How to install and connect Xiaomi smart watches to your phone: full instructions with pictures

Xiaomi smartwatches and fitness bracelets have long been an integral part of the brand ecosystem, but their first connection to a smartphone is often questionable. Even experienced users can have difficulties with synchronization, especially if we are talking about new models like the Xiaomi Watch 3 Active or Redmi Watch 4. In this article, we will analyze all the stages of installation – from downloading the official application to setting up notifications and solving typical errors.

It is important to understand that the connection process depends on the model of the watch: for the Mi Band and Redmi Watch, the Zepp Life app (formerly Mi Fit) is used, and for the flagship Xiaomi Watch, Xiaomi Wear may be required. We cover all options, including compatibility with Android and iOS phones, as well as the nuances of working with MIUI 14/15 firmware.

If you've tried to plug in a watch before, but you've encountered an error like, "Device failed" or "Sync interrupted," there's a section at the end of this article that looks at the problems Step-by-step, and for those who are just choosing a model, we've prepared a compatibility comparison table.

1.What Xiaomi smartwatch supports phone connection?

Before you start setting up, make sure your watch model is compatible with your smartphone. Xiaomi releases several lines of wearables, and each requires its own software:

• 📱 Mi Band (All Generations) – by Mi Band 1S to Mi Band 8. Connect to Zepp Life (Android/iOS).
• ⌚ Redmi Watch Series: Redmi Watch Series 2/3/4. Use Zepp Life or Xiaomi Wear (depending on the region).
• ⚡ Xiaomi Watch – flagship models (Xiaomi Watch) S3, Watch 2 Pro? Requires Xiaomi Wear (Android only).
• 🏃 Amazfit (a sub-brand of Xiaomi) – for example, Amazfit GTR 4. Connect via Zepp (separate application).

Note: Watches on Wear OS (e.g. Xiaomi Watch S3) have advanced features, but require Android 8.0+ and Google Mobile Services. On Xiaomi phones without GMS (Chinese firmware), they will not work.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi phone runs on Chinese firmware (MIUI CN), Some watch features (such as Mi Pay) may not be available without flashing to the global version.

2. Preparing Xiaomi phone for connection

Before installing a watch on the phone, several mandatory steps must be taken, and skipping any of them can lead to sync failures or no notifications.

Enable Bluetooth and GPS| Allow installation from unknown sources (if you download APK)| Update MIUI to the latest version | Clear the cache of the Zepp Life/Xiaomi Wear app (if already installed) | Turn off the power saving mode for the watch application-->

Step 1: Update your firmware. Make sure your phone has the latest version of MIUI installed. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Wear OS watch models (e.g. Xiaomi Watch S3) require MIUI 13+ to check.

Step 2: Configure permissions: Once you install a watch app (Zepp Life or Xiaomi Wear), you must manually provide all the permissions you have requested:

• 📍 Geolocation – for accurate jogging tracking.
• 📱 Notifications – to let the clock show incoming calls and messages.
• 🔋 Autostart – for stable synchronization in the background.
• 📶 Mobile data – if you want to receive notifications without Wi-Fi.

To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Zepp Life → Permissions and turn on all switches.

💡

If after connecting the watch does not show notifications, check the energy saving settings: in Settings → Battery → Energy saving mode add the watch application to exceptions.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect the watch to the Xiaomi phone

Consider the Mi Band 8 and the Zepp Life app, and the steps are similar for other models, but the menu items may be different.

Step 1: Install the app. Download Zepp Life from official sources:

• 🤖 Android: Google Play or APKPure for regions without Play Market).
• 🍎 iOS: App Store.

Xiaomi

Mi Fitness

Xiaomi App Store

MIUI CN

Step 2: Sign up for an account: When you first start up, Zepp Life will suggest you create a Xiaomi account or log in via Google/Facebook. Use the same account as you did on your phone to avoid sync issues.

Step 3: Connect the clock.

1. Start Zepp Life and click “Add Device”.
2. Select your model from the list (e.g. Mi Smart Band 8).
3. Click “Connect” and confirm Bluetooth access.
4. It'll appear on the clock. QR-code – scan it through the app or enter a 6-digit PIN manually.
5. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes).

4. Set up notifications and basic functions

After successful connection, you need to configure the display of notifications so that the watch shows incoming calls, messages from messengers and other alerts.

How to enable notifications:

1. Open Zepp Life → Select your watch → Notifications.
2. Turn on the "Show notifications" switch.
3. Select the apps you want to see on your watch (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
4. Click on Sync and confirm access to notifications in the system window.

For models on Wear OS (e.g. Xiaomi Watch S3), the notifications are set up via the Xiaomi Wear app:

1. Go to “Clock Settings” → “Notifications”.
2. Turn on the option to “Repeat phone notifications”.
3. Manually select apps that can send alerts to the clock.

💡

For stable notifications, turn off battery optimization for the watch application in the MIUI settings (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All Apps → Zepp Life → Not Optimize).

Additional settings:

• 🔊 Alarm clocks: You can adjust the vibration or beep right on the clock.
• 🏃 Sleep Tracking: Included in Zepp Life → Profile → Sleep settings.
• 💳 Contactless payments: Mi Band 8 Pro and Xiaomi Watch S3 Card binding is available via Mi Pay (required) NFC).

5. Typical errors and their solution

Even with the right connection, users often face problems, and let's look at the most common errors and how to fix them.

Mistake: The watch plugs in but shuts down quickly.This is a problem for Xiaomi phones with aggressive battery optimization.

1. Open Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization
2. Find Zepp Life or Xiaomi Wear on the list.
3. Choose "No Limits"
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Xiaomi Watch S3 On a phone without Google Mobile Services (for example, on Chinese firmware), the functions of Google Assistant and Google Pay will not work. GMS.

6.How to update the firmware of Xiaomi smart watches

Regular firmware updates add new features and fix bugs, and you can check for updates directly in the application.

For Mi Band and Redmi Watch:

1. Open Zepp Life and select your watch.
2. Go to “Device Profile” → “Firmware Update”.
3. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off Bluetooth!).

For Xiaomi Watch on Wear OS:

The update can take up to 30 minutes. If the process is interrupted, the clock may stop turning on, in which case it will require a 20 second reset via a button press.

7. Alternative ways of connecting (without official software)

If the official app doesn’t work (for example, due to regional restrictions), you can use third-party solutions, but please note that this may deprive you of warranty and some features.

Method 1: Notify & Fitness, which supports Mi Band for generations, allows you to configure notifications more flexibly than Zepp Life.

Method 2: Mi Band Master (Android only) Advanced settings for Mi Band, including custom dials and vibration control. Requires root rights for some features.

Method 3: Gadgetbridge (open source) supports most Xiaomi devices without cloud sync, is suitable for users who value privacy, and you can download APK on the official website.

⚠️ Note: Using unofficial applications can cause clock failures, especially when updating firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi smartwatches