Xiaomiβs smart scales have long since ceased to be just a weight measurement device, they have become a full-fledged body composition analyzer. One of the key metrics that users are interested in is body fat percentage. However, not everyone knows how to get this data right, interpret it and avoid typical measurement errors. In this article, we will understand how to look at the percentage of fat on Xiaomiβs scales, which models support this function, and what to do if the indicators seem inaccurate.
It's important to understand that the accuracy of the measurement depends not only on the weight model, but also on the proper preparation for the procedure, for example, even the time of day or a recent meal can distort the results, and we'll show you how to minimize the errors and get the most reliable data about your body composition.
What Xiaomi weight models measure the percentage of fat
Not all Xiaomi smart scales support body composition analysis, and the fat percentage measurement feature is available in the following models:
- πΉ Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale 2 is the most popular model with support for 13 indicators, including fat mass, muscle mass and water level.
- πΉ Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2 - budget option with a basic set of metrics (weight, BMI, fat percentage).
- πΉ Xiaomi Mi Body Fat Scale β an early version, which has already been discontinued, but still occurs among users.
- πΉ Xiaomi Smart Scale 3 β updated model with improved accuracy and support for the Mi Fit application.
If your model is not on this list, it probably only measures weight and calculates BMI. To clarify the capabilities of your weights, check the characteristics on the official Xiaomi website or in the Mi app. Fit/Zepp Life.
Itβs also worth noting that some Xiaomi scales can only show fat percentage in the mobile app, not on the deviceβs display itself.
Preparation for measurement: how to obtain accurate data
Before you stand on the scale, you need to follow a few simple but important steps, otherwise the fat percentage can be distorted by 5-15%:
- π Measure your body composition at the same time of day (preferably on an empty stomach in the morning).
- πΏ Shower 2-3 hours before measurement β wet skin can affect bioimpedance analysis.
- π½οΈ Do not eat or drink 2 hours before the procedure (especially avoid alcohol and caffeine).
- πββοΈ Do not exercise 12 hours before the measurement β exercise changes the distribution of fluid in the body.
Also make sure the scales are on a flat, hard surface (not on a carpet or soft surface).This is important for the sensors to work properly. If you use the Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale 2 scale, check that all four legs fit tightly to the floor.
β οΈ Note: If you have recently taken diuretics or are menstruating, your body fat and water levels may be temporarily distorted.
βοΈ Preparation for fat percentage measurement
Step-by-step: how to see the percentage of fat
The process of measuring the percentage of fat on Xiaomi scales depends on the model, and the following is a universal instruction that is suitable for most devices:
- Turn on the scales (click on them or touch the sensor).
- Stand on the scale with bare feet, evenly spreading the weight. Don't lean on the wall or furniture.
- Wait for the beep to signal, which means the measurement has begun.
- Stand still for 5-10 seconds until the results appear on the screen.
On display models (such as the Mi Body Composition Scale 2), you'll see the basics right on the scales: weight, fat percentage, muscle mass and water level. However, the full report is only available on the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app.
If your scales don't show the percentage of fat on the screen, don't worry, because it's probably transmitted directly to the app.
- Open the Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life for new models).
- Go to the Profile section β Devices β Your scales.
- Choose the last dimension, and there will be a detailed analysis of the body composition.
The screenshot below shows an example of a report in the Mi Fit app:
β οΈ Attention: If the scales are not transmitting data to the application, check the Bluetooth connection and update the device's firmware. Sometimes it helps to reboot the smartphone or reconnect the scales.
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For maximum accuracy, take measurements under the same conditions: the same time of day, the same clothing (or lack thereof), the same level of hydration.
How to interpret fat percentage indicators
When you get the fat percentage, you need to understand what it means, and it depends on sex, age and physical activity, and here's a table of indicative values for adults:
| Category | Men (%) | Women (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Very low level (health risk) | < 5 | < 13 |
| Athletes | 6β13 | 14β20 |
| Good physical form. | 14β17 | 21β24 |
| Medium level | 18β24 | 25β31 |
| Increased levels (health risks) | > 25 | > 32 |
It's important to understand that these norms are averaged, for example, bodybuilders can drop their fat percentage to 5 to 8 percent during drying, which is considered normal for their sport, and women naturally increase their fat content during menopause.
If your indicators are beyond the norm, do not panic. Bioimpedance analysis (the method used by Xiaomi scales) has an error of up to 3-5%. For a more accurate diagnosis, consult a specialist and undergo a professional examination (for example, caliperometry or DEHA scanning).
Why Xiaomi scales can overstate fat percentage?
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users find Xiaomiβs fat percentages seem counterintuitive, most often due to the following mistakes:
- 𧦠Measurement in socks or shoes β sensors should contact bare skin.
- π‘οΈ Cold feet β low limb temperature distorts bioimpedance analysis.
- π± Unsynchronized App β If the data is not updated in Mi Fit, check the permissions and software version.
- π Discharged batteries β weak charge can lead to measurement failures.
Another common problem is the difference between the left and right legs. This is normal, because the distribution of fat and muscle in the body is asymmetrical. Xiaomi scales average the data, but if the difference is too large (more than 3%), try repeating the measurement.
If the scales consistently show the same percentage of fat despite changes in diet and exercise, you may need to calibrate.
- Reset the scales to factory settings (usually hold the 10 seconds switch).
- Update the firmware through the Mi Fit app.
- Take 3-5 test measurements in a row and average the results.
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If Xiaomi scales show an unrealistically high percentage of fat (e.g., 40% at normal weight), check if your height, age and gender are correctly listed in the application profile.
Comparison with other methods of fat measurement
The bioimpedance analysis that Xiaomi scales use is a convenient, but not the most accurate, method, and by comparison, hereβs how it compares to other ways of measuring body fat:
| Method | precision | Cost | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi scales (bioimpedance) | Β±3β5% | Low. | High. |
| Caliperometry (plucked) | Β±2β4% | Medium | Average. |
| DEXA (X-ray Absorptionometry) | Β±1β2% | Tall. | Low. |
| Hydrostatic weighing | Β±1β3% | Tall. | Low. |
As you can see from the table, Xiaomiβs scales are losing out on professional methods exactly, but they are gaining in accessibility and convenience, enough to track dynamics (for example, how fat percentage changes per month of diet), but not for medical diagnosis.
If you want more accurate data, you can combine bioimpedance analysis with caliperometry, like pinching fat once a month, and between those tests, using scales to monitor trends.
Alternative applications for data analysis
By default, Xiaomi scales sync with Mi Fit or Zepp Life, but some users prefer alternative programs that offer more detailed analytics.
- π Google Fit β syncs with Mi Fit and allows you to keep long-term statistics.
- π Apple Health β suitable for iPhone owners, automatically import data from Mi Fit.
- π FatSecret β a specialized application for weight control with support for Xiaomi weights.
- πͺ MyFitnessPal β integrates with Mi Fit and helps correlate fat percentage with diet.
To connect the scales to a third-party application:
- Open Mi Fit and go to Profile β Settings β Related Apps.
- Select a sync service (e.g. Google Fit).
- Log in and allow access to the data.
Note that alternative apps may not display all of the metrics, such as Apple Health importing percentage of fat, but not showing the distribution by body segments (arms, legs, trunk).
β οΈ Note: Data may be duplicated or conflicted when using third-party apps, for example, if you sync Mi Fit with both Google Fit and MyFitnessPal, one of them may have repetitive entries. To avoid this, select one of the main analysis apps.