How to watch steps in Xiaomi devices: from Mi Band 3 to Watch 2 Pro

Xiaomi fitness bracelets and smartwatches are some of the most popular activity tracking gadgets, but not all users know exactly where the step data is stored and how to interpret it correctly. S3, Or your old Mi Band 4 suddenly stopped showing the distance traveled - this article will help you understand all the nuances.

We’ll look at not only basic ways to view statistics (via a bracelet screen or app), but also little-known features: how to export data to Google Fit, why the step counter can be reset, and what to do if the gadget does not sync with the phone after a firmware update. We will pay special attention to the differences between models, for example, in the Mi Band. 6 The newest statistics are stored differently than in the Mi Band. 3/4.

If you are looking for an answer to a specific question, use a table of contents or a block. FAQ For owners of Xiaomi Watch added a separate section with instructions for the proprietary application Zepp, which replaced Mi Fit in 2023.

1. How to view steps directly on the bracelet screen

The fastest way is to check the number of steps directly on the device's display, and the algorithm depends on the model.

On the Mi Band. 3/4/5:

  1. Touch the touch button below the screen (or swipe up on the Mi Band 5).
  2. Select the item Statistics (graphic icon).
  3. Scroll right to the screen with steps - there will be a number and progress bar of the daily norm.

On the Mi Band. 6/7/8 Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro:

  1. Swipe up on the main screen.
  2. Select the Activity tab (the icon with the man).
  3. The steps will appear at the top of the screen along with the distance traveled and calories.

On Xiaomi Watch (all models):

  1. Press the physical button or tap the screen to activate.
  2. Scroll through the menu left/right to the Steps section (or Activity on Watch 2 Pro).
  3. For detailed statistics, tap the screen - the graph will open by the clock.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi model do you use?
Mi Band 3/4/5
Mi Band 6/7/8
Xiaomi Watch (any model)
Another fitness bracelet
I haven't bought it yet.

Important: On some models (such as Mi Band 4), the step screen may be hidden behind an additional swipe. If you don't find it, check the display settings in the Zepp Life app (Screen section). β†’ Screen order).

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet shows 0 steps despite activity, the reason may be a disabled motion sensor.Reset the device (press the button for 10 seconds) and check the sync settings in the application.

2. View steps in the Zepp Life app (formerly Mi Fit)

The Zepp Life app (formerly Mi Fit) is the central hub for managing all Xiaomi fitness gadgets, which stores a complete history of activity, including footsteps, sleep and pulse, to see detailed statistics:

  1. Open Zepp Life and wait for the sync with the bracelet (the cloud icon in the upper right corner should disappear).
  2. On the main screen, tap the Steps card (usually at the top).
  3. To view the statistics by day/week/month, use the drop-down menu in the upper right corner.

In Zepp Life, additional features are available:

  • πŸ“Š Weekly reports: Analysis of activity dynamics compared to previous periods.
  • 🎯 Objectives: Set up an individual daily rate of steps (default: 8,000).
  • πŸ”„ Synchronization: Export data to Google Fit, Apple Health or Strava.

Update the application to the latest version|Turn on Bluetooth on your phone|Make sure the bracelet is charged (>20%)|Check the permissions to access geodata-->

Hidden feature: In Zepp Life, you can see the history of the steps by the clock.

  1. Open the daily steps statistics.
  2. Slip the chart at the bottom of the screen.
  3. There will be a detailed description of active and passive periods.

⚠️ Note: If Zepp Life displays data from the past day and the current one is empty, the cause may be a synchronization failure. Try untie and re-attach the bracelet in the application settings (Profile) β†’ My devices).

3.Why Xiaomi bracelet doesn't count steps (or thinks wrong)

Step counting problems are one of the most common user complaints, and here are the main reasons and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Steps don't count at all.Motion sensor down.Reset the bracelet, check the density of the adhesive to the wrist
Steps count with delayWeak connection to the phoneUpdate the bracelet firmware, reconnect Bluetooth
The evidence is grossly overstated.Sensitivity of the sensorCalibrate the bracelet in the Zepp Life settings
Data is dropped at nightAutomatic reset at 00:00It’s normal to have a bracelet starting a new day.

For calibration of the motion sensor:

  1. In Zepp Life, go to Profile β†’ My devices. β†’ [your bracelet] β†’ Step settings.
  2. Select Calibration and follow the instructions on the screen (you need to walk 20 steps with your phone in your hand).

What to do if the bracelet counts steps in a dream?
If your Mi Band is recording activity while you sleep, the problem may be: (1) Smooth fit (bracelet moves on your arm). (2) Sensitivity (try to reduce in settings). (3) Accelerometer defect (if the bracelet is new, contact the service). Temporary solution: manually edit sleep periods in Zepp Life, removing false activity.

Technical nuance: Xiaomi bracelets use an algorithm for counting steps based on 3D-It's an accelerometer, and it's analyzing the acceleration of the arm in three planes, but it can go off when you're at it:

  • 🚢 Sharp movements (for example, if you shake your hand).
  • πŸƒ Running at high speed (some models miss steps).
  • πŸ›’ Wearing a bracelet on the other hand (not dominant).

4.How to export step data to Google Fit or Apple Health

If you keep a workout diary on other apps (such as MyFitnessPal or Samsung Health), Mi Band data can be automatically transferred to your app via Google Fit or Apple Health.

Instructions for Android:

  1. Open Zepp Life and go to Profile β†’ Settings β†’ Accounts and Sync.
  2. Select Google Fit and log in through your Google account.
  3. Turn on the switch to Sync steps data.
  4. Set the synchronization frequency (every hour is recommended).

Instructions for iPhone:

  1. In Zepp Life, go to Profile β†’ Settings β†’ Apple Health.
  2. Allow access to the Steps and the Distance Passed.
  3. Enable background update for Zepp Life in iOS settings (Settings) β†’ Zepp Life β†’ Background update).

1) Zepp Life version (must be at least 6.10.0).

(2) Geolocation permits (required for accurate distance calculation).

3) Battery settings (on Android, turn off optimization for Zepp Life).-->

Limitations:

  • πŸ“± On iPhone sync works only with Apple Health, data is not transmitted directly to Google Fit.
  • πŸ”„ Historical data (over 30 days) may not be exported.
  • 🚫 Some models (such as the Mi Band 3) do not support synchronization with the Strava.

5. Step reset and manual editing of statistics

Sometimes users want to reset their step counter (for example, after a bracelet is replaced or for testing), and Xiaomi has two ways to do this:

Method 1: Automatic reset at midnight

The bracelet resets its steps every day at 00:00 local time, if you want to reset the meter in the afternoon:

  1. Open Zepp Life and go to Profile β†’ My devices. β†’ [your bracelet] β†’ Time.
  2. Change the time zone to another (for example, with a UTC+3 on UTC+4).
  3. Wait for the automatic reset (can take up to 5 minutes).
  4. Get your time zone back.

Method 2: Manual editing (only for some models)

On the Mi Band. 6/7/8 Xiaomi Watch can be manually added or removed:

  1. In Zepp Life, open up daily steps statistics.
  2. Slip on the pencil icon (✏️) top-right.
  3. Choose Add Activity or Delete Record.

πŸ’‘

Changing the data manually can lead to inconsistencies in weekly reports, and use this feature only to correct obvious errors (for example, if the bracelet counted steps while driving).

⚠️ Attention: On the Mi Band 3/4/5 You can't manually edit steps, and the only way to reset the counter is to wait until midnight or change the time zone, as described above.

6. View steps on Xiaomi smartwatches (Watch, Watch S, Watch 2)

Xiaomi smartwatches (Watch, Watch S, Watch 2 Pro series) offer advanced activity statistics compared to bracelets. Here's how to work with steps on these devices:

On the clock screen:

  • πŸ“Š Quick view: Swipe left on the home screen before the Activity widget.
  • πŸ“ˆ Detailed statistics: Click on the widget to open the graph by the clock.
  • πŸ† Achievements: Some models (like the Watch 2 Pro) offer weekly activity rewards.

In the Zepp app (for watches): Xiaomi Watch uses a separate Zepp app (not Zepp Life!).

  1. Open Zepp and select your watch at the top of the screen.
  2. Go to the Activity tab (the icon with the running man).
  3. To analyze trends, tap on the chart - a comparison with previous days will open.

Unique functions of the watch:

  • 🎯 Adaptive goals: The watch automatically adjusts the daily rate of steps depending on your activity.
  • 🚢 Activity recognition: Steps taken separately when walking, running and climbing stairs are taken into account.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery savings: Long-term work counting steps continues, but updated less often.

How to turn on the sleep mode counting on Xiaomi Watch?
By default, the watch does not count steps during sleep, so as not to distort the statistics. To change this: 1. Open Zepp and go to Profile β†’ My devices. β†’ [watch] β†’ Sleep settings. 2. Turn off the option to Ignore Steps While Sleeping. 3. Note that this may affect the accuracy of sleep data.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes encounter problems with Xiaomi fitness bracelets, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

Mistake 1: The bracelet is not synced to the phone

  • πŸ“± Check if Bluetooth is on and if the phone is in In-plane mode.
  • πŸ”„ Reboot both devices.
  • πŸ“² Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugate devices in Bluetooth settings and re-attach.

Error 2: Step data differs in bracelet and app

It's normal -- the bracelet and the phone can use different counting algorithms to minimize the difference.

  • πŸ“ Calibrate the bracelet (see Section 3).
  • πŸ“± Wear your phone and bracelet on one hand (such as in your pocket and wrist).
  • πŸ”„ Enable sync every hour in Zepp Life settings.

Mistake 3: The bracelet discharges quickly

If after updating the firmware battery sits down for 1-2 days, check:

  • πŸ”‹ Screen settings: reduce brightness and backlight time.
  • πŸ“Ά Synchronization frequency: set every 2 hours instead of Constant.
  • πŸ› οΈ Background Activity: In Phone Settings, Turn Off Battery Optimization for Zepp Life.

Error 4: Steps stopped showing after the update

This is a typical problem for the Mi Band. 6/7 after the firmware:

  1. Remove the bracelet from the application (Profile) β†’ My devices. β†’ Delete).
  2. Reset the bracelet (press the button for 15 seconds).
  3. Re-connect through Add the device.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you see the steps of the past month?
Zepp Life has a history of the past 30 days. For earlier data: Export statistics to Google Fit (which stores up to 2 years of history); use third-party services like Notion or Excel for manual diary maintenance; some models (such as Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) store history for up to 6 months.
Why does the bracelet count the steps when I'm driving in the car?
This is due to vibrations that the motion sensor perceives as walking. Solutions: Remove the bracelet during the trip. In Zepp Life manually remove the period of activity (see section 5).
How to transfer the steps to a new bracelet?
When you change your device (e.g., from Mi Band 5 to Mi Band 8), the story doesn't automatically transfer. To save the data: Export the statistics to Google Fit from your old bracelet. Connect the new bracelet to the same Zepp Life account. Google Fit will combine the data (but duplicates are possible). Alternative: Take screenshots of the statistics screen or export the data to the CSV through third-party applications like Health Sync.
Can I turn off the step count if I don't need it?
Completely disable the motion sensor can not, but you can: Hide the step widget on the bracelet screen (in the settings of the Screen) β†’ Disable goal notifications in Zepp Life. Ignore statistics, the bracelet will still collect data in the background.
How to check if the bracelet counts the steps correctly?
To test accuracy: Take 100 steps (measured on a flat surface); compare the bracelet to manual count; error to Β±If the difference is greater than 10%, calibrate the sensor (see section 3) or check the bracelet's adhesion density.