How to connect to Xiaomi smartwatches: full instructions for all models

Xiaomi smartwatches are not just accessories, but a full-fledged assistant for health, sports and everyday tasks. However, many users face difficulties already at the first connection stage: the device is not on the list of available, the app gives an error, or the watch refuses to sync. This article will help you understand how to properly pair any Xiaomi Watch model (from the budget Mi Band to the flagship Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) with a phone on Android or iOS, as well as configure key features.

We'll look at all the current ways to connect, through the official Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit) and Zepp Life apps, and alternative methods for older or non-standard devices. We'll focus on common bugs: why the clock is not detected by Bluetooth, how to reset to factory settings if the connection is hanging, and what to do if the app does not see the gadget. At the end of the article, you'll find an FAQ answering the most common questions.

What apps are needed to connect Xiaomi Watch

The choice of the program depends on the model of the watch and the year of its release. Xiaomi gradually moves all devices to a single Zepp ecosystem, but some gadgets still require Mi Fitness.

• 📱 Mi Fitness – for Mi Band models 1–6, Xiaomi Watch S1/S1 Pro, Xiaomi Watch Color (up to) 2022 The app is available on Android and iOS.
• ⚡ Zepp Life – for new devices: Xiaomi Watch 2/2 Pro, Xiaomi Band 7/8 Pro, Xiaomi Smart Band (2023–2026 Download here (Android) or here (iOS).
• ⚠️ Notify & Fitness is a third-party solution for users who don’t have official apps (like Android custom firmware) that supports most models, but without a guarantee of stability.

Important: If your watch is released after 2022, but Zepp Life doesn’t have it on the compatible list, check the Xiaomi account region. Some models (such as the Xiaomi Watch S3) first appear in the Chinese version of the app, and later in the global version.

Preparing the clock and phone before connecting

Before pairing, make sure both devices are ready to go, and skipping these steps is the main cause of failure:

1. Charging: The battery level should be at least 50%. If the watch is discharged to zero, connect it to charging for 10-15 minutes before turning on.
2. Phone Software Update: On Android, check the version in Settings → System → Software Update, on iOS – in Settings → Main → Software Update.
3. Bluetooth Enablement: On your phone, activate the module in the control panel or through Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
4. Application permissions: Once you install Mi Fitness or Zepp Life, give you access to geolocation, contacts, and notifications (otherwise, data synchronization will be limited).

A critical mistake many users make is to try to connect to the watch through the phone’s standard Bluetooth menu (e.g., “Available Devices”). This won’t work – pairing is only possible through the official app!

Step-by-step: how to connect Xiaomi Watch to the phone

Consider the universal algorithm for most models, as the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and the Zepp Life app have done, but the steps are similar for other devices.

Step 1. Registration of Xiaomi account

Without a Xiaomi account (or Mi Account), data synchronization is impossible.

1. Open the Zepp Life or Mi Fitness app.
2. Press Enter. → Register.
3. Enter your email or phone number, and create a password.
4. Confirm registration by SMS or letter.

Step 2: Adding a device to the appendix

After authorization:

1. On the home screen of the application, tap the + icon (or Add Device).
2. Select your watch model from the list. If you don't have one, try the Other device option.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions: The app will prompt you to enable Bluetooth and allow notifications to be accessed.

Step 3: Bluetooth interface

Now interact with the clock:

1. Press and hold the button on the watch body (or touch area on the screen) until it appears. QR-pairing.
2. On the phone, confirm the connection in the application (may need to enter) PIN-code, usually 0000 or 1234).
3. Wait for the synchronization to be completed (it will take 1-3 minutes).

If the clock is not set, try:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (Settings) → Bluetooth → Off/On).
• 📱 Remove the application cache (Settings) → Annexes → Zepp Life → Memory. → Clear the cache).
• ⚙️ Reset the clock settings (press the button for 10 seconds until the vibration appears).

💡

If the app asks you to update the firmware of the watch immediately after you connect, agree! New versions of the software often fix synchronization errors.

Configure notifications and basic functions

After successful connection, adjust the clock to your needs.

For models with NFC (such as Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro), additionally set up contactless payments:

1. Open Mi Fitness. → Profile → Xiaomi Pay.
2. Link a bank card (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, etc. are supported).
3. Activate the Payments option from the lock screen.

Solving Connection Problems

If the clock is not connected, use this instruction:

⚠️ Note: If you see a device not supported error in Zepp Life, check the region of your Xiaomi account. S2) First available only in the Chinese region. To change region: Go to account.xiaomi.com. In your account settings, select Mainland China (China region). Repeat your connection attempt.

Other common mistakes and their solutions:

If nothing helps, do a hard reset of the clock:

1. Charge the watch to 100%.
2. Press the physical button for 20 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears.
3. After restarting, reconnect again.

💡

More than 70 percent of connectivity problems are solved by resetting your watch and reinstalling your app. Don't neglect this step!

Connection Xiaomi Watch to iPhone: features

iPhone owners often face restrictions due to Apple's policies.

• ✅ Functions: pedometer, sleep monitoring, call notifications/SMS, music-play.
• ❌ Limitations: no sync with Apple Health, no response to messages from the clock, no Siri support.
• 🔧 Solution for notifications: in iPhone Settings → Bluetooth → Xiaomi Watch → Allow notifications, enable the option for each application separately.

For stable operation on iOS:

1. Only use Zepp Life (Mi Fitness may not be updated for iOS).
2. Turn off low power mode in Settings → Battery.
3. Update the watch firmware through Zepp Life, not through third-party utilities.

⚠️ Note: on iPhone 15 and newer with a chip A17 Pro may have connection problems due to the updated Bluetooth stack. If the clock is off after 5-10 minutes, try rolling back the Zepp Life app to 5.40.0 (you can’t do this through the App Store – you’ll need a third-party installer).

Alternative ways of connecting

If the official apps don’t work, try these methods:

1. via Notify & Fitness (for Android)

The app supports most Xiaomi models and offers advanced settings:

• 📊 Detailed statistics of training.
• 🔔 Flexible notification settings (you can choose which apps to show alerts from).
• 🎨 Customization of dials (including third-party themes).

You can download it on Google Play.

1. Open Notify & Fitness and select Add Device.
2. Turn on the developer mode on the clock (5 times tap the version number in Settings → About the phone).
3. Connect via Bluetooth LE.

2. via Gadgetbridge (open source)

This is a solution for advanced users who want full control of the watch:

• 🔓 No link to Xiaomi account.
• 📥 Data export in format GPX or TCX.
• ⚙️ Customize the vibration, brightness of the screen and other parameters hidden in official applications.

Installation instructions:

1. Download Gadgetbridge from the official website (the application is blocked in Google Play).
2. Enable Bluetooth debugging on the watch (in Settings → For developers).
3. Add the device via Gadgetbridge → Add a new device → Xiaomi Mi Band

⚠️ Note: using Gadgetbridge may result in a loss of warranty if you change the firmware of the watch.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions