Xiaomi’s smartwatches not only track physical activity, but also personalize the look of the dial. Replacing a standard picture with your own photo or stylish background is one of the most popular features, but not everyone knows how to do it correctly, especially on new models like the Mi Band 8 or the Watch 2 Pro.
In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to change the dial, from the official Mi Fit and Zepp apps to manually installing through third-party utilities, which image formats are supported, how to circumvent system limitations and what to do if the watch doesn't take a new picture, and also tell you where to download ready-made themes and how to create a unique dial yourself.
What Xiaomi models support changing the dial
Not all Xiaomi smartwatches allow you to change the background pattern.
- 📱 Mi Band 7/8/8 Pro – with limitations (only via Mi Fit)
- ⌚ Xiaomi Watch S1/S2/S3 — customization
- 💎 Xiaomi Watch 2/2 Pro – including animated dials
- 🏃 Amazfit GTR 4/GTS 4 (Brand partner, but compatible with Zepp)
- 🔄 Redmi Watch 3/4 — base-shift
Older models like the Mi Band 5 or Mi Watch Lite either don’t support the function at all or require workarounds (for example, firmware through the device). ADB). Before starting, check the compatibility of your model on the manufacturer’s website or in the instructions.
⚠️ Note: On the Mi Band 6 and earlier versions, the official change of the dial is impossible without breaking the firmware. Attempts to establish informal topics can lead to loss of warranty and locking the device.
| Model clock | Support for changing the dial | Required SOUTH | Max. Background resolution. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 8 Pro | Yes (via Mi Fit) | Mi Fit 5.6+ | 240×280 px |
| Xiaomi Watch S3 | Yes (Zepp/Mi Fit) | Zepp 6.10+ | 454×454 px |
| Redmi Watch 4 | Yes (limited) | Mi Fit 5.5+ | 320×385 px |
| Amazfit GTR 4 | Yes (full) | Zepp 6.12+ | 466×466 px |
Method 1: Official replacement via Mi Fit (for Mi Band and Redmi Watch)
The easiest method is to use the Mi Fit app, which is suitable for most Xiaomi and Redmi fitness bracelets.
- Open Mi Fit and connect the watch to your phone via Bluetooth.
- Go to the Profile section → My devices. → [The name of your watch].
- Select Dials (or Themes on some versions).
- Scroll down to the My dials section and click Add.
- Select your favorite theme from the directory or upload your image (if the feature is supported).
For the Mi Band 8 Pro and Redmi Watch 4, the option to Create a dial where you can upload a personal photo is available. The image resolution must meet the model specifications (see table above).
Download the photo in format PNG or JPG
Cut to the desired resolution (use Canva or Photoshop)
Make sure the file weight is less than 5MB
Check contrast – dark dials are not readable in the sun-->
⚠️ Note: When you upload a personal background through the Mi Fit, the watch can automatically crop the image in the center. If important parts (such as people's faces) are located at the edges, they will be lost.
Method 2: Using Zepp for Xiaomi Watch and Amazfit
The Xiaomi Watch series and Amazfit devices (which Xiaomi also makes) are controlled through the Zepp app.
- 🎨 Ready-made themes - hundreds of options in the official store
- 🖼️ Upload your photos with automatic style selection
- ⚙️ Customization of widgets – the selection of displayed data (steps, pulse, weather)
- 🔄 Animated dials for the Watch 2 Pro and newer
Instructions for replacement:
- Open Zepp and sync your clock.
- Go to the Device. → Dials → My dials.
- Click Add and select Create a dial.
- Download a photo from your phone or select from the Zepp Gallery.
- Set the position of the clock, widgets and save.
Zepp has a unique feature. AI-Stylization: The app can automatically match the color gamut of the dial to your photo. For example, if you download a landscape with a sunset, the watch will offer an orange-red theme for arrows and numbers.
Mi Fit
Zepp
Both in turn
Other/I don't know-->
Method 3: Manual installation through third-party utilities (for advanced)
If the official methods are not satisfied (for example, you want to set a dial from a third-party designer), you can use alternative tools.
- 🛠️ Notify & Fitness for Mi Band – Mi Band 6/7/8
- 📱 AmazTools – for Amazfit and Xiaomi Watch
- 💻 Gadgetbridge – open source for all smart watches
Let’s look at the example of Notify & Fitness:
- Install the app from Google Play (for Android).
- Connect the clock through Settings → Devices.
- Go to the dials. → Download new ones.
- Choose your favorite theme from the directory (many free).
- Click Set and wait for synchronization.
For Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro suitable AmazTools — it allows you to set custom dials in.bin format. 4PDA or XDA-Developers.
How to find secure dials for Xiaomi?
⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial dials on the Mi Band 7 and older may cause heart rate sensor to malfunction.If your heart rate stops measuring after changing the theme, return the standard dial and restart the clock (hold the 10 seconds button).
Method 4: Creating your dial from scratch
If the finished options don't work, you can design a unique design.
- 🖌️ Image Editor (Photoshop, GIMP or Canva)
- 📏 The exact screen size of your watch (see table above)
- 🎨 The dial template (can be downloaded here)
Step-by-step:
- Download the template for your model (for example, Mi_Band_8_Template.psd).
- Open it in the editor and add your background.
- Save the image in format PNG transparently (if necessary).
- Upload the result to Mi Fit or Zepp (see Methods) 1-2).
Animated dials (on Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) will require Adobe After Effects and a.bin converter. Ready-made animations can be found on Behance (see Xiaomi Watch Face tag).
💡
Use contrasting colors for numbers and arrows, pale shades become invisible in the sun, and the best option is black with white/yellow elements or vice versa.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you change the dial, you're faced with common errors, and here's how to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The watch does not accept a new image. | Incorrect format or permission | Resave the photo in PNG table-size |
| The dial is reset after resetting | Failure to sync with the phone | Reconnect the clock to Mi Fit/Zepp and re-set |
| Animation slows down | Too complex a dial for a weak processor | Choose a static theme or simplify animation |
| No widgets (steps, weather) are displayed | The dial does not support widgets | Set theme with a tagged With Widgets |
If after changing the dial, the clock began to discharge quickly, check:
- 🔋 Animation (it consumes up to 30% of additional energy)
- 📶 Screen refresh rate (in the clock settings)
- 🌡️ Number of active widgets (each adds) ~5% to the flow)
💡
Before installing a custom dial, always back up the original through the official app, which will allow you to quickly return everything back in case of a failure.
Where to download ready-made dials for Xiaomi
If you don't want to design yourself, you can use the collections.
- 🌐 Official Zepp Store – Safe, but limited choice
- 📱 4PDA (Mi Band section – thousands of themes from users
- 🎨 WatchFace for Mi Band (Telegram) – a channel with daily updates
- 🛒 Facer (for Wear) OS) — It is suitable for Xiaomi Watch S3 wear-hardware OS
When downloading, pay attention to:
- 🔖 Compatibility with your model (as described in the description)
- 📅 Date of publication (old topics may not work)
- ⭐ Rating and reviews (avoid files with bug complaints)
For the Mi Band 8 Pro and Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, there are special themes packs on Google Drive, where the designs are grouped by styles (sports, minimalism, retro).