Apple Watch and smartphones Xiaomi work on fundamentally different ecosystems: the former are tailored under iOS, the second - under Android with shell MIUI. At first glance, their compatibility seems impossible, but there are workarounds. This article will help you figure out how to partially or fully synchronize smart watches from Apple with devices Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi 14, despite manufacturer restrictions.

It is important to understand: Full integration of the Apple Watch with Android is impossible without jailbreaking or modification of the watch firmwareso how Apple blocks access to key functions (calls, SMS, Apple Pay) at the system level. However, basic features - notifications, pedometer, music control - can be restored using third-party applications. Next, we will consider all available methods, from simple to advanced, taking into account the features MIUI.

Why the Apple Watch does not officially support Android

The reason lies in politics Apple i architecture watchOS. Unlike Wear OS (which works with both iPhoneand Android), Apple watches are tied to the ecosystem iCloud and require:

  • 📱 iPhone 8 or newer (with iOS 15+) for initial setup;
  • 🔒 Apple ID for activation and updates;
  • 🔄 Synchronization via Bluetooth LE + Wi-Fiwhose protocols are closed to third-party OS.

Even if physically connected Apple Watch k Xiaomi via Bluetooth, most of the functions will remain unavailable. For example, you will not be able to:

  • ❌ Install applications from App Store;
  • ❌ Use Apple Pay or Wallet;
  • ❌ Receive notifications from instant messengers (without workarounds).
📊 You've already tried connect Apple Watch to Android?
Yes, but nothing worked
Yes, it partially worked
No, I’m just planning to
I have another smart watch

However, enthusiasts have found ways to get around these restrictions. Below are all working methods tested on Xiaomi 13 Pro (MIUI 15) and Apple Watch Series 8.

Method 1: Partial synchronization through the app Watch Droid

The easiest way to get basic functions is to use the application Watch Droid (available in Google Play). It allows you to:

  • 📳 See notifications from your phone (calls, SMS, instant messengers);
  • 🎵 Control music playback;
  • 📊 Track steps and heart rate (data will be duplicated in Google Fit).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download Watch Droid to your Xiaomi from Google Play.
  2. Turn on Apple Watch mode Airplane Mode (to disable communication with the previous iPhone).
  3. Run a search for Bluetooth devices on your smartphone (Settings → Bluetooth).
  4. When Apple Watch appear in the list, connect them manually (the password is usually 0000 or 1234).
  5. Open Watch Droid, select your watch model (Apple Watch Series X) and allow all requests to access notifications.

Disconnect Apple Watch from old iPhone (via iCloud)

Update MIUI to the latest version

Enable notification permission for Watch Droid

Charge the watch to 50% or higher-->

⚠️ Attention: After connecting to Android, some functions watchOS will stop working (for example, Find My or ECGAlso). the watch will discharge faster due to the constant search for communication with iPhone.

💡

If notifications do not arrive, restart both the watch and the smartphone, and then re-grant permissions to the Watch Droid application in the MIUI settings (Settings → Applications → Permissions → Notifications).

Method 2: Full connection via iPhone-intermediary (for advanced)

This method requires availability spare iPhone (even an old model), but allows you to unlock almost everything functions Apple Watch, including:

  • 📞 Calls and SMS;
  • 💳 Apple Pay (if a card is linked);
  • 📥 Installing applications from App Store;
  • 🔄 Automatic updates watchOS.

How it works:

  1. Connect Apple Watch to iPhone as usual (via the app Watch).
  2. Configure all necessary functions (notifications, Apple Pay, applications).
  3. Disable on iPhone mobile data transfer and Wi-Fi, leaving only Bluetooth.
  4. Connect Xiaomi to the same accounts (iCloud, Google, instant messengers) as on iPhone.
  5. Now notifications will be duplicated on both devices, and Apple Watch will be used iPhone only for synchronization with Apple, and the rest of the data will be taken from the smartphone Xiaomi.

🔹 Advantages of the method: maximum functionality, minimal losses.

🔸 Cons: you need a second phone, increased battery consumption on both devices.

What happens if you disable the intermediary iPhone?

Without periodic synchronization with the iPhone (at least once every 2-3 days), the Apple Watch will stop receiving watchOS updates and some functions (for example, ECG) may be blocked until reconnected to the iOS device.

Method 3: Alternative firmware (for advanced users)

There are custom firmwares for Apple Watch, for example AsteroidOS or modified versions watchOSthat remove the binding to iOS. However, this method is only suitable for:

  • 🛠️ Apple Watch Series 3 and older (due to hardware limitations);
  • 💻 Users with experience with ADB, Fastboot and jailbreaking;
  • ⚠️ Prepared for loss of warranty and possible “brick” device.

Brief instructions (for Apple Watch Series 4):

  1. Download AsteroidOS and tools for firmware.
  2. Connect the watch to the computer via USB-C (you need a special cable for Apple Watch).
  3. Open a terminal and run the command: 
    fastboot flash system asteroidos.img
  4. After rebooting, the watch will work as a device on Wear OS, but with limited support for sensors.

⚠️ Attention: On Apple Watch Series 7/8/Ultra and newer this method does not work due to secure boot Apple T2/T3. Also, after flashing the firmware, you will lose access to App Store and proprietary functions (Fall Detection, Blood Oxygen).

Comparison of connection methods: what to choose

To make the choice easier, we will summarize all the methods in a table indicating the supported functions and the difficulty of setting:

Method Notifications Calls/SMS Apple Pay Fitness tracker Difficulty
Watch Droid ✅ (partially) ❌ ❌ ✅ ⭐
iPhone-intermediary ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ⭐⭐⭐
Custom firmware ✅ ⚠️ (limited) ❌ ✅ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bluetooth-manual connection ❌ ❌ ❌ ✅ (only steps) ⭐

For most users Xiaomi the optimal solution will be Watch Droid —it does not require additional devices and retains basic functionality. If you need calls and Apple Pay, you will have to use iPhone as intermediary.

💡

None of the methods provides 100% functionality of Apple Watch on Android. Choose a solution based on your priorities: either basic notifications and fitness, or maximum integration with risks.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When connecting Apple Watch k Xiaomi users encounter common errors. Here's how to fix them:

🔴 Problem: The watch is not connected via Bluetooth

Solution:

  1. Restart both devices.
  2. On Apple Watch reset the settings: Settings → General → Reset → Erase content and settings.
  3. On Xiaomi clear the Bluetooth cache: Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Bluetooth → Clear cache.

🔴 Problem: Notifications arrive with a delay

Solution:

  • Disable battery optimization for Watch Droid v Settings → Battery → Optimization batteries.
  • Enable autostart for the application in Settings → Permissions → Autostart.

🔴 Problem: The watch discharges quickly

Solution:

  • Disable background synchronization for unnecessary applications.
  • B Watch Droid reduce the notification polling frequency (in the application settings).
💡

If, after connecting to the Xiaomi Apple Watch, it starts to overheat, reset it to factory settings and repeat the procedure. It's possible that watchOS background processes are conflicting with the Android connection.

Apple Watch Alternatives for Xiaomi Owners

If dealing with the limitations seems too difficult, consider a smartwatch that officially supports Android:

  • 📱 Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro —full integration with MIUI, Google Assistant, Wear OS;
  • 📱 Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 —the best fitness tracker for Android;
  • 📱 Amazfit GTR 4 - autonomy up to 14 days, support for notifications;
  • 📱 Huawei Watch GT 4 - stylish design and harmonious work with Huawei Mobile Services (if they are installed on Xiaomi).

These devices are free of compatibility problems and offer similar (and sometimes wider) functionality compared c Apple Watch.

Is it possible to connect an Apple Watch to Xiaomi without an iPhone?

Technically yes, but with serious limitations. Without preliminary setup through iPhone you will not be able to activate the watch (required Apple ID), and you will also lose access to App Store and updates. The maximum that will happen is to connect them as a regular Bluetooth gadget for notifications (via Watch Droid).

Will Apple Pay work on Apple Watch connected to Xiaomi?

No, if you do not use iPhone-intermediary. The function Apple Pay requires active binding to iPhone and periodic synchronization with it (at least once every few days). When connecting directly to Android payment through the watch will become unavailable.

Is it possible to update watchOS on an Apple Watch connected to Xiaomi?

Updates watchOS installed only via iPhone. If the watch is connected to Xiaomi, you will not be able to update the firmware until you return it to the ecosystem. Apple. The exception is custom firmware (for example, AsteroidOS), but they do not support official updates.

Why does the Apple Watch quickly discharge when connected to Android?

The watch is constantly looking for a connection with iPhone (even if there is none), and also wastes energy maintaining the connection s Android through non-optimized protocols. To save battery, turn off unnecessary notifications and reduce the synchronization frequency in the settings Watch Droid.

Is it possible to return the Apple Watch to its original state after connecting to Xiaomi?

Yes. To do this:

  1. Connect the watch to iPhone.
  2. Run the application Watch and select Erase Apple Watch.
  3. Set up the watch again as a new device.

All the data will be deleted, but the watch will return to full functionality in the ecosystem Apple.

If you still decide to experiment with Apple Watch i Xiaomi, remember: there is no full-fledged replacement for the iPhone. However, for basic tasks (notifications, fitness, time), even partial integration can be useful. For everything else, it’s better to consider a watch on Wear OS or MIUI Watch.