Xiaomi’s smartwatch is not just an accessory, but a full-fledged assistant for monitoring health, sports and daily activities. But many users face the problem that the screen displays a lot of numbers, graphs and indicators, and what they really mean remains a mystery. This article will help you understand how to read data correctly from the Mi Band, Amazfit and Xiaomi Watch to get the most out of the device.
We will take a detailed look at all the major screens, from a standard dial to specialized metrics like blood oxygen levels or heart rate variability. We'll focus on hidden features that the manufacturer doesn't advertise, but that can significantly improve your experience, such as how to distinguish real arrhythmia from false sensor activation, or why calorie readings on the watch and in the app may differ from one another. 20-30%.
This article will be useful for beginners who have just unpacked the box with the Mi Smart Band 8, as well as experienced owners of the Amazfit GTR 4, who want to delve into the analysis of sleep or training. All examples are based on current models from 2023-2026, but most principles apply to earlier versions (starting with the Mi Band 4).
1. Main screen: time, date and basic activity
The first thing you see when you raise your hand or press a button is the main dial, which shows not only the time, but also the key metrics for the day. Depending on the model (Mi Band 7, Xiaomi Watch S3 or Amazfit Bip 5), the layout may differ, but the basic elements are usually the same:
- ⏱️ Current time and date – synced with the smartphone. on some models (for example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) supports automatic time zone change.
- 🏃 Steps: number of steps taken per day, WHO norm: 6,000-8000 steps for health, 10,000+ active-life.
- 🔥 Calories (kcal) — a rough estimate of the calories burned. The algorithm takes into account steps, pulse and type of activity, but the error can be as high as 25%.
- 💓 Pulse (BPM) — Current heart rate. Resting normal: 60-80 beats / min. During exercise - up to 120-160 (depending on age and fitness).
In the models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S2) You can customize the dial, you can add weather widgets, phases of the moon, or even battery levels, to change the design:
- Open the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp for Amazfit).
- Go to the Profile section → My devices. → Dials.
- Choose your favorite style and sync with the clock.
⚠️ Warning: If the watch shows time with a delay of 1-2 minutes, check the sync settings in the application. on the Mi Band, automatic updates sometimes get knocked down due to the energy-saving mode of the smartphone.
📊 What Xiaomi Smart Watches Are You Using?
Mi Band 7/8
Xiaomi Watch S2/S3
Amazfit GTR/GTS
Another model
I haven't bought it yet.
2. Heart rate monitoring: how to read charts and avoid false alarms
The PPG sensor in Xiaomi watches measures the pulse with green LEDs, analyzing blood flow in the wrist. The accuracy depends on the correct position of the device: the strap should fit tightly (but not pressed), and the sensor should touch the skin without gaps.
- 📊 The heart rate chart for the day shows the dynamics of heart rate.Sharp jumps without exercise can indicate stress, dehydration or problems with the cardiovascular system.
- ⚠️ High/low pulse warnings – activate when you go beyond the set limits (default: above 120 or below 50 beats/min). → Profile → Health notices.
- 🩺 Arrhythmia – Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and newer watches can detect irregular rhythm (atrial fibrillation). However, this is not a medical diagnosis – if you fire frequently, consult a cardiologist.
A common mistake users make is to panic when they see "abnormalities," for example, a heart rate of 45 beats per minute in a dream is the norm for trained people, not a sign of bradycardia, to minimize false positives:
Wearing a clock 2-3 fingers above the wrist bone
Avoid wearing on your arm with tattoos or scars
Do not take your pulse immediately after a hot shower or alcohol
Update the firmware of the device every 2-3 months-->
On ECG models, such as the Xiaomi Watch Color 2, you can record a single-channel cardiogram in 30 seconds.
- Open the ECG app on the watch.
- Place the finger of the other hand on the metal case (as indicated in the instructions).
- Do not move or talk during recording.
⚠️ Attention: ECG data from smartwatches are not a substitute for professional examination; they are only for pre-screening; the results may contain an artifact of "bad contact" - this means that the sensor was unable to read the signal correctly.
| Pulse count. | Norm for an adult | Possible causes of deviations |
|---|
| Pulse at rest. | 60-80 strokes/min | Above 100: stress, fever, anemia; below 50: good physical fitness or hypothyroidism. |
| Pulse in your sleep. | 40-60 strokes/min | Above 80: sleep apnea, nightmares. Below 40: athletes are normal, the rest have a thyroid check. |
| Maximum pulse at load | 220 minus age | Exceeding 10-15%: overtraining, under-training to 70% of the maximum: low intensity of training. |
3. Blood oxygen levels (SpO₂): sound-off
Function of measuring blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) It was introduced in the Mi Band 6 and is now in all flagship models, and the normal rate is 95-100%. If the watch regularly shows values below 92%, it may indicate that the model is not a good model:
- 😷 Lung diseases (COPD, asthma, postcoid syndrome).
- 💤 Sleep apnea – short-term respiratory arrest during sleep.
- 🏔️ Acclimatization at altitude (for example, in the mountains).
- 🚬 Smoking – nicotine constricts blood vessels, impairing oxygenation.
How to measure correctly SpO₂ Xiaomi:
- Sit still, put your hand on the table at heart level.
- Run the measurement in the watch menu (usually in the Health section).
- Do not move or talk for 1-2 minutes (the sensor should stabilize).
Important: a one-off fall SpO₂ Repeat the measurements 2-3 times at intervals of 10 minutes. If the low values persist, consult your doctor:
- 💅 Nail polish or dirt under the sensor.
- 🧊 Cold fingers (vessels narrowing).
- 🔋 Battery discharge (below 20% – sensors are unstable).
Why? SpO₂ The clock and pulse oximeter are different?
Smart watches use a simplified measurement algorithm, whereas medical pulse oximeters have more sensitive sensors and calibration, a difference of 1-2% is normal, 3-5 percent is a reason to recheck, and the watch can also "cut" peak values to smooth the chart. 4 Sleep analysis: One of the key benefits of Xiaomi’s smartwatches is automatic sleep tracking, which analyzes movement, pulse and breathing to divide sleep into phases: deep, light sleep, REM (And then you get the eye movement and you wake up: 🌙 Deep sleep (20-25% of total) - restores the body, lack leads to fatigue and weakened immunity. 💭 REM-Sleep (20-25%) is responsible for memory and emotion. REM-phases are a sign of good brain recovery. ⏰ Wake-ups (less than 10%) – it’s normal to wake up 1-2 times a night. More than 5 wakes are a reason to check for apnea or stress. Xiaomi watches also calculate the sleep quality index on a 100-point scale: ⏱️ Time of falling asleep (norm: up to 20 minutes). 🛌 Total duration (optimum: 7–9 hours). 📉 Stability phases (sharp transitions between deep and light sleep reduce scores). To improve sleep tracking accuracy: Charge the hours to 100% before bed Wear a tighter strap than usual (but don't squeeze) Enable Do Not Disturb mode in the settings Put the phone next to you (for data synchronization)--> On the Amazfit models GTR 4 and Xiaomi Watch S3 If the graph shows frequent pauses in breathing (more than 10 per hour), this may be a sign of obstructive apnea. In this case: Try sleeping on your side (apnea worsens on your back). Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills before bedtime. Contact a somnologist for professional diagnosis. ⚠️ Warning: If the watch is less than 4 hours sleep and you are sure you have slept longer, check: Strap attachment density (sensor may have lost contact) firmware version (Mi Band 7 had a sleep tracking error after update 1.16.4.3). The presence of interference (e.g. vibrations from the air conditioner next to the bed). 5 Stress and energy level: how the clock assesses your condition The stress monitoring function is based on an analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) - the intervals between heartbeats. The higher the HRV, the better your nervous system adapts to stress. Xiaomi Watch divides the state into 4 levels: Stress level What does it mean Recommendations Low (0-25) Relaxed state, good recovery. Perfect time for meditation or light training. Average (26–50) Moderate load, the body copes. Short break (5–10 (a) will help to avoid overwork (51–75) Stress, resources running out. Breathing exercises (4-7-8) Or a walk in the fresh air. Very high (76–100) Risk of burnout. Immediately interrupt the activity, drink water, pause. 20+ Mi Fitness can look at the stress graph of the day and identify the triggers, for example, if the peaks are on the day. 11:00 and 16:00 — This can be due to work meetings or after-dinner energy decline. Another useful metric is energy level (available on Xiaomi Watch). S2 And newer. It takes into account: 😴 Quality of sleep. 🏃 Physical activity. ⚡ Stress level. If the energy is lower 40%, The watch will recommend rest or reduce workloads, which is especially useful for athletes to avoid overtraining. 💡The stress sensors in smartwatches don't replace the counseling of a psychologist, but they do help to identify patterns. For example, if stress increases every Monday morning, you might want to rethink your daily routine. 6 Sports and exercise: What data is recorded watches and how to use them Xiaomi smart watches support from 30 to 150+ They're in sports modes, depending on the model: ⏱️ Duration and intensity (pulse zones). 🔥 Calories burned (including weight, height and age from profile). 📈 Rate (for running/biking) or number of repetitions (for strength exercises). 🏆 VO₂ max is the maximum oxygen consumption (endurance score). For example, in the Amazfit Running mode. GTR 4 display: 🏃♂️ Current pace (min/km). 📍 Route on the map (if enabled) GPS). 💓 Pulse zones (fat burning: 60-70% of max heart rate; cardio: 70-80%). To keep the data accurate: Update your weight and height in your profile GPS For outdoor sports Calibrate the pedometer (walk 20 steps with your phone in hand) Charge the clock to 50%+ (GPS battery-burning)--> After training, the application will appear with a report: 📊 Pulse chart – check if you have reached your target areas. 🏅 Recovery assessment (how prepared the body is for the next load). 🔄 Frequency training advice (e.g., “Rest 48 hours before the next strength session"). ⚠️ Attention: If the clock is showing VO₂ max below 30, this may indicate low cardiorespiratory endurance, and interval training (e.g. 30 seconds of sprint) may help improve the score. + 1 minute walk, repeat 10 times on models with barometer (Xiaomi Watch) S3) It also displays altitude and atmospheric pressure – useful for trekking or mountain trekking. 7. Notifications, weather and smart features: Beyond health and sports, Xiaomi’s smartwatches are an extension of the smartphone: 📱 Notifications – the clock vibrates when calling, SMS On Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, you can respond with voice or quick templates. 🎵 Music management – switch tracks on your phone right from the clock (even if the screen is locked). 🔦 Lantern – on the Mi Band 8 and later there is a bright backlight screen (hold the button 3 seconds). 🔑 Quick access -- set up gestures, like double tapping the screen to start a workout. NFC (Xiaomi Watch S2) You can link a bank card for contactless payment (Mir, MasterCard, Visa supported). → purse → Add the map. Take a picture of the map or enter the data manually. SMS It's a bank watch, too: 🌡️ Show weather for 5 days (accuWeather or Yahoo data!). ⏰ Alarm clock with a smart vibration – wakes up in the phase of light sleep 30 minutes before the set time. 📸 Control the camera of the smartphone – you can take a selfie or group photos from a distance. 💡If notifications come with a delay, check the power saving settings on your phone. add the Mi Fitness app to the list of exceptions for background activity. 8 Hidden functions and life hacks for experienced users The manufacturer does not always advertise all the features of the devices. Here are some hidden tips that will make using the watch more convenient: 🔋 Battery savings: you can turn off the constant screen lighting on the Mi Band (in the display settings), this will extend the work from 5 to 10-14 days. 🔄 Quick sync: shake the clock to instantly update the data in the app (powered by Amazfit and Xiaomi Watch). 🎯 Accurate calibration of the pedometer: pass 100 Meters with a phone in hand, then compare the readings of the clock and GPS-Smartphone, if the difference is greater 10%, Calibrate the sensor in Settings → Stepper. 🛒 Barcode scanner: on Xiaomi Watch S3 built-in QR-Scanner for payment in stores (relevant for China, but works in Russia with some terminals: 🤖 ADB-commands: you can enable hidden functions through adb. For example, activate the developer mode: adb shell am start -n com.xiaomi.wearable/.dev.DevActivity 📱 Third-party dials: download custom themes from sites like amazfitwatchfaces.com (requires manual installation via Amazfit Toolbox). If the clock is starting to glitches (for example, out of sync or showing an incorrect pulse), try: Reset the clock (hold the button). 10 Update the firmware through the application Reset to factory (Settings) → System system → Check the compatibility of the phone (on Android) 8+ It's going to work)--> ⚠️ Attention: On the Mi Band 6/7 There's a sensor bug SpO₂ — If you include automatic measurements each 10 minutes, the battery goes down in 1–2 The optimal interval of the day: 1 hourly. 💡Regularly update the firmware of the watch – new versions often fix sensor errors and add hidden features (for example, in Mi Band). 8 After the update, there is support for gestures for music management). FAQ: Frequent questions about the readings of Xiaomi smart watches ❓ Why the clock shows the pulse 220 I just sit there and I just sit there? This is a typical sensor error caused by: Bad skin contact (weake or tighten the strap), severe vibration (for example, if you are driving in a vehicle), dirt or then under the sensor (wipe with an alcohol wipe), Solution: restart the measurement or restart the watch. If the error is repeated, check the firmware. ❓ Can you trust calorie burn data? Calorie readings on the clock are a rough estimate based on steps, pulse, and weight. The margin of error can be as high as 20 to 30 percent because of: Individual metabolic characteristics. Inaccurate entry of height/weight data. Pedometer error (for example, if you were driving in a car and the clock counted the vibration as steps). GPS (For example, Amazfit T-Rex 2) or smart scales with body composition analysis. ❓ How to distinguish deep sleep from lung sleep on a graph? In the app, deep sleep is shown in dark blue (usually in the first half of the night). Light sleep is shown in blue (the periods between deep and deep sleep). REM). REM-Sleep purple (more often in the morning when you dream); wake up with red marks; if you sleep less than 15%, try: Go to bed before 23:00 (melatonin is more active); Eliminate caffeine after 14:00; Keep the bedroom temperature 18-20°C. ❓ Why? SpO₂ It drops to 85 to 88% at night, and a slight drop in oxygen saturation in your sleep is normal, especially if you sleep on your back, but if you're stable below 90%, check your sleep breathing (watches tracking sleep apnea will show pauses).