Xiaomi’s modern wearables have become an essential tool for millions of users, allowing them to track physical activity and receive notifications without constantly removing the smartphone. However, initial setup often causes difficulties for beginners, especially when starting a device for the first time or changing a phone. Synchronization is a fundamental process without which the device becomes a regular dial with limited functionality.
In this article, we will take a look at all the steps of connection, from software preparation to fine-tuning system resolutions, and you will learn why standard search via the Bluetooth menu may not work and which application is relevant for your tracker model.
Some users experience a phone-invisible gadget or a constant interruption of communication, which may be due to operating system versions, energy saving settings, or even the account region, and we'll look at these nuances so you can enjoy the full potential of the Mi ecosystem without technical disruption.
Preparation of the smartphone and choice of application
Before you start pairing, you need to make sure that your smartphone is fully ready to work with peripherals.First of all, check whether the Bluetooth module is on and whether geolocation is activated (GPS). In the latest versions of Android, the presence of included GPS It is a mandatory requirement for detection BLE-Devices of the Bluetooth Low Energy).
The crucial point is choosing the right software. Xiaomi's ecosystem is heterogeneous: older tracker models (e.g. Mi Band 2, 3, 4) use the Mi Fit app, while newer ones (Mi Band 5, 6, 7, 8 and Watch S, GTR) require Zepp installation (formerly known as Amazfit).
Download programs exclusively from official Google Play Store or App Store. APK-files may contain malicious code or be incompatible with your version of the watch firmware. Once you install the app, register your account by specifying your real area of residence, as the availability of servers and language packages depends on this.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to connect the watch directly through the Bluetooth settings in the phone menu. This will lead to a pairing error. Initialization must occur strictly within the intermediary application.
The pairing process and the initial setup
After installing the right software and turning on Bluetooth on your phone, launch the app and log in to your profile. The home screen usually displays a device add button, often indicated by a plus icon or watch icon in the corner. Click on it and select your device category from the list (such as Bracelets or Watch).
The app will start scanning the surrounding space, at which point make sure that the watch is charged and is located next to the smartphone (no more than 1-2 meters). When the name of your model appears on the screen, click on it to start the procedure. The watch display may show a confirmation code - check it with the code on the phone and confirm the action.
During the installation process, the system will request a number of permissions, and for proper operation, you must provide access to:
- 📍 Geolocation – for tracking routes and the alarm clock of sunrise.
- 📞 Contacts and call logs – to display the names of callers on the wrist.
- 📱 Notifications – to broadcast messages from messengers to the screen of the clock.
- 🏃 Fitness data – to synchronize steps and pulse in real time.
☑️ Checklist of successful connection
After a successful connection, the app will offer to update the watch firmware if a new version is available. The firmware contains important error fixes and new dials. It is recommended to update immediately by connecting the watch to the charger to avoid discharging in the process.
Solving Visibility and Connection Problems
Quite often, users are faced with a situation where the phone does not see the watch, although it is working. 90% of the time the problem is that the device has already been paired with this or another phone and remained in Bluetooth memory. To reconnect the watch, you need to completely clear the connection history.
Go to your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings, find the name of your watch (such as Mi Band 5 or Amazfit GTS) in your device list, and click “Forget the device” or “Unpair.” It’s also important to remove the device from the app itself if it’s “hang” there: go to profile, select the watch, and click “Delete” or “Untie.”
If a simple cleaning didn’t work, try resetting the clock itself completely, and this option is usually in the Settings menu -> System -> Reset. Once reset, the watch will reset and go to the standby mode, allowing you to re-discover it.
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Clock not found | GPS is turned off or the device is occupied | Enable geolocation, reset the clock |
| The pairing error | Conflict of versions | Update the app and firmware of the clock |
| Communication is constantly lost. | Aggressive energy conservation | Prohibit the system from closing the application |
| No notifications coming. | No permission to access | Check notification settings in the application |
Why can’t I connect to the Bluetooth menu?
Setup of notifications and data synchronization
One of the main functions of a smartwatch is to receive notifications. To set up this process, go to Profile -> App Settings (or Notifications) in the app. Here you will see a list of all the programs installed on the phone. Activate switches opposite those whose messages you want to see on your wrist (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, SMS).
It’s important to understand the difference between display and send. The watch only broadcasts what came in the curtain of smartphone notifications. If you don’t receive notifications from some messenger, check the Android system settings: Settings -> Notifications -> Select the app -> Make sure notifications are allowed.
For iPhone (iOS) users, the process has its own peculiarities. iOS system more strictly controls background processes. After connecting the watch, be sure to go to the Watch app (if it is an Apple Watch) or to the Bluetooth settings, find your watch and turn on the Contact Sync option. Without this, only phone numbers, not names, will appear on the watch screen.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi phones with shell MIUI or HyperOS can automatically close background applications to save battery life, which breaks the connection to the watch, and you have to manually disable Memory Cleanup for a Zepp or Mi Fit app.
To do this, open the running app menu, press the controller app window, and lock the battery settings (Applications -> Permissions -> Auto Start), tick the box against the desired application, which will ensure that the background synchronization works smoothly.
Working with dials and personalization
Once successfully connected, you can access a huge library of dials. In the app, go to Profile -> My Devices -> Dials, which includes both standard options and downloads from the online store.
The dial you choose can be customized to change the color, time font, location of widgets (pulse, steps, weather). Some complex dials require constant communication with the phone to update data, which can slightly increase energy consumption. Simple static dials operate autonomously.
💡
Save your favorite dials to Favorites inside the app. If you reset your watch or reinstall the app, you don't have to search for them again in the shared directory, they'll be available in your personal library.
You can also customize the order of the cards on the watch screen from the personalization menu, you can put the pulse monitor, the weather, or the control of music forward, making it more convenient for your habits, and remember that some features (such as SpO2 or stress) can only be available on certain models.
Frequent questions and additional recommendations
To conclude, we'll look at a few scenarios that may arise during the operation: If you plan to sell a watch or give it to another person, make sure to reset through the app ("Delete Device") and through the menu of the watch itself, which will break the binding to your Mi Cloud or Zepp Account.
When you change your phone to a new one (like Android to iPhone or vice versa), the connection process is identical to the original one: delete the old device, reset the clock, install the app on the new phone, and connect again. Data history will be saved in the cloud if you log in to the same account.
Regularly clean the back of the watch and the sensors from sweat and dirt. This is not only hygienic, but also necessary for the correct operation of optical pulse sensors. Dirt on the sensor can lead to false readings or the inability to measure the pulse in real time.
Why does the watch not charge after the connection?
Can I connect my watch to two phones at the same time?
What to do if the language of the clock is lost?
💡
The stability of a smartwatch depends on the correct power saving settings for your smartphone, 80% of which is not necessary, so don’t let the system force the controller application to close.
By following these guidelines, you will ensure a long and smooth operation of your gadget. A smartwatch is a complex electronic device that requires careful attention to the software part. The right setup at the very beginning will eliminate most problems in the future.