How to install and configure a pedometer on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Why you need a pedometer on Xiaomi and how it works

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones and fitness bracelets feature built-in motion sensors that automatically count steps, distance traveled and calories burned. However, many users are faced with the pedometer either not working since the device was purchased or showing inaccurate data, often due not to hardware limitations, but to incorrect settings or lack of synchronization with health applications.

In this article, we will explore all the ways to activate the pedometer on different Xiaomi devices, from the Redmi, POCO and Mi series smartphones to the Mi Band and Smart Band fitness bracelets. You will learn how to enable step counting through standard applications, adjust measurement accuracy and eliminate typical errors. We will focus on synchronization with Google Fit and Mi Fitness, and consider alternative applications for those who want advanced statistics.

Hardware capability check: Does your device support pedometer

Before you set up a pedometer, make sure your Xiaomi device has the right sensors. Most modern models have an accelerometer and a gyroscope built in, but in budget versions (such as the Redmi A1 or POCO C50), the functionality can be cut down.

To check for sensors:

1. Install the CPU-Z or AIDA64 app from Google Play.
2. Open the Sensors section.
3. See if there is an Accelerometer and a Step Counter.

If the Step Counter sensor is missing, the pedometer will only work through a software algorithm (less accurately).

Method 1: Enabling a pedometer through the standard “Mi Health” app

Most Xiaomi smartphones have Mi Health (or Xiaomi Health in newer versions) preinstalled, and it automatically collects sensor data and syncs with fitness bracelets to activate the pedometer:

1. Open the Mi Health app (green heart icon).
2. Click on the Profile tab (the icon of the person in the lower right corner).
3. Select Devices → Add Device → Phone (if you only have a smartphone).
4. Enable physical activity access permissions and motion sensors.
5. Return to the main screen and check if the step widget has appeared.

If the widget is missing, upgrade the app to the latest version or reinstall it. In some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for the global version), the pedometer may be hidden - in which case an alternative application will help.

Method 2: Setup pedometer on fitness bracelets Mi Band

The Mi Band 5/6/7 and Smart Band Pro fitness bracelets have a built-in high-precision pedometer.

1. Connect the bracelet to your smartphone via Mi Fitness (or Zepp Life for new models).
2. In the app, go to Profile → select your bracelet.
3. Click on the device settings → Fitness tracking.
4. Activate the Counting of Steps option and set a goal (we recommend starting with 8,000 steps/day).

Important: Mi Band bracelets automatically sync data with Mi Health, but for accuracy, you need to wear the device on your wrist for at least 10 hours a day. If steps do not count, check the density of the strap fitting - the sensor may not work if you have weak fixation.

💡

If the bracelet shows an inflated number of steps, calibrate it: walk exactly 50 steps, then select the pedometer Calibration in the app and enter the actual value.

Method 3: Sync with Google Fit for Advanced Statistics

If you use Google services (like Google Fit or Samsung Health), you can sync the pedometer data with them, which will allow you to keep the same statistics on different devices.

1. Open Mi Health → Profile → Settings → Account Management.
2. Select Google Fit and log in through your Google account.
3. Allow access to physical activity data.
4. In the Google Fit app, check if the steps data has appeared.

Please note that synchronization can take up to 24 hours. If the data does not appear, check:

• 🔄 Update both apps (Mi Health and Google Fit).
• 📶 Make sure your smartphone is on mobile internet or Wi-Fi.
• 🔋 Turn off power saving mode for both applications in battery settings.

Problem Solving: Pedometer does not work or shows incorrect data

If the pedometer refuses to count steps or gives clearly inflated / understated figures, the reasons may be as follows:

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones with custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience or LineageOS), the pedometer may not work due to the lack of drivers for the Step Counter sensor. MIUI.

Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them:

• 🚫 Stepmer not turned on: Check if the sensor is turned off in the battery settings (Settings) → Battery → Choice of applications → Mi Health → No restrictions).
• 📉 Understated data: Wear your smartphone in your pants pocket or belt – in your bag or backpack, the sensor does not detect movement.
• 📈 Overestimated data: Calibrate the pedometer (see instructions above) or reset the Mi Health settings.
• 🔄 Data reset: Turn off battery optimization for Mi Health and Google Fit.

If the problem persists, try alternative apps (see the next section).

💡

The pedometer’s accuracy is strongly influenced by the location of the smartphone, and wearing it in your hand (for example, while talking) can lead to false alarms of the sensor.

Method 4: Alternative applications for step counting

If you don't like Xiaomi's standard pedometer, you can use third-party apps, which often offer more flexible customization and integration with other services.

• 📊 Pedometer (Leap Fitness Group): Simple interface, minimalist design, works without registration.
• 🏃 Accupedo: Supports home screen widgets and voice alerts to reach your goal.
• 🌍 Stepz: Syncs with Apple Health and Google Fit, has a feature of “competitions” with friends.
• 📈 Pacer: In addition to steps, tracks walking and running routes (requires enabled) GPS).

To set up an alternative pedometer:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Allow access to physical activity and geolocation (if required).
3. Calibrate the pedometer by walking 20-30 steps with your phone in your hand.
4. Set your target by step and enable notifications.

The main disadvantage of third-party applications is that they consume more battery, as they constantly work in the background. To reduce energy consumption, turn off unnecessary functions (for example, GPS-Tracking if you only need steps).

Additional tips for accurate calculation of steps

To pedometer showed the most accurate data, follow these recommendations:

• 📱 For smartphones: Wear the device in the front pocket of your trousers or on your lap belt. In your bag or back pocket, the sensor only detects some of the movements.
• ⌚ For fitness bracelets: Hold the bracelet 2-3 fingers above the wrist bone. Too tight or loose fits distort the data.
• 🔋 Battery savings: Turn off background activity for other fitness apps if you use only one.
• 📊 Data analysis: Compare pedometer performance with real distance traveled (for example, on a treadmill) and adjust calibration once every 1-2 months.

If you’re actively involved in sports, look for specialized devices like the Xiaomi Watch S3 or Amazfit GTR 4. They come with professional sensors that distinguish walking from running, cycling or climbing stairs.

💡

For maximum accuracy, combine data from your smartphone and fitness bracelet, for example, the Mi Band is better at calculating steps when walking, and the smartphone is better at jogging.

FAQ: Frequent questions about pedometer on Xiaomi