How to install the app on Xiaomi watches: all the ways to Mi Band, Watch and Redmi Watch

Xiaomi’s smartwatch is not only a stylish accessory, but also a powerful tool for tracking health, managing notifications and even running mini-programs. However, many users face difficulties when trying to install additional software on their Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch or Redmi Watch. Unlike smartphones, where installing apps is intuitive, with wearable devices, the process has nuances: manufacturer limitations, different firmware versions, and dependence on a mobile platform (Android or iOS).

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to install programs on Xiaomi watches, from official methods through Mi Fitness/Zepp Life to alternative solutions for power users, what applications you can put on your model, how to circumvent system limitations and what to do if the installation ends in error, and also a list of proven third-party programs that actually work on the latest firmware in 2026.

What apps can be installed on Xiaomi watches

Before we get to the instructions, it is important to understand that Xiaomi smartwatches are not a full-fledged smartphone. Their operating system (RTOS for Mi Band or Wear OS for some Xiaomi Watch models) is severely curtailed, so installing programs has strict restrictions:

• 📱 Official widgets: Weather, pulse, pedometer, timers - pre-installed by the manufacturer and updated through proprietary applications (Mi Fitness, Zepp Life).
• 🔄 Third-party watchfaces: Community dials (e.g. from Amazfit Watchfaces or Facer).
• ⚙️ Mini-programs: Simple utilities like calculator, translator or notes (not available on all models).
• 🚫 Full Android apps: Telegram or YouTube cannot be installed on Mi Band 7 – it requires a Wear watch OS (For example, Xiaomi Watch S3).

Important: Even if you’ve seen the guide to installing.apk files on the Mi Band online, it doesn’t work on the latest firmware. Xiaomi closed this loophole after the Mi Band 6. The exception is the Wear OS watch, but it’s different from smartphones.

Preparation of hours for program installation

There are several mandatory steps to follow before installing anything, and skipping any of them can cause failures or inability to complete the process.

Update the watch to the latest version

Install the official app (Mi Fitness or Zepp Life)

Connect the watch to your smartphone via Bluetooth

Charge the watch to at least 50%

Disable VPN/proxy on your phone (can block download)

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The first thing you need to do is update the firmware of the watch.

1. Open the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp Life for new models).
2. Go to Profile → My Devices → [Your Watch] → Software Update.
3. If a new version is available, download it and install it.

⚠️ Note: Some models (Mi Band 5 and older) may reset the account after the update. If this happens, re-synchronize the watch through Mi Fitness → Add the device.

Check your model’s compatibility with the software you want, for example, Redmi Watch 3 doesn’t support third-party widgets installed via Zepp Life, unlike the Xiaomi Watch S3.

Method 1: Install official widgets with Mi Fitness/Zepp Life

It's the simplest and safest method that works on all models, and it's suitable for adding standard features like weather, sleep control or exercise.

Instructions:

1. Open the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp Life for Xiaomi Watch S3 and later).
2. Select your watch from the list of devices.
3. Go to the section Widgets or Dials (depending on the model).
4. Click Add and select the desired widget from the list.
5. Confirm synchronization – the data will automatically be loaded onto the clock.

💡 Useful tip: If the widget doesn't appear on the watch, try rebooting it. To do this, press and hold the power button (if any) or wait until the battery is 0% and recharge.

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Zepp Life has a hidden section with experimental widgets. To open it, click on the profile icon in the top right corner 5 times.

⚠️ Note: Mi Band 8 and Xiaomi Watch S3 Some widgets require a Zepp Premium subscription (from 499+) ₽/Without it, the functionality will be limited.

Method 2: Installation of third-party dials (watchfaces)

Standard dials get boring quickly, and Xiaomi doesn't always update their design. Fortunately, there's a way to install custom watchfaces from third-party developers.

• 📱 Smartphone on Android (on iOS the method does not work).
• 🔗 Amazfit Watchfaces or Facer (for Wear) OS).
• 🔌 Connecting the clock to the phone through the original application (Mi) Fitness/Zepp Life).

Step-by-step instructions for Mi Band 7/8 and Redmi Watch 3/4:

1. Download and install Amazfit Watchfaces from Google Play.
2. Open the app and select the Mi Band section (or your model).
3. Find your favorite dial and click Install.
4. The app will request access to Mi Fitness – allow.
5. Wait for the synchronization (can take up to 5 minutes).
6. On the watch, go to Settings → Display → Dial and select a new design.

For Wear OS watches (e.g. Xiaomi Watch S3):

1. Install Facer on your smartphone.
2. Connect your watch to your phone using Wear OS (not Zepp Life!).
3. In Facer, select the dial and press Send to Watch.
4. On the clock, confirm the installation.

Method 3: Install mini-programs on Xiaomi Watch S3 (Wear OS)

The Xiaomi Watch S3 is the company’s first full-fledged Wear OS, which opens up the possibility of installing a limited set of applications. It’s important to understand that this is not a full-fledged Google Play, but a stripped-down version with pre-approved programs.

What can be determined:

• 📊 Google Fit – to synchronize health data.
• 🎵 Spotify – playback management (without offline cache).
• 🗺️ Google Maps – navigation with a link to the smartphone.
• 💬 Telegram – notifications only (partial support).

Installation instructions:

1. On the clock, open the Play Store (an icon in the app menu).
2. Find the right app through search or categories.
3. Click Set and wait for the download.
4. After installation, the application will appear in the main menu.

⚠️ Attention: Many apps in the Play Store for Wear OS For example, Spotify will not work without an active connection to a phone with the main application installed.

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On the Xiaomi Watch S3 cannot be installed APK-Manual files without root access. All applications must be downloaded only through the official Play Store on the watch.

Method 4: Alternative methods for power users (ADB, modified firmware)

If you are willing to risk the warranty and stability of the watch, you can try informal methods of installing software, which are suitable only for models on Wear OS (for example, Xiaomi Watch S3) and require technical skills.

🔧 Method 1: Installation APK through ADB

This will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows or macOS.
• 🔌 USB-TypeC Cable (for connecting the clock).
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB (enters Android SDK).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB clockwise.

Steps:

1. Activate Developer Mode on the Watch: Settings → About the Watch → Assembly Number (click 7 times).
2. Enable USB debugging in the developer menu.
3. Connect the watch to the PC and execute the command: adb devices (the device should be displayed).
4. Install. APK-file command: adb install path to file.apk

⚠️ Attention: Installation of untested APK It can cause the watch to freeze or lose warranty. Xiaomi does not provide support for modified software devices.

🔧 Method 2: Castom firmware

For the Mi Band, there are modified firmware (such as Custom Mi Band) that extend the functionality.

• ❌ No official support.
• ❌ Risk of "bricking" of the device.
• ❌ Loss of watertightness (if the pad is damaged during opening).

Solving problems in installing programs

Even when you follow the instructions, you can get errors, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

If none of these methods worked, try:

1. Reset the clock to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset).
2. Reinstall the official app (Mi Fitness/Zepp Life)
3. Contact Xiaomi via chat in the app.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing programs on Xiaomi Watch