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 turns into a regular fitness bracelet. The main problem of users is the choice between official software from Xiaomi and third-party solutions that promise enhanced capabilities.
In this article, we will analyze all the current programs for Xiaomi smart watches (including Mi Band). 7/8 Pro, Watch 2/3, Redmi Watch 4 And others, and their features, their pros and cons, and you'll learn which app is right for your model, how to install it on Android or iOS, and what to do if the software doesn't recognize the device, and you'll also learn the secrets of hidden features that the manufacturer doesn't advertise.
Spoiler: The official Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life) isn't always the best choice -- for some tasks, it's much more convenient than alternatives like Notify & Fitness or Tools & Mi Band.
Xiaomi's official apps: Mi Fitness vs Zepp
Until 2022, all Xiaomi smartwatches were controlled through the Mi Fit app, but after the rebranding, the company divided the ecosystem into two directions:
- 📱 Mi Fitness (formerly Zepp Life) – for Mi Band fitness bracelets and Redmi Watch budget smartwatches.
- ⌚ Zepp (formerly Amazfit) – for premium Xiaomi Watch models S3, Watch 2 Pro and others.
This confusion often leads to users downloading the wrong app, for example, if you bought a Xiaomi Watch 3 Active, Mi Fitness simply won’t see it — you need to install Zepp. But Mi Band 8 is only suitable for Mi Fitness.
Check your watch model in the documentation or on the box. If the name has the word Watch (except Redmi Watch), you probably need Zepp. For everyone else, Mi Fitness.
| Annex | Supported models | Main functions | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Fitness | Mi Band 3-8, Redmi Watch 1-4, Watch S1/S1 Pro | Sleep monitoring, pedometer, 150+ Training regimes, notifications, music management | Limited dial customization, no data export to Google Fit |
| Zepp | Xiaomi Watch 2/3, Watch S3, Watch 2 Pro | Advanced Health Analytics, Voice Assistant, NFC for payment, third-party dials | Large battery consumption, requires registration of Xiaomi account |
⚠️ Attention! If you upgraded your watch firmware through Mi Fitness and then moved to Zepp, some settings may reset.Before changing the app, back up your data in the Xiaomi cloud.
Third-party software: when official software is not enough
Xiaomi’s official apps cover basic needs, but many users lack the flexibility to do so, such as Mi Fitness:
- 🔄 Set up vibrations for different types of notifications (SMS, Calls, messengers).
- 🎨 Install dials from third-party developers without restrictions.
- 📊 Export Sleep and Activity Data to Google Fit or Apple Health.
- 🔋 Turn off unnecessary background processes that drain the battery.
Here, alternative programs come to the rescue.
- 🛠️ Notify & Fitness for Mi Band is the best solution for customizing notifications and controlling vibration. 5-8 Redmi Watch.
- ⚙️ Tools & Mi Band – allows you to change fonts, icons, customize gestures and even block ads in the official app.
- 🌍 Mi Band Master – for advanced users who want to unlock hidden features (for example, the screen on the Mi Band 7 Pro is always turned on).
The main advantage of third-party programs is that they often update faster than the official ones and add support for new features even before the release of firmware from Xiaomi. For example, Notify & Fitness introduced SpO2 monitoring support for the Mi Band 6 six months before the official announcement.
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Before installing third-party software, disable automatic firmware updates in the official app. Some custom features may conflict with newer versions of Xiaomi software.
How to install and configure a program for smart watches
The installation process depends on the type of application. Consider the step-by-step instructions for official and third-party software.
Installation of the official application (Mi Fitness or Zepp)
For Android:
- Download the app from Google Play (check the name Mi Fitness or Zepp).
- Register a Xiaomi account (you can use Google or Facebook).
- Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and launch the app.
- Click Add Add the device → Choose a watch model → Follow the instructions on the screen.
For iOS:
The process is similar, but there are nuances:
- 🍎 On iPhone, some features (such as call notifications) only work if the Mi Fitness app is open in the background.
- 🔋 Data synchronization can take up to 10 minutes – it’s normal.
2. Installation of third-party software (for example, Notify & Fitness)
Third-party applications require additional permissions:
Disable the official Xiaomi app|Enable the developer mode on the clock|Allow access to notifications|Disable battery optimization for the application-->
Instructions:
- Download. APK-File from Notify & Fitness (for Android) or AltStore (for iOS).
- Install the file by allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).
- Launch the app and select a watch model.
- Connect to the watch via Bluetooth and confirm pairing on both devices.
- In the Settings section → Permits include access to notifications, contacts and physical activity.
⚠️ Attention! On iPhone, third-party apps for Xiaomi are operating with restrictions due to Apple's policies.For example, Notify & Fitness can't synchronize sleep data - only notifications and dials.
Comparison of functions: official software vs third-party applications
To understand which application is right for you, compare their capabilities in key aspects:
| Function | Mi Fitness / Zepp | Notify & Fitness | Tools & Mi Band |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customization of notifications | ❌ Only basic settings | ✅ Flexible vibration setting, filters by application | ✅ + sound control |
| Third-party dials | ✅ Limited choice in the store | ✅ Support for.bin and.wfz files | ✅ + dialer |
| Export of data | ❌ Only in the cloud Xiaomi | ✅ Google Fit, Apple Health, Strava | ✅ + CSV/Excel |
| Extended monitoring | ✅ Heart, SpO₂, sleep | ✅ + calibration | ✅ + real-time logging |
| Autonomy | ✅ Minimum effect on the battery | ⚠️ Moderate consumption (up to 10% per day) | ❌ High consumption with active use |
If you want stability and minimalism, stay on the official software. If you want maximum customization and are not afraid of experimentation, try Notify & Fitness or Tools & Mi Band.
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For models with NFC (For example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) official Zepp software is mandatory – third-party apps do not support contactless payments.
Problem Solving: The program doesn’t see the clock or sync
One of the most common problems is that the app doesn't detect Xiaomi smartwatches when you connect.
- 🔌 The clock is not charged (less than) 20%). Connect to the charger on 10-15 minutes and try again.
- 📱 Outdated version of Bluetooth on your phone. On Android, check Settings → The phone. → Bluetooth version (needed) BLE 4.2+).
- 🔄 Conflict with another app: Remove all smartwatch programs (including Mi Fit if it was installed earlier).
- 🚫 The watch is tied to another account. Reset it to factory settings: Settings → System system → Reset.
If the clock is connected but not synchronized:
- Check the permissions of the application (access to notifications, location, contacts).
- Turn off the power saving mode for the app in the phone settings.
- Reset the clock and phone.
- Update the firmware of the watch through the official app.
What if the clock is stuck when you update?
Hidden features of Xiaomi smart watches, which will not be told in the instructions
The manufacturer doesn't always advertise the full capabilities of its devices, but here are some hidden features that work through official or third-party software:
- 🎵 Music management on the phone: in Mi Band 7/8 You can switch tracks and adjust volume even if the phone screen is locked.
- 🔍 Phone search: double-click on the watch button - the phone will emit a loud signal (works even in silent mode).
- 📸 Remote shutter release: Zepp has a Camera feature that allows you to take photos from your phone by pressing the clock.
- 🏃 Autostart Training: Notify & Fitness can automatically detect the start of running or walking without manually starting.
- 🔋 Battery savings: Turn off Auto Brightness and set screen timeout for 5 seconds – this will extend the work to 20%.
For models with NFC (For example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) there is another life hack: if you link a Mir or UnionPay card through Zepp, the fee for payments in some banks will be lower than when paying from your phone.
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On the Mi Band 8, you can activate Do Not Disturb mode right from the clock if you hold the screen up for 3 seconds, which is not documented, but it works steadily.
Security: How to avoid viruses and scammers
When downloading Xiaomi smartwatch software, it is important to avoid fake apps that may:
- 🕵️ Stealing your activity and location data.
- 💳 Replace payment details when linking cards to NFC.
- 📱 Infecting your phone with malware through Bluetooth vulnerabilities.
Safety regulations:
- Download official apps only from Google Play or App Store.
- For third-party software, use verified sources: 🌐 Notify & Fitness (official website). 🛠️ Tools & Mi Band. 📦 XDA Developers (for firmware).
permitting
SMS
call
Do not enter bank card details in unverified applications for NFC.
⚠️ Attention! In 2023, there were several cases of fraudsters distributing a fake app called "Mi Band Pro Tools" through social media ads that mimicked the Mi Fitness interface but stole usernames from Xiaomi accounts. Always check the name of the package (com.xiaomi.mifitness for official software).