How does a pedometer in Xiaomi smartphones and why you need it?
Xiaomi’s modern smartphones are not just call and messenger devices, but also full fitness trackers. The built-in pedometer automatically counts steps, distance and calories burned using motion sensors (accelerometer and gyroscope), but many users do not know where the button for enabling this feature is and how to use it.
Unlike specialized fitness bracelets (for example, Mi Band), the pedometer in a smartphone works without additional devices — just carry the phone with you. But the accuracy of the count depends on the right settings. In this article, we will analyze where to look for a pedometer in the firmware MIUI 12/13/14, how to activate it, sync it with other gadgets and eliminate typical errors.
Important: The feature is available on most models, from the budget Redmi Note 10 to the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra, but its location on the menu may vary depending on the version of MIUI.
Where is the pedometer button in Xiaomi: 3 ways to open
In Xiaomi smartphones, the pedometer is integrated into the standard Health app (formerly Mi Fit), but the path to it is not always obvious.
- 📱 Through the notification panel: swipe down the screen, find the Step tiles (if not, add manually by clicking "Edit»).
- 🏃 In the Health app: open it (green cross icon) and go to Activity tab → Steps.
- ⚙️ Through System Settings: Settings → Annexes → Health → Stepmer (on some models).
If you don't find the Health app, check the Google folder or Tools on the home screen. On older versions of MIUI (up to 12), the pedometer could be located in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Mi Fit.
Step-by-step instructions: how to turn on and configure the pedometer
To make the pedometer work properly, you need to not only find it, but also set it up correctly.
- Open the Health app** (if not, install it from Google Play at Mi Health).
Set your goal by steps (8000-10,000 per day is recommended).
Once activated, the pedometer will run in the background. To save battery power, Xiaomi optimizes the calculation: the data is updated every 10-15 minutes, not in real time.
☑️ Checking pedometer operation
Why Xiaomi’s Pedometer Doesn’t Count Steps: 5 Reasons and Solutions
If the pedometer is not working or shows incorrect data, the problem can be in settings, hardware constraints or software failures.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Steps don't count at all. | No permissions for the application | Go to Settings → Apps → Health → Permits and enable access to Physical Activity and Motion Sensors. |
| Shows overstated/understated data | The phone is in your pocket or bag. | Wear your smartphone on your belt or in your hand. In the pedometer settings, turn on Calibration. |
| Data is reset after rebooting | Not synchronized with Mi Account | Check your internet connection and authorization in your Xiaomi account. |
| The Shagomer works only with Mi Band | In the settings, counting through the phone is disabled | In the Health app**, go to Devices → Phone and activate the option. |
Critical feature: on some models (for example, POCO F3) pedometer by default turned off to save energy. To activate it, you need to manually add the widget Steps on the main screen.
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If the pedometer started to “lie” after the MIUI update, try clearing the Health app cache in the phone’s settings.This often solves the problem without resetting the data.
How to sync Xiaomi pedometer with Mi Band and other gadgets
One of the key benefits of the Xiaomi ecosystem is that it can synchronize data between devices, and if you have a Mi Band, Amazfit or other fitness trackers, you can combine them with a smartphone:
- Open the Health app** and go to the Devices section.
- Follow the instructions on the screen for pairing over Bluetooth.
Importantly, if you use both your phone and your bracelet, you can select a priority data source in your settings, such as giving preference to Mi Band metrics because they are more accurate.
⚠️ Note: when synchronized with Google Fit or Apple Health, data duplication is possible. To avoid this, in the Health app settings**, disable exports to third-party services.
Hidden Pedometer Features in Xiaomi: What Your Smartphone Can Do
Few people know that the pedometer at Xiaomi is not only a step counter, but also a full-fledged tool for analyzing activity.
- 🏆 Achievements and rewards: Daytime goals are awarded points that can be exchanged for discounts in the Mi Store (available in all regions).
On some flagship models (such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro), the pedometer is integrated with the AI Assistant function, which can remind you to stretch if you sit still for a long time.
How to export pedometer data to a doctor?
Battery savings: how to reduce energy consumption from pedometer
The constant operation of motion sensors can increase battery consumption by 5-10%. To minimize the impact of the pedometer on autonomy, follow these tips:
On models with MIUI 14, the Adaptive Battery feature has been introduced, which automatically optimizes the performance of sensors. To turn it on, go to Settings → Battery → Adaptive Battery and add the Health app to the list of exceptions.
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If autonomy is critical (for example, on a hike), it is better to completely disable the pedometer or use an external fitness tracker, which will extend the phone’s life by 20-30%.