Xiaomi smartwatches are among the most popular wearables on the market due to a combination of functionality, design and affordable price. However, without the right software, even the most advanced model (be it Mi Band 8 Pro, Watch 2 Pro or Smart Band 7) turns into a regular fitness bracelet with disabilities. The main problem that users face is what program to download to unlock the full potential of the device?
Xiaomi’s official apps, Mi Fit and Zepp Life, cover basic needs: data synchronization, notifications, exercise control. But what if you want advanced features like custom dials, deep sleep analytics, or Google Fit integration without restrictions? In this article, we’ll look at all the software options, from standard to little-known, and give you step-by-step instructions for setting up and solving typical problems.
Xiaomi's official apps: Mi Fit vs Zepp Life
Until 2020, all Xiaomi smartwatches and fitness bracelets were controlled through one app, Mi Fit. However, after the rebranding of the Amazfit line (which also belongs to Huami, a subsidiary of Xiaomi), a second official software, Zepp Life (formerly the Amazfit App), has appeared.
Major differences:
- 🔹 Mi Fit: Optimized for budget models (Mi Band) 3/4/5/6/7/8, Watch S1). Simple interface, minimalist design, but limited training settings.
- 🔹 Zepp Life: Supports flagship watches (Watch 2 Pro, Watch) S3, GTR 4) and offers enhanced health analytics, more sports modes, integration with Strava.
- 🔹 Compatibility: Some models (such as Mi Band 8) work in both applications, but with different set of features.
Important: one device cannot be connected to both Mi Fit and Zepp Life at the same time, and if you try to sync in the second application, the first one will automatically "forget" the clock.
| Function | Mi Fit | Zepp Life |
|---|---|---|
| Support for Mi Band 8 | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (limitedly) |
| Phased sleep analysis | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (with detail) |
| Castomy dials | ✅ Limited choice | ✅ Large library |
| Integration with Google Fit | ✅ Partial | ✅ Complete. |
| Offline cards for running | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes, for the Watch 2 Pro) |
⚠️ Note: When you switch from Mi Fit to Zepp Life, all historical data (steps, sleep, training) are not transferred!
Where to download official applications: secure sources
The official Mi Fit and Zepp Life apps are available in the main stores:
- 📱 Google Play: Mi Fit and Zepp Life.
- 🍎 App Store: Mi Fit and Zepp Life.
- 🌐 Xiaomi official website: Support section → Software (references to the APK Android).
Warning: Don't download APK-files from third-party sites (such as APKMirror or APKPure) if not sure of their security, in 2023, there were cases of distribution through such sources of modified versions of Mi Fit with built-in malware to steal data from Xiaomi accounts.
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Before installing, check the hash amount of the downloaded APK Official files from Xiaomi are digitally signed com.xiaomi.hm.health (Mi Fit) or com.huami.watch.hmwatchmanager (Zepp Life).
For users from Russia and CIS countries, it is important to take into account regional restrictions:
- 📍 Apps may not be displayed in the App Store if your account is linked to a country where Xiaomi is not officially represented (e.g. Uzbekistan.
- 🌍 On Android, some features (such as Mi Pay) only work with Chinese or global watch firmware.
Alternative programs for Xiaomi watches: when the official lack
The official apps cover basic needs, but what if you need to:
- 🎨 Install unofficial dials (including animated or weather widgeted)?
- 📊 Export data to Google Fit or Apple Health without restriction?
- 🔧 Unlock hidden functions (for example, SpO2 Mi Band 6, which is disabled in the EU-firmware)?
In such cases, third-party utilities will help. Here are the proven options:
| Annex | Functions | Supported models | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notify & Fitness | Notifications, dials, data export | Mi Band 3-8, Watch S1 | Google Play |
| Mi Bandage | Unlocking SpO2, customism | Mi Band 6/7 (root) | GitHub |
| Gadgetbridge | Open source, work without official applications | Mi Band 1-8, Amazfit | Official website |
| Tools & Mi Band | Backup of settings, reset hours | Mi Band 4-8 | Google Play |
Notify & Fitness is the most popular alternative solution, and it allows you to:
- 🔔 Set up notification filtering (e.g., disable messages from specific chats).
- 🖼️ Install dials from third-party libraries (including animated ones).
- 📤 Export data to Google Fit without the Mi Fit restrictions (e.g. steps are synchronized every minute, not once per hour).
How to install an unofficial dial through Notify & Fitness?
Gadgetbridge is a unique solution for those who want to completely abandon official applications.
- 🔄 Data synchronization without Xiaomi cloud (all stored locally).
- 🛠️ Manual control of vibration, alarm clocks and screen settings.
- 🚫 Works without registration of Xiaomi account (relevant for countries where services are blocked).
⚠️ Gadgetbridge does not support Mi Watch 2 Pro and new Xiaomi Watch models S3 Before using, check the compatibility of your model on the official website.
Step-by-step: how to connect Xiaomi watch to the phone
The connection process seems simple, but many users encounter errors like "Device Cannot Be Found" or "Synchronization Failed." Follow this instruction to avoid problems:
Turn on Bluetooth on your phone
Charge the watch to at least 50%
Remove old applications (Mi) Fit/Zepp Life, if they were
Restart your phone and watch
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Step 1: Installation of the application
- Download Mi Fit or Zepp Life from the official store (links above).
- Launch the app and register for a Xiaomi account (or sign in through an existing one).
- Choose Russia or Global (not China, otherwise you may have language problems).
Step 2. Connect the clock
- Turn on the watch (press a button or tap the screen if it's a touchscreen model).
- In the app, tap Add the device → Choose your model from the list.
- Follow the instructions on the screen. If the clock is not: 1. Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn off/on). 2. Make sure the clock is paired (the screen should have a Bluetooth icon on it). 3. Try connecting through another application (for example, if Mi Fit doesn't work, try Zepp Life).
Step 3: Configure after connection
- 🔄 Update the firmware of the watch (if an update is available).
- 🔔 Set up notifications: Profile → Notifications → Select the apps you want to receive alerts from.
- 🏃♂️ Activate the sports modes: Training → My sports.
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If the watch doesn’t connect, try resetting it to factory settings: press and hold the button (or touch area) for 10-15 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears.
Solving Typical Software Problems
Even after a successful connection, users are plagued by bugs, and here are the most common problems and solutions.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The clock is out of sync. | Bluetooth or app cache failure | 1. Clear the Mi cache. Fit/Zepp Life in the phone settings. 2. Restart your phone and watch. 3. Turn off battery savings for the app. |
| No notifications. | Restrictions of Android or iOS | On Android: Settings → Annexes → Mi Fit → Notifications → Allow. On iOS: Settings → Notifications → Mi Fit → Turn on. |
| No firmware updates. | Xiaomi servers are overloaded or blocked | 1. Connect to another network (e.g. mobile internet instead of Wi-Fi). 2. VPN (e.g. ProtonVPN) with the Hong Kong or Singapore region. |
| The clock is running out fast. | Background sensor activity | Disable unnecessary functions: Settings → Screen. → Lifting for activation, Frequent pulse. |
If after updating the firmware clock hung on the logo or not turned on, reset:
- Connect the watch to charge.
- Press and hold the button (or touch area) for 20 to 30 seconds.
- After restarting, connect again through the application.
What if Mi Fit asks you to update the firmware, but the update does not download?
Xiaomi’s Hidden Watch Functions: How to Activate Them
Many of the features of Xiaomi watches are hidden by default, but they can be enabled through undocumented settings or third-party utilities.
- 🔦 Night screen mode: in Mi Fit go to Profile → Settings of the device → Display. → Night mode (not available on all models).
- 🩺 Measurement SpO2 Mi Band 6/7: If the feature is disabled in your region, use Mi Bandage (root required on your phone).
- 🎵 Music control: Click on the clock screen while playing the track to rewind or pause (works with Spotify, YouTube Music).
- 🔋 Battery savings: Turn off Auto Brightness and Lift for activation in screen settings.
For models Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and Watch S3 extra chips available:
- 🗺️ Offline maps: Download region in advance via Zepp Life → Offline maps).
- 📱 Call Answers: Connect Bluetooth Headset to Watch to Talk Without Phone.
- 💳 Mi Pay: only works with Chinese firmware and bank cards issued in China.
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To turn on Do Not Disturb on a phone-free watch, swipe down the screen and tap the bell icon, which will turn off all notifications and vibrations for a given time.
Compatibility with iPhone: features and limitations
Xiaomi Watch officially supports iPhone, but with a number of limitations:
- 🍏 Mi Fit and Zepp Life run on iOS, but some features are not available: No sync with Apple Health (manual export only).No support SpO2 Mi Band 6/7 for users EU. Notifications are delayed (due to iOS restrictions).
- 🔄 Firmware updates may take longer to load due to App Store checks.
Solutions for iPhone users:
- 📲 Use Notify & Fitness for Mi Band – it integrates better with iOS.
- 🔌 For Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, connect the watch to your Android device for initial setup, then go back to your iPhone.
- 🌍 If the feature is blocked by region, temporarily change the country in the App Store settings to Hong Kong or Singapore.
⚠️ Note: You can’t use Gadgetbridge or Mi Bandage on iPhones – these apps require low-level Bluetooth access, which iOS blocks.