How to change the background (dial) in the watch Xiaomi: 3 ways for all models

Xiaomi smartwatches are some of the most popular wearables on the market, but many users have difficulty changing the background of the screen or dial. Unlike smartphones, where wallpaper changes in two clicks, Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch or Smart Band watches, this process depends on the device model, firmware version and even regional settings. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the background, including hidden functions and bypassing restrictions for older models.

It’s important to understand that the terms “background” and “dial” are often used interchangeably in Xiaomi contexts, but technically they’re different things. The dial is a full-fledged interface with a clock, weather widget and steps, and the background can simply mean a static image under the numbers (not available on all models).

1.Official method: change the dial through Mi Fitness or Zepp Life

The most reliable method is to use Xiaomi’s proprietary applications. However, there are pitfalls: from 2023, the company gradually transfers all devices to the Zepp Life platform (formerly Mi Fit), and the application interface may vary depending on the region. Below is a universal guideline that is relevant for all models released after 2020 (Mi Band 5/6/7/8, Watch S1/S2, Smart Band Pro, etc.).

First, make sure your device is connected to the Mi Fitness app (older models) or Zepp Life (newer ones). If the clock doesn't sync, check:

• 📱 App version (update to Google Play or App Store)
• 🔄 Data synchronization (in the clock settings, enable automatic synchronization)
• 🌍 Account region (some dials are only available in China or Europe)

Follow the steps:

1. Open the Zepp Life (or Mi Fitness) app.
2. Go to the Profile tab → My devices and choose your watch.
3. Slip on the Dials section (in some versions – Themes or Design).
4. Scroll through the list of options available. Free dials are marked with a green tick.
5. Click on the option you like and confirm the installation with the Apply button.

If the face is not listed, try changing your account region to China (in your profile settings) to give you access to additional topics, but some features (such as Mi Pay) may stop working.

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To return a standard dial, select the option in the themes section that says "Default" or "Classic".

2. How to set the custom background: bypassing restrictions

Xiaomi’s official apps severely restrict the choice of backgrounds, especially for budget models like the Mi Band 6 or Smart Band 7. However, there are legal ways to install your own image or download dials from third-party developers.

Method 1: Use Notify & Fitness (for Android)

This third-party software allows you to download unofficial dials and even create your own. Importantly, the method only works for devices based on Mi Band 5/6/7 and requires root rights on a smartphone (or unlocked bootloader on the watch).

Instructions:

1. Download Notify & Fitness from Google Play.
2. Connect the watch to the app via Bluetooth.
3. Go to the section Dials → Download new ones.
4. Choose your favorite option (animated themes are available).
5. Click Set and wait for synchronization.

Method 2: Manual booting via Amazfit Watchfaces (for Xiaomi Watch)

For models Xiaomi Watch S1/S2 or Watch 2 Pro is suitable service Amazfit Watchfaces. Despite the name, it supports Xiaomi devices on the platform Zepp OS.

Algorithm of action:

• 🔍 Find the Xiaomi section on the site and choose your model.
• 📥 Download the dial file in.bin format.
• 📱 Transfer the file to the folder MiFit/Watchfaces on your phone (create it manually if not).
• 🔄 Reboot the clock and sync it with Zepp Life.

Change of background on old models (Mi Band 3/4)

Owners of Mi Band 3 or Mi Band 4 often face a problem: the app simply does not have the option to change the dial, due to outdated firmware and manufacturer restrictions, but there is a workaround through alternative firmware.

The most reliable option is the 4PDA community's Custom Firmware firmware, which adds support for custom dials, new animations, and even widgets, but beware: unofficial software can lead to loss of warranty or unstable sensors.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware archive for your model (for example, MiBand4_Custom_v1.2.3.zip).
2. Unpack the file and install it. APK-Application for Management (MiBandTools).
3. Connect the watch to your PC via a Bluetooth adapter (NRF Connect is required).
4. Run the firmware script (flash.bat for Windows).
5. After the device is restarted, the Dial section will appear in MiBandTools.

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Custom firmware voids Xiaomi warranty. Before the procedure, back up the original firmware via MiFit!

For Mi Band 3, the process is more complicated: you have to solder your contacts to the firmware through ST-Link, and without soldering skills, you better go to the service center or buy a new model.

4 Why you can’t change the background: common mistakes

If the dial is not installed or the clock is an error, check the following points:

Pay special attention to regional restrictions, for example, in the European version of the Mi Band 8, there are only 5 dials available, while in the Chinese version there are more than 50.

1. Create a new account in Zepp Life with the region of China.
2. Link your watch to your new account.
3. Set the right dial.
4. Return to your main account (the dial will remain).

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If notifications stop working after the region change, check the permission settings for Zepp Life on Android (Special Access section).

5. How to create your own Xiaomi watch face

For creative users, Xiaomi offers the Zepp OS Watch Face Studio tool, the official dial design software.

• 🎨 Develop unique themes with animation;
• 📊 Add widgets (pulse, weather, steps);
• 🔄 Test the design on the emulator before downloading.

Minimum requirements for the establishment of:

• PC with Windows 10/11 or macOS;
• Installed by Zepp OS SDK;
• Knowledge of the basics of JSON and Lua (for complex animations)

Publication process:

1. Create a project in Watch Face Studio.
2. Export the file in.wfz format.
3. Upload it to the Zepp platform for moderation.
4. After approval, the dial will appear in the official theme store.

For a simpler design without programming, use online services like WatchFace.Art. You can download your image (resolution 240×240 for Mi Band 7) and adjust the location of the elements.

6. Alternative applications for background change

If the standard methods don’t work, try one of these apps, all compatible with most Xiaomi models, but require access to notifications and geolocation (for widgets to work properly).

Before installing third-party applications:

⚠️ Note: Some programs (such as Mi Band Master) request access to the software. SMS It's not safe -- only use verified sources from Google Play or the App Store.

Frequent questions and problems

If your watch model was not mentioned in the article, specify its name in the technical documentation or on the box. For devices older than 2019 (for example, Mi Band 1S or Amazfit Bip Lite), a background change is not possible at the software level - you will need a physical screen replacement.

For maximum customization, consider buying a model on Zepp OS (for example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro), which supports custom widgets and animations. And if you just need to change the background without unnecessary features, just upgrade Zepp Life and choose one of the standard options.