Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Lite: instructions for setting up, connecting and using

Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Lite became one of the most popular budget wearables of 2026 thanks to a combination of stylish design, extensive functionality and affordable price. This watch will suit both beginners in the world of fitness trackers and experienced users who want to get the most functionality for minimal money. But even with such a simple device, many people wonder: how to connect to the phone, adjust notifications, calibrate the pedometer or extend battery life?

In this guide, we’ll take you through all the key aspects of working with the Redmi Watch 5 Lite, from the first setup to hidden features that aren’t mentioned in the official manual. You’ll learn how to sync your watch with Mi Fitness (now Zepp Life), configure notifications from instant messengers, use training modes, and even restore your watch after a crash.

If you’ve just unpacked a new watch box or have been using the Redmi Watch 5 Lite for months, but want to unleash its full potential, this is the stuff for you. We’ve done without watery introductions and focused on specific instructions with step-by-step screenshots (where critical) and practical tips.

1. First on and connecting to a smartphone

Before you first turn on the Redmi Watch 5 Lite, make sure the battery is at least 30% charged. USB-port (from computer or adapter to 5V) charging up to 100% takes about 2 hours.

To connect the watch to your smartphone, you'll need the official Zepp Life app (formerly Mi Fitness), which you can download for free from Google Play or the App Store.+ iOS 12.0+.

• 📱 Install Zepp Life and register (you can use your Xiaomi, Google or Apple account) ID).
• 🔍 Turn on Redmi Watch 5 Lite with a long press on the physical button (3 seconds).
• 📶 Activate on a Bluetooth smartphone and allow the application to access geolocation (required for correct operation!).
• 🔗 In the app, click "Add device» → «The clock» → Select the Redmi Watch 5 Lite from the list.

If the watch is not an app, try:

1. Reboot Redmi Watch 5 Lite (press the button for 10 seconds).
2. Turn off/enable Bluetooth on your phone.
3. Remove the watch from the list of associated devices in the Bluetooth settings of the smartphone.

⚠️ Note: On iPhone, before connecting, disable the Bluetooth Limit function in the privacy settings (Settings) → Confidentiality → Geolocation services → System services; otherwise, data synchronization will be interrupted.

2. Set up the main parameters and interface

Once successfully connected, Zepp Life will offer a firmware update (if a new version is available). Update through the app is the only official way to flash Redmi Watch 5 Lite. ADB or third-party utilities lead to loss of warranty and risk of “bricking” the device.

Now let’s move on to the basic setting:

• ⏱️ Time format: 12/24-hourly (changed in the appendix in the section "Device profile" → Display»).
• 🌙 Do Not Disturb: automatically disables notifications at a predetermined time (e.g. at night) Configured in Zepp Life → Notifications → Don't disturb.
• 🔋 The screen is always on: the function is available, but it reduces the time of operation.
• 🎨 Dials: Zepp Life Watch Store has over 100 free and paid options available.To set a new dial, press and hold the current dial on the watch. → «Change».

For convenience, you can set up quick gestures:

• Raising your hand to turn on the screen (activated in Settings) → Display. → Rising to wake up).
• Double touch to return to the previous screen.
• Wrist rotation to flip notifications (included in Settings) → Gestures).

3. Synchronization of notifications and calls

One of the key features of the Redmi Watch 5 Lite is to display notifications from your smartphone.

1. In the Zepp Life app, go to the Notifications section.
2. Activate the “Call Notifications” and “Application Notifications” switches.
3. Manually select applications, notifications from which should be duplicated on the clock (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
4. On Android, additionally allow Zepp Life to access notifications in system settings (Settings) → Annexes → Zepp Life → Notifications → Permission).

Features of the notifications:

• 📞 Incoming calls: the clock displays the contact number or name. You can reset the call or turn off the sound (answer function is available only on Android).
• 📩 Messages: Shows text (up to 120 characters) and sender name. on iPhone, text messages may not show due to iOS restrictions.
• ⚡ Quick Answers: On Android, you can customize template responses (e.g., “I’ll call you back later”) that are sent as SMS.

⚠️ Note: On iPhone, notifications can be delayed up to 5 minutes if the Zepp Life app is running in the background. To fix this, open the app before important events (e.g., before a meeting).

- Open the Zepp Life app on the phone

Bluetooth and geolocation enabled

- The watch is connected to the phone (communication icon at the top of the screen)

In the notification settings, the desired applications are selected

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4 Fitness functions: pedometer, pulse, training

Redmi Watch 5 Lite is equipped with a heart rate sensor PPG, With an accelerometer and a gyroscope, which allows you to track more than 100 activities, the accuracy of the measurement depends on the correct setting and wearing of the watch.

Calibration of the pedometer:

1. Take exactly 20 steps, counting them by hand.
2. Compare with the data on the clock (section "Activity" → Steps»).
3. If the difference is greater than 10%, calibrate the sensor in Zepp Life. → Device profile → Stepper → Sizing.

Tips for accurate measurements:

• 🏃 Wear your watch 2-3 fingers above your wrist bone (tightly but not clamping).
• 💦 Avoid water on the sensor while swimming (despite water protection 5). ATM, Saltwater can damage sensors).
• 🔄 Update the firmware – new versions improve data processing algorithms.

Available training regimens:

To start the training:

1. On the clock, select "Training» → sport.
2. Click "Start" and wait for the signal to start recording.
3. Once completed, click on “Finish” – the data is automatically synced with Zepp Life.

💡

If the watch does not recognize a workout (for example, an elliptical trainer), select the nearest analogue from the list (for example, Cardio).

5. Music management and other hidden functions

Few people know, but Redmi Watch 5 Lite can control the playback of music on a smartphone - even without connecting the headphones to the watch.

1. Run the player on your phone (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, etc.).
2. On the clock, swipe up the screen to open the quick access panel.
3. Click on the Music icon – the control panel with buttons will open «Play/Pause», «Previous track" and "Next track».

Other useful but hidden features:

• 🔦 Flashlight: swipe down the screen → Click on the flashlight icon. The LED on the back will shine white for up to 30 seconds.
• 🌡️ Weather: data is taken from the phone. To update, swipe right on the home screen.
• ⏳ Timer and stopwatch: available in the tool menu (swipe up) → «Tools»).
• 🔋 Charge savings: activated manually in Settings → Battery → Power saving mode: Disables sensors and notifications, leaving only time.

For automation enthusiasts:

• 🤖 You can set your alarm clock to your pulse, and the clock will wake you up in light sleep (within a given time window). → Son → Smart alarm clock.
• 📊 Weekly activity reports are added to the app on Mondays, and can be exported to the app. PDF.

6 Problems and their solutions: discharge, failures, inaccuracies

Even reliable watches like the Redmi Watch 5 Lite can have problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the clock is completely turned on:

1. Connect them to charge for 30 minutes (even if the indicator is not on).
2. If it doesn’t work, press the physical button for 15-20 seconds to force a reboot.
3. If there is no reaction, contact the service center (possible problem with the battery or board).

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to disassemble the Redmi Watch 5 Lite yourself - the case is glued together, and when opened, there is a high risk of damage to waterproof pads. This will deprive you of warranty and may lead to moisture entering the device.

💡

If after updating the firmware, the watch began to glit (for example, spontaneously reboot), reset to factory settings: → System system → Data reset. It will delete all user data, but it will bring back stable operation.

7. Comparison with other Xiaomi models

To see how much the Redmi Watch 5 Lite suits you, let’s compare it to other popular Xiaomi smartwatches:

Redmi Watch 5 Lite is the best choice for those who are looking for:

• ✅ Bright AMOLED-screen-on.
• ✅ Long-term autonomy (up to 10 days with moderate use).
• ✅ Accurate tracking of sleep and heart rate.
• ✅ Minimalist design with a large selection of dials.

But if you need it,

• 🚀 Built-in GPS (jogging without a phone) → Consider the Redmi Watch 4.
• 💳 Contactless payments → Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro only.
• 🎮 More sports modes (100)+ 30) → Mi Band 8 Pro.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions