How to measure pressure with Xiaomi smart watches: a detailed guide with photos and tips

Xiaomi smartwatches and fitness bracelets have long ceased to be just accessories for tracking steps. Modern models — from the Mi Band 7 Pro to the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro — can monitor blood pressure (BP) without additional gadgets. But how does this work in practice? Why do readings sometimes differ from the blood pressure monitor? And can you trust this data?

In this article, we will examine all the nuances of measuring pressure with Xiaomi watches: from the preparation of the device to the interpretation of the results. You will learn which models support the function, how to properly wear a bracelet for accurate readings, and why measuring pressure through the use of a device. PPG-sensor (photoplethysmography) can give an error to ±10 mm Hg compared to a mechanical tonometer, and we will analyze the typical user errors and give recommendations for calibration.

Important: the feature is not available on all devices. For example, the Mi Band 6 and earlier models require an external tonometer to be connected via Bluetooth, while the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro or Mi Band 8 Pro measure blood pressure yourself.

What Xiaomi watches can measure pressure?

The blood pressure measurement feature has been introduced to the Xiaomi ecosystem recently, and here is a current list of supported models (as of 2026):

• 📱 Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – Autonomous dimension through the PPG-sensor + synchronization with tonometers.
• 📱 Xiaomi Watch S3 — Improved data analysis algorithms, support for continuous monitoring.
• 📱 Mi Band 8 Pro – the first line of fitness bracelets with built-in measurement of blood pressure (requires calibration).
• 📱 Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro – Professional version with medical certification (accuracy class B according to the standard) ISO 81060-2).
• ⚠️ Mi Band 7/6 and earlier - do not support autonomous measurement, only synchronization with external tonometers.

Note that even if your model is on the list, the feature may be blocked in some regions due to local medical regulations. For example, in the EU and the US, the blood pressure measurement on the Mi Band 8 Pro is only available after manual activation via Mi Fitness with a change of region to China.

Also, it is worth considering that the accuracy of measurements depends on the firmware version. For example, in the Xiaomi Watch S3, after upgrading to MIUI Watch 3.5.0, the pulse wave analysis algorithm was refined, which reduced the error from ±15 to ±8 mm Hg.

Preparation of the clock for pressure measurement

Before using the function for the first time, several mandatory steps must be taken, and neglecting them can lead to system errors (for example, the E1 code on the screen) or inaccurate results.

Register your device with Mi Fitness/Zepp Life

Update the watch to the latest version

Calibrate the sensors (instruction below)

Put your watch on your left hand wrist (for right-handers)

Make sure the battery is >20 percent-->

Let’s look at each item in more detail:

1. Sign up for your device. Install the Mi Fitness app (for Mi Band) or Zepp Life app (for Xiaomi Watch) and link the watch to your account. Without it, the BP measurement function will be blocked.
2. Firmware update. Go to Profile → My Devices → Software update. For the Xiaomi Watch S3, the minimum version is 2.1.45.
3. Calibration of sensors. For the first time, the watch will require input from a mechanical tonometer to adjust the algorithms, a critical step that can lead to an error of as much as 20-30 mm Hg without it.

Tip: If you use the Mi Band 8 Pro, remove the standard strap before calibrating and replace it with a tighter strap (like nylon).

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For accuracy, 30 minutes before the procedure, avoid coffee, alcohol and intense exercise, which distort the pulse wave.

Step-by-step: how to measure pressure

The algorithm of actions depends on the model of the watch, but the general scheme is the same. Let's consider the process with the example of Xiaomi Watch S3:

1. Activate function. On the main screen of the watch, swipe up, find the Pressure tile (heart icon with wave). If it's not there, add it through Settings → Tiles → Add → Pressure.
2. Preparation. Sit on a chair, put your hand on the table with your palm up. Your wrist should be at heart level. Don't talk or move.
3. Start the measurement. Press the pressure tile and confirm the start (start button). The clock will start vibrating, which means that the PPG sensor is activated.
4. It takes 30-90 seconds to get the pulse animation on the screen. Don't interrupt the measurement.
5. When you're done, you'll see two values: systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) pressure, and pulse, and the data is automatically synchronized with the app.

The Mi Band 8 Pro is similar to the process, but runs through the Health → Pressure menu, the main difference being that this watch requires precalibration (input from a mechanical tonometer) every 2 weeks.

Important: The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro supports continuous monitoring of BP in the background (every 30 minutes), but this feature consumes a lot of battery. To turn it on, go to Settings → Health → Continuous Measurement → Pressure.

Transcription of results and normal indicators

After the measurement, the clock will show two numbers (e.g. 120/80).

• 📊 First number (systolic) is the pressure in the arteries at the time of heart contraction: 90-120 mmhg.
• 📊 Second number (diastolic) is the pressure at the time of heart relaxation: 60-80 mmhg.
• ❤️ Pulse is heart rate. Normal at rest: 60-80 strike/min.

In the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app, the results are displayed as a graph with the following notes:

Note that blood pressure standards are individual and depend on age, gender and fitness. For example, for athletes, working pressure can be 100/60, which is considered normal. In the Zepp Life app, you can set personal target values in Profile → Health → Goals.

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If the watch consistently shows pressures above 140/90 or below 90/60, don’t rely on it alone – use a mechanical tonometer to confirm and see your doctor.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users experience inaccurate readings or failures when measuring pressure, and here are the most common errors and ways to correct them:

⚠️ Note: If the clock shows an error E1 or E2, This means a sensor problem: Try restarting the device (hold the power button for 10 seconds) or clearing the sensor of dirt with an alcohol tampon.

• 🔋 Low battery power. At levels below 20 percent, the watch can interrupt the measurement. Charge the device to 50%.
• 🤲 The wrist should be at heart level, if the hand is hanging down, the reading will be understated.
• 💦 Sweat or dirt on the sensor. Wipe the sensor with a dry wipe. Wet skin distorts the signal. PPG.
• 🏃 Motion during measurement. Even a slight movement of the hand can lead to error. E3 (signalling).
• 📱 Mi Band 8 Pro version below 1.0.4.38 has a bad pressure function.

Another common problem is the discrepancy with the mechanical tonometer, for example, the watch shows 120/80 and the tonometer shows 135/85.

1. PPG-The sensor measures pressure indirectly (through pulse wave analysis), while the tonometer directly (Korotkov method).
2. The watch may not be calibrated. Recalibrate using the blood pressure monitor.
3. Measurement time. Pressure changes every minute. Compare readings taken simultaneously.

How can I improve the accuracy of measurements?

Even the most advanced smartwatches won't replace the medical tonometer, but you can minimize the error.

1. Calibration. In the Mi Band 8 Pro and Xiaomi Watch S3, enter data from a mechanical tonometer every 2 weeks via Mi Fitness → Health → Pressure Calibration.
2. It's tight. The strap should sit tight, but not press the arm, and you can check this by putting your finger between the strap and the wrist, and it should pass with force.
3. Clean the sensor regularly, use a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Do not use abrasive materials!
4. Measurement at the same time. Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day. To compare the data, measure blood pressure in the morning and in the evening at the same time.
5. If accuracy is critical (e.g., in hypertension), compare the clock with Omron or Beurer carpal tonometers.

There’s an additional trick for the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro: activate Professional Monitoring in your health settings, and in this mode, the watch uses additional noise filtering algorithms, which reduces the error by 10-15%.

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If you are hypertensive, set up pressure critical notifications in the Zepp Life app. → Notifications → Health warnings and set thresholds (e.g., health warnings, 140/90).

It is also worth considering that the accuracy is influenced by external factors:

• 🌡️ Air temperature (optimum: 20-25°C).
• 🌑 Time of day (pressure is usually lower in the morning).
• ☕ Consumption of caffeine or nicotine (increases blood pressure on the body) 10-15 mmhg.).

Frequent Questions and Challenges (FAQ)