VelaJS App Development

Create custom applications for Xiaomi smartwatches using VelaJS (Quick Apps). Apps run directly on the device and can optionally communicate with Android using additional modules.

Standalone watch apps
Optional phone integration
RPK packaging

Official Documentation

Full VelaJS reference:

VelaJS Quick App Documentation

This includes UI, APIs, lifecycle, storage, and advanced modules.

What is a VelaJS App?

A VelaJS app is a lightweight JavaScript-based application that runs natively on Xiaomi wearable devices.

  • Runs entirely on the watch
  • Uses JavaScript + UI components
  • Packaged as .rpk
  • No Android app required
VelaJS apps can work completely standalone without any phone communication.

App Capabilities (Standalone)

  • Custom UI screens
  • User interactions (buttons, lists, etc.)
  • Local data storage
  • Timers, animations, logic

These features do NOT require Interconnect or any Android integration.

Interconnect Module (Optional)

Interconnect is an optional module that enables communication between your VelaJS app and an Android app.

Reference:
Interconnect Documentation

When you need Interconnect

  • Send commands from watch to phone
  • Fetch data from Android apps
  • Control phone features (via companion app)
  • Integrate with external APIs via phone

When you DON'T need it

  • Simple UI apps
  • Offline tools (timers, utilities)
  • Local-only logic
Interconnect adds complexity and requires an Android companion app.

Notify for Xiaomi Integration (Advanced)

If you use Interconnect, you can integrate your app with Notify for Xiaomi instead of building everything from scratch.

⚠️ Important: This is a custom library specifically built for Notify for Xiaomi.

It is NOT the official Xiaomi SDK and cannot be replaced with the stock library.

Using the standard Xiaomi wearable library will NOT work correctly with Notify.
Required library:
xms-wearable-lib_1.4_release.aar

Why this custom library is required

  • Implements compatibility with Notify connection layer
  • Handles Interconnect protocol
  • Ensures stable Interconnect communication

Do NOT use

  • Official Xiaomi wearable SDK AAR
  • Any other third-party wearable libraries
repositories {
    flatDir {
        dirs 'libs'
    }
}

dependencies {
    implementation(name: 'xms-wearable-lib_1.4_release', ext: 'aar')
}

This library is only required when using Interconnect with Notify. Standalone VelaJS apps do not need it.

Files & Example Projects

Use these as a starting point for development.

Build & Install

1. Build app

  • Develop VelaJS app
  • Export .rpk

2. Install via Notify

  1. Open Notify for Xiaomi
  2. Go to Device
  3. Select Third party app
  4. Upload your .rpk

The app will be installed on your smartwatch.

Development Workflow

  1. Create VelaJS app
  2. (Optional) Add Interconnect
  3. (Optional) Build Android companion
  4. Export .rpk
  5. Install via Notify

Best Practices

  • Keep UI lightweight
  • Optimize performance
  • Minimize memory usage
  • Test on real devices

Wearables have limited resources compared to smartphones.

Compatibility

  • Only devices supporting .rpk apps
  • Latest Xiaomi watches and Mi Band models
Support depends on firmware capabilities.