How to properly turn on and configure a pedometer on Xiaomi devices

The step counter on Xiaomi devices is one of the most popular features among users who monitor activity. However, not everyone knows that the pedometer requires not only its activation, but also the correct setting. Depending on the model (Redmi smartphone, POCO or Mi Band fitness bracelet), the process can be different, and some nuances - for example, synchronization with Google Fit or permissions for the background - are often overlooked.

In this article, we will look at all the ways to turn on the pedometer, from basic settings in the Mi Fitness app to hidden settings in Settings → Apps → Permissions. We will focus on typical errors that cause the meter to stop working (for example, disabling battery optimization for the Mi Fit app on Android 12+), and give recommendations for calibration for accuracy of readings.

1.Where is the pedometer on Xiaomi smartphones

On most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, the pedometer is built into the Health System App (formerly Mi Fit), but its location depends on the MIUI firmware version:

• 📱 MIUI 12–14: Health icon on desktop or in Tools folder.
• 🔍 MIUI 11 and older: The app may be called Mi Fitness or Steps (requires an update via Google Play).
• ⚙️ Hidden mode: on some models (e.g, POCO F5) Pedometer is available only through Settings → Google → Fit.

If your device does not have the Mi Fitness app, you can download it officially:

• 🌐 Google Play (Mi Fitness)
• 📱 AppGallery (for devices without Google)

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MIUI The Global Pedometer may not be available due to regional restrictions, in which case use Google Fit or third-party apps (e.g. Accupedo).

2. How to turn on the pedometer on Xiaomi fitness bracelets (Mi Band)

The Xiaomi Mi Band 5/6/7/8 and Smart Band Pro fitness bracelets automatically count steps after pairing with a smartphone, but for accurate operation, you need to set up in the Mi Fitness app:

1. Open Mi Fitness and select your bracelet from the list of devices.
2. Go to the Device Profile → Pedometer settings.
3. Activate options: 👟 Step counter (insert) 📊 Steps target (8000–10,000 recommended) 🔄 Sync with Google Fit (if necessary)

Click Save and wait for synchronization (icon) ⚙️ top-right).

For the Mi Band 8 and later, automatic calibration is available, which allows the device to adjust its readings during the week of use. On older models (Mi Band 4 and below), you will have to calibrate manually:

3. Set up a pedometer via Google Fit

If you prefer the Google ecosystem, the pedometer on Xiaomi can be synced with Google Fit.

• 📈 Merge data with other devices (e.g. Samsung Health).
• 🔗 Import statistics to Strava or Apple Health.
• 📊 More detailed analytics (clockwise, calories, distance).

Instructions for connection:

1. Install Google Fit from Google Play.
2. Open Mi Fitness, go to Profile → Settings → Accounts.
3. Select Google Fit and log in through your Google account.
4. Allow access to steps, weight and activity data.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13/14 with limited Google services (e.g. Redmi Note) 11 For the Russian market, synchronization may not work. In this case, use cloud backup in Mi Fitness.

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If the pedometer in Google Fit shows zeros, check the permissions for Mi Fitness in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Physical activity. Often the system blocks the background activity of the application.

4.Why the pedometer on Xiaomi doesn't work: typical problems

If the step counter stopped recording activity, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔋 Battery Optimization: On Android 12+ system automatically restricts background work Mi Fitness. Correction: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Mi Fitness → Battery → No restrictions.
• 📵 Lack of geolocation permit: Shagomer uses GPS Check the settings for accuracy. → Confidentiality → Permits → geodata → Mi Fitness (Always)
• 🔄 Unsynchronized data: Click on the icon ⚙️ in Mi Fitness and select Sync.
• 📱 Conflict with other apps: Remove duplicate trackers (e.g. S Health or Huawei Health).

On fitness bracelets Mi Band the problem is often related to:

• 🔄 Weak Bluetooth: Reconnect the bracelet to Mi Fitness.
• 🔋 Battery discharge: At a charge level below 10%, some functions are turned off.
• 📱 Outdated firmware: Update the bracelet through your device profile → Update of the PO.

Reset Mi Fitness settings (Delete data in Settings → Applications)

Reboot your smartphone and bracelet

Update Mi Fitness and Google Fit to the latest version

Check permits for geolocation and physical activity-->

5. How to reset pedometer data and start over

If the pedometer readings seem inaccurate (for example, an inflated number of steps), you can reset the statistics:

For smartphones:

1. Open Mi Fitness or Health.
2. Go to Profile → Settings → Reset data.
3. Choose Reset Steps and confirm.

For fitness bracelets:

1. In Mi Fitness, select your bracelet.
2. Go to Device Settings → Reset data.
3. Confirm the reset (the bracelet will reset).

⚠️ Note: Resetting data on the Mi Band bracelet will also delete your sleep and pulse history. → Exports (.csv format).

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After resetting the pedometer, take 100 to 200 steps to recalibrate, which will improve the accuracy of readings by 15 to 20 percent.

6. Alternative applications for step counting

If the standard Xiaomi pedometer doesn’t suit you, consider alternatives:

When choosing an alternative, pay attention to:

• 🔋 Battery consumption: Applications with GPS (Strava discharges your phone in 4-6 hours.
• 📊 Accuracy: Test simultaneously with Mi Fitness during the day.
• 🔒 Privacy: Some applications (such as MyFitnessPal) sell data to third parties.

7. How to increase pedometer accuracy on Xiaomi

The error margin on Xiaomi smartphones and bracelets is usually 5-15%.

• 📱 Carry your phone in your pocket: The stepmer on your smartphone works more accurately when the device is closer to the center of the body.
• 👟 Calibrate the bracelet: For Mi Band, walk 100 steps with your phone in your hand, then compare the data.
• 📈 Update the firmware: In new versions MIUI And bracelet software is improving the counting algorithms.
• 🚶 Use it. GPS: Enable geolocation for more accurate distance measurement.

For advanced users:

• 🛠️ ADB-You can manually disable battery optimization for Mi Fitness: adb shell dumpsys deviceidle whitelist +com.mi.health
• 📊 Third-party firmware: On the Mi Band with custom software (for example, Amazfit), the pedometer accuracy is higher, but official support is lost.

FAQ: Frequent questions about pedometer on Xiaomi