Blood pressure is a key health indicator traditionally measured with mechanical or electronic blood pressure meters. But progress is not in place: Xiaomiβs modern smartwatch promises to monitor blood pressure right from the wrist, without bulky cuffs and wires. Sounds tempting, but how does it work in practice? Can a smartwatch really replace a medical blood pressure monitor, or is it just a marketing ploy?
In this article, we will take a detailed look at all Xiaomi Watch models with the stated pressure measurement function, analyze the accuracy of readings, compare them with alternatives from other brands, and give clear recommendations on who should buy such devices, and answer the main question: can this data be trusted in making health decisions?
What Xiaomi Smart Watch Can Measure Pressure?
To date, only two lines of smart watches from Xiaomi officially declare the ability to measure blood pressure:
- πΉ Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro β flagship model with advanced medical functions, including pressure monitoring and ECG.
- πΉ Xiaomi Watch S3 β Updated version with improved sensors and support for pressure measurement (in some regions, the function may be limited).
It is important to understand that not all versions of these models support the feature.For example, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro for the European market may not have a certification to measure pressure, while the Chinese version (Mi Watch 2 Pro) often comes with a full set of medical options.
It is also worth noting that more budget models β Xiaomi Watch S2, Redmi Watch 3 or Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro β can not measure pressure, despite the presence of an optical heart rate sensor, SpOβ and stress tests.
How Smartwatches Measure Pressure: Technology and Limitations
Unlike classic blood pressure monitors that compress an artery with a cuff and measure pressure from a pulse wave, Xiaomiβs smartwatch uses the optical method (PPG) and the sensor on the back of the watch shines green light on the skin and analyzes the reflected signal, calculating the pulse rate and indirect pressure readings.
The process looks like this:
- The watch is pressed tightly against the wrist (it is important that the sensor touches the skin!).
- The algorithm captures the pulse wave and analyzes its shape, amplitude and speed.
- Based on these data and calibration factors, the approximate value of systolic and diastolic pressure is calculated.
The key word here is "approximate." PPG technology can't provide the same accuracy as the oscillometric method (used in medical blood pressure monitors) because:
- π Motion: Even a slight movement of the hand distorts the signal.
- π©Ί Individual features: skin thickness, pigmentation, age and vascular disease affect accuracy.
- π Calibration: for proper operation of the clock must be periodically "trained" with the help of an external tonometer.
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To improve the accuracy of measurements on Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro before the first use, perform a calibration: measure the pressure with a medical tonometer and enter the data in the Mi Fitness application. This will help the algorithm adapt to your physiological characteristics.
Measurement Accuracy: What Tests and Research Say
Independent tests (including studies from Stanford University and the British Hypertension Society) show that smartwatches are designed to be more efficient. PPG-sensors have a margin of error Β±10 to 15 mm Hg compared to medical blood pressure monitors:
- β To track trends (such as how pressure changes throughout the day), the clock is a good fit.
- β For the diagnosis of hypertension or the selection of drugs, their data is not enough - professional equipment is required.
Here is a comparison table of accuracy of different devices:
| The device | Method of measurement | Error (mmHg) | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro | PPG (optical) | Β±12β15 | CE (Europe), no FDA |
| Omron HeartGuide | Oscillometric (cuff) | Β±3β5 | FDA, CE |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 | PPG + calibration | Β±10β12 | CE, no FDA. |
| Mechanical tonometer | Auscultative | Β±2β3 | WHO, FDA |
Important: In Russia and CIS countries, Xiaomiβs pressure-measuring smartwatches are not registered as medical devices, meaning that their readings cannot be used for official diagnosis or treatment.
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Xiaomi smart watches are suitable for monitoring the dynamics of pressure in everyday life, but do not replace the medical tonometer for serious health problems.
Step-by-step: how to measure the pressure on the Xiaomi Watch
If you have already purchased the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or Xiaomi Watch S3, here is how to use the pressure measurement function:
Go to the Mi Fitness app and update the watch firmware to the latest version |
Make sure the watch sits tightly on your wrist (button the strap so that the sensor touches the skin)|
Sit in a calm environment, put your hand on the table at heart level |
Do not talk or move during measurement.-->
The measurement process itself:
- Open the Pressure app (heart and wave icon) on the watch.
- Press Start and remain still for 30 to 60 seconds.
- After completion, the systolic and diastolic pressure values will appear on the screen, as well as the pulse rate.
- The data is automatically synced with the Mi Fitness app, where you can view the history and graphs.
If the clock fails to measure, check:
- π Charge level (should be) >20%).
- πΆ Phone connection (some models require active Mi Fitness connection).
- π§ββοΈ Hand position (it should be relaxed and still).
What if the clock shows a wrong value?
Comparison with competitors: which watches measure pressure more accurately?
Xiaomi isnβt the only brand offering a pressure-measuring smartwatch, but letβs compare it to its main competitors:
| Model | precision | Price (2026) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro | Β± 12-15 mm Hg. | ~25 000 β½ | ECG, SpOβ, 100+ sport-regime |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 | Β± 10-12 mm Hg. | ~35 000 β½ | Calibration via smartphone, support for Wear OS |
| Huawei Watch D | Β± 5-8 mm Hg | ~40 000 β½ | Built-in mini cuff, FDA certificate |
| Omron HeartGuide | Β±3-5 mm Hg | ~50 000 β½ | Full tonometer in watch format, clinical accuracy |
As you can see from the table, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro is less accurate than the Huawei Watch D and Omron HeartGuide, but they are better at price and functionality. If you care about medical accuracy, consider alternatives. If you want a multifunction watch with basic pressure monitoring, Xiaomi is a smart choice.
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If you choose between the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and the Huawei Watch D, consider that the Huawei watch requires a mandatory calibration every 4 weeks using an external tonometer.
Frequent Problems and How to Solve Them
Xiaomi Watch users with pressure measurement often encounter common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
β οΈ Note: If the clock is constantly showing values 120/80 Whatever the actual state, it's a sign of sensor failure. Try resetting to factory settings. β System system β Reset).
- π Too much movement error: Make sure you're sitting still and your hand is on a flat surface.
- π± Data is not synced with phone: Reinstall Mi Fitness app, check Bluetooth access permissions and notifications.
- π Pressure measurement feature is not available on the menu: Update the watch firmware and app. In some regions, the function may be blocked - try changing the region in the watch settings to China (at your own risk and at your own risk!).
Another common complaint is that the readings differ from the medical blood pressure monitor, which is normal: as we said earlier, the error is Β±15 mm Hg, but if the difference is consistently greater than 20-25 mm Hg, this is an excuse to contact the service center.
Who will fit Xiaomi smart watch with pressure measurement?
Not all users need this feature, but here's who will really appreciate it:
- πββοΈ Athletes: To track the load and recover from training.
- π¨βπΌ People with βofficeβ pressure: to control stress and take breaks on time.
- π΅ Elderly people (with reservations): for general monitoring, but only in pairs with a classic tonometer.
- π For statisticians: those who keep a health diary and analyze the dynamics.
Hereβs who should not rely on a smartwatch for pressure:
- β€οΈβπ©Ί Patients with hypertension of 2-3 degrees or cardiovascular disease.
- π Those taking medications to regulate pressure (need accurate data!).
- π₯ People preparing for surgery or medical examination.
β οΈ Note: If you notice that the clock regularly shows values higher 140/90 It's a good reason to see a doctor, even if you're feeling normal!