How to set the time on Xiaomi watches: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi smartwatches are not just accessories, but full-fledged assistants in everyday life. The exact time on them is critically important: it depends on the correct operation of alarm clocks, reminders, tracking training and even synchronizing with other devices in the Mi Home ecosystem. However, many users face problems: the watch shows the wrong time after a reset, does not sync with the phone or is lost after updating the firmware.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can set your time on different Xiaomi smartwatches, from the budget Mi Band to the flagship Mi Watch and Amazfit. You’ll learn how to set up automatic synchronization through the app, manually set the date and time, and what to do if the watch is persistently “lagging” or “hurried.”

1. Automatic time synchronization through the application

The easiest and most recommended way is to synchronize time through an official app, which works for all modern models: the Mi Band. 7/8 Pro, Mi Watch S3, Amazfit GTR 4 The algorithm is the same, but there are nuances depending on the firmware version.

First, make sure that your smartphone has one of the official applications:

  • 📱 Mi Fitness – for fitness bracelets Mi Band (up to the 7th version inclusive)
  • 📱 Zepp Life for Mi Band 8 Pro and Amazfit watches
  • 📱 Xiaomi Wear for smart watches Mi Watch and Watch S3

Important: From 2023, Xiaomi will gradually migrate all devices to the Zepp platform, so Mi Fitness may not be available for new models.

Synchronization process:

  1. Connect your watch to your phone via Bluetooth (if you haven’t already).
  2. Open the app and select your device in the list.
  3. Go to Device Profile → Settings → Date and time.
  4. Activate Auto-Sync Time (may be called Sync with your phone).

After that, the watch will automatically adjust the time to your smartphone data, including the transition to winter/summer time.

⚠️ Note: If the clock time has not changed after activation of synchronization, check: 🔄 Is the phone enabled with automatic date and time (Settings) → System system → Date and time). 📶 Is there a stable Internet connection (synchronization requires access to servers) NTP). 🔋 Charge level of the clock – when the discharge is below 10%, some functions are turned off.

📊 What Xiaomi Smart Watches Are You Using?
Mi Band 7/8
Mi Watch S2/S3
Amazfit GTR/GTS
Another model
I haven't bought it yet.

2. manual time setting (if automatic synchronization does not work)

In some cases, automatic synchronization can cause failures: for example, after resetting settings, updating firmware or when using customized devices. ROM You have to adjust the time manually, depending on the model:

For Mi Band 3/4/5/6/7:

  1. Swipe up the bracelet screen to open the menu.
  2. Select the option More → Settings → Time and date.
  3. Turn off Auto Sync (if enabled).
  4. Manually set the current time, date and format (12/24 hour).

For the Mi Watch and Amazfit:

  1. Click on the watch screen and hold to open the Quick Settings panel.
  2. Slap the icon. ⚙️ (Settings).
  3. Go to the System. → Date and time.
  4. Turn off Auto Update and set the settings manually.

Model clockThe Way to Manual SettingsFeatures
Mi Band 3/4Menus. → More. → Settings → Time.No time zone support
Mi Band 5/6/7Swipe up. → Settings → System system → Time.You can choose the format. 12/24 hour
Mi Watch S2/S3Hold the screen. → Settings → System system → Date and timeSupport for time zones and summer time
Amazfit GTR 4Swipe down. → Settings → System system → Time.Automatic belt determination by GPS

⚠️ Note: On some models (Mi Band 3 and older), manual time settings are reset after rebooting or disconnecting from the phone for more than 12 hours).

Disable automatic synchronization in the application

Check the charge level of the clock (>20%)

Ensure a stable Bluetooth connection

Record the current time on the phone for reconciliation-->

3. Why the clock shows the wrong time: top-5 causes and solutions

If the time on your Xiaomi watch is getting lost or not updated, the reasons may be both software and hardware.

1.Chronization failure with the phone

This is most often due to:

  • 📵 Unstable Bluetooth connection – try reconnecting the clock (forget the device in your phone settings and pair again).
  • 🔄 Application version conflict - update Mi Fitness/Zepp Life to the latest version of Google Play or App Store.
  • 📡 No Internet on your phone – synchronization requires access to time servers (NTP).

2. Wrong time zone

On models with time zones support (Mi Watch, Amazfit) check:

  • ⏰ In the settings of the clock, whether your region is selected (for example, Moscow (UTC+3)).
  • 🌍 Is automatic belt determination enabled on the phone (Settings) → Date and time → Time zone → Automatically).

3.Outdated firmware

If the watch has not been updated for a long time, synchronization errors may occur.

  1. Open the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app.
  2. Go to the profile of the device.
  3. Click Firmware Update (if available).

Hardware problems

In rare cases, the module itself is to blame. RTC (Real-time clocks in the device:

  • ⏱️ Time is lost for several hours even after manual adjustment.
  • 🔋 The watch discharges quickly (module) RTC may consume increased current).

Decision:

5. Conflict with other applications

Some battery-saving programs (such as Greenify) or alternative launchers can block background Mi Fitness activity.

  • On Android: Settings → Annexes → Mi Fitness → Battery → No restrictions.
  • On iOS: Settings → Mi Fitness → Background update → Included.

What if the clock is 3 hours ago?
This problem is typical for users who manually changed the time zone on their phone but didn't update it on the clock, such as when moving to another region or after turning off automatic belt detection. Solution: 1. Enable Automatic Time Zone on the phone (Settings) → System system → Date and time. 2. Reset the clock (for Mi Band, hold the 10 seconds button, for Mi Watch, Settings) → System system → Reboot. 3. If the problem persists, reset the clock to factory settings (Settings) → System system → Reset) and reconnect to the phone.

Each line of smart watches Xiaomi has its own nuances in time management. Let's analyze the most popular models in more detail.

Mi Band 7/8 Pro

These fitness bands only sync time through the Zepp Life app. Manual time change is possible, but after rebooting or disconnecting from the phone for more than 12 hours, the settings are reset. Important point: on the Mi Band 8 Pro, when activated, the time sync is suspended until the mode is turned off.

Mi Watch S3

Smartwatches on Wear OS (Development with Google supports:

  • 🌐 Automatic time zone determination GPS.
  • ⏱️ Sync with Google Time servers (more accurate than Mi Band servers).
  • 📡 Manual addition of time zones for travel.

To add an additional time zone:

  1. Open Settings → System → Date and time.
  2. Add time zone and select the city.
  3. Return to the main screen and swipe left/right to switch between belts.

Amazfit GTR 4 / GTS 4

This watch uses Zepp's own firmware. OS It has a unique function of double time:

  • 🕒 The main dial displays local time.
  • 🕓 On the additional screen (available swipe up) - time in another time zone.

To set up:

  1. In the Zepp Life app, select the Device Profile → Dial settings → Double time.
  2. Please indicate the second city (e.g. New York City) UTC-5).
  3. Save the settings and synchronize the clock.

Mi Band 3/4 (obsolete)

These bracelets don't have time zone support, and manual time settings are reset when the battery is drained, and the only reliable way is to run firmware through a PC using the Mi Fit Tool utility (instructions in section 5).

    💡

    If you travel frequently, set up an automatic belt definition on the Mi Watch or Amazfit watch. GPS. To do this, activate the option to use the time zone location in the time settings. This will eliminate manual reconfiguration when crossing borders.

    5. Firming the clock to fix time problems

    If none of these methods worked, and the clock persists in showing the wrong time, you may need to flash it again. This method is suitable for advanced users and can help in cases where:

    • 🕰️ Constant time failure after update.
    • 🔄 Synchronization with the phone.
    • 📛 Xiaomi servers lost (Impossible to update time).

    The firmware will require:

    • 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11.
    • 🔌 Cable for connecting the watch (for Mi Band – a special clip, for Mi Watch — USB-cable).
    • 📦 Mi Fit Tool (for Mi Band) or Amazfit Tool (for Amazfit).
    • 📄 Firmware for your model (download only from official sources, for example, devs-miui.com).

    The following is a step-by-step guide for Mi Band 7:

    1. Download and install Gadgetbridge (alternative to Mi Fit Tool).
    2. Connect the bracelet to the PC through the clamp (the contacts should fit tightly).
    3. Launch Gadgetbridge, select Devices → Mi Band 7 → Install firmware.
    4. Specify the path to the firmware file (for example, mi_band_7_fw_1.12.5.0.bin).
    5. Wait until the process is complete (the bracelet will reboot automatically).

    Mi Watch

    Amazfit

    Amazfit Tool

    ⚠️ Attention: Firmware through informal tools can lead to loss of warranty and device failure. Before the procedure: Backup data through the application. Charge the clock to 100%. Use only verified firmware (check the hash file on forums, for example, 4PDA).

    💡

    Firmware is the last resort for dealing with time problems, 90% of the time it helps to reset or reconnect your watch to your phone, and only use firmware if other methods have failed.

    6. Frequent questions and errors of users

    Even after following the instructions, users face unexpected problems, and we've collected the most common questions and the non-obvious solutions:

    Question: The Mi Band 6 watch shows the time 1 hour ahead/back after the firmware update.

    Answer: It's about winter/summer time.

    • Open the Mi Fitness app.
    • Go to Profile. → Mi Band 6 → Settings → Date and time.
    • Turn off and turn on Autosynchronization again.
    • If it doesn’t work, manually set the right time and reset the bracelet.

    Question: On the Mi Watch S2 time lost after training with GPS.

    Answer: This is a well-known firmware bug of versions 1.4.5-1.4.7. Update the watch to the latest version via Xiaomi Wear. If there are no updates, roll back to firmware 1.4.3 (instructions for the new version) 4PDA).

    Question: After resetting the settings on Amazfit GTR 3 time out of sync.

    Answer: The reason is that the reset also resets the Zepp account.

    1. Remove the watch from the Zepp Life app.
    2. Reset the clock again (Settings) → System system → Reset).
    3. Re-introduce the device through QR-code.

    Question: Can you set the time manually without a phone on the Mi Band 8 Pro?

    Answer: No, this model has manual time-setting blocked by the manufacturer, and the only way is through Zepp Life synchronization or through PC firmware.

    Question: The Mi Watch Lite shows the date of January 1, 2000.

    A: This is a sign of a module failure. RTC. Try it:

    • Charge the watch to 100% and leave on charging for 2 hours.
    • Reset the settings (Settings) → System system → Reset).
    • If it does not help - contact the service (require a replacement battery or board).

    7. Additional tips for accurate time operation

    To avoid time issues on Xiaomi watches, follow these guidelines:

    1. Regularly update the firmware

    The manufacturer issues patches to fix synchronization errors, check the updates once a month:

    • In Mi Fitness: Device Profile → Firmware update.
    • In Zepp Life: The Device → Settings → Update.

    2. Use the original applications

    A side of a program like Notify & Fitness or Mi Band Master may conflict with official utilities.

    • Turn off background activity of third-party applications.
    • In the Mi Fitness settings, allow access only to official software.

    3.Tune energy saving on your phone

    Android smartphones (especially Android) Xiaomi/Redmi) Aggressive battery optimization can block background Mi Fitness. add the app to exceptions:

    • Nana MIUI: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Mi Fitness → No restrictions.
    • On Samsung: Settings → Caring for the device → Battery → Background activity → Turn on for Mi Fitness.

    4. Check time zone settings when traveling

    If you travel frequently between countries:

    • On Mi Watch, activate Time Zone Auto Update.
    • On Amazfit, turn it on. GPS-timing.
    • On the phone, turn off traffic savings for Mi Fitness/Zepp Life.

    5.Control the battery status

    On old models (Mi Band) 2/3) A discharged battery can cause failures RTC-Signs of the module:

    • Time is lost after sleep.
    • The bracelet discharges quickly (less than 2 days).

    Decision:

    Mi Band 3

    💡

    If you use a Xiaomi watch for training, check the timing before you start your classes. Swipe down on the watch screen to show the current time and charge level in the top panel. If the time is incorrect, reset the clock (Settings) → System system → Reboot).

    ❓ How to change the format of time from 12 hours to 24 hours to Mi Band 7?
    The time format for Mi Band 7 depends on your smartphone settings: On Android: open Settings → System system → Date and time → Time format and select 24 hours. On iOS: go to Settings → Mainstream → Date and time → 24-hour format. Sync the bracelet with your phone via Mi Fitness.Please note: some Mi Band 7 firmware may require manual time reset after format change.
    ❓ Why is it that after replacing the battery with Mi Band 4, the time is lost?
    When you replace the battery, you discharge the time-saving capacitors. To restore operation: Fully charge the bracelet (at least 2 hours). Reset to factory settings (Settings) → Reset the bracelet to your phone via Mi Fitness, and if the problem recurs, the new battery or power controller may fail.
    ❓ Is it possible to Mi Watch? S3 time-set GPS phoneless?
    Yes, Mi Watch. S3 Supports autonomous time synchronization through GPS, but with limitations: 📡 The clock must be in an open space (to receive signals from satellites). 🔋 The charge level should be above 30%. ⏱️ The process can take up to 5 minutes. To activate: Open Settings → System system → Date and time. Enable the option to sync by GPS. Note: The accuracy of this synchronization is lower than when connecting to the phone (the error is before the phone). ±2 seconds).
    ❓ How to transfer time to the new Xiaomi watch from the old?
    When replacing a device (e.g. with Mi Band) 6 Mi Band 8 Pro) the time settings are automatically transferred if: 📱 You are using the same account. Xiaomi/Zepp. 🔄 Both devices are connected to the same phone. ⏰ The new watch has activated Auto-Sync Time. If time has not moved: Remove the old watch from the app. Add a new device and wait for the first sync. Manually check the time zone settings.
    ❓ What to do if Xiaomi watches show time 3-4 hours ahead?
    This is a common problem for users who: 🌍 Manually changed the time zone on the phone, but not updated it on the clock. ⚙️ Use custom firmware on the phone (for example, LineageOS), where time services are disrupted. 📴 Turn off the automatic date and time on your smartphone. Solution: Turn on your phone to Automatic Time Zone and Network Time. Reset your watch and phone. If the problem persists, reset your watch to factory settings.