How to turn on and configure a pedometer on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, which is equipped with a built-in motion sensor for calculating steps. However, many users face the problem: the pedometer either does not work out of the box or shows inaccurate data. In this article, we will discuss how to activate the function correctly, what applications are needed for this and how to fix typical errors.

It's important to understand that the pedometer on the Redmi 9 Pro doesn't work like the Mi Band fitness bracelets. There's no separate physical sensor here, but the steps are counted by the accelerometer and the MIUI algorithms. This means that accuracy depends on the correct software setup, not hardware. We tested all the methods on the firmware of MIUI 12.5, MIUI 13 and MIUI 14 - the instructions are relevant for all versions.

If you’ve never used a pedometer on a smartphone, be prepared for the fact that the first data can only appear after 10-15 minutes of activity. Also note: the function consumes an additional battery (about 2-3% per day), but this is not critical for the capacious battery Redmi 9 Pro at 5020 mAh.

Method 1: Enable the pedometer through the Mi Fitness (Zepp Life) application

The main activation method is using the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life), which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones, but if it is not available, download it from Google Play or AppGallery. The app is free, but you will need a Xiaomi account to sync the data.

Step instructions:

1. Open the Mi Fitness app and log in to your Xiaomi account (if not authorized, sign up).
2. On the main screen, tap the Profile icon (in the lower right corner).
3. Select Device Item → Add the device → Smartphone.
4. Follow the system's prompts to link Redmi 9 Pro to the app. At the access permission stage, be sure to turn on: 🔄 Physical activity (to calculate the steps); 📍 Geodata (for accuracy of distance calculation); 🔋 Auto-run (to keep the pedometer running in the background).

After binding, return to the main page of the application - there will appear a widget with the number of steps.

If the widget doesn’t show up, upgrade to the latest version or reboot your smartphone. Some MIUI 12 firmwares require you to additionally enable Activity in your Xiaomi account settings (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Fitness).

Is the accelerometer enabled in sensor settings (Settings → Special features → Sensors)

Is geodata allowed for Mi Fitness?

Is the Mi Fitness app updated to the latest version?

Is the data synchronized with Xiaomi account?

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Method 2: Activate through MIUI settings (without third-party applications)

If you don't want to use Mi Fitness, you can turn on the pedometer directly through the Redmi 9 Pro system settings. This method is less accurate, but does not require additional software.

Go to Settings → Google → Google Services → Physical Activity. Here, turn on Activity Tracking and add a Google Fit account.

1. Go back to the basic settings and open Apps → App Management → Google Play Services.
2. In the Permits section, make sure that it is included: 📱 Physical activity; 🔄 Background work; 📊 Access to body sensors.

Reboot your smartphone.

Once rebooted, the steps will show up in Google Fit (available in Play Market).However, this method has a downside: the data isn't synchronized with Xiaomi's ecosystem (for example, won't be available in the Mi Band if you have one).

Mi Fitness (Zepp Life)

Google Fit

Samsung Health

Other

Not using.

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Method 3: Use of third-party applications (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can install alternative steps-counting apps, which often offer advanced statistics, but can run out of batteries faster, and we tested 3 popular options:

Before installing a third-party app, disable the standard pedometer in Mi Fitness or Google Fit to avoid conflicts. Also check permissions: the app needs access to motion sensors and geodata.

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If the pedometer shows inflated data, calibrate it: walk exactly 50 steps, compare with the readings of the application and make an adjustment in the settings (if such an option is available).

Why does the Redmi 9 Pro not work?

Even after the pedometer is set up correctly, it sometimes refuses to count the steps, and we've collected the typical causes and ways to fix them:

• 🔋 Battery savings: MIUI Solution: Add Mi Fitness to the Unlimited List (Settings) → Battery → Battery mode → Applications without restrictions).
• 🔄 Application conflict: If multiple fitness apps are installed (e.g. Google Fit) + Pacer, they can block each other. Solution: just leave one thing.
• 📱 Outdated firmware: On MIUI below version 12.0.3, the pedometer is unstable. Solution: Update your smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🚫 Sensors disabled: Check if the accelerometer is on in Settings → Special facilities → Sensors.

If the problem persists, try resetting the Mi Fitness settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Fitness.
2. Press Warehouse. → Clear the data.
3. Reboot your smartphone and re-link your account.

How to check the accuracy of the pedometer on the Redmi 9 Pro?

Xiaomi’s built-in pedometer is typically 90 to 95 percent accurate when set up correctly. To assess the error, run a test:

1. Take the smartphone in your hand or put it in your pocket.
2. Take exactly 100 steps (you can measure on a flat surface).
3. Compare the readings in Mi Fitness with the actual number.

The margin of error is ±5 steps. If the difference is greater, calibrate:

• 📏 In Mi Fitness go to Profile → Settings → Pedometer calibration.
• 👟 Enter the actual number of steps (e.g., 100) and save.

Accuracy is also affected by:

• 📍 Position of the phone: in the hand - more precisely than in the bag.
• 🚶 Rate of walking: with slow walking, the error is higher.
• 📱 Case: thick cases can block sensors.

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For maximum accuracy, wear the Redmi 9 Pro in your loincloth pocket or belt – so the accelerometer better captures leg movements.

Synchronization of pedometer with Mi Band and other devices

If you have a fitness bracelet Mi Band 5/6/7 or Xiaomi smart watch, the data from the pedometer of the smartphone can be combined with them.

1. Open Mi Fitness and make sure both devices are linked to the same account.
2. Go to Profile → Devices and select Redmi 9 Pro.
3. Activate the option to sync data with other devices.

Then the steps you take with your phone will be added to the bracelet data, but keep in mind:

• ⚠️ Duplication: If you wear both devices at the same time, the steps can count twice.The solution is to turn off the pedometer on one of the gadgets.
• 🔄 Synchronization delay: data is updated every 10-15 minutes.

It's useful for Mi Band owners to know that the smartphone and the bracelet use different scoring algorithms, such as the Mi Band 7 more accurately captures running, and the Redmi 9 Pro - walking, the best option is to use a bracelet for sports, and the phone for everyday activities.

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To save battery, turn off background Mi Fitness activity in the permission settings, but then the pedometer will only work when the screen is unlocked.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the pedometer on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro