Introduction: Why Xiaomi Ligament + Honor requires a special approach
Xiaomi smart watches (Mi Band, Watch, Smart Band series) and Honor smartphones work on different ecosystems: the first are tied to Mi Fitness or Zepp Life, the second β to Huawei Mobile Services (HMS). This creates unique nuances when pairing. Unlike a pair of Xiaomi watches. + Xiaomi phone where everything works out of the box, Honor owners have to consider the limitations of Google Mobile Services (GMS) on new models of the brand and features of Chinese firmware.
The main problem lies in the absence of Google Play Services on Honor devices after the split with Huawei (Model 2020).+ This means that the standard way to install Mi Fitness through the Play Market is not available, and some features of the watch (such as notifications from messengers) may not work properly due to service conflict. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting for 2026, including bypassing restrictions. HMS and configure alternative applications.
Important: If your Honor is released before 2019 (for example, Honor) 8X It also supports Google Play Services, and the pairing process will be easier for newer models (Honor 50, Honor 70, Honor Magic). V2) Additional steps will be required.
1. Compatibility Check: What Xiaomi Watches Work With Honor
Not all Xiaomi smartwatches are equally well paired with Honor. Below is a table of compatibility of popular models, taking into account firmware versions and limitations. HMS/GMS:
| Model clock | Honor's support (GMS) | Honor's support (HMS) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Band 7/8 | β Complete. | β οΈ Partial (without notifications) | Requires manual installation APK Mi Fitness on the HMS-device |
| Xiaomi Watch S3 | β Complete. | β No (only via Zepp Life with a bypass) | Nana HMS Only basic synchronization of steps works. |
| Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro | β Complete. | β οΈ Without a voice and NFC | NFC-pay is not working HMS Due to the lack of Google Pay |
| Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro | β Complete. | β No. | Google Play Services for Wear OS |
If your model is not listed in the table, check it on the official Xiaomi website in the Compatible devices section.Please note that even if the watch is supported, the functionality may be limited to Honor with the help of the device. HMS. For example, voice assistant and payment through NFC often refuse to work.
β οΈ Note: Xiaomi Watches based on Wear OS (For example, Xiaomi Watch S1) Not compatible with Honor on HMS. They require full support for Google Play Services, which is not in the brandβs new smartphones.
2. Preparing Honor phone to pair
You need to configure your smartphone before you connect the watch, and the process varies depending on whether your Honor is working on the phone. GMS (old models or HMS (model).
For devices with Google Mobile Services (GMS)
If your phone supports Google Play (for example, Honor) 9X Honor View 20):
- π± Update Google Play Services to the latest version in the Play Market.
- π Enable Bluetooth and geolocation (necessary for device search).
- π‘οΈ In the security settings, allow the installation of applications from unknown sources (Settings) β Security β Unknown sources).
- π² Install the official Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app (for new watches).
For devices with Huawei Mobile Services (HMS)
If you have a new model (Honor 50, Honor 70, etc.) without Google Play:
- π Install AppGallery and update HMS Core to the latest version.
- π₯ Download. APK-Mi Fitness from a verified source (e.g. APKMirror).
- π§ Enable the Developer Mode and activate Debugging by USB (Settings β The phone. β Assembly number (7 taps) β For developers).
- π Use Huaweiβs cloud service to back up data before setting up.
For HMS-It is also recommended to install GSpace or LZPlay devices, which emulate Google Play Services and can help with some of the functions of the watch.
β οΈ Attention: When installed APK on HMS-Some Mi Fitness features (e.g. sync with Google Fit) will not be available.
3. Step-by-step instructions: how to pair a Xiaomi watch with Honor
Consider a universal connectivity algorithm that works for most models. HMS, Skip the steps related to Google Play.
Install the Mi app Fitness/Zepp Life
Turn on Bluetooth and geolocation on your phone
Charge the clock to 50% or more
Make sure the clock has reset previous pairings (if any)
Turn it off. VPN Antivirus (they can block the connection)-->
Step 1: Installation of the application
Download the official application depending on the model of the watch:
- π² For the Mi Band. 1β7, Xiaomi Watch S1/S2: Mi Fitness (Play Market or Play Market) APK).
- π² For Mi Band 8, Smart Band 8 Pro, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro: Zepp Life.
If you have Honor on HMS, Use APKMirror to download APK. Avoid third-party sources β they may contain malware.
Step 2: Registration of an account
When you first start Mi Fitness or Zepp Life, you will need to create an account:
- Choose Russia or Global (not China, otherwise there will be server problems).
- Register via email or phone number.
- Confirm your email (the email may come to the Spam folder).
Step 3: Finding and pairing the clock
Connection algorithm:
- Open the app and click Add the device.
- Choose your watch model from the list.
- Place your watch next to your phone (at a distance) < 10cm).
- It'll appear on the clock. QR-Code β scan it through the app.
- Confirm the pairing on both devices.
If the clock is not there, try:
- π Reboot Bluetooth on your phone.
- π± Remove the Mi Fitness app cache (Settings) β Annexes β Mi Fitness β Memory. β Clear the cache).
- π Reset the clock (press the button for 10 seconds).
π‘
If the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 watch is not connected to the Honor HMS, Try pairing them with another Android phone (like Redmi) first, and then migrating the anchor to Honor via a backup in Zepp Life.
Step 4: Set up notifications and synchronize
After successful connection:
- In the app, go to Device Profile β Notifications.
- Turn on the option to display notifications.
- Select the messengers from which you want to receive notifications (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram).
- Activate Autosynchronization in the background.
β οΈ Attention: Honor with HMS Notifications from Google apps (Gmail, YouTube) won't come on the clock, a system restriction that you can't get around without installing Google Play Services.
4. Solving common problems
Even with the right pairing, users are faced with errors. Let's look at typical scenarios and how to fix them.
Problem 1: The watch is not via Bluetooth
If Mi Fitness can't see the device:
- π Check that the watch is not connected to another phone (untie it in the settings of the previous device).
- π± Reinstall Bluetooth drivers on your phone (in rare cases, resetting network settings helps).
- π Try connecting via your phoneβs Bluetooth Settings manually (sometimes it works better than through the app).
Problem 2: The app gives an error "Unable to connect"
Frequent error on Honor with HMS. Decisions:
- π Check the region of your Mi Fitness account β it should match the region of your phone.
- π Make sure the date and time on the phone and clock are synced.
- π‘ Turn it off. VPN Ad blockers (they can interfere with the connection to Xiaomi servers).
- π§ Reset the clock to factory settings (clock settings) β System system β Reset).
What do you do if nothing helps?
Problem 3: Notices for the clock are not received
On Honor with HMS It's a standard situation. It's a possible detours:
- π΅ Install GSpace and log in to your Google account, then turn on notifications for Mi Fitness.
- π Manually add applications to Settings β Notifications β Priority notifications.
- π± Check if the energy saving does not block the background work of Mi Fitness (Settings) β Battery β Launching applications).
Problem 4: The watch discharges quickly after being connected
If the battery is running out in 1-2 days:
- β‘ Turn off the constant pulse in the clock settings.
- π΄ Reduce the frequency of data synchronization in Mi Fitness (e.g., once every 30 minutes instead of 5).
- π Check if the watch is warming up - if so, reset it to factory settings.
π‘
On Honor with HMS Mi Fitness consumes 20 to 30 percent more battery due to Google services emulation. To save charge, turn off background sync and use manual data updates.
5. Alternative ways of connecting
If the standard method didnβt work, try these options.
Method 1: Notify and Fitness for Mi Band
This third-party app works without official software from Xiaomi and supports most of the features:
- π² Download Notify & Fitness from AppGallery or via APK.
- π Connect the watch manually through Add the device β Mi Band.
- π Set up notifications and widgets.
Pros: working on HMS, Cons: no official support, possible bugs.
Method 2: Connect via Amazfit (for Zepp Life)
Some Xiaomi models (such as the Smart Band 8 Pro) are supported by the Zepp Life app (formerly Amazfit):
- Install Zepp Life from AppGallery.
- Register a Zepp account (not Xiaomi!).
- Add the device through the Devices β Add.
Method 3: Emulate Google Play Services via GSpace
For full-time work of Mi Fitness on HMS:
- Install GSpace from AppGallery.
- Create a Google account inside GSpace.
- Install Mi Fitness in a virtual space.
- Connect the watch through GSpace.
This will allow you to receive notifications and enjoy all the features, but can reduce the performance of the phone.
6. Optimize the performance of Xiaomi watches on Honor
To keep your watch running smoothly, follow these guidelines:
Energy adjustment
- π In Phone Battery Settings, add Mi Fitness to Power Saving Exceptions.
- β‘ Turn off Auto Update on the Watch (may drain the battery).
- π΄ Reduce the brightness of the watch screen to 50β60%.
Synchronization of data
- π Enable Auto Sync for Key Data Only (Steps, Sleep).
- π Turn off sync with Google Fit/Apple Health if you do not use these services.
Security and confidentiality
- π In Mi Fitness, turn off Sharing Data if you donβt need analytics.
- π΅ Check the permissions of the application: it should not have access to SMS or Calls (unless you use these features).
π‘
If you are using Xiaomi Watch S3 honor HMS, Turn off the voice assistant feature in the clock settings β it consumes a lot of battery and often doesnβt work without Google services.
7. Frequent questions and answers
β Can you connect Xiaomi Mi Band 8 to Honor Magic 5 without Google services?
β Why did they switch off the phone after updating the watch firmware?
β How to transfer data from a watch to a new Honor phone?
β Why the weather doesnβt show on the clock?
β Can I connect the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro to the Honor 90?
8.Conclusion: Should Xiaomi and Honor be linked?
Matching Xiaomi watches with Honor phone is possible, but requires extra effort, especially on newer models without Google Play Services. GMS (Released before 2020, the process will be almost the same as with any other Android device. HMS-Phones will have to be limited by the restrictions:
- β No notifications from Google apps.
- β NFC-Payment and voice assistants are not working.
- β οΈ Increased battery consumption due to service emulation.
If you are critically important to all the functions of a smartwatch, consider alternatives:
- π± Buy a phone on Android with GMS (For example, Redmi or Samsung).
- β Choose a Huawei or Honor watch (such as the Huawei Band 8) that is fully compatible with the device. HMS.
However, for basic activity tracking and sleep monitoring, Xiaomi's bundle + Honor works well. The key is to set up the pairing correctly and come to terms with some limitations.
π‘
2026 is the best option for Honor owners HMS β Watch the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 + Zepp Life app with manual notification settings via GSpace.