zepp Life/Mi Fitness.
2. Enable "Allow notifications" and "Show on the lock screen".
3. In the Zepp Life app, open a profile → The device → Notifications and activate the option "Sync iOS notifications".
4. For instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), additionally enable "Duplicate notifications" in the settings of each application.

⚠️ Note: On iPhone, notifications from Telegram may not come if the option "Show Preview" is disabled in the messenger settings. → Screen time. → Content and privacy allowed to access notifications for Zepp Life.

To sync your health data (steps, sleep, pulse) with Apple Health or Google Fit:

• 🔄 In Mi Fitness: Profile → Settings → Synchronization of data → Google Fit/Apple Health.
• 🔄 In Zepp Life: Profile → Settings → Integration → Apple Health/Google Fit.

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If notifications come with a delay, in the phone settings, turn off battery optimization for the Mi app. Fitness/Zepp Life. Xiaomi/Redmi This is done in the settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → Find the app → Turn off optimization.

Solving Connection Problems

Even with the right actions, Xiaomi fitness watches may not connect to the phone.

If the clock is connected but the data is not synchronized (for example, the number of steps is not updated), follow these steps:

1. Open the application and manually start sync (usually the “Update” button in the main menu).
2. Check if the "Autosync" option is enabled in the device settings.
3. Remove the watch from the app and reconnect.
4. On Android, clear the app's cache: Settings → Annexes → Mi Fitness/Zepp Life → Memory. → Clear the cache.

For models with NFC (For example, Xiaomi Watch S2 Or Mi Band 8 Pro, the additional problem is the non-working payment:

• 💳 Make sure your country is supported by Mi Pay (the list is available on the official website).
• 💳 Check if the bank card is tied in the Mi Fitness app (Profile) → Mi Pay).
• 💳 Update the firmware to the latest version – in the old versions there may be errors with the latest version. NFC.

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If after all the manipulations, the watch still does not connect, try to reset them to the factory settings. To do this, hold the touch button for 20 seconds on the Mi Band, and on the Xiaomi Watch, press the side button for 10 seconds before the logo appears.

How to connect Xiaomi fitness watches to multiple phones

Officially, Xiaomi watches only support connecting to one device at a time, but there are workarounds to synchronize data with multiple smartphones:

Method 1: Alternate connection

• 📱 On the first phone untie the clock in the app (Profile) → My devices. → [Your watch] → Shut down).
• 📱 Connect the watch to the second phone using the same app.
• 🔄 Repeat the process if necessary. The data will only sync with the current connected device.

Method 2: Using a Xiaomi account

If both phones are logged in under the same Xiaomi Account, steps, sleep and workout data will be available on both devices via the cloud, but notifications will only come to the phone the watch is currently connected to.

Method 3: Third-party applications (for advanced users)

Apps like Notify & Fitness for Mi Band (Android) or Tools & Mi Band let you connect to your watch without any official software.

• 🔧 Receive notifications on multiple devices at the same time.
• 🔧 Set up the vibration and screen as you wish.
• 🔧 Export data to Google Sheets or other services.

⚠️ Note: Using third-party apps may result in loss of warranty and unstable watch performance, and some features (such as Mi Pay) will not be available.

For models with Amazfit (e.g, GTR 4) there is another caveat: the Zepp Life app allows you to create a "Family Account" where data from the clock will be available to several users.

Optimizing the clock to save battery life

One of the frequent complaints users have is the fast discharge of Xiaomi fitness watches.

• ⏳ Mi Band 7/8: 10–15 days (with standard settings).
• ⏳ Xiaomi Watch S2: 7-10 days.
• ⏳ Amazfit GTR 4: Up to 14 days.

To extend the working time, disable unnecessary functions:

Turn off constant pulse monitoring (leave only during exercise)

Reduce the frequency of automatic measurement SpO2 (oxygenation)

Disable notifications from unnecessary applications

Set a darker dial (AMOLED-The screens use less energy)

Reduce the screen lighting time to 5 seconds-->

Additional advice:

• 🔋 On Mi Band, turn off the “Raise your hand to activate the screen” – this will save up to 20% of the charge.
• 🔋 In the training settings, turn off "Autodetection of activity" (if not used).
• 🔋 Regularly update the firmware – new versions optimize power consumption.

For models with GPS (For example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or Amazfit GTR 4) the main battery consumption goes to location. If you don't need an accurate route map, use "Conjugated" GPS" (The watch takes data from the phone, not the built-in module.

If the clock is discharged in less than a day, check:

• 🔍 Are background processes running (for example, constant sync with Google Fit).
• 🔍 Is there any mechanical damage (infection of moisture, bloated battery).
• 🔍 Are there any third-party dials with animation (they put a lot of battery on the battery).

Connecting Xiaomi fitness watch to your computer (Windows/Mac)

Officially, Xiaomi watches don’t support direct PC connectivity, but there are ways to export data or update firmware manually:

Method 1: Exporting data through the cloud

1. Install the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app on your smartphone.
2. Connect the clock and wait for the data to synchronize.
3. In the web version of Xiaomi Cloud (account.xiaomi.com) or Zepp (zepp.com), log in and download reports in the format CSV or Excel.

Method 2: Manual firmware update

If the automatic update does not work, you can flash the watch through the PC:

1. Download the latest firmware for your model from the forum XDA Developers or AmazfitWatchFaces.
2. Install the Mi Fit Tool (for Mi Band) or Amazfit Firmware Tool.
3. Connect the watch to charge and run the utility on your PC. Follow the instructions of the program.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect firmware can cause the watch to fail. Use only files designed for your model (e.g., firmware for Mi Band 7 will not work for Mi Band 8).

Method 3: Using an Android Emulator

If you need to set up a watch without a smartphone:

1. Install BlueStacks or Genymotion emulator on your PC.
2. In the emulator, install Mi Fitness or Zepp Life.
3. Connect a Bluetooth adapter to your PC (if you don’t have one, use a USB-Bluetooth dongle).
4. In the emulator settings, activate virtual Bluetooth and connect the watch.

This method is suitable for recovering the clock after a reset or if your smartphone is incompatible with the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi fitness watches