What Xiaomi fitness trackers measure blood pressure: truth and myths about accuracy

Introduction: Can pressure measurements on smartwatches be trusted?

Xiaomi fitness trackers are no longer just pedometers — modern models analyze sleep, measure blood oxygen levels, and some even promise blood pressure (BP) monitoring. But how accurate is that? And what exactly are the brand’s devices that support this function?

In 2026, only two Xiaomi devices are officially certified for pressure measurement: the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and the Mi Band 7 Pro (in limited regions). The remaining models either use indirect methods of assessment or require manual data entry. In this article, we will understand how the technology works, how much it can be trusted and what alternatives exist for hypertensive people and athletes.

Spoiler: If you want a medically accurate device, a smart bracelet won't replace a blood pressure monitor. But for trends and previews, some Xiaomi models might be useful. Next, a detailed analysis.

Xiaomi Official Models with Pressure Measurement (2026)

To date, only two Xiaomi models have a certified BP measurement function:

• 📌 Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – flagship smart watch with sensor PPG It is powered by algorithms from Huami, a subsidiary of Xiaomi, which supports automatic pressure measurement every 30 minutes.
• 📌 Mi Band 7 Pro is a bracelet with advanced functions, but blood pressure measurement is available only in China and some Asian countries (in Russia and Europe, the function is disabled software).

Important: even in supported regions, the accuracy of measurements does not meet medical standards, the manufacturer positions the function as “evaluative” and recommends checking with a traditional tonometer.

Why are other models (such as the Mi Band 8 or Redmi Watch 3) not on the list? They use indirect methods, such as heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, to estimate stress, but not pressure.

How does pressure measurement work in smartwatches?

Traditional blood pressure monitors use the Korotkov method (cuff + stethoscope) or oscillometry (automatic analysis of air pulsations in the cuff). Xiaomi smart watches work differently:

1. The PPG optical sensor measures changes in blood volume in the wrist vessels using green LEDs, and based on that data, the algorithm measures the pulse and indirectly the pressure.
2. Calibration by tonometer – most devices (including the Watch 2 Pro) require initial tuning using a traditional tonometer. without this, the error can reach ± 15 mm Hg.
3. Machine learning algorithms — Xiaomi uses a database of thousands of dimensions to train devices, but individual cardiovascular features can skew the results.

⚠️ Note: Optical method is sensitive to:

• 🩹 Hand position - the sensor should fit snugly to the skin, the hand - is at heart level.
• 💦 Sweat - moisture distorts the signal PPG. After training, wipe your wrist.
• 🌡️ Ambient temperature - at a temperature below +10°C or higher +40°C accuracy drops.

Comparison of accuracy: Xiaomi vs. medical tonometers

Independent tests (e.g., a 2022 Stanford University study) show that even the best smartwatches have a margin of error. ±10 to 15 mm Hg in blood pressure measurements, by comparison, medical blood pressure monitors make no more than a mistake. ±3 mm Hg.

Bottom Line: Xiaomi fitness trackers are suitable for tracking trends (such as how blood pressure changes after sleep or exercise), but not for diagnosing hypertension or medication. If you want accurate monitoring, use a certified blood pressure monitor.

💡

The pressure measurements on Xiaomi smartwatches cannot be used for medical purposes; they are for general monitoring only and require regular calibration using a traditional tonometer.

How to enable pressure measurement Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro

If you are a Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro owner, follow the instructions for activating the feature:

1. Update the watch firmware to the latest version through the Mi Fitness app (Section Profile → My Devices → Software Update).
2. Calibrate the device: Measure the pressure with a traditional blood pressure monitor. Open the Pressure app on the watch. 🩺). Enter the systolic and diastolic pressure values manually.

Settings → Health → Pressure measurement → Frequency: Every 30 minutes

Sit down and relax for 5 minutes | Put your watch tight but not tight | Make sure your hand is at heart level | Measure your blood pressure with your blood pressure gauge for calibration | Don't talk or move during the procedure-->

⚠️ Note: Once calibrated, the clock will use your data to adjust the algorithms, but you need to recalibrate every 2-4 weeks, otherwise the error will increase.

If the Pressure function is not on the menu, check:

• 🌐 Firmware region – on European versions, the function can be disabled.
• 📱 Mi Fitness version – Update to the latest.
• 🔧 Privacy settings – in some countries, the feature is hidden due to legal restrictions.

Alternative Ways to Monitor Pressure with Xiaomi Devices

If your Xiaomi model does not support pressure measurement, you can use indirect methods:

1. Manual data entry: Measure pressure with a blood pressure monitor and enter values in the Mi Fitness app (Health → Pressure → Add manually). The watch will display trends, but not the measurements themselves.
2. Integration with blood pressure monitors: Some smart blood monitors (such as the Xiaomi Mi Smart Blood Pressure Monitor) synchronize with Mi Fitness and transmit data automatically.
3. HRV and stress analysis: Models like the Mi Band 8 or Redmi Watch 3 measure heart rate variability (HRV), which can indirectly indicate increased blood pressure (such as stress), but this will not replace direct measurements.

💡

If you are hypertensive, set up pressure critical notifications in Mi Fitness (if your model supports the function). To do this, go to Profile → Settings → Health Notifications and set thresholds.

⚠️ Attention: Indirect methods (HRV, pulses do not show absolute pressure values, but only indicate possible deviations, such as high pulse and low heart rate. HRV They may indicate stress, but not hypertension.

Frequent errors in measuring pressure on smart watches

Even if your Xiaomi model supports the feature, the results may be inaccurate due to errors:

• 🚫 Wrong hand position – if the wrist is above or below the level of the heart, the error reaches the level of the heart ±20 mm Hg.
• 🚫 Motion during measurement – even a slight movement distorts the signal PPG. Sit still 2-3 minutes before the procedure.
• 🚫 Tight clothing or bracelets – the sensor should touch the bare skin. Put the watch 1-2 cm above the wrist bone.
• 🚫 Post-exercise use -- sweat and heart rate decrease accuracy. Wait 20 to 30 minutes.
• 🚫 Irregular calibration – without updating the reference values, the error accumulates.

To minimize errors, follow a simple rule: compare the clock readings with a blood pressure monitor 1-2 times a week. If the difference is greater than 10 mm Hg, repeat the calibration.

Xiaomi’s Best Alternatives for Pressure Measurement

If accurate blood pressure monitoring is important to you, consider medically certified devices:

* - requires calibration with a traditional tonometer.

✅ When to choose Xiaomi:

• You need trends, not absolute values.
• You are ready to check with the tonometer regularly.
• Budget is limited (Watch 2 Pro price — ~15 000 ₽ vs. ~25 000 ₽ Omron HeartGuide).

❌ When Xiaomi is not suitable:

• You need a diagnosis or control of hypertension treatment.
• You are not willing to waste time calibrating.
• Your blood pressure is often beyond normal (the risk of false notifications).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions