Why Xiaomi has created its own weather app
Xiaomi smartphones have long been known not only for iron, but also for branded services - from MIUI One of them is Weather by Xiaomi, an app that many users consider βjust weatherβ without realizing its hidden features. At first glance, this is a standard widget with a forecast, but in fact the service is closely integrated with the Xiaomi ecosystem, supports smart devices and can even affect the operation of other applications.
In this article, we will look at how Weather by Xiaomi differs from Google Weather or AccuWeather, how it interacts with Mi Account and Mi smartwatches. Band/Xiaomi Watch, and we'll also reveal little-known settings, from customizing notifications to manually adding weather stations. POCO Updates slowly or shows inaccurate data, here you will find answers.
What is Weather by Xiaomi: Key Features
Weather by Xiaomi (sometimes referred to as Weather by Xiaomi) com.miui.weather2 in the system) is a proprietary application for displaying weather, preinstalled on all devices under control MIUI Unlike third-party services, it uses data from AccuWeather and MeteoGroup, but with additional processing through Xiaomi servers. This means that the forecasts may be slightly different from those you see on Google or Yandex.Weather.
The main features of the application:
- π Automatic sync with Mi Account: if you sign in on a new phone, weather settings and selected locations will automatically adjust.
- π± Deep integration with MIUI: Weather widgets on the main screen, quick notifications in the curtain, support for themes design.
- β‘ Energy efficiency: the application is optimized to work in the background without significant battery consumption (unlike some third-party weather-proof devices).
- π Smart Device Support: Weather data can be used to automatically turn on Xiaomi Smart Air Conditioner or change the operating mode of the robot vacuum cleaner.
There are limitations, however, such as in some regions (especially outside China), the app can show up to 3-6 hours of data update delay due to the specifics of working with Xiaomi servers, and it does not support alternative weather sources, only official partners of the company.
How to sync with Mi Account and smart devices
One of the key features of Weather by Xiaomi is its close connection to the companyβs ecosystem: If you use the Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch or Xiaomi Smart Speaker, the app can automatically send them weather data for display on the screen or voice alerts, for example, on the Mi Band 7 Pro watch, the weather is updated through this service, rather than through a separate application.
In order for the synchronization to work correctly, it is necessary to:
- Log in to the same Mi Account on your smartphone and smart device.
- Enable location permission for Weather by Xiaomi (Settings) β Annexes β Application management β Weather. β Permits).
- Activate the option βData Synchronizationβ in the application settings (Weather) β βοΈ β Synchronization with Mi Account).
If the weather on the clock or in the column is not updated, check:
- π The charge level of a smart device (at low charge, synchronization can be turned off).
- πΆ Internet connection stability (application uses Xiaomi cloud to transfer data).
- π The firmware version on the gadget (on older versions) MIUI Possible synchronization bugs).
π‘
If the weather on the Mi Band is less frequent than on the phone, try manually syncing data through the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit).
Customization and Customization: What Can Be Changed
Many users are unaware that Weather by Xiaomi has a few useful options for fine-tuning hidden.To open advanced options, go to Weather β βοΈ (The gear in the upper right corner:
| Option. | What's he doing? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Units of measurement | Switching between Β°C/Β°F, mm/inch of precipitation, m/s or km/h for wind | Choose a metric system for Russia and CIS |
| Source of data | Choice between AccuWeather and MeteoGroup (not available in all regions) | AccuWeather is more accurate for cities, MeteoGroup is more accurate for rural areas. |
| Weather notifications | Alerts for rain, snow, fog, high humidity | Turn off unnecessary notifications so as not to clog the curtain |
| Auto-update | Frequency of data updates (15 minutes to 6 hours) | To save the battery set 1-2 hours |
| Widgets | Selecting the display style on the main screen | Minimalist Widget Uses the Least Energy |
Special attention should be paid to the section "Additional settings" (hidden behind the item Still in some versions). MIUI). Here we can:
- π Add manual weather stations (useful for country villages where automatic data are inaccurate).
- π Enable the mode "Dawn / Sunset", which will remind of the time of sunrise and sunset.
- π Export weather history for the past 30 days in.csv format (useful for gardeners or travelers).
How to add a manual weather station?
Problems and Mistakes: Why the Weather Is Not Working Right
Despite the optimization, Weather by Xiaomi sometimes fails, and here are the most common problems and solutions:
1.The weather is not updated
- π Check your internet connection (the app doesnβt work offline).
- π± Update the app via Play Market or App Store (on global firmware).
- π Restart the Weather Service: Settings β Annexes β Weather. β Stop it. β Launch.
Inaccurate data
- π Make sure the exact location is included (not "approximateΒ»).
- π Try changing the data source in the settings (if available).
- π² Clear the app's cache: Settings β Annexes β Weather. β Warehouse β Clear the cache.
3.The weather widget has disappeared from the main screen
- π₯οΈ Keep your finger in the free screen space. β Widgets β Find the βWeatherβ and drag it to the screen.
- π If the widget reset after the update MIUI, You may need to restart your phone.
π‘
If none of the methods helped, try resetting the application settings to factory (Settings) β Annexes β Weather. β Warehouse β Reset. This will remove all the saved locations, but often solves work problems.
β οΈ Note: On some custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), Weather by Xiaomi may not work due to lack of services MIUI. In this case, you will need to use alternative applications.
Comparison with alternatives: Google Weather, AccuWeather, Yandex.Weather
To understand whether to use the proprietary application Xiaomi, compare it with popular analogues:
| Criteria | Weather by Xiaomi | Google Weather | AccuWeather | Yandex.Weather. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Precision accuracy | Medium (depending on region) | High (using data) NOAA) | Very high (own network of weather stations) | Good for Russia/CIS |
| Integration with MIUI | Full (widgets, notifications, smart devices) | Partial (widget only) | Absent. | Absent. |
| Battery consumption | Low. | Medium. | High (due to background activity) | Low. |
| Additional functions | Synchronization with Mi Account, support for smart devices | Precipitation maps, allergens | Minute forecast, comfort index | Detailed forecast by the clock, maps |
The choice depends on your priorities:
- π± If you want to integrate with the Xiaomi ecosystem (watches, speakers, smart home), the branded application will be optimal.
- π For maximum accuracy, use AccuWeather or Google Weather.
- π If the battery consumption is critical, Weather by Xiaomi or Yandex.Weather will suit better.
Disable synchronization with Mi Account|Remove weather widgets from the main screen|Check if other applications are using weather (e.g. Mi Fit)|Set an alternative in advance-->
Hidden functions: what the application can do, but does not advertise
Weather by Xiaomi has a few βfeaturesβ that few people know about:
1. Travel forecast
If you add to a select few cities, the app will automatically show recommendations for baggage packing (e.g., βTake an umbrellaβ or βExpect heat β put on light clothesβ), which only works when the exact location is enabled and active sync with the Mi Account is enabled.
Data for gardeners
In the Details section β Climate data hidden parameters useful for summer residents:
- π± UV radiation index (when it is better to water plants).
- π§ Soil moisture (estimation from regional data).
- π¬οΈ Wind speed at 10 m (important for greenhouses).
3. Voice alerts
On smartphones with Google Assistant or XiaoAI, you can set up automatic voice weather reminders, for example, every day at 7 a.m., the assistant will say, "It's expected to rain this afternoon, take an umbrella." To activate:
- Open the Settings. β Voice assistant.
- Select weather alerts.
- Set the time and type of notifications.
4. Export of data for analysis
The appβs settings include the Export History option, which allows you to save weather data from the past 30 days in.csv format.
- π Analysis of climate change in your area.
- πΏ Planning of agricultural works.
- π Creating personal statistics (for example, for travel).