How to sync Xiaomi Watch to Phone: The Complete Guide to 2026

Why Xiaomi Watches Are Not Showing the Right Time and How to Fix It

Xiaomi smartwatches are some of the most popular wearables on the market, but even they sometimes refuse to sync time with the phone. The problem can manifest itself in various ways, from a few minutes apart to a complete failure of the date, most often due to incorrect settings of the application, time zone conflict or hardware limitations of budget models (for example, Mi Band 3/4 without GPS).

In this article, we will look at all the ways to synchronize time, from basic connection via Mi Fit or Zepp to manual configuration and solving rare errors. Particular attention will be paid to the models Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Mi Band 7/8 and Redmi Watch 3, because their firmware has unique nuances. If your watch after the update started to lag behind or show time from another time zone, here you will find a solution.

Before you start setting up, make sure that:

• 📱 Phone and watch connected to one Xiaomi account (check Settings) → Accounts).
• 🔄 Automatic time synchronization is enabled on the phone (Settings) → System system → Date and time).
• 📶 Devices are in range of Bluetooth 5.0+ (stable-connection).

Preparing for synchronization: what to check before setting up

Before synchronizing time, you need to rule out the typical causes of failures. About 60 percent of the time display problems on Xiaomi watches are not related to the device itself, but to smartphone settings or application conflicts.

Update the Mi Fit/Zepp app to the latest version

Restart your phone and watch

Turn off the power saving mode for Mi Fit

Check the permissions of the application (geolocation, Bluetooth)

Make sure the clock has enough charge (minimum 20%)

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If you use the Mi Band 3/4 or Redmi Band, note that these models do not automatically synchronize time without a phone connection. They require a constant Bluetooth connection, otherwise the clock will be reset to factory settings every 12-24 hours. In newer models (starting with the Mi Band 5), this problem is solved with the built-in RTC (Real-Time Clock), but even this can be lost when the battery is below 15%.

Pay special attention to the time zone if you have recently traveled or changed SIM-If you're on a map, your phone could automatically update your time zone, but your watch might not. For example, if you fly from Moscow to Sochi, a 1-hour difference might go unnoticed, but it might lead to a discrepancy in your sleep or exercise data.

⚠️ Attention: On Android devices 12+ and MIUI 13/14 There may be a conflict between system time and time in the Mi Fit application. 3–5 For a minute, try to disable the Automated Time Zone option in your phone settings and set it manually.

Method 1: Sync through Mi Fit (for Mi Band and Redmi Watch)

The main way to synchronize time for most Xiaomi devices is through the official Mi Fit app (or Zepp for new models), which works for all versions of the Mi Band (except the Mi Band). 1/2) Redmi Watch, and the instructions are valid for Mi Fit. 5.6.0+ Zepp 6.10.0+.

Steps for synchronization:

1. Open the Mi Fit app and go to the Profile → tab for your device.
2. Slap the gear icon (⚙️) top-right.
3. Select the Device Settings option → Additionally.
4. Find the time synchronization (or auto synchronization) option and activate it.
5. Wait for the notification to appear Time is synchronized (usually takes 5-10 seconds).

If the time sync option is not on the menu, it means that your watch model does not support manual sync (for example, Mi Band 4).In this case, the time is updated automatically every time you connect to the phone. To forced update, turn off and reconnect the clock in the application:

Settings → Bluetooth → Forget the device (for hours)


Next: Mi Fit → Add the device → Select the model

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If the clock clock clock gets lost after a few hours, try calibrating the accelerometer: go to Mi Fit → Device Profile → Calibration and follow the instructions on the screen. This will help stabilize the sensors that affect the accuracy of time.

Method 2: Manual time setting on Xiaomi watch (without phone)

Some Xiaomi models allow you to set the time manually, which is useful in cases where:

• 🌍 You are in an area without network coverage (for example, on a hike).
• ✈️ Traveling and don’t want to wait for automatic synchronization.
• 🔋 The phone battery is dead and the clock is still running.

Instructions for Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Mi Watch and Redmi Watch 3:

1. Swipe your finger down the watch screen to open the notification bar.
2. Slip the Settings (cog) icon.
3. Select the System → Date and time.
4. Turn off the autosynchronization option (if it is active).
5. Manually set the current time, date and time zone.

For the Mi Band 5/6/7/8, the path will be different.

Watch screen → Swipe right to the menu “More” → Settings → Time → Install manually

⚠️ Attention: On the Mi Band 3/4 And Redmi Band, you can't manually set the time, and these devices are completely dependent on syncing with the phone, and if time is lost, the only solution is to reset the clock to factory settings through Mi Fit. → Settings of the device → Reset.

Method 3: Synchronize with Zepp (for new models)

Since 2022, Xiaomi has been gradually moving its smartwatches to the Zepp platform (formerly known as Amazfit).This applies to the Xiaomi Watch S1, Watch 2 Pro models and part of the Redmi Watch line. The Zepp interface is different from the Mi Fit, so time synchronization here is configured differently.

Step-by-step instructions for Zepp:

1. Open the Zepp app and go to the Device tab.
2. Choose your watch from the list.
3. Slip on the Settings icon (three dots in the upper right corner).
4. Scroll down to the System Settings section.
5. Select a date and time and activate the Sync with your phone option.
6. If the option is inactive, update the watch firmware via Zepp → Device Profile → Software Update.

Zepp also has Auto-Time Zone Detection, but it doesn't work well on Android 13 devices. If the clock starts to jump after activating this option, turn it off and manually set the time zone.

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For models older than 2020 (Mi Band 4 and earlier), the only reliable way to synchronize time is to keep the clock permanently connected to the phone via Bluetooth, and even a brief shutdown can reset the settings.

Solving common synchronization errors

If Xiaomi’s time on the watch doesn’t sync despite all efforts, the problem may be one of the following: We’ve compiled the TOP-5 bugs and how to fix them:

1.The clock shows the time with a difference of 3-12 hours

This is a typical problem for devices with incorrect time zone, most often after a firmware update or change. SIM-The decision:

• 📱 On the phone: go to Settings → System system → Date and time and disable Automatic Time Zone. Set it manually.
• ⌚ On the clock: perform reset via Mi Fit → Settings of the device → Reset.

2.Time is lost after Bluetooth shutdown

If your Mi Band 3/4 or Redmi Band watch is resetting time when you lose communication with your phone, it's a hardware feature, not a bug. These models don't have an RTC module, so they depend on the phone.

• 🔄 Buy a newer model (starting with the Mi Band 5).
• 📲 Use third-party apps like Tools & Mi Band for forced synchronization (requires) ADB root).

3 Mi Fit app doesn't see watches

If time synchronization is not possible due to lack of connection:

• 🔌 Restart your phone and watch.
• 📱 Remove the watch from the Bluetooth device list in your phone’s settings and connect again.
• 🔄 Update Mi Fit and Watch Firmware through Settings → Update of the PO.
• 🛡️ Turn it off. VPN firewall (e.g., Avast or Kaspersky may block the connection).

4.The clock shows a date from the past (e.g. 2018)

This error is caused by a failure in the memory module of the watch, most commonly found on the Mi Band 2/3 after a deep discharge.

1. Connect the watch to charge for 2+ hours (even if the indicator shows 100%).


2. Reset the settings via Mi Fit.




3. If it doesn’t help, use the Mi Bandage utility (requires a PC and Bluetooth adapter).

5.Time synchronizes, but with a delay of 1-2 minutes

The delay is usually due to optimizing power consumption on the phone. On Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco devices with MIUI:

• 🔋 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Mi Fit.
• 🚫 Turn off the option to limit background activity.
• 🔄 Add Mi Fit to the Autostart list and No Limitations.

1. Install the Mi Band Tools app (requires Android 8.0+).

2. Connect the watch and select Sync time now.

3. Reset the device.

This method works even for bricks after a failed update.-->

Additional settings for accurate synchronization

For users who want maximum time accuracy (for example, for training or medical measurements), it is useful to adjust a few additional parameters:

1. GPS synchronization (for Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and Mi Watch)

Models with GPS-The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Mi Watch, can synchronize time with satellites, and it's useful for runners or tourists:

On the clock: Settings → Location → GPS mode → High accuracy


In the Zepp app: Device profile → GPS settings → Synchronize time over GPS

2. set up automatic update of the time zone

If you travel frequently, activate this option:

• 🌐 In Mi Fit: Profile → Settings of the device → Auto-update of the time zone.
• 🌐 In Zepp: The device → System settings → Time zone → Autodetermination.

3. Calibration of sensors for stable operation

Inaccurate data from an accelerometer or gyroscope can affect time synchronization (especially on the Mi Band).

Mi Fit → Device Profile → Additional → Calibration of sensors


Follow the instructions on the screen (usually put the watch on a flat surface).

FAQ: Frequent questions about time synchronization