The choice of wearables often comes down to the need to carry a smartphone with you even while jogging or taking a short walk. Users of the Xiaomi smart home and gadget ecosystem often wonder about the complete autonomy of their devices. The ability to make calls directly from the wrist is not just a convenience, but sometimes a vital necessity.
But there's a big nuance that many people miss when buying: Not all of the brand's devices support full-fledged mobile connectivity, and there's a clear division in the company's lineup into activity trackers that just duplicate notifications, and full-fledged smartwatches with built-in modems, which will save you money and nerves.
In this article, we will look at what Xiaomi watches allow you to call, how eSIM technologies work, and why the popular Mi Band is not suitable for this purpose. You will learn about the technical limitations and real-world scenarios for using communication without a smartphone in 2026-2026.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t confuse the “Bluetooth” feature with having your own communication module. In the first case, the watch only works as a headset for a phone that should lie in your pocket.
Key difference: eSIM vs Bluetooth headset
Before you move on to specific models, you need to clearly understand the communication architecture in wearable devices. Most budget and mid-range Xiaomi models, including the Mi Watch Lite or Redmi Watch series, do not have their own slot for the device. SIM-eSIM cards or chips. They use Bluetooth to transmit voice.
In this scenario, the watch acts as a wireless headset, the microphone and speaker are in the watch body, but the signal itself is processed by the smartphone. If you run further than 10 meters from the phone, or drain the battery of the mobile, communication with the outside world will be lost, this is the basic level of functionality that almost all modern gadgets have.
The situation is completely different with models that support eSIM (built-in) SIM-Devices such as the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active (in some versions) or Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, have their own IMEI-And the code, and they can log in to the operator's network, regardless of the phone, so you can leave your smartphone at home, and the watch will take calls and you can log in. SMS self-device.
- 📱 Independence: Watches with eSIM work without a phone, while Bluetooth models require it to be constantly nearby.
- 🔋 Autonomy: Network waiting mode 4G/LTE It consumes battery power much faster than a normal Bluetooth connection.
- 💳 Operators: eSIM requires the support of your mobile operator, which is not relevant for all regions and tariffs.
Topical Xiaomi models with support for SIM and calls
Xiaomi’s wearables lineup has undergone significant changes, with the company releasing many 4G models before, but now the focus has shifted to integration with Google’s Wear OS operating system, allowing for a wide range of communication applications.
The flagship model that supports full communication is the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro. This device is based on Wear OS and has a version with support for eSIM. This allows you to use the watch as a standalone phone: install messengers, navigators and make calls over the cellular network. However, it is important to check the specific modification when buying, since there are versions only with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Also worth noting is the Xiaomi Watch S1 series (Active and conventional versions), which has been equipped with eSIM support for some regional versions, allowing voice calls through the Phone app without the smartphone. Unlike them, the Redmi Watch series (including the 2, 3 and Active models) does not have this capability and serves only as a notification center and tracker.
Hidden versions of models
Below is a comparison table of popular models so you can quickly navigate their communication capabilities.
| Model clock | Support for eSIM | Calls via Bluetooth | Operating system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro | Yes (in eSIM version) | Yes. | Wear OS |
| Xiaomi Watch S1 Active | Yes (depends on region) | Yes. | Proprietary (RTOS) |
| Redmi Watch 4 | No. | Yes (only speakerphone) | HyperOS Connect |
| Mi Watch Lite | No. | No (notifications only) | Proprietary |
Why Xiaomi Mi Band Can't Call
The most popular question from users concerns fitness bracelets of the Mi Band series. Many hope that the new versions (8, 9 and more) have the opportunity to insert SIM-The answer is clear: none of the Mi Bands that have been released to date have their own cellular module.
The reason lies in the physical dimensions and the concept of the device. The Mi Band is an ultra-light tracker where every gram of weight and millimeter of thickness matters. Placement of a 4G antenna, modem and battery augmentation to ensure at least minimal network time would make the bracelet cumbersome, turning it into a normal watch.
The Mi Band calls function is exclusively Bluetooth. You can answer a call and the conversation will go through the microphone of the bracelet, but the phone must be connected. Moreover, in some models (for example, the Mi Band 8), even a speaker for conversation is not available, and the bracelet serves only as a reset or take a call button, transferring the conversation to the smartphone itself.
⚠️ If you see on the marketplaces "Mi Band 9 Pro with the SIM-A card is a fake or modification that is not related to Xiaomi.
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If you are critically important function calls, but the budget is limited, consider buying a used smartphone in the form factor “watch” or specialized children’s GPS-Watches that are often cheaper than adult Xiaomi smartwatches.
Instructions: how to set up calls on Xiaomi watches
If you already own a compatible model, such as the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or the S1 Active with eSIM support, you need to configure the device correctly.
The first step is always to pair the watch with the phone via the Mi Fitness app (for older models) or Xiaomi Wear/Wear OS (for newer ones). Without initial settings via the smartphone, you can't activate eSIM. Make sure the phone is on Bluetooth and GPS.
The process is further as follows:
☑️ Set up eSIM on the clock
- Open the settings on the watch and go to the Network and Internet or Mobile Network section.
- Select Add tariff or Set up cellular communication.
- It'll appear on screen. QR-Scan it through your carrier’s app on your smartphone or enter data manually if this option is available.
- After successful registration in the network, a 4G or LTE icon will appear at the top of the watch screen.
It is important to note that the phone number on the clock may be different from the number. SIM-cards in the phone (this is the so-called additional number or MultiSIM), or be shared if the operator supports Digicel technology or similar solutions for wearable devices.
Communication problems and their solution
Even with the right equipment, users can run into problems: calls don’t pass, voice is quiet, or communication is constantly cut, most often due to power saving settings or network conflict.
Energy saving is the main enemy of stable communication. To save charge, the watch can aggressively turn off the 4G module if you don't use it right now, which leads to a 3-5 second delay on the incoming call until the modem wakes up. The solution lies in settings: turn off Ultra-Economies mode during important waits.
The second common problem is frequency incompatibility. Global versions of the watch may not support the LTE frequencies used by a particular operator in your area, for example, the watch may support Band 3 and Band 7, and the operator may work on Band 20, which is not in the watch.
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Call stability is directly dependent on the quality of network coverage in your location. In rooms with thick walls, the 4G signal on the watch is worse than on a smartphone, due to the smaller antenna size.
If you encounter persistent breaks, try resetting your network settings. Go to Settings → System → Network Reset. This action will delete your stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but can restore the communication module to work correctly.
Alternatives: Children's watches and third-party brands
If Xiaomi watches seem redundant or limited in terms of calls, consider alternatives inside or outside the ecosystem. For children, Xiaomi launches a line of Mi Bunny (in China) or 70mai, which are focused on voice communication.
These devices often have a simpler OS, but they guarantee a stable call to parents, and they use their own communication apps, where you don't even need a phone number -- you can connect through an Internet account -- which is a great option if the main goal is to be in touch with your child, rather than installing apps from the Play Market.
There are also brands in the Xiaomi ecosystem, such as Haylou or Amazfit. Some Amazfit models (such as the GTR 4 series or the T-Rex Ultra in certain versions) also support eSIM and work on similar principles, which expands the choice if the design or features of Xiaomi watches do not suit you.
- 👶 Children's models: have limited functionality, but protected housing and priority voice communication.
- 🌐 Amazfit: Often offer better standby autonomy compared to Wear OS.
- 💰 Price: Specialized call devices can cost less than a full smart watch.