How to update the smart watch Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi smart watches regularly receive firmware updates that improve stability, add new features and fix bugs. However, many users face problems when trying to update the device: the process freezes, the clock stops syncing or refuses to install the new version of the software. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update for models Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch, Watch S and others, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors.

It is important to understand that the upgrade process may vary depending on the watch model and the version of the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app. For example, the Mi Band 7 and later uses the Zepp Life app, and for older models (Mi Band 5 and earlier) Mi Fitness. Also, some firmware requires a mandatory Internet connection via a smartphone, while others can be installed manually through a file. We will look at each option in detail.

1.Preparation for the update: what to do before the start

Before you start updating, make sure your watch and smartphone meet the minimum requirements, which will help to avoid crashes and data loss.

The main conditions for a successful update:

• 📱 The battery charge is at least 50 percent, and at low charge, the process can be interrupted, causing the system to fail.
• 📶 Stable Internet connection on your smartphone. It is better to use Wi-Fi, as mobile Internet can break down.
• 🔄 Up-to-date version of the app (Mi Fitness or Zepp Life) - Older versions may not support new firmware.
• 🔒 Synchronize your watch with the app before updating so you don’t lose statistics.

If you are updating the Xiaomi Watch S3 or Watch 2 Pro, check that the smartphone is running the latest version of Android 10+ or iOS 14+. For Mi Band models, the requirements are less stringent, but it is still recommended to use the current OS.

⚠️ Note: If your watch was purchased in China (version) CN), They may not be getting global updates, so you have to manually reflash the device or use a Chinese app.

Charge the clock to 50% or higher |

Update to Mi Fitness/Zepp Life|

Connect to stable Wi-Fi|

Synchronize data with the cloud |

Close background applications on a smartphone-->

Method 1: Automatic update via application

The easiest and safest way is to upgrade through the official app, which is suitable for most models, including the Mi Band 6/7/8, Xiaomi Watch S2/S3 and others.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app (depending on the watch model).
2. Go to the Profile tab (user icon at the bottom of the screen).
3. Select your watch from the list of devices.
4. Tap on the item Firmware Update (may be called Software Update or Firmware Update).
5. If a new version is available, click Download and wait for the download to complete.
6. After downloading, click Install and do not disconnect the watch from the smartphone until the process is over.

It can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes depending on the size of the firmware and the speed of the Internet. The clock will reboot several times, which is normal. Don't interrupt the Bluetooth connection, otherwise it may fail.

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If the update doesn’t start for a long time, try reconnecting the watch to your smartphone: turn it off in Bluetooth settings, then sync it again through the app.

3. Method 2: Manual update via firmware file

If automatic updates fail (e.g. due to regional limitations or server errors), you can install firmware manually, a method that is suitable for power users and requires caution.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A firmware file (.fw or.bin) for your model, which can be downloaded on official Xiaomi forums or trusted resources like XDA Developers.
• 📲 Application Mi Fitness/Zepp Life of the latest version.
• 🔌 Cable for charging hours (if reset is required).

Instructions:

1. Download a firmware file for your model, like for the Mi Band. 7 Look for tagged files MB7 or mili_watch7.
2. Place the file in the root folder of the smartphone’s internal memory (not in the Download or Documents folder).
3. Open the app, go to the clock settings and select the firmware update.
4. Click on the icon... (three dots) in the upper right corner and select Local Update.
5. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect firmware can turn a watch into a brick. Make sure the file matches the exact model and version (e.g. Mi Band 7 Pro and Mi Band 7 are different devices!).

Method 3: Update via ADB (for advanced users)

This method is suitable for smart watches on Wear OS (For example, Xiaomi Watch S3) Or if the standard methods don't work, requires a computer and basic knowledge of how to work with the computer. ADB.

Required SO:

• 💻 Android SDK Platform Tools (download from [the official Google website](https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools)).
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (to connect the clock to a PC).
• 📄 Firmware file in.zip or.img format.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the clock mode debugging over USB: Settings → About phone → Assembly number (tap 7 times) Settings → System → For developers → Debugging over USB
2. Connect the watch to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
4. Switch to sideload: adb reboot sideload
5. Install firmware: adb sideload firmware.zip

The process can take up to 30 minutes. Once completed, the clock will reboot automatically. If there is an adb: failed to read command error, check the integrity of the firmware file or reconnect.

Mi Band 7/8|

Xiaomi Watch S2/S3|

Redmi Watch 3/4|

Another model|-->

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and let's look at some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

If the watch starts to run out or glitch quickly after the update, try rolling back to the previous firmware version. To do this, download the old firmware and install it through a local update (see Method 2).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware rollback on the Xiaomi Watch model S3 and may block the function. NFC, If the software version is below the current global version, check compatibility on the forums before rolling back.

6. How to check firmware version and update history

To find out which firmware is installed on your watch and to track the update history, follow the following steps:

For the Mi Band:

1. Open the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app.
2. Go to the profile of the device.
3. Slap the icon. ⚙️ Settings → About the programme.
4. The firmware version section will show the current number (e.g. 1.16.8.14).

For the Xiaomi Watch:

1. On the watch itself, swipe down from the top edge of the screen.
2. Slip the Settings (cog) icon.
3. Select the System → The phone.
4. Scroll down to the version of the software section.

If you need to know what changes have been made in the latest updates, check out the official chatangelog on Xiaomi’s website or in thematic communities. For example, for the Mi Band 8, update 1.20.5.19 added support for new dials and improved heart rate accuracy.

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Check the firmware version regularly – some updates come out “quietly” (without notifications) and fix critical vulnerabilities.

7. Security and optimization tips after the update

After a successful update, it is recommended to perform several actions to keep the clock running steadily:

• 🔄 Restart the clock (even if you didn’t need to). To do this, press the power button (if you have one) or go to Settings. → Reboot.
• 📊 Reset the cache of the application on your smartphone. This will help to avoid conflicts with the new firmware.
• 🔋 Fully discharge and charge the battery (calibration) to improve the accuracy of the charge display.
• 🛡️ Check the permissions for the Mi app Fitness/Zepp Life (access to notifications, location, etc.).

If you notice that the watch has become slower to respond to touch, try turning off animations:

1. On the clock, go to Settings → Display.
2. Turn off the interface animation option (if any).
3. Reduce the screen lighting time to 5-10 seconds.

For models with Wear OS (such as Xiaomi Watch S3), it is useful to clear the cache of system applications after the update:

1. On the clock, open Settings → Applications.
2. Select Google Play Services and click Clear Cache.
3. Repeat for Wear OS and Zepp Life.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions