Xiaomi wristband watch: how to use, configure and solve problems

Xiaomi smartwatches and fitness bracelets have long been an integral part of the daily lives of millions of users, combining stylish design, wide functionality and affordable price – from tracking physical activity to controlling a smartphone from the wrist. However, even experienced owners sometimes have questions about how to properly sync the bracelet with the phone, adjust notifications or extend battery life.

In this article, we will go into detail all aspects of using Xiaomi watches, from the first setup to hidden features that many do not know about. We will focus on the current models of 2023-2026 (Mi Band 8, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Redmi Watch 3), but most of the tips will be suitable for earlier versions. If you just unpacked a new device or want to unleash the full potential of an existing one, this guide is for you.

Before you go to the instructions, make sure your bracelet is compatible with your smartphone.Most Xiaomi models run Android 6.0+ or iOS 10.0+, But full sync may require Mi Fitness (for global versions) or Zepp Life (for Amazfit-branded devices), and official firmware and updates are only available through these applications — third-party programs can cause crashes.

It is also important to consider that the functionality may vary depending on the regional firmware, for example, in Chinese versions of bracelets, Russian is often absent, and in global versions, access to certain functions is limited (for example, in the case of the Chinese version of the bracelets, NFC-If you purchased the device abroad, you may need to reflash it - but this is a topic for a separate article.

1. First setup: how to connect Xiaomi watches to your phone

Starting with a new bracelet starts with a smartphone-based bracelet, which takes no more than 5-10 minutes, but the stability of the future depends on the correctness of the actions.

1. Install Mi Fitness (for Mi Band) or Zepp Life (for Xiaomi) Watch/Redmi Watch) from Google Play or App Store. Make sure you have the latest version - old builds may not support new devices.

2. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and place the bracelet next to you (no more than 10 cm away).In the app, click Add device → If your bracelet is not on the list, try updating the app or check if the device is fake (this is true for shopping on marketplaces).

3. Follow the on-screen instructions: confirm pairing on your phone and bracelet (usually you need to press the touch button or tap the screen) and then the device will automatically update the firmware if a new version is available.

• 🔋 Charging before setting up: Make sure the bracelet is at least 50% charged.A low charge can interrupt the firmware update process.
• 📱 Application Permits: Provide Mi Fitness/Zepp Life Access to Notifications, Geolocation, and Contacts – otherwise some features (e.g., call alerts) will not work.
• 🔄 Reconnect: If the bracelet is not located, reset it (press the button for 10 seconds) and try again.

After a successful connection, the application will offer you to configure the basic parameters: units of measurement (meters / feet, kg / pounds), the target number of steps, notifications, etc. Here you can also link your Xiaomi account to synchronize data between devices.

Bracelet control: sensor, buttons and gestures

The interface of Xiaomi smartwatches is intuitive, but it has nuances that not everyone knows about.

— Touch screen: on models with a display (for example, Xiaomi Watch) S3 Redmi Watch 3 is supported by swipes up/down (to scroll menus) and left/right (to change dials or transitions between screens.

Physical button: on most bracelets, it is used to return to the main menu or turn the screen on / off. Long press (3-5 seconds) usually opens the quick settings menu or restarts the device.

- Gestures: Some models support hand swing control, for example, in the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro you can raise your hand to turn on the screen backlight, or double-task the screen to flip a notification.

If the bracelet does not respond to touch, try the following:

1. Wipe the screen with a dry wipe – fat or moisture can interfere with the sensor.
2. Restart the device (press the button for 10-15 seconds).
3. Update the firmware through the Mi Fitness app.

💡

In the models with AMOLED-With a screen (e.g. Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) you can adjust the backlight display time after raising your hand. The optimal value is 5-7 seconds to save battery power.

3. Basic functions: what can Xiaomi watch

Xiaomi’s smartwatch functionality depends on the model, but even the budget bracelets (Mi Band 8) offer an impressive array of features.

- Health monitoring:

• 🩺 Pulse measurement (24/7 or on schedule) with alerts for high/low heart rate.
• 😴 Sleep tracking: Deep, light sleep and wakefulness phases, and daytime naps.
• 🌡️ Blood oxygen levels (SpO₂) — useful for assessing the general condition of the body.
• 💦 Stress level (based on heart rate variability).

- Fitness and sport:

• 🏃 150+ training regimes (in top models): from running and cycling to yoga and swimming.
• 📊 Automatic activity recognition (walking, running, cycling).
• 🏆 Personal records and goals with motivational alerts.

- Smart capabilities:

• 📱 Call notifications, SMS and messages from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).
• 🎵 Managing music on the phone (pause, next track).
• 🔍 Phone search – bracelet will help you find your smartphone if you lost it at home.
• 💳 Contactless payments (only in models with a NFC, For example, Xiaomi Watch S3).

In the models with GPS (Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Redmi Watch 3 Active) is available as a route tracking feature without being tethered to your phone.It’s convenient for running or cycling when you don’t want to bring your smartphone with you.

Hidden function: Some bracelets can enable Do Not Disturb mode for a certain time (e.g. overnight). → Settings → Don't disturb. → Select the interval. In this mode, all notifications except the alarm clock are turned off.

4. Notification setting and synchronization

One of the most popular features of a smartwatch is to alert you to calls and messages, but by default, the bracelet may not display all notifications or be uncomfortable, and here's how to set them up correctly:

Incorporation of notifications:

• Open the Mi Fitness app → Go to the device profile → Notifications.
• Activate the Incoming Calls and Messages switch.
• Select the apps you want to see on your bracelet (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).

Verification of vibration and sound:

• In the same section, you can select the alert type: vibration, sound, or both.
• On some models (for example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) available vibration power setting.

Notification filtering:

• To prevent the bracelet from vibrating from every message in the chat, set the messenger app priority for important contacts.
• In Mi Fitness, you can configure a Blacklist for applications that do not need notifications.

Problem with synchronization? If notifications don't come:

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO You need to manually allow auto-start for the Mi Fitness application and disable battery optimization. → Annexes → Mi Fitness → Battery and select No Limitations.

Also check if notifications block the power saving mode on the phone. On Android, you can do this in the battery settings, on iPhone, in Settings. → Notifications → Mi Fitness.

Notifications are included in the Mi Fitness app|Auto-start allowed for Mi Fitness|Bluetooth is on and stable.|The messenger app is not blocked in the background-->

5 How to extend battery life

The life of the bracelet on a single charge depends on the model and intensity of use. For example, the Mi Band 8 in standby mode can last up to 16 days, and the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – about 7 days when used actively.

Optimize the screen settings:

• 🌑 Set the minimum brightness of the screen (in Settings) → Display).
• ⏱️ Reduce the lighting time when raising your hand to 3-5 seconds.
• 🖼️ Use dials with a dark background (AMOLED-screens consume less energy when displaying black).

Manage monitoring functions:

• 🩺 Turn off continuous pulse measurement (just check every 10 to 30 minutes).
• 😴 Set up sleep tracking only at night.
• 📡 Turn it off. GPS, If you don't use it for training.

- Other ways to save money:

• 🔔 Turn off vibration for unnecessary notifications.
• 🔄 Update your firmware – newer versions often optimize power consumption.
• 🔋 Avoid battery drain: charge the bracelet at 20-30% charge.

Critical information: On models with NFC (For example, Xiaomi Watch S3) Contactless payment can significantly reduce your time. If you rarely use it, turn it off. NFC bracelet settings.

If the battery is running out too quickly (for example, the bracelet does not hold a charge for more than a day), try resetting it to factory settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset.
2. Confirm the action on the bracelet and in the application.
3. After reset, set up the device again, but do not restore the backup – this can carry errors.

6. Troubleshooting: Frequent Problems and Solutions

Even the most reliable devices sometimes fail, and here is a list of typical Xiaomi watch problems and ways to fix them:

If the bracelet is not activated:

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet is not life-giving after charging (it doesn’t vibrate, the screen doesn’t light up), plug it into charging for 30 minutes, even if the indicator isn’t on. Sometimes a discharged battery takes time to “wake up.” If that doesn’t work, try resetting the device by pressing the button for 20-30 seconds.

For models with removable straps (Mi Band 8, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro), check whether the bracelet is tightly attached to the mount. Poor contact can lead to spontaneous reboots or shutdowns.

If none of the tips helped, contact the Xiaomi service center. On the official website you can check the warranty status by serial number (it is indicated on the box or in the bracelet settings in the About section).

💡

Before contacting the service, make a backup copy of the data in the Mi Fitness application (Section Profile) → Settings → Backup. This will keep your activity statistics and settings.

7. Hidden functions and life hacks

Many users use Xiaomi bracelets only for basic functions, unaware of the hidden features.

- Phone camera control:

• 📸 In the Mi Fitness app, activate the camera control function.
• Now you can take selfies or group photos by clicking on the bracelet button – this is convenient when the phone is installed on a tripod.

Quick access to your favorite functions:

• 🔄 Set up gestures to quickly launch apps, such as double-clicking on the screen can open a workout or last notification.
• 📌 On models with a rotating crown (for example, Xiaomi Watch) S3) You can set it to launch a voice assistant or music.

- Secret dials:

• 🎨 The Mi Fitness app has hidden dials that don't show up in the main directory. To find them, type in the codes: MB8 — Mi Band 8 (Opens with exclusive designs); XW2P — Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro.

- Theatre mode:

• 🎭 On some models, you can activate the cinema mode, which turns off the screen light and vibration. → Settings → Theatre mode.

Export of data for analysis:

• 📊 Training and health data can be exported in format CSV or GPX (for GPS-The Mi Fitness web version (account.huami.com) is useful for athletes who are analyzing progress in specialized programs.

On models with a microphone (Xiaomi Watch) S3) You can use voice commands to control the bracelet, like, "Start training" or "What day is it?" → Voice assistant.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)