Xiaomi Watches to Phone: A Complete Guide from A to Z

Xiaomi’s smartwatches are no longer just an accessory, they’re a full-fledged assistant in everyday life. From tracking physical activity to managing smartphone notifications, these devices require the right connection to the phone to unlock its full potential. However, many users face difficulties already at the interface stage: the app does not see the clock, the connection is constantly broken, or the functions are not working properly.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to connect Xiaomi watches (including Mi Band). 7/8 Pro, Watch 2 Pro, Watch S3 And other models, Android and iOS smartphones, not only basic steps, but also hidden settings for stable operation, as well as decision errors, which are not covered by official instructions. Fitness/Zepp Life.

1. Which Xiaomi watch supports pairing with smartphones?

Before you start connecting, it’s important to make sure your watch model is compatible with your phone. Xiaomi releases several lines of wearables, each with its own features:

  • 📱 Mi Band (1-8 series) – budget fitness bracelets with basic functions (stepmeter, pulse, notifications). Compatible with almost all smartphones on Android 6.0+ iOS 10.0+.
  • ⌚ Xiaomi Watch (S1/S2/S3, Watch 2 Pro – full-fledged smart watch with Wear OS (starting with the Watch 2 Pro) or proprietary firmware. They require Android. 8.0+ iOS 12.0+.
  • 🏃 Amazfit (GTR/GTS/Bip) — Although the Amazfit brand is owned by Zepp Health (a partner of Xiaomi), this watch uses different software (Zepp App) and has separate pairing requirements.

Note that NFC models (such as the Mi Band 7 Pro or Watch S3) may require additional permissions to work with payment systems, and some features (such as the Xiao AI voice assistant) are only available on MIUI phones.

📊 What Xiaomi Watch Model Are You Using?
Mi Band (any model)
Xiaomi Watch (S1/S2/S3/2 Pro)
Amazfit (GTR/GTS/Bip)
Another model
I haven't bought it yet.
Model clockMinimum version of AndroidMinimum version of iOSAnnex required
Mi Band 6/7/86.010.0Mi Fitness or Zepp Life
Xiaomi Watch S38.012.0Mi Fitness
Watch 2 Pro (Wear OS)8.014.0Wear OS by Google + Mi Fitness
Amazfit GTR 47.012.0Zepp App

⚠️ Watches Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro on Wear OS You need to be linked to your Google account, even if you use it with a Xiaomi phone, without which some of the features (for example, installing apps from the Play Market) will not be available.

2. Preparation of the telephone for pairing

You have to set up your smartphone before you connect the watch, and this is a phase that's often missed, which causes you to crash.

  • 📲 Update your operating system to the latest version. On Android, check in Settings → System system → Update on iOS - in Settings → Mainstream → Update of the PO.
  • 🔄 Turn on Bluetooth and geolocation. You can't pair without it. On Android, also activate device visibility in Bluetooth settings.
  • 🚫 Turn off the power saving modes. They can block the background work of the Mi Fitness app.
  • 🔒 Allow all requests for the app (notifications, contacts, phone, physical activity) without this, the watch will not be able to sync data.

For owners of Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco phones, it is additionally recommended:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Fitness.
  2. Enable Auto Start and Work in the background.
  3. In the battery settings (Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management) select Mi Fitness Mode No Limits.

💡

If you have an iPhone, reboot your phone before connecting, which helps avoid the “failed to connect to the device” error that often occurs on iOS due to a Bluetooth cache.

3. Step-by-step interface instruction

Consider a universal connection algorithm, for example, Mi Band 8 Pro and Xiaomi Watch S3. For other models, the steps may differ slightly.

Method 1: Mi Fitness (for most models)

Download the Mi Fitness app from the official store (App Store/Google Play)

Make sure your watch is at least 50% charged.

Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and watch

Place your watch next to your phone (no more than 1 meter)

-->

  1. Install the app: For Android: Mi Fitness in Google Play. For iOS: Mi Fitness in the App Store.
  2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (via Google, Facebook or phone number).
  3. Add the device: Click Profile → Add the device. Select your watch model from the list. Follow the instructions on the screen (you will need to confirm the pairing on the watch).

Set up the parameters

  • Allow notifications, calls, access to contacts.
  • Activate Permanent Connection (if there is such a point).
What if the app doesn’t see the clock?
1. Reset the watch (on most models, press the power button for 10-15 seconds). 2. Remove the watch from the list of conjugated devices in the Bluetooth settings of the phone. 3. In the Mi Fitness app, go to Profile → My devices and remove the old binding. 4. Disable the VPN or proxy - they can block Xiaomi sync servers. 5. Try connecting through another application (for example, Notify & Fitness for Mi Band for Mi Band for Mi Band).

4. Notification setting and data synchronization

After successful pairing, you need to configure what notifications will arrive on the clock and how often the synchronization will occur.

  1. Notifications: Go to Profile → Your Device → Notifications. Turn on the switches for Calls, SMS, Applications. In the Application Management section, select which programs to display notifications (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram).
  2. Data Synchronization: Enable Autosynchronization in your device settings. Set an update interval (recommended Every hour to save battery).

Additional functions

  • Activate Phone Search (the clock will vibrate when you lose communication).
  • Set up alarm clocks and reminders of inaction.