How to turn on Xiaomi smartwatches: from Mi Band to Watch S3

Xiaomi smartwatches are some of the most popular wearables on the market, but even they sometimes refuse to turn on. The reasons can be different from trivial discharge to software failures. If your Xiaomi watch does not respond to pressing, do not panic. 90% of the time, the problem can be solved by yourself in 5-10 minutes.

In this article, we'll look at all the ways you can turn on your watch, from standard procedures to emergency recovery methods, including the Mi Band (all generations), Xiaomi Watch, Redmi Watch, and others, and if it doesn't show signs of life, you'll know when to go to the service center and how much it will cost.

⚠️ Important: If the Xiaomi watch does not turn on after falling or getting moisture, do not try to charge it - this can lead to a short circuit. First dry the device (at least 24 hours in rice or silica gel) and only then try to turn on.

1. Standard Enablement: How to Start the Watch Properly

If you've just bought a watch or you've been idle for a long time, check your battery power first. Even new devices can run out of power during storage. Most Xiaomi models have the same switching procedure:

1. Connect the watch to the charger (use the original cable!) Make sure the contacts are clean and tight.
2. Wait 5-10 minutes – the battery should appear on the screen with the charging indicator.
3. If the indicator appears, wait for at least 20-30% of the charge, then press and hold the power button (usually the only physical button on the case) for 5-7 seconds.
4. The Mi or Xiaomi logo will appear on the screen, which means the watch is turned on.

For models without a physical button (such as the Mi Band 6/7), the activation happens automatically after you connect to the charger. If the screen does not respond, try:

• 🔌 Disconnect and reconnect the charging cable (sometimes contacts are oxidized).
• 🔄 Turn the clock in the charger (the contacts may be asymmetrically positioned).
• ⚡ Use another charger or USB-Port (possibly a problem with the power supply).

⚠️ Note: If the Xiaomi Watch S3 Redmi Watch 3 does not turn on after full discharge, may require a forced reboot (more on this in the next section.

2. Forced reset: if the clock is getting stuck

If Xiaomi’s watch is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch, or has stopped turning on after the update, hard reset will help.This method resets temporary data in memory, but does not delete your settings or health data.

Instructions for different models:

If the clock is not turned on after the reboot, check:

• 🔋 Charge level (connect to charge at 30)+ minute).
• 🔌 Cable and power supply (try charging from a computer or other adapter).
• 📱 Phone Compatibility (some models require Mi Fitness version 4.6)+).

Try another socket./USB-port|

Make sure the contacts are clean (wipe with alcohol)|

Wait 1 hour on charging |

Try rebooting 2-3 times in a row-->

3. Recovery after deep discharge

Xiaomi watches with a fully discharged battery (below 2.7V) may not turn on even after connecting to a charge, due to the protection of the power controller, in which case you need to "wake up" the battery.

Recovery methods:

1. Push method: Connect the watch to charging. Hold the power button for 30 to 40 seconds (even if there is no reaction).

Repeat the cycle 3-5 times. This can wake the controller.

Charging from a powerful source

Use a 2A charger (such as a smartphone) sometimes standard. USB-Computer ports (0.5A) cannot "push" current into a fully discharged battery.

Heat (only for experienced users!)

If the clock was cold for a long time, the battery could go into hibernation. Put the device in a warm place (for example, next to the battery) for 10-15 minutes, then try charging.

⚠️ Warning: Do not heat your watch above 40°C and don't use a hair dryer or microwave! this can damage the lithium polymer battery.

If none of these methods worked, you may need to replace the battery.

• 💰 Mi Band: 800-1500 rubles.
• 💰 Xiaomi Watch: 1500-2500 rubles.
• 💰 Redmi Watch: 1000-1800 rubles.

4. factory reset (if the clock is turned on but glitchy)

If the Xiaomi watch is on but is not running smoothly (switching off, not syncing with the phone, hanging), a complete reset will help.

Instructions for different models:

• Mi Band 3/4/5/6/7/8: Go to Settings → About device → Reset. Confirm the action by tapping on the screen. Wait for the reboot (may take up to 2 minutes).

Xiaomi Watch S1/S2/S3

Settings → System → Resetting settings → Confirm

On some firmware, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.

Redmi Watch 2/3

:

Press both buttons for 10 seconds, then select Wipe Data from the recovery menu (use the buttons to navigate).

After discharge:

1. Connect the watch to the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app (depending on the model).
2. Update your firmware to the latest version (this will fix many bugs).
3. Restore data from the backup (if it was created earlier).

💡

Before reset, take pictures of the main settings (alarm clocks, notifications, training profiles) – this will save time when resetting.

5. Problems after firmware update

One of the most common reasons why Xiaomi watches don't turn on is because of a failed firmware update.

• 📶 Interrupted boot (for example, the phone disconnected from Bluetooth).
• 🔄 Incompatibility of the firmware version with the watch model.
• 📱 Mi app errors Fitness/Zepp Life.

How to restore the clock after the "brick":

1. Forced reset: Hold the power button for 30 to 40 seconds. On some models (Watch S3), you need to press both buttons.
2. Recovery via PC: For Mi Band 5/6/7 You can use the MiBandTools utility (required) ADB Adb devices adb shell am start start. -n com.xiaomi.hm.health/com.xiaomi.hm.health.upgrade.UpgradeActivity
3. Firmware rollback: The service center can reflash the watch for a stable version (cost: 1000-1500 rubles).

⚠️ Note: If after the update, the Xiaomi Watch S2 show a white screen or Mi logo and turn off, do not try to update again - this can aggravate the problem.

💡

Update your firmware only with a stable Bluetooth connection and battery charge above 50%.

6. Hardware malfunctions: when you need the help of a specialist

If all software methods have been tried and Xiaomi watches are still not turned on, the problem may be in the hardware.

The cost of repair depends on the model and type of malfunction.

• 🔧 Replacement of the Mi Band 6 battery: ~1200 rubles.
• 🔧 Repair of the charge controller Xiaomi Watch S2: ~2500 rubles.
• 🔧 Replacement of the Redmi Watch 3 screen: ~3,000 rubles.

Where to fix:

• 🏢 Xiaomi service centers – 6 months warranty, but more expensive by 20-30%.
• 🔧 Local workshops are cheaper, but check reviews.
• 📦 Self-repair – only if you have experience with soldering iron and microelectronics.

⚠️ Note: If the Xiaomi watch is warranty, do not open the case yourself - this will cancel the warranty obligations.

7.Prevention: How to avoid inclusion problems

To Xiaomi watches served a long time and did not refuse to turn on, follow the simple rules:

• 🔋 Charging: Do not allow discharge below 10%. Use only original cables. Charge at a temperature of 10-35°C.
• 💦 Waterproof: Don't swim in the Mi Band 5/6 — protect 5 ATM It's not designed to stay in the water for long periods of time. 1–2 hour.
• 📲 Updates: Update your firmware only through the official app. Don't interrupt the update process.
• 🛡️ Mechanical damage: Avoid hits and falls from heights. Do not wear watches during contact sports (boxing, hockey).

The average life of Xiaomi smart watches when properly operated:

• ⏳ Mi Band: 2-3 years (battery holds 1.5-2 years).
• ⏳ Xiaomi Watch: 3-4 years old.
• ⏳ Redmi Watch: 2–3 years old.

💡

Regularly (every 3 months) reset the clock cache through settings – this prevents hanging.

FAQ: Frequent questions about including Xiaomi watches