How the pedometer works in the Xiaomi phone: sensors, algorithms and settings

Xiaomi smartphones today have a lot of sensors, one of which is the accelerometer, which is the step counter. But how does the phone tell you you've made a step, not just shook the device in your hand? Why do these pedometers sometimes diverge from fitness bracelets, and can you increase the accuracy of measurements?

In this article, we will discuss in detail the principle of pedometer operation in Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi models, POCO And we'll explain what technologies are involved, and we'll give you practical tips for setting up, how to calibrate sensors, what applications to use to monitor activity, and why pedometers sometimes lie».

Spoiler: The accuracy depends not only on the hardware, but also on the data processing algorithms, and where exactly you carry your phone.

What sensors are responsible for calculating steps in Xiaomi

In Xiaomi smartphones, a combination of several sensors is responsible for the pedometer operation, the main one is an accelerometer, but some models also use additional sensors to improve accuracy.

Here are the key components:

• 📱 Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects the acceleration of the phone in three axes (X, Y, Z). Algorithms analyze the nature of vibrations to distinguish steps from other movements (for example, cycling).
• 🧭 A gyroscope helps you determine your phone's orientation in space, and it's used to adjust data if you're carrying it in your pocket or bag.
• 📡 Approximation Sensor – In some models (such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro) helps to determine whether the phone is in your pocket or in your hand.
• 🔋 Machine learning algorithms — MIUI Uses cloud services to analyze motion patterns and improve accuracy over time.

It's important to understand that the pedometer doesn't work all the time. To save battery power, the sensors are activated periodically, and the data is extrapolated. This is one of the reasons why the metrics may differ from fitness bracelets, which measure heart rate and movement. 24/7.

Interesting fact: in Xiaomi models with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (for example, POCO F4 Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+) Use a specialized low-consumption coprocessor (LP DSP), It's a processor that processes sensor data without the main processor being turned on.

How algorithms distinguish steps from other movements

The main task of the software is to separate regular steps from random vibrations (for example, when driving a vehicle or working with tools).

1. Frequency analysis: A person's steps have a characteristic frequency (usually 1-2 Hz) and the algorithm filters signals that go beyond that range.
2. Acceleration patterns: The graph of acceleration when walking has a repetitive saw-shaped appearance, and the system compares it to reference patterns.
3. Contextual information: if enabled GPS Or Wi-Fi, the phone can take into account the speed of travel, for example, if you're moving at 5 km/h, it's more like walking than running.

In smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI 13 and later, a neural network trained on millions of motion samples is adapted to the individual user's walking style, reducing the error by 15-20% compared to older versions of firmware.

But the algorithms are not perfect.

• 🚶‍♂️ Walk with your phone in your hand, actively waving it (the algorithm can count extra steps).
• 🛒 Pushing a cart in a supermarket (wheel vibrations are sometimes perceived as steps).
• 🚗 Driving on a bad road (unevents can simulate steps).

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If the pedometer is constantly overestimating, try to carry the phone in your pocket closer to your hip - there the vibrations from walking are clearer, and extraneous movements are minimized.

Where is the history of steps stored and how to export it

Step data in Xiaomi is collected and stored in several locations:

1. Locally on your phone: in the Mi Fitness app database (formerly Mi Health) or Google Fit if you use it.
2. In the cloud Xiaomi: syncs with your Mi Account (sync settings can be found in Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Account → Synchronization of data).
3. In Google Fit: If you connect Mi Fitness to Google services, the data is duplicated there.

To export the step history:

1. Open the Mi Fitness app.
2. Go to the Profile section → Settings → Export of data.
3. Select the period (such as “Last 30 days”) and the format (usually.csv or.json).
4. Confirm the export – the file will be saved in the Download folder.

Open Mi Fitness|Go to Profile. → Settings|Select “Data export"|Specify the period and format|Download the file-->

If you use Google Fit, export is available through the web version of the service:

1. Go to fit.google.com.
2. In the menu, select Data Management → Export of data.
3. Google will create an archive of data for the entire period of observation.

Note that when you reset your phone to factory settings, the local step history is deleted, and if you don't have cloud sync, you can't restore it.

Why the pedometer in Xiaomi lies: common reasons

Step error is a common complaint among users, and here are the main reasons for the inaccuracy and how to fix it:

Another common problem is data duplication, and if you're using Mi Fitness and Google Fit at the same time, both apps can record steps independently, leading to double counting, to avoid this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Google Fit and turn off auto-start.
3. In Mi Fitness, turn off sync with Google Fit (Profile) → Settings → Connected applications).

How to Calibrate a Pedometer to Improve Accuracy

Calibration of sensors helps reduce the error of the calculation of steps, and at Xiaomi, this can be done in two ways: through built-in tools. MIUI or through third-party applications.

Method 1: Calibration with Mi Fitness

1. Open the Mi Fitness app.
2. Go to Profile. → Settings → Stepper.
3. Select the pedometer calibration.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen: walk 20–30 steps with your phone in your hand, then repeat with your phone in your pocket.

Method 2: Manual calibration through an engineering menu (for advanced users)

#4636## → Testing → Sensors →


Select "Axelerometer" and check the readings at rest (should be close to 0 on all axes).




If the values are strongly deflected, reset the sensors (see spoiler above).

After calibration, it is recommended that:

• 📲 Take 100 steps and compare your phone readings to the real number.
• 🔄 Repeat calibration in 2-3 days – algorithms adapt to your walking style.
• 📊 Use applications like Accupedo or Pedometer to compare accuracy.

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Calibration pedometer is recommended to repeat after replacing the case, updating the firmware or resetting the phone settings.

The best apps for counting steps on Xiaomi

Built-in pedometer in MIUI It is not always good for users in terms of accuracy or functionality. Consider alternative applications that can be used on Xiaomi smartphones:

When choosing an application, pay attention to:

• 🔋 Battery consumption: Some pedometers run in the background and severely drain the phone.
• 📊 Detailing statistics: the best apps show not only steps, but also distance, calories, activity time.
• 🔄 Sync: If you use a fitness bracelet, check compatibility with it.

For maximum accuracy, you can use a combination of two applications: one for calculating steps, the other for analyzing data. + Google Fit for Long-Term Statistics.

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If you run or exercise, install the Strava app or Nike Run Club. GPS for accurate distance measurement, and steps are calculated based on the path traveled, which is often more accurate than the accelerometer data.

How a pedometer affects battery consumption and whether it can be turned off

The constant operation of sensors and background processes inevitably affects battery life. In Xiaomi smartphones, the pedometer consumes about 1-3% of the charge per day, but this value can increase if:

• 📱 You use multiple apps to count steps at the same time.
• 🔄 Real-time data synchronization with the cloud is enabled.
• 📊 Pedometer app displays widget on home screen with frequent update.

To reduce battery consumption:

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
2. Find a pedometer app (such as Mi Fitness) and set a background limit mode for it.
3. Turn off autosynchronization of data in the application settings.

If you do not need a pedometer, you can completely turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Fitness (or another stepmer app).
3. Click Disable or Delete (if the application is system-based, only deactivation will be available).
4. Turn off sensor access permissions in Settings → Confidentiality → Permits → Physical activity.

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Even after disabling the pedometer app, the phone’s sensors continue to capture movement, but the data is not stored and processed, saving charge.

Note: In some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro), the pedometer is built-in at the firmware level and cannot be completely deactivated without root rights.

FAQ: Frequent questions about pedometer in Xiaomi