How to See Xiaomi's Fat Percentage: A Complete Guide to Accuracy

Xiaomi’s 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 Xiaomi’s 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:

  • πŸ”Ή Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale 2 is the most popular model with support for 13 indicators, including fat mass, muscle mass and water level.
  • πŸ”Ή Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2 - budget option with a basic set of metrics (weight, BMI, fat percentage).
  • πŸ”Ή Xiaomi Mi Body Fat Scale – an early version, which has already been discontinued, but still occurs among users.
  • πŸ”Ή Xiaomi Smart Scale 3 – 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.

It’s also worth noting that some Xiaomi scales can only show fat percentage in the mobile app, not on the device’s display itself.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi Weight Model Are You Using?
Mi Body Composition Scale 2
Mi Smart Scale 2
Smart Scale 3
Another model
I don't know.

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%:

  • πŸ•’ Measure your body composition at the same time of day (preferably on an empty stomach in the morning).
  • 🚿 Shower 2-3 hours before measurement – wet skin can affect bioimpedance analysis.
  • 🍽️ Do not eat or drink 2 hours before the procedure (especially avoid alcohol and caffeine).
  • πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈ Do not exercise 12 hours before the measurement – 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.

⚠️ Note: If you have recently taken diuretics or are menstruating, your body fat and water levels may be temporarily distorted.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for fat percentage measurement

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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:

  1. Turn on the scales (click on them or touch the sensor).
  2. Stand on the scale with bare feet, evenly spreading the weight. Don't lean on the wall or furniture.
  3. Wait for the beep to signal, which means the measurement has begun.
  4. 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.

  1. Open the Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life for new models).
  2. Go to the Profile section β†’ Devices β†’ Your scales.
  3. 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:

⚠️ 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.

πŸ’‘

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:

CategoryMen (%)Women (%)
Very low level (health risk)< 5< 13
Athletes6–1314–20
Good physical form.14–1721–24
Medium level18–2425–31
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?
The bioimpedance method is sensitive to hydration levels, and if you drink little water, the scales can show an inflated percentage of fat, because dehydrated tissues conduct electricity less well, and the algorithm interprets this as fat mass.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users find Xiaomi’s fat percentages seem counterintuitive, most often due to the following mistakes:

  • 🧦 Measurement in socks or shoes – sensors should contact bare skin.
  • 🌑️ Cold feet – low limb temperature distorts bioimpedance analysis.
  • πŸ“± Unsynchronized App – If the data is not updated in Mi Fit, check the permissions and software version.
  • πŸ”‹ Discharged batteries – 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.

  1. Reset the scales to factory settings (usually hold the 10 seconds switch).
  2. Update the firmware through the Mi Fit app.
  3. Take 3-5 test measurements in a row and average the results.

πŸ’‘

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, here’s how it compares to other ways of measuring body fat:

MethodprecisionCostConvenience
Xiaomi scales (bioimpedance)Β±3–5%Low.High.
Caliperometry (plucked)Β±2–4%MediumAverage.
DEXA (X-ray Absorptionometry)Β±1–2%Tall.Low.
Hydrostatic weighingΒ±1–3%Tall.Low.

As you can see from the table, Xiaomi’s 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.

  • πŸ“Š Google Fit – syncs with Mi Fit and allows you to keep long-term statistics.
  • 🍎 Apple Health – suitable for iPhone owners, automatically import data from Mi Fit.
  • πŸ“ˆ FatSecret – a specialized application for weight control with support for Xiaomi weights.
  • πŸ’ͺ MyFitnessPal – integrates with Mi Fit and helps correlate fat percentage with diet.

To connect the scales to a third-party application:

  1. Open Mi Fit and go to Profile β†’ Settings β†’ Related Apps.
  2. Select a sync service (e.g. Google Fit).
  3. 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).

⚠️ 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.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Why does Xiaomi scale show different percentage of fat when measured again?
This is normal, bioimpedance is sensitive to the slightest changes in the body, the difference of 1-2% between measurements is not critical, to minimize fluctuations, weigh under the same conditions (time of day, hydration level, clothing).
Can I use Xiaomi scales with a pacemaker?
No, bioimpedance analysis is not recommended for people with pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices, and electrical pulses of scales can affect the operation of the device, in which case use the scales only to measure weight (without analyzing body composition).
How to lose Xiaomi scales to factory settings?
For most models, hold the on button (or sensor) for 10-15 seconds until the reset message appears on the screen, and then the scales will reset and need to be reconnected to the Mi Fit app.
Why is there no fat percentage in the Mi Fit app?
Possible reasons: Your weight model doesn't support body composition analysis. Your profile doesn't show height, age, or gender. App isn't updated (check the version on Google Play or App Store). Data didn't sync due to Bluetooth issues. Try reconnecting the scales or updating the firmware.
Can I use Xiaomi scales during pregnancy?
Bioimpedance analysis is safe, but body composition will be inaccurate because of changes in fluid distribution, and doctors recommend that you only track weight, ignoring fat percentage and muscle mass.