How to turn on and configure a pedometer on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: all ways

Introduction: Why the pedometer on the Redmi Note 8 doesn’t work the same way as on fitness bracelets

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 has a built-in accelerometer and motion sensors that allow you to track the number of steps — but this feature often goes unnoticed. Unlike the Mi Band fitness bracelets, where the pedometer is activated automatically, on a smartphone it must be turned on manually through special applications or system settings, many users do not even suspect that their phone can replace a smartwatch for basic activity monitoring.

The main problem is that the pedometer on Android smartphones works differently: it does not keep a constant record of steps in the background (this would drain the battery greatly), but only activates when the corresponding application is launched. In addition, the accuracy of counting depends on the correct calibration of sensors and permission to access physical activity data. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to turn on the pedometer on the Redmi Note 8, and also explain how to improve the accuracy of readings and eliminate typical errors.

Method 1: Using the standard Google Fit application

The easiest way to activate a pedometer is to use Google Fit, which is pre-installed on most Android devices, which automatically collects physical activity data, including the number of steps, if given the necessary permissions.

To enable the steps counting through Google Fit:

1. Open the Google Fit app (if not, download it from Google Play).
2. Click on the profile icon in the top right corner and select Settings → Health Data.
3. Activate the Activity Tracking Switch.
4. Return to the home screen and check if the widget with the number of steps has appeared.

If the pedometer is not working, make sure that:

• 📱 The application has permission to access physical activity (Settings) → Annexes → Google Fit → Permits).
• 🔄 Data synchronization in Google account (Settings) is enabled → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization).
• 📊 There are no restrictions on Google Fit (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Google Fit → No restrictions).

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If the pedometer shows inflated or undervalued values after activation, try calibrating the sensors: walk 50 steps with your phone in your hand, then check the readings in Google Fit and adjust the coefficient in the app settings if necessary.

Method 2: Connect via Mi Fit (for Mi Band owners)

If you have a Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelet, you can synchronize the steps between the bracelet and your smartphone through the official Mi Fit app, which will allow you to see activity statistics directly on the Redmi Note 8 screen, even if the phone pedometer itself is turned off.

Instructions for setting:

1. Install the Mi Fit app from Google Play or AppGallery.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Connect the Mi Band to your phone via Bluetooth (Settings → Bluetooth).
4. In the Mi Fit app, go to Profile → My devices and select your bracelet.
5. Activate the option to Sync step data.

After that, the data from the bracelet will be automatically transmitted to the phone.

• 🔗 Mi Fit doesn’t use the smartphone’s built-in pedometer – it only displays data from the Mi Band.
• 📴 If you turn off Bluetooth, sync will stop.
• 🔄 For proper operation, you must allow Mi Fit autostart and work in the background.

Method 3: Third-party applications for step counting

If standard methods don’t work, you can use third-party apps from Google Play, which often offer advanced features: detailed statistics, activity goals, social media integration, and even health tips.

Top.-3 applications for Redmi Note 8:

To avoid quick battery discharge when using third-party pedometers:

Turn off background activity of other applications

Add a stepmer app to exclude battery optimization

Calibrate the sensors in the application settings

Use the energy saving mode in the pedometer itself (if any)

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How to Calibrate a Pedometer for Accurate Testing

Even after the pedometer is turned on, it can be 10 to 30 percent different from the actual number of steps, due to the individual gait, position of the phone (in your pocket, bag, hand), and sensor sensitivity, and calibration is required to improve accuracy.

Instructions for calibration in Google Fit:

1. Open the app and go to Profile → Settings → Steps Data.
2. Select the option of Pedometer Calibration.
3. Take the phone in your hand and walk exactly 20 steps, then press Ready.
4. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times to improve accuracy.

For third-party applications (e.g. Accupedo):

1. Open the app and find the Settings → Calibration section.
2. Enter your average step length (usually 60–80 cm for an adult).
3. Take the test 10-15 steps while holding your phone in a normal position (for example, in your pants pocket).

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Calibration of the pedometer should be repeated every 2-3 months, as well as after changing the case or position of the phone (for example, if you carried it in your hand, and now in your bag).

Additional tips to improve accuracy:

• 📏 Carry your phone in the same place (such as in the right pocket of your jeans).
• 🚶‍♂️ When walking, keep your smartphone parallel to the ground – this improves reading data from the accelerometer.
• 🔋 Disable other applications that use motion sensors (such as tilt control games).

Problem Solving: Pedometer does not work or shows incorrect data

If after all the settings pedometer on the Redmi Note 8 refuses to work, check the following points:

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Especially custom ones, you can turn off the sensors for third-party applications, and in this case, only flashing to the official version or manually turning on permission through the official version will help. ADB.

Common mistakes and their solutions:

If the problem persists, try:

1. Clear the cache of the stepmer application (Settings → Apps → [Application] → Storage → Clear the cache).
2. Update the phone app and firmware to the latest version.
3. Reset sensor settings via the engineering menu (for power users).

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On the Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 12+ firmware, sometimes resetting security settings helps: go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Resetting app settings (does not delete personal data).

Accuracy comparison: phone pedometer vs fitness bracelet vs smart watch

Many users are questioning whether to use a pedometer on a smartphone at all, if there are specialized devices. Let's compare the accuracy and convenience of the different options:

Advantages of the pedometer on the Redmi Note 8:

• 💰 No need to purchase additional gadgets.
• 📱 Always at hand - do not remember to charge the bracelet.
• 🔄 Easy to integrate with other services (Google Fit, Apple Health through data export).

Disadvantages:

• 🔋 High battery consumption with constant tracking.
• 📉 Less accuracy due to the phone’s variable position (in bag, pocket, hand).
• 🚫 No monitoring of heart rate, sleep, or other health metrics.

Research shows that the pedometer of a smartphone on average understates the number of steps by 15-25% compared to fitness bracelets, but this difference is reduced to 5-10% after correct calibration and optimization of settings.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about the pedometer on the Redmi Note 8