Modern wearables are no longer just pedometers or wrist notifications. Today, Xiaomi’s smartwatch offers the functionality of a full-fledged smartphone, allowing you to make and take calls without having to take your phone out of your pocket, especially for athletes, drivers or parents who want to be in touch with children while walking, when the main gadget may be far away.
A key feature to look out for when buying is the availability of a communication module. Not all models support offline calls through a built-in speaker and microphone. In this article, we will detail which Xiaomi watches and their sub-brands (such as Imilab or Amazfit, which use the MIOT platform) allow you to talk like a regular phone, and how to properly configure this feature.
It's important to understand the difference between Bluetooth calls and full-fledged communications through the operator's network, and if the first require a constant presence of a smartphone nearby, the latter turn the watch into a standalone communication device. SIM-We will focus our attention on the maps, considering the technical nuances and real experience of operation.
The principle of communication in the smart watch Xiaomi
In order for a watch to work like a phone, it needs to have a communication module. In the Xiaomi ecosystem, there are two types of implementations most often: support for only a Bluetooth headset and the presence of your own slot or virtual SIM card. In the first case, the watch acts only as an external headset for your smartphone, transmitting sound using the HFP (Hands-Free Profile) protocol, which limits the range to 10-15 meters.
The second option, which turns the gadget into a full-fledged means of communication, implies the presence of your own. IMEI-code and the possibility of registration in the network of the cellular operator. SIM). This is a virtual chip, stitched in the factory, that you can upload your carrier profile to, like the Xiaomi Watch Color 2 series or the Xiaomi Watch. S1 Active (in some regions), lets you leave your phone at home and go for a run while remaining available for calls.
⚠️ Note: eSIM support depends not only on the model of the watch, but also on the region of sale of the device. SIM In some countries, check the specification before buying.
Technically, the connection process is as follows: the clock is connected via the built-in modem to the operator’s base station using protocols. LTE or, in older models, in older, 3G/2G. For high-quality voice transmission, modern devices support VoLTE codec, providing HD-sound quality. LTE Inaccessible, the device will automatically switch to previous generation standards, which can reduce speech intelligibility.
Xiaomi models with support for SIM and eSIM
There are several generations of devices on the market that enable the “wrist call” scenario, and the leaders in this segment are models running the Wear OS operating system or the proprietary MIUI for Watch shell with advanced communication capabilities.
One of the most popular models is the Xiaomi Watch Color 2. This device has eSIM support, which allows you to use it independently of your smartphone. The watch is equipped with a high-quality microphone with noise cancellation and a speaker of sufficient volume for use on the street. However, it is worth considering that in some modifications (especially Chinese versions), the functionality of eSIM can be limited to working only with Chinese operators, so for use in other countries, a global version with support for local frequencies is required.
Another strong player is the Imilab KW66 lineup or newer models from sub-brands of the ecosystem. Often they offer a more affordable price with a Nano-SIM slot. It's a physical card that can be inserted into a watch like a phone. The advantage of this approach is versatility: you can insert your SIM card from your phone (unless it's locked by the operator) or buy a cheap tariff separately. The downside is the need to have a card of the right size and the risk of losing the sealed case with frequent replacement.
- 📱 Xiaomi Watch Color 2 – support for eSIM, AMOLED screen, up to 12 days of operation in base mode, but less with active calls.
- 📞 Imilab KW66 / KW88 — availability of Nano-SIM slot, Android-like interface, the ability to install third-party applications for calls (WhatsApp, Telegram).
- ⌚ Amazfit GTR 3 Pro / GTS 3 – Xiaomi ecosystem devices with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth calls, some versions have eSIM (we need to specify the region).
- 🔊 Xiaomi Mi Watch (first generation) – full-fledged Wear OS, eSIM support, high autonomy and high-quality dynamics.
When choosing a particular model, it is important to pay attention to the declared talk time. Active use of the LTE radio module significantly consumes battery power. If the manufacturer claims 14 days of operation, this usually refers to the notification only mode. In persistent call mode, the device may require recharging in 1-2 days.
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Before buying an eSIM watch, check with your mobile operator for virtual SIM technology for wearable devices. Not all data plans allow you to connect additional devices.
Technology Comparison: eSIM vs. Physical SIM-map
Choosing between a virtual and a physical SIM card is often a deciding factor, with each technology having its own advantages and disadvantages that affect the ease of use of the device as a phone, and understanding these differences will help avoid disappointment after purchase.
The eSIM technology is an embedded chip that does not require mechanical intervention.The operator profile is downloaded programmatically, usually through scanning. QR-This makes the device more protected from moisture and dust, because there is no extra hole in the case. In addition, you can download several profiles of different operators on one eSIM chip and switch between them, although only one can actively use one.
Physical Nano-SIM is the classic approach. You just insert the card into the watch tray. This is handy if you have an old SIM card or want to quickly change operator by taking a card from a friend. However, having a tray reduces the class of waterproof device. There is also a risk of losing a miniature card when replacing. In a Xiaomi watch with a physical SIM, a combined tray or a very specific extraction format that requires accuracy is often used.
| Characteristics | eSIM (Virtual) | Nano-SIM (Physical) |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Software (QR-code) | Mechanical (in the tray) |
| Waterproofing | High (no holes) | Medium (there's a tray) |
| Change of operator | Through settings/application | Replacement of the card |
| Compatibility | Requires operator support | It works for all operators. |
| Security | High (you can't steal the card) | Risk of card loss |
In terms of connectivity, both technologies are showing similar results. However, eSIM is considered a more modern standard, which is being moved to the industry. Xiaomi devices with eSIM more often implemented smarter switching between Wi-Fi and the mobile network, which saves battery life.
Can I transfer my phone number to eSIM in a clock?
Call setting and contact management
Once you purchase a SIM-enabled device, you need to configure the software part correctly. The activation process in Xiaomi watches usually occurs through the proprietary Zepp Life app (formerly Mi Fit) or MI Fitness (formerly Wear). The interface may differ depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same.
To get started, you need to pair the watch with your smartphone over Bluetooth, and then you should find the section responsible for communication management in the application menu, and in models with eSIM, there will be the item "Mobile network" or "eSIM management". Clicking on it, you will run the setup wizard, which will offer to scan. QR-code received from the operator, or find available networks manually, it is important that at this stage the watch has access to the Internet via Wi-Fi or a connected smartphone.
Contacts are controlled by synchronizing the phone book with the watch. The MI Fitness app has a Contacts section where you can choose which entries will be displayed on your wrist. This is critical because the clock's memory is limited. Usually only the name and phone number are synchronized. When you call in, the contact name, if it's on the synchronized list, or just the number will be displayed on the watch screen.
- 📖 Synchronization – occurs automatically when contacts change in the phone, if the corresponding option is enabled in the application.
- 🔇 Modes – You can set Do Not Disturb or Quiet on the clock so that the vibration does not disturb you during meetings.
- 📞 History – The watch stores the history of incoming and outgoing calls made directly from the device, separate from the history of the smartphone.
⚠️ Warning: When calling over the clock, make sure the microphone is not covered with a strap or clothing.In some models, the microphone hole is located on the side, and the tight sleeve of the jacket can completely drown out your voice.
To make an outgoing call, you can use a voice assistant (if it is supported and configured in Russian) or manually dial a number through the watch interface. The latest versions of MIUI for Watch software implement a convenient numerical keypad that allows you to quickly dial the desired number.
☑️ Checking before the first call
Sound quality and ergonomics when speaking
One of the main questions users ask is, "How comfortable is it to talk with your wrist against your ear or with a loudspeaker?". The ergonomics of Xiaomi watches in this aspect has its own peculiarities. Most models have a round or rectangular body, which is not always convenient to apply to the ear, especially if the arm has a wide strap.
Sound quality is directly dependent on the implementation of the acoustic system. Top-end models like the Xiaomi Watch S1 use cVc (Clear Voice Capture) noise reduction technology, which cuts off background noise from the wind or the street, giving the interlocutor only your voice. However, in budget models with physical SIM, the microphone can "catch" a lot of ambient noise, making conversation uncomfortable in noisy places.
Speaker volume is the second important parameter. In a city where background noise is high, there may be a shortage of volume. Users often point out that in the subway or on a busy street you have to look for a quiet corner or switch to hands-free mode if the watch supports Bluetooth headset connectivity. By the way, many Xiaomi models allow you to connect AirDots or Buds wireless headphones directly to the watch, which solves the problem of sound quality dramatically.
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For comfortable conversations in noisy places, the best way to use a bundle of Xiaomi Watch + Bluetooth headphones is to provide better communication quality and ergonomics than talking with your watch to your ear.
Also worth mentioning is the vibration. When you call in, the clock vibrates. Xiaomi models use a high-quality vibrator that is easy to feel even through the sleeve of winter clothing, which allows you to avoid missing an important call, even if the phone is in the bag in the mode without sound.
Compatibility problems and solving common errors
Despite the advanced functionality, users can face a number of problems when setting up calls. There are often situations when the watch sees the network but cannot register, or the call breaks after a minute. One common reason is frequency incompatibility. Global versions of Xiaomi watches usually support the B1, B3, B7, B8, B20 bands. If your operator uses rare frequencies (for example, B28 or specific 4G bands), the watch can only work in 2G/3G mode, which today is not enough for quality communication.
Another common problem is profile conflict. SIM-The card and the phone, and the watch (cloning number), can be a conflict of registration in the network, the operator can reset one of the devices, in such cases, it is recommended to use the service "Multiphone" or to have a separate number for the watch.
If the watch stops seeing the network after updating the firmware, try resetting the network settings. In the watch menu, go to Settings → System system → Reset network settings (the path may differ depending on the version) OS). Also make sure that the SIM card is not worth it. PIN-Xiaomi watches, like most smart gadgets, do not have a keyboard to enter. PIN If you turn it on, if the code is running, the network will not work.
- 🔋 Battery discharge – if the watch is fast setting in standby mode, check if there is a constant search for the network (for example, in an area of poor coverage.
- 📶 Absence 4G — Make sure that the mobile network settings are selected "LTE/4G preferably" rather than "only 2G/3G".
- 🔇 The interviewer does not hear – check whether the microphone is closed with a protective film (a frequent error of new devices) or a case.