Xiaomi smart watch: a full overview of the features and hidden features

Xiaomi smart watches have long ceased to be just an accessory for tracking time. Today they are full-fledged gadgets that can replace a fitness bracelet, a smart home remote control and even a smartphone in some scenarios. 20-30% They are not even aware of their hidden functions.

In this article, we will discuss in detail what Xiaomi smartwatches really know – from basic functions like a pedometer to advanced features such as phased sleep analysis or gesture control of the smartphone camera. Special attention will be paid to the Mi Band-line and flagship models like Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or Watch. S3, Which are not inferior to the Apple Watch.

You'll learn how to set up your gadget, what apps to install, and where to find hidden options that aren't written about in the official instructions, and also, what models are suitable for sports, which ones are for business, and which ones are easy for everyday use.

1. The main functions of Xiaomi smart watches: what they know “out of the box”

Even Xiaomi’s budget smartwatches (such as the Mi Band 7 or Redmi Watch 3 Active) offer a feature set that covers 80% of the average user’s needs.

• ⏱️ Display time with the choice of dial (100)+ Options in the Mi Fitness app)
• 🏃 Activity tracker: steps, distance, calories, active minutes (with automatic recognition of walking, running, cycling)
• 💤 Monitoring of sleep phase-division (deep, light, REM-sleep) and assessment of rest quality
• ❤️ Real-time pulse measurement (with high/low heart rate alerts)
• 📱 Call notifications, SMS and messages from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, etc.)
• 🔋 Charge level control (most models keep from 7 to 14 days without recharging)

More advanced models like Xiaomi Watch S3 Watch 2 Pro adds a built-in version to this list GPS (for accurate tracking of routes without a smartphone), NFC (for contactless payments, and even a microphone with a speaker to receive calls right from the clock.

It is important to understand that not all functions are available on all models, such as measuring blood oxygen levels (SpO₂) It only appeared in the Mi Band 6 and later, and the ECG is only available in the Xiaomi Watch Color 2 and flagships.

Advanced Health Monitoring: What Really Works and What Is Marketing

One of the key arguments for Xiaomi's smartwatches is health, and the manufacturer claims to be able to track everything from heart rate to stress levels, but how accurate is that?

What works well:

• ❤️‍🩺 Pulsemeter - shows reliable data when worn correctly (tightly, but not clenching your hand). 5-7 minute-on-minute.
• 😴 Sleep analysis – determines sleep phases with precision ~85% (compared to polysomnography) The main thing is to wear a watch all night long.
• 🩸 SpO₂ (oxygenation of the blood - useful for monitoring during exercise or in the mountains. ~2%.

Which requires caution:

• 📉 Stress level – calculated by heart rate variability (HRV), but strongly depends on external factors (coffee, alcohol, physical activity).
• 🩺 ECGs are available only in top models (Watch Color 2, Watch) S3). It provides an approximate estimate, but does not replace a medical examination.
• 🏋️ Calories are a very approximate calculation, since it does not take into account individual metabolism.

Important: the data from the smartwatch is not a medical diagnosis; it is suitable for general monitoring, but if you suspect a health problem, you should consult a doctor.

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To accurately measure the pulse and SpO₂ Sit still 5 minutes before the measurements start.

3. Smartphone and smart home management: unexpected opportunities

Few people know that Xiaomi’s smartwatches can become a full-fledged remote control for the Mi Home ecosystem.

• 📸 Smartphone camera control – you can take photos or start videos with gestures (useful for selfies or bloggers.
• 🔊 Music control – track switching, volume control (supported by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, etc.).
• 💡 Smart home control – lights on/off (Yeelight), running a robot vacuum cleaner (Mi Robot Vacuum), air conditioning control (Mi Air Conditioner).
• 🚗 Smartphone search – the clock vibrates if the phone is moving away a long distance (Anti-lost function").

These functions require:

1. Connect the watch to your smartphone via Mi Fitness or Zepp Life (for new models).
2. Enable Bluetooth and allow notifications for the app.
3. For a smart home, link devices to your Mi Home account.

Hidden chip: in Xiaomi Watch S3 There is a Quick Controls function that allows you to assign to physical buttons the start of any action - from turning on the flashlight to activating the "Do not disturb" mode".

4.Sports and fitness: What activities track the clock

Xiaomi smart watches support from 30 to 150+ It's a sports regime, depending on the model:

For runners and cyclists, the following functions are especially useful:

• 📍 Tracking of the route with mapping (in the Zepp Life app).
• 🏃 Analysis of running equipment - step length, pace, time of contact with the ground (only in Watch) S3 newer).
• 🚴 Power control (for cyclists with external sensor support).

Important: for the exact GPS-Tracking before the first workout, perform Calibration of the compass in the settings of the clock (menu Settings) → System system → Sizing).

Turn on the training mode 5 minutes before the start

Check the level of charge (minimum 30%)

Activate GPS (if necessary)

Wear your watch tightly but without squeezing your hand-->

5. Autonomy and battery: how to extend the life of hours

One of the most common complaints about smartwatches is fast battery drain, but with the right settings, even the Mi Band 8 can last up to 16 days, and the Xiaomi Watch can last for up to 16 days. S3 — This is how to achieve maximum autonomy for up to 12 days:

• 🔄 Turn off the permanent pulse meter – measure your pulse only on a schedule (e.g., every 30 minutes).
• 📵 Reduce the frequency of notifications – leave only important ones (calls, SMS).
• 🌙 Use dark dials -- on AMOLED-They save the charge on the screens.
• 📡 Turn it off. GPS, If you do not use the tracker routes.
• 🔋 Activate the energy saving mode (in the battery settings).

Average operating time of popular models:

• Mi Band 7/8: 10-16 days
• Redmi Watch 3: 7-10 days
• Xiaomi Watch S3: 10-12 days
• Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro: 5-7 days (due to the color display and NFC)

Important: if the clock is discharged for 1-2 Check the background apps, sometimes poorly optimized dials from third-party developers are to blame.

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The most voracious element in a smartwatch is the display. Use the screen always on (AOD) only if absolutely necessary.

6. Hidden functions and life hacks, which are not written in the instructions

Even experienced users are unaware of some of the features of Xiaomi’s smartwatches.

• 🔍 Watch search – if you lose your gadget at home, you can make it vibrate through the Mi Fitness app (Device Profile) → Find the clock).
• 🎵 Storage of music – in Xiaomi Watch S3 Watch 2 Pro can download up to 200 songs directly to the clock (via Zepp Life).
• 💬 Quick Answers – Set up template responses to messages (e.g., “I’m on the way,” “I’ll be back later").
• 🔄 Control gestures – in Mi Band 8 you can flip the screens with a wave of your hand (included in Settings) → Gestures).
• 🌡️ Skin temperature – New models have a temperature sensor that helps track your menstrual cycle or the onset of illness.

Another secret: if you have a Xiaomi Watch S3, You can activate the Theatre mode, which turns off all notifications and only leaves time, useful at important meetings or in the movies, and turns on with a long press on the screen. → Theatre mode.

For customization enthusiasts, Zepp Life has a hidden option to download custom dials.

1. Download the file dial from the forum XDA Developers or 4PDA (bin).
2. Place it in the Watchfaces folder on your smartphone.
3. In the Zepp Life app, select My dials. → Import.

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If the clock stops syncing with the smartphone, try resetting the Bluetooth connection: Phone settings → Bluetooth → Forget the device, then connect again.

7. How to choose a smart watch Xiaomi: comparison models 2023-2026 year-end

In 2026, Xiaomi has models for any budget — from 2,000 to 25,000 rubles. Here is a quick comparison for different tasks:

Selection advice:

• If you just need a pedometer + Notifications - Take Mi Band 8.
• For running and cycling, built-in GPS — Watch Redmi Watch 4 or Watch S3.
• If the clock calls are important, only models with a microphone. S3, Watch 2 Pro).
• For a smart home, check compatibility with Mi Home (all models support, but the top ones are more stable).

Important: before buying, check whether the model supports Russian in the interface. In 2026, all official Xiaomi watches for Russia are fully localized, but the gray versions from China can only have English.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions