How to turn on and configure the step counter on Xiaomi devices: from smartphone to Mi Band

The step counter on Xiaomi devices is one of the most popular features among users who monitor activity. However, not everyone knows that step counting works not only on the Mi Band or Redmi Watch fitness bracelets, but also on the brand’s smartphones. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to activate the function, from the MIUI system settings to the Mi Fit and Zepp Life applications, and also consider the nuances for different models.

It's important to understand that the accuracy of the count depends on several factors: the firmware version, the device model, and even how you wear the gadget. For example, a smartphone in your pocket will record steps worse than a wristband. We will also touch on typical problems — when the counter suddenly resets or shows incorrect data — and give recommendations for fixing them.

1. Enable step counter on Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI 12–14)

Modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the Redmi Note 8 and Mi 9) feature a built-in accelerometer that can track physical activity without additional accessories.

1. Open the Health app, or green heart icon, if you don't have one, install it from Google Play or AppGallery.
2. Go to Steps or Activity (depending on the MIUI version).
3. Click on the settings gear in the upper right corner and turn on the Counting Steps option.
4. Allow the app to access physical activity and motion sensors in the phone settings (Settings → Apps → Permissions).

On some models (e.g. POCO X3 or Redmi 10), the function may be hidden.

• 🔍 Check for updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 Install an alternative step-counting app (e.g. Google Fit or Accupedo).
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes it helps activate hidden features.

2.Setting up the counter on the fitness bracelets Mi Band and Redmi Watch

Xiaomi fitness bracelets (Mi Band 4/5/6/7 series and Redmi Watch 2/3 series) automatically count steps when you first connect to a smartphone. However, for accurate operation, you need to adjust correctly in the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app (depending on the model).

Instructions for Mi Band 7 and newer:

1. Download and install the Zepp Life app (formerly Mi Fit) from the official store.
2. Create an account or sign in via Xiaomi Account.
3. Connect the bracelet to the app by following the instructions on the screen.
4. Go to Profile → My Devices → [Bracelet Name] → Step settings.
5. Activate options: 👟 Counting steps (included by default). 📊 Steps target (recommended value: 8,000–10,000). 🔔 Notification of achievement.

For older models (Mi Band 3/4), use Mi Fit. The setting algorithm is similar, but the interface may differ.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet doesn’t show steps after you’re connected, check if the data is synced with the app. Pull the bracelet screen down (Swipe Down gesture) or press the sync button in Zepp Life.

Synchronize data with the application|Check the battery charge (minimum 20%)|Update the bracelet firmware|Reset the bracelet (hold the button 10 seconds)|Reset the settings (in extreme cases)-->

3. Why can the step counter work incorrectly?

Users often face problems when Xiaomi devices show an understated or overstated number of steps.

If the problem persists, try resetting the bracelet to the factory.

1. In the Zepp Life app, go to Profile → My Devices → [Your Bracelet] → Untie the Device.
2. On the bracelet itself, reset: Settings → Reset → Confirm (for Mi Band 6/7).
3. Reconnect the bracelet.

4. Alternative applications for calculating steps

If Xiaomi’s standard tools don’t suit you, you can use third-party apps, which often offer advanced analytics, integration with other services (such as Apple Health or Strava), and more accurate algorithms.

Top.-3 smartphone-apps:

• 📊 Google Fit is a free, automatic activity recognition solution (walking, running, cycling) synced with Zepp Life.
• 👟 Accupedo is a specialized pedometer with customizable sensor sensitivity. There's a widget for the home screen.
• 🏃 Adidas Running – for athletes, supports GPS-tracking and training planning.

There are few alternatives for Mi Band bracelets, as they are closely integrated with Zepp Life, but you can export the data to other services:

1. In Zepp Life, go to Profile → Settings → Connected apps.
2. Select a sync service (e.g. Google Fit or Apple Health).
3. Allow access to step data.

💡

If you use Mi Band and Google Fit at the same time, disable duplicate step counting in one of the apps to avoid double counting.

5. How do you check the accuracy of the step counter?

To assess how accurately your Xiaomi device counts the steps, do a test:

1. Take exactly 100 steps (you can measure on a flat surface).
2. Compare the performance on the bracelet / smartphone with the real amount.
3. If the difference is greater than ± 10%, calibration is required.

For calibration on Mi Band 5/6/7:

1. Open Zepp Life and go to Profile → My Devices → [Your Bracelet] → Calibration of Steps.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually 20-30 steps with a bracelet).
3. Save the settings.

On Xiaomi smartphones, calibration is performed automatically, but you can reset the sensor data:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Health → Storage.
2. Click Clear Data (this will delete the history but reset sensor errors).

💡

The accuracy of step counting on a smartphone is lower than on a bracelet, due to the less sensitive sensors. Use the Mi Band or Redmi Watch on the wrist of a non-dominant hand for maximum accuracy.

6. Data synchronization between devices

If you have multiple Xiaomi gadgets (like a smartphone and bracelet), it’s important to set them up to work together to avoid data duplication.

For synchronization of the Mi Band and smartphone:

1. Make sure that both devices are linked to the same Xiaomi account.
2. In Zepp Life, open Profile → Settings → Data Synchronization.
3. Enable Auto Sync and select frequency (every hour is recommended).

For exporting data to Google Fit:

1. In Zepp Life, go to Profile → Settings → Connected apps.
2. Select Google Fit and allow access.
3. Specify which data to synchronize (steps, distance, calories).

⚠️ Note: Sync with Google Fit may cause up to 24 hours of delay.If the data doesn't show up, check your Internet connection and Google account permissions.

7. battery saving when using the step counter

The constant counting of steps consumes battery life, especially on smartphones, to minimize consumption:

• 🔋 On your smartphone, turn off background activity of the Health app (Settings) → Annexes → Health → Battery → Background activity).
• ⏳ Reduce the sync frequency in Zepp Life (e.g., once every 3-6 hours instead of an hour).
• 📴 On the bracelet, turn off step notifications if they are not critical.
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware – new versions optimize power consumption.

For Mi Band 7 and newer, the Power Saving mode is available:

1. In the Zepp Life app, select your bracelet.
2. Go to the device settings → Power saving mode.
3. Turn on the option and choose a balance between work time and functionality.

On the Mi Band 6 and older, the power saving mode turns off the steps count in the background. If you care about accuracy, use it only when the battery is low.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the step counter on Xiaomi