Xiaomi fitness bracelets are some of the most popular wearables on the market due to their combination of functionality, sensor accuracy and affordable price. However, even experienced users sometimes have difficulty connecting a device to a smartphone for the first time. This article will help you figure out how to properly pair the bracelet with your phone, avoid typical errors and customize all the features for maximum efficiency.
We will consider not only the basic procedure of connecting via Bluetooth, but also the nuances of working with different models - from the budget Mi Band 6 to the flagship Amazfit. GTR 4. We will pay special attention to solving problems that may arise during synchronization, as well as optimizing power consumption and adjusting notifications. If you have just unpacked a new bracelet or want to reconfigure an old one, this guide is for you.
What Xiaomi bracelets support pairing with smartphones
Xiaomi is releasing wearables under multiple brands, and not all of them use the same app to connect.
- 📱 Mi Band (3/4/5/6/7/8) — Budget models with basic functions (stepometer, pulsemeter, notifications) use the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit).
- ⚡ Redmi Watch (1/2/3/4) — Extended screen bracelets and additional sports modes also work through Mi Fitness.
- 🏃 Amazfit (Bip U, GTS 2/3/4, GTR 2/3/4) — premium devices GPS, Advanced sleep analytics and long-term autonomy.Requires Zepp app (formerly Amazfit).
- 💎 Xiaomi Watch (S1/S2/S3) — smartwatch with Wear OS (starting with the Watch S3). Connected via Mi Fitness or Wear OS by Google.
Important: Some older models (e.g. Mi Band) 1/2) They are not officially supported by current versions of the applications. If you have an outdated device, you may need to install the old version of the software through the APK.
Compatibility with operating systems:
- 🤖 Android 6.0+ — All bracelets work without restrictions.
- 🍎 iOS 12.0+ — Basic features are supported, but some features (e.g., quick responses to notifications) may be limited.
- ⚠️ On HarmonyOS (Huawei smartphones) may have problems with synchronization due to manufacturer restrictions.
Preparation of the phone and bracelet for pairing
Before you start connecting, make sure both devices are ready to go, and skipping this step often leads to errors like “can’t find the bracelet” or “connection failure.”
Load the bracelet battery to at least 20%|Turn on Bluetooth on your phone|Install the official application (Mi) Fitness/Zepp)|Update the bracelet firmware (if available)|Shut down. VPN and energy-saving regimes-->
1. Charging the bracelet
Even if the indicator shows residual charge, Xiaomi bracelets may not turn on at a battery level below 15%. Connect the device to charge for 10-15 minutes if it does not respond to pressing. For models with a magnetic connector (for example, Mi Band 7), make sure that the contacts are clean and not oxidized.
Installation of the annex
Download the correct application depending on the bracelet model:
- 🔹 Mi Fitness – Mi Band, Redmi Watch, Xiaomi Watch S1/S2 ([Link to Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.xiaomi.hm.health) / [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/ru/app/mi-fitness/id469180256)).
- 🔹 Zepp - for Amazfit Bip/GTS/GTR ([Link to Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.huami.watch.hmwatchmanager) / [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/ru/app/zepp/id1456951073)).
Avoid third-party apps like Notify & Fitness or Tools & Mi Band, which are often unstable and can disrupt synchronization with the original software.
3. Phone settings
Activate the following parameters:
- 📶 Bluetooth – must be enabled in the notification panel or in Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
- 📍 Geolocation – required for certain functions (such as weather or weather) GPS Included in Amazfit. Included in Settings → Confidentiality → Permits → geodata.
- 🔔 Notifications – Allow the Mi app Fitness/Zepp Show notifications in Settings → Annexes → [Annex] → Notifications.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO Turn on Developer Mode and turn off Background Activity Limitation for the bracelet application. Otherwise, the sync will be interrupted. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (5 times press) → Additional settings → Developer → Limitation of background activity.
Step-by-step instructions for pairing the bracelet with the phone
The connection process is slightly different depending on the bracelet model, but the overall scheme is the same. Consider the universal algorithm with the Mi Band 8 and Amazfit example. GTR 4.
Step 1. Turn on the bracelet
To activate the new device:
- 🔋 Press and hold the touch button (on the Mi Band) or the side button (on the Amazfit/Xiaomi Watch, during 3–5 seconds.
- 🌐 Wait for the Xiaomi or Amazfit logo to appear on the screen.
- 📱 It'll be on the bracelet. QR-Pair code or inscription (for pairing).
Step 2: Adding a device to the appendix
Open Mi Fitness or Zepp and follow the instructions:
- Click on the profile icon (top right corner) → Add the device.
- Choose your bracelet model from the list. If you don't have one, update the app.
- Allow Bluetooth access, geolocation and notifications.
- Press Hide and wait until the phone finds the bracelet (it can take up to 30 seconds).
- Confirm the connection on both devices (click the tick or button on the bracelet).
Step 3: Profile setting and synchronization
After successful connection:
- 📝 Enter personal data: gender, age, weight, height (this is necessary for accurate calculation of calories and steps).
- ⏱ Select the main dial (you can change it to the Device Profile later). → Dials).
- ☁ Wait for the first data synchronization (may take 1-2 minutes).
💡
If the bracelet does not find the phone, try "forget the device" in the Bluetooth settings of the smartphone, reboot both gadgets and repeat pairing.
| Model bracelet | Annex | Features of connection |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 6/7/8 | Mi Fitness | Requires Bluetooth 5.0+. Supports fast binding through NFC (Android). |
| Redmi Watch 3 | Mi Fitness | May request firmware update immediately after pairing. |
| Amazfit GTS 4 | Zepp | You need to create a Zepp account (you can use Xiaomi Account). |
| Xiaomi Watch S2 | Mi Fitness + Wear OS | Dual Connection: First via Mi Fitness, then via Wear OS for Google services. |
Solving common problems in conjugation
Even with the right actions, users are faced with errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
1.The phone doesn't find the bracelet
- 🔄 Restart both devices – sometimes a simple reboot helps.
- 📱 Turn off Bluetooth and turn it back on your phone.
- 🚫 Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugate devices in Bluetooth settings.
- 🔋 Check the bracelet’s charge – at a level below 10%, it may not respond.
- 🛡 Turn it off. VPN/Antivirus – they can block the connection.
2. “Connection failure” or “Unable to connect” error
This issue often occurs on Samsung, Huawei or OnePlus phones due to aggressive battery optimization.
- ⚡ Add the Mi appendix Fitness/Zepp Exclusions of Optimization:
- 📵 Enable flight mode for 10 seconds, then turn off and reconnect.
- 🔄 Update the bracelet firmware through the app (if available).
3. The bracelet connects but does not synchronize data
The problem is usually related to the background work of the application:
- 🔔 In the phone settings, allow the application to autostart and work in the background.
- 📥 Check your Internet connection – Network access is required to sync with the Xiaomi Cloud.
- 🔄 Manually run synchronization in the application (swipe down on the home screen).
⚠️ Note: On iPhone after iOS 17 update+ The bracelet may be lost due to Apple's new restrictions on background Bluetooth. Solution: reconnect the bracelet and allow the app permanent access to geolocation (yes, this is mandatory, despite the oddity of the requirement).
What to do if the bracelet is stuck when connecting?
Configure notifications and additional functions
Once paired successfully, you can customize the bracelet to suit your needs, and let's look at the key options that are available in most models.
1. Notifications from the phone
To receive notifications about calls, SMS and messages from messengers:
- Open the Mi Fitness/Zepp app.
- Go to the Device Profile → Notifications.
- Turn on the Notification switch.
- Select the apps you want to see on your bracelet (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
- Set up the display style (full text or just an icon) and vibration.
2. Setting up screens and dials
The appearance of the bracelet can be changed through:
- 🎨 Standard dials – available in Device Profile → Dials.There's a separate Watch Faces section in Zepp for Amazfit.
- 🖼 Custom dials – can be downloaded through third-party services like Amazfit Watch Faces or Mi Band Master (requires manual installation via.bin file).
- 🔧 Screen order - in Settings → Screens select which data to show when swiping (pulse, weather, music, etc.).
3. Sporting regimes and health monitoring
Activate the necessary options in the Device Profile → Monitoring:
- 🏃 Activity Auto-Detection – The bracelet recognizes walking, running, or cycling.
- 💤 Sleep tracking – enable in-depth analysis for detailed sleep phase statistics (requires recharging before bedtime).
- 🩺 Measurement SpO₂ (Oxygen saturation – available on Mi Band 6+ And Amazfit. Better to measure in a calm state.
- ❤️ Continuous pulse – frequent measurements reduce the time of work, but give more accurate data.
💡
To save the battery, turn off the continuous pulse and SpO₂ During the day, leaving only night monitoring, this will extend autonomy by 2-3 days.
Optimizing energy consumption and autonomy
One of the main questions users have is how to increase the time between charges, and here are the proven ways:
1. Screen settings
- 🌓 Reduce the brightness of the screen to 50-70% (in Settings) → Display).
- ⏱ Set the screen auto-disable time for 5-10 seconds.
- 🔄 Turn off the screen autorotation (if any) so that the motion sensor does not consume charge.
Monitoring and sensors
- ❤️ Turn on your pulse measurement on schedule (e.g. every 30 minutes) instead of a continuous pulse measurement.
- 🩹 Turn off stress autodetermination (if not used).
- 🌡 Turn off body temperature measurements (available on Mi Band 7 Pro and Amazfit) GTR (4) unless it is critical.
Notifications and connection
- 📵 Disable notifications from unnecessary apps (such as games or promotional mailings).
- 🔗 If you do not use constant synchronization, turn on manual mode in the application settings.
- 📶 On your phone, turn off the automatic Wi-Fi connection for the bracelet (if you have such an option).
| Model bracelet | Declared autonomy | Real time (when optimizing) | Extension tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 6 | 14 days | 10-12 days | Turn off the continuous pulse, use dark dials. |
| Mi Band 7/8 | 15 days | 8-10 days | Reduce brightness, turn off SpO₂ daytime. |
| Amazfit GTS 4 | 7-8 days | 5-6 days | Turn off the "always on screen" (AOD), power-saving. |
| Redmi Watch 3 | 12 days | 7-9 days | Turn off autosynchronization, use minimal brightness. |
How to Reconfigure a Bracelet for a New Phone
If you change your smartphone or you want to connect the bracelet to another device, you'll have to reset and repair. Here's how to do it correctly:
Step 1: Uncoupling the old phone
- Open Mi. Fitness/Zepp old-phone.
- Go to Profile. → My devices. → [Your bracelet].
- Click Untie the device (or Remove).
- Confirm the action (you may need to enter a password from your Xiaomi account).
Step 2: Reset the bracelet to factory settings
This will clear all the data on the device and allow you to connect to the new phone:
- On Mi Band: Settings → System system → Reset (on the bracelet).
- On Amazfit: Settings → System system → Reset to factory.
- On the Xiaomi Watch S2/S3: Settings → System system → Recovery and discharge.
If the bracelet does not respond, use a hardware reset:
- Connect the bracelet to the charger.
- Press and hold the button for 20-30 seconds until the logo appears.
Step 3: Connect to a new phone
Repeat the pairing procedure described in the step-by-step section. Make sure that:
- 📱 The new phone has the latest version of the application installed.
- ☁ You are using the same account. Xiaomi/Zepp, The same as before (otherwise, the data will not be transferred).
- 🔄 The bracelet is fully charged (resetting consumes additional energy).
⚠️ Note: When you reset the bracelet, all unsynchronized data (steps, sleep, workouts) will be lost.