The functionality of the Samsung Health Monitor app for measuring blood pressure and ECG attracts many users, but officially it is only available on Samsung Galaxy flagship devices with PPG and ECG sensors. Owners of Xiaomi smartphones often wonder: can you bypass this restriction and make the application work on Redmi, POCO or Mi? The answer is ambiguous: technically possible, but with serious reservations.
In this article, weβll look at all the installation options available, from simple workarounds to complex system modifications, and the risks and alternatives. Itβs important to understand that without physical pressure sensors and ECGs (as in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4/5 or Galaxy S22 Ultra), the app wonβt be able to show accurate data, but some features may work partially. If your goal is simply to track your pulse or activity, you might want to consider Xiaomi-specific apps or Mi Band wearables.
Before you start the installation, check:
- π± Model of your Xiaomi: On budget devices (e.g., Redmi 9A or POCO M3), the chances of success are minimal due to weak iron.
- π§ Android Version: Android 10+ is required (conflicts are possible on MIUI 12/13/14).
- π Root rights: Some methods require unlocking the bootloader and obtaining superuser rights.
Why Samsung Health Monitor is officially backing Xiaomi
The Samsung Health Monitor app was developed exclusively for the Samsung ecosystem, where it is integrated with the hardware sensors of smartphones and smartwatches.
Hardware limitations: Pressure and ECG measurements require:
- π©Ί High precision sensor PPG (photoplethysmograph) β Xiaomi has it, but it is not certified for medical measurements.
- β‘ Sensor ECG (electrocardiography) β missing in 99% of Xiaomi models (except some flagships for the Chinese market).
- π A dedicated processor for signal processing (the Galaxy uses Exynos with BioProcessor support).
2. Software locks. Samsung uses:
- π Verify the device model via Build.prop (the app checks ro.product.model against the list of supported devices).
- π‘οΈ Knox protection β even if you cheat the model check, without a certified ECG sensor, the application will not work.
- π¦ Closed API to access sensors that are not documented by third-party developers.
β οΈ
Note: Attempts to cheat the system (e.g. by changing Build.prop) may result in a Samsung account being blocked or other apps not working properly, in some cases violating Samsungβs user agreement.
Method 1: Install APK- file without system modifications
The simplest, but also the most limited, method is to manually install the APK- application file, which is suitable if you only need basic functions (for example, manually entering pressure data or viewing statistics).
Steps for installation:
- Download the latest version of the Samsung Health Monitor from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror). Pay attention to the version: 6.22.0.012 and later will work for Android 12+.
- In Xiaomi settings, allow installation from unknown sources: go to Settings β Applications β Special Rights β Install Unknown Applications and select a browser or file manager.
- Install APK- file. If the error "Application not installed", try to disable Play Protect in Google Settings β Security.
- Run the app. You'll probably see a message saying, "Device not supported" -- that's okay.
πΉ What will work:
- π View the history of measurements (if you manually add data).
- π± Sync with some Samsung devices (e.g., a Galaxy Watch if connected to a phone via Wear OS).
πΈ What won't work:
- β Automatic pressure measurement or ECG.
- β Synchronize with Xiaomi sensors (e.g., Mi Band 7).
- β Obtaining medical advice (certified device required).
π‘
If the app doesn't start, try installing an older version (e.g. 5.15.0.001).Sometimes newer updates reinforce compatibility checks.
Method 2: Change Build.prop (for advanced users)
This method involves swapping the device ID in system files to fool the Samsung Health Monitor into thinking itβs running on the Galaxy S22 or another supported smartphone.
Step-by-step:
- Get root access on your Xiaomi (e.g., Magisk).For model-specific instructions, look at the XDA Developers forum.
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Open /system/build.prop file in the text editor.
- Find the lines: ro.product.model=... ro.product.brand=... and replace them with ro.product.model=SM-S908B ro.product.brand=samsung (where SM-S908B is the Galaxy S22+ model; you can use other supported models, for example SM-S901B for the Galaxy S22).
- Save the file, restart the device.
- Install Samsung Health Monitor and try to run it.
β οΈ
Warning: Changing build.prop can lead to unstable system operation, errors in other applications (such as banking) or even a device "brick" (if you edit the file incorrectly).Always back up the original build.prop!
π Test results:
| Xiaomi model | MIUI version | Successful launch | Are the measurements working? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12 Pro | MIUI 14 (Android 13) | β Yes. | β No (sensor error) |
| POCO F4 GT | MIUI 13 (Android 12) | β Yes. | β No (hang on the download screen) |
| Redmi Note 11 Pro+ | MIUI 13 (Android 11) | β No (departure at launch) | β |
| Xiaomi Mix 4 | MIUI 12.5 (Android 11) | β Yes. | β οΈ Partially (indicates pulse, but not blood pressure) |
Make a backup copy of the system through TWRP|Install Magisk and check root access|Download the original build.prop for rollback|Compatibility with Samsung Health Monitor|Disable the antivirus (can block changes)-->
Method 3: Using a virtual machine or emulator
If you only need data browsing features (for example, to sync with a Galaxy Watch), you can try running the Samsung Health Monitor in an Android emulator with a device ID swap. This method will not allow you to measure pressure or ECG, but will allow you to interact with the application.
Instructions:
- π₯οΈ Install an Android emulator on a PC (e.g. BlueStacks or Genymotion).
- π± In the emulator settings, select the Samsung Galaxy S22 model (or other supported one).
- π Install Samsung Health Monitor via APK- file.
- π Connect Samsungβs smartwatch to the emulator via Wear OS (if you have one).
β οΈ Limitations:
- β It is impossible to measure pressure or ECG without physical sensors.
- β Synchronization with Xiaomi sensors doesn't work.
- β οΈ Lags and errors due to emulation are possible.
π‘ This is more experimental than practical, and if your goal is health monitoring, you might want to consider alternative applications (discussed below).
Can we fool the sensors?
Samsung Health Monitor Alternatives for Xiaomi
If your goal is health monitoring, not a Samsung app specifically, consider these alternatives that officially support Xiaomi devices:
1. Xiaomi sensor-enabled applications:
- π©Ί Mi Fitness (Zepp Life) is the official app for the Mi Band and Amazfit, which measures heart rate, blood oxygen levels.SpO2), stress and sleep. Plus: full integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem. minus: no pressure measurement.
- π Google Fit is a universal activity tracking app that syncs with the Mi Band and many other devices. Plus: cross-platform. Minus: no medical function (ECG, pressure).
- Huawei's π©Ή Wellness -- despite the brand, runs on Xiaomi. supports pulse measurement and SpO2, but requires Huawei devices for full functionality.
Pressure measurement applications (without sensors):
- π©Ί Heart Analyzer uses a camera and flash to measure your pulse roughly, and it's very low accuracy, just for fun.
3. Smart watches and bracelets with medical functions:
- β Amazfit GTR 4 β measures pressure (requires cuff calibration), SpO2, pulse and ECG (in some regions) Compatible with Zepp Life.
- β Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro β supports pressure measurement (calibrated) and ECG. Works with Huawei Health.
- β Xiaomi Watch S3 is Xiaomiβs flagship watch with an ECG sensor (so far only for the Chinese market).
πΉ Conclusion: If you need accurate medical measurements, itβs best to purchase a certified device (such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 or the Huawei Watch D with a blood pressure monitor). For basic monitoring of activity will be enough Mi Band 8 + Zepp Life.
π‘
No application on Xiaomi can replace professional medical equipment. Always consult your doctor to diagnose cardiovascular disease.
Risks and problems when installing Samsung Health Monitor on Xiaomi
Before you try to install Samsung Health Monitor on an unsupported device, consider the possible consequences:
Technical risks:
- π System Unstable: Changing build.prop or installing modified APK can result in permanent reboots or drop-offs of applications.
- π« Samsung account lock: If a device swap is detected, Samsung may block access to services (e.g., Samsung Cloud or Samsung Pay).
- π Increased battery consumption: Incorrect sensor or background processes can drain the battery 2-3 times faster.
Health risks:
- β οΈ Inaccurate data: If the app manages to run, it can show false pressure or ECG values, which is dangerous for people with cardiovascular disease.
- π₯ False sense of security: relying on uncertified measurements can miss out on real health problems.
Problems with the guarantee:
- π Xiaomi Warranty Loss: If the installation required unlocking the bootloader or root, the service center may refuse warranty repairs.
- π§ Difficulty with updates: After system modifications, updates may cease to be installed MIUI.
β οΈ
Note: If you do decide to experiment, do not use the data from the Samsung Health Monitor for medical purposes.The app is not certified to work on Xiaomi, and its readings have no diagnostic value.