You can configure the tracker settings on the device itself and partly through the smartphone app. The application offers the possibility to adjust the monitoring of your health. You can activate and deactivate individual settings such as measuring stress, blood oxygen, heart rate and sleep. Additionally, you can use your smartphone to set which apps can send notifications to the tracker. You can also change the watch face through the phone.
The options are wider on the Band 8 itself. There, you can adjust screen brightness, always on display, vibration, tile layout, and more. You can set time periods for “do not disturb” or “sleep” mode.
The Band 8 is operated via the touch screen and side buttons. If you swipe from bottom to top, the notifications menu will open. Swiping your finger from top to bottom will open a short menu where you can access the alarm clock, flashlight, display settings, and more. Swiping from left to right opens a reduced version of Huawei Assist Today, and you can see the time and media playback.
If you swipe from right to left, you can access cards that show information about different sections. For example, it shows your heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep analysis and a summary of your activity. Clicking on a card will take you to a submenu with more information. You can configure the order and content of these cards through the tracker.
Pressing the button will take you to an overview of the application showing all programs. The Band 8 does not have an app store. It also does not support NFC. However, the device comes with two pre-installed payment services: Alipay and Weixin Pay. If you’re in a different menu or program, pressing the side button will always bring you back to the watch face.
