Xiaomi’s smart scales have long since ceased to be just a weight measuring device, they have become a full-fledged body composition analyzer. One of the key metrics that users are interested in is the percentage of body fat. However, not everyone knows how to get this data correctly, especially if the scales do not display them directly on the screen or synchronization with the smartphone malfunctions.
In this article, we will look at how to look at Xiaomi’s fat percentage for different models (including Mi Body Composition Scale 2, Smart Scale 2, and others), what applications are needed for this, and why the indicators may sometimes seem inaccurate, and how to interpret the results and what to do if the scales do not show fat mass at all.
If you’ve just bought a Xiaomi smart scale or have been using it for a long time, but you’ve never paid attention to advanced analytics, this guide will help unlock the full potential of the device. And for those who doubt the accuracy of measurements, we’ve prepared tips for calibration and health checks.
What Xiaomi weight models measure the percentage of fat
Not all Xiaomi smart scales are capable of analyzing body composition, and the function of measuring body fat, muscle mass and other metrics is only available in models with a bioimpedance analyzer.
- 🔹 Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale 2 is the most popular model with support for 13 body composition metrics, including visceral fat and muscle mass.
- 🔹 Xiaomi Smart Scale 2 - budget version with a basic set of indicators (fat, water, bones).
- 🔹 Xiaomi Mi Scale (first version) – measures only weight and percentage of fat, without detailed analysis.
- 🔹 Xiaomi Mi Body Fat Scale – a specialized model for athletes with advanced analytics.
If your model is not on this list, it is likely intended only for weight measurement. Fit/Zepp Life (formerly Mi Health).
Important: Even if your scales support body composition analysis, you should use the official app to display the percentage of fat. The scale screen itself usually shows only the weight, and the rest of the data is transmitted to the smartphone.
How to connect Xiaomi scales to a smartphone for fat analysis
To make Xiaomi scales show the percentage of fat, they must be properly connected to the smartphone and set up synchronization.
- Install the app: Download Mi Fit (for older models) or Zepp Life (for newer ones) from Google Play or the App Store. apps are free but require registration.
- Register an account: Create a Xiaomi account or sign in through Google/Apple ID. Without an account, data will not be saved.
- Add the device: In the application go to the Profile section → Add the device → Libras and choose your model. Follow the instructions on the screen.
- Weigh yourself correctly: Stand on the scale with your bare feet (socks distort bioimpedance indicators). Wait for your weight to appear on the scale screen, and then check the data in the application.
Weigh yourself in the morning on an empty stomach.|Use scales on a hard surface|Do not drink water 30 minutes before measurement|Stand still, don't talk.-->
Note: If the scales are not synced, check if Bluetooth is on on the smartphone and does not block access to the location (required for work) BLE). Also make sure the scales are not discharged – charging is done through the contacts on the platform (no separate connector is available).
Where to watch the percentage of fat in the Mi app Fit/Zepp Life
After a successful weighting, fat percentage data is not always visible immediately, and here's where to look for it depending on the version of the app:
In the Mi Fit app (for older weight models):
- Open the application and go to the Statistical tab (graph in the bottom menu).
- Select the section "Body Composition" or "Analysis".
- Scroll down to the Percentage Fat block (may be called Fat Mass).
- Click on the chart to see the week/month dynamics.
In the Zepp Life app (for new models):
- On the main screen, tap the card with the scales.
- At the top of the screen, select the Body Composition tab.
- The percentage of fat will be displayed as a pie chart or figure next to the Body Fat label.
- For a detailed analysis, click More - you can also see the norms for your age and gender.
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If the application does not have data on the percentage of fat, update the firmware of the scales. → My devices. → Update of the Software (if available).
In some versions of the apps, the percentage of fat is hidden behind the Health or Report tab, and if you can't see this, check if it's enabled in the device settings:
Profile → My devices → [Your scales] → Analysis settings → Body composition (include)Why Xiaomi scales show an inaccurate percentage of fat
Many users complain that Xiaomi’s fat percentage is very different from that of professional analyzers (e.g., fitness clubs).
| Reason for inaccuracy | How does this affect the indicators | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Weighing in clothing/socks | Increases the resistance of bioimpedance, lowers the percentage of fat | Weigh yourself naked or in light clothing |
| Recent food intake/water | The fluid in the body distorts the conductivity of the current | Measure in the morning on an empty stomach, after the toilet |
| Wet or sweaty skin | Reduces resistance, increases the percentage of muscles | Wipe your feet before weighing in |
| Uneven surface | Unstable contact with electrodes | Use scales on hard floor (not on carpet) |
| Discharged batteries | Weak current bioimpedance → misrepresentation | Charge the scales (through contacts on the platform) |
Critical error: If the scales show fat percentage above 40% at normal weight or below 5% in a non-athlete, the bioimpedance sensor is likely to be faulty.
How to check the performance of sensors?
For more accurate results, it is recommended:
- 📅 Weigh at the same time (better in the morning).
- 🚿 Do not take a shower or bath 2 hours before the measurement.
- 💪 Do not exercise 12 hours before weighing.
- 📱 Update the firmware of scales and applications.
What to do if Xiaomi scales do not show fat percentage
If you don't have fat percentage data in the app after you weigh it, you might have a problem with settings, timing, or hardware failure.
1. Check the application settings
Sometimes the body composition analysis is turned off by default, to enable it.
Mi Fit/Zepp Life → Profile → My devices → [Your scales] → Analysis settings → Enable “Body composition”2. Update the firmware of the scales
Outdated software may not transmit all metrics. Update is available at:
Profile → My devices → [Your scales] → Software update3. Reconnect the scales
Remove the device from the app and add again:
Profile → My devices → [Your scales] → Delete → Add the device4. Check compatibility
Some weight models (such as the first version of the Mi Scale) do not support advanced analysis in newer versions of the application.
- 🔄 Install an older version of Mi Fit (e.g. 4.6.0).
- 📱 Use alternative apps like Yoo Health or Health Plan.
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If the scales stopped showing fat percentage after the app update, try rolling back on the previous version or wait for a patch from Xiaomi.
If nothing works, the bioimpedance sensor may be faulty.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t try to disassemble the scales yourself, this will lead to a loss of warranty. Contact Xiaomi Service Center with a check and a box.
Fat percentage rates for men and women by age
Once you get your fat percentage, it's important to interpret it correctly, and the norms vary by sex, age and level of physical activity, and here's an indicative range of healthy fat percentages:
| Category | Women (%) | Men (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Athletes (low fat) | 14–20 | 6–13 |
| Fitness level (good form) | 21–24 | 14–17 |
| Medium (health) level | 25–31 | 18–24 |
| High fat (health risk) | 32+ | 25+ |
Important: These norms are conditional. For example, bodybuilders during drying may have a fat percentage that drops below 10%, and women in menopause may naturally rise to 30-35%, and visceral fat (the surrounding internal organs) is also affected by the scales Xiaomi measures separately.
If your fat percentage is out of the normal range, don't panic.
- 📉 Dynamics: If fat is gradually decreasing, you are on the right track.
- 💪 Muscle mass: its growth may compensate for the reduction in fat.
- 🩺 Other metrics: water level, bone mass, metabolic age.
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For more accurate body composition control, combine Xiaomi scale data with calipers (fat forceps) or 3D-scanners in fitness clubs.
Alternative ways to measure fat percentage without Xiaomi weights
If your scales don’t support body composition analysis or you doubt their accuracy, there are other methods to estimate fat percentage:
1. Kaliper (fat forceps)
Mechanical or electronic device that measures folds of skin at several points in the body — ±3-5 percent: Popular models: Harpenden, Accu-Measure.
Bioimpedance handheld analyzers
Devices like the Omron. HBF-306 or Tanita BC-545 They measure fat through the hands. They're more accurate than Xiaomi's scales, but they're also more expensive.
3. 3D-scan
Expensive but most accurate method (mistake) ±1-2% Available at some fitness clubs or health centers.
Formulas for calculation
Mathematical formulas can be used, for example:
- U.S. Navy Formula (for men and women separately)
- Deurenberg Index (based on BMI and age).
Example of calculation by IUD (for men):
Fat percentage = 86.010 × log10 (waist circumference - neck circumference) - 70.041 × log10 (growth) + 36.76Online calculators can be used for quick assessment, but their accuracy is lower than that of hardware methods.