Introduction: Why Samsung + Xiaomi needs a special approach
Synchronizing a Samsung Galaxy Watch or Gear smartwatch with a Xiaomi phone (Redmi, POCO) is not an easy task, because both companies use their own ecosystems: Samsung is focused on Galaxy devices and Wear OS (formerly Tizen), and Xiaomi promotes its Mi Band and Watch through Mi Fitness. However, technically, connectivity is possible - and we will tell you how to do this without losing functionality.
The main problem is that manufacturers are restrictive: Samsung blocks some features (such as Samsung Pay or exclusive widgets) when connecting to non-Galaxy phones. But the basic features — notifications, health monitoring, music management — will work. In this article, you will find unique solutions to circumvent restrictions that are not described in the official instructions.
It's important to understand that the connection process varies depending on the watch model. For example, the Galaxy Watch 4/5/6 runs on Wear OS and requires Google Wear OS applications, whereas the Galaxy Watch 3 and older use the Samsung Gear (Tizen) and need a Galaxy Wearable. We'll go through both scenarios.
What Samsung watches are compatible with Xiaomi?
Not all Samsung smartwatches can be used with a Xiaomi phone, here’s a current list of supported devices (as of 2026):
- 📱 Galaxy Watch 6/6 Classic – Full compatibility with Wear OS, without Samsung Health.
- 📱 Galaxy Watch 5/5 Pro – working with limitations (no) ECG, blood pressure).
- 📱 Galaxy Watch 4/4 Classic - The first watch on Wear OS, require manual adjustment.
- ⚠️ Galaxy Watch 3/Active 2 — Tizen, connect via Galaxy Wearable, but with synchronization errors.
- ❌ Gear S3/Frontier — Not officially supported after updates 2023 year-end.
For models on Wear OS (Galaxy Watch 4/5/6), you will need to install two applications: Google Wear OS (for basic communication) and Galaxy Wearable (for branded features). Watches on Tizen (Galaxy Watch 3 and older) can run unstable - expect accidental connection breaks or no notifications.
Xiaomi Phone Preparation: What to Do Before Connecting
Before synchronization, follow the mandatory steps on your smartphone:
- Update MIUI to the latest version. Older builds (below MIUI 14) may not support Wear OS. Check Version: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
- Remove conflicting applications: 🚫 Mi Fitness (interfering with Bluetooth connection). 🚫 Zepp Life (if installed for other gadgets). 🚫 Any Samsung Health clones from third-party sources.
Enable permissions for applications
- 🔒 Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start → add Wear OS and Galaxy Wearable.
- 📱 Settings → Annexes → Battery management → Without restrictions for the same applications.
If you use Xiaomi with global firmware (like the Redmi Note 12 Global), there should be no problem. Owners of Chinese versions (without Google services) will have to install Wear. OS through APK-file - instruction below.
Update MIUI to the latest version|
Remove Mi Fitness and Zepp Life|
Add Wear OS to Auto Launch |
Disable battery optimization for Galaxy Wearable|
Reboot the phone-->
Step-by-step: Connecting Samsung Watches to Xiaomi
Let’s look at two scenarios: for the Wear OS (Galaxy Watch 4/5/6) and for the Tizen (Galaxy Watch 3).
Scenario 1: Galaxy Watch 4/5/6 (Wear OS)
- Install applications: 📱 Wear OS by Google (from Google Play). 📱 Galaxy Wearable (official Samsung app).
⚠️ On Chinese firmware Xiaomi without Google services download APK with APKMirror (versions not lower than 2.2.10.23042451).
Activate Bluetooth
Settings → Connections → Bluetooth
Launch Wear OS
Confirm the conjugation
Install additional plugins
- 🔄 Galaxy Wearable Plugin (for branded dials).
- 💓 Samsung Health Monitor (Sensor-only models) ECG, But Xiaomi won’t work).
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If you have Xiaomi on Chinese firmware, before installing Wear OS Remove all updates to Google Play Services via Settings → Annexes → Google Play Services → Remove the updates. Then install manually. APK-22.18.13 – It works more consistently with the MIUI.
How to Set Up Notifications and Calls on Samsung Watches with Xiaomi
By default, notifications with Xiaomi may not be duplicated on Samsung Watches.
- Include notifications in Wear OS: 📲 Open Wear. OS phone-on. 📲 Go to Settings. → Notifications. 📲 Activate the switch Show notifications.
- Set up exceptions for applications: 🔕 B Settings → Annexes → Notification management select messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram). 🔕 Turn on Show as pop-up and Allow on a locked screen.
For calls.
- 📞 In Galaxy Wearable, go to Settings → Calls and SMS.
- 📞 Turn on answering calls from the clock (requires a microphone on the clock).
If notifications are late, check your energy saving settings:
Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode → Disable for Wear OS⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F5) Notices are not valid due to conflict with MIUI Optimization.Solution: Install Notifier for Wear OS and set up the transfer manually.
Alternative ways to communicate: without Galaxy Wearable
If the official methods didn’t work, try the workarounds:
- 🔄 Notify & Fitness for Wear OS: The app lets you sync notifications, steps and heart rate without the Galaxy Wearable.Download: Google Play.
For Galaxy Watch 3 and older models, there is an unofficial Tizen Helper patch that unlocks some of the features, but installing it requires unlocking the bootloader on the watch — a risky procedure that can lead to a loss of warranty.
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If you only need basic features (time, pedometer, notifications), just connect the watch as a normal Bluetooth headset through Settings → Connected devices → Add accessory. Fitness data will have to be entered manually in Google Fit.