How to activate Xiaomi smartwatch: instructions for all models (2026)

Xiaomi smartwatches and fitness bracelets are some of the most popular wearables on the market due to a combination of functionality, design and affordable price. However, after buying, many users are faced with the question: how to properly activate the watch so that they start working with the phone and display all the data? In this article, we will analyze the activation process for different models – from Mi Band 7 to Xiaomi Watch S3 – and also look at typical errors and ways to fix them.

It's important to understand that activation is not just about turning on a device, but about fully linking to a Xiaomi account through an official app, and without that, the watch won't be able to sync steps, pulses, or notifications, and if you buy a used device, you'll have to reset it to factory settings first, and we'll show you how to do that without losing data.

This article is relevant for all modern models, including Xiaomi Smart Band 8, Watch 2 Pro and Mi Band 8 Active. Instructions are universal for Android and iOS, but there are nuances that we will warn you about in advance.

1.Preparation for activation: what to do before turning on the clock

Before you start activating, make sure you have everything you need, which will save you unnecessary problems during the setup process.

Basic requirements:

• 📱 Smartphone on Android 6.0+ or iOS 12.0+ (iPhone needs a version no lower than 12).
• 🔋 Charge hours at least 50% (preferably 100% so as not to interrupt the process).
• 🌐 Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 📲 Installed Mi Fitness (formerly Zepp Life) or Xiaomi Wear app – depending on the model.

If you bought a watch with your hands, make sure to reset to factory settings, otherwise it will remain tied to your old account. To do this, press the button on the case (if any), or use the combination in the device menu. More about this in the section about the reset.

Important for iPhone: On iOS, some features may be limited.For example, the Mi Band 8 doesn't support answering calls after hours, and notifications come with a delay.This is a limitation of Apple, not Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: If you use the Chinese version of the watch (with firmware for the market) CN), Mi Fitness may not recognize the device, and it requires a change in the firmware region, which is a complex and risky process, and it's better to buy global versions.

2. Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness application

Xiaomi’s official watch management app is called Mi Fitness (formerly Zepp Life), which can be downloaded for free from Google Play or the App Store. Avoid third-party APKs – they can contain viruses or outdated versions.

Step-by-step installation:

1. Download Mi Fitness at the link: 🤖 Google Play (Android) 🍎 App Store (iOS)

Register a Xiaomi account

Bluetooth

geolocation

Profile → Add the device

If your model doesn’t appear on the list, upgrade to the latest version. For Xiaomi Watch S3 and later, you may need the Xiaomi Wear app — it’s separate and downloaded there.

Nuance for Android: Some phones (such as Samsung or Huawei) need to manually allow Mi Fitness to access notifications. Go to Settings → Applications → Mi Fitness → Notifications and enable all permissions.

3. Step-by-step activation of Xiaomi watches

Once the app is installed and the clock is charged, you can start activating it, and it takes 5-10 minutes if done correctly.

Instructions for most models (Mi Band, Smart Band, Watch):

1. Turn on the watch. To do this, press and hold the side button (if any) or tap the screen (for touch models). On the Mi Band 8, you need to touch the sensor under the display.
2. Select a language. The clock will show a menu with languages — scroll to Russian or English and confirm the choice.
3. Connect to your phone. In the Mi Fitness app, click Add Device, then select your model. The watch should appear in the list of available devices.
4. Confirm pairing. The code will appear on the watch and phone screen -- make sure it matches, and click Confirm.
5. Update your firmware. Once you're connected, the app will suggest you update the software -- don't refuse, or some features may not work.

For the Xiaomi Watch S3 and Watch 2 Pro, the process is slightly different: after connecting, you will need additional dial settings and binding your Google account (for Android) or Apple ID (for iPhone).

Important! Don't interrupt the firmware update process. If the battery runs out or the connection is interrupted, the clock may stop turning on, in which case you will need to reset through the bootloader.

4.Configure the main functions after activation

Once activated successfully, you need to adjust the key settings to keep the watch running properly, and most options are configured through the Mi Fitness app.

What to set up first:

• 📊 User Profile: Specify height, weight, age and gender – this is necessary for accurate calorie counting and steps.
• 🔔 Notifications: Enable call alerts, SMS And messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) on the iPhone may require additional settings in Settings. → Notifications.
• 🏃 Activity tracking: Choose the sports you practice (running, swimming, cycling, etc.).
• 🔒 Screen lock: Set up PIN-code or unlock with a gesture so no one can use your watch.

For models with NFC (For example, Xiaomi Watch S2) You need to attach a bank card or a transport card (for example, Troika). NFC and payments in the appendix.

⚠️ Note: Mi Band 8 and newer feature SpO₂ (Oxygen saturation may be disabled by default due to restrictions in some countries. → Additionally. → Measurement SpO₂.

5. Solving common activation problems

Even with the right setup, there can be errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The watch does not connect to the phone

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth. Turn it off and on on your phone.
• 📱 Check compatibility. Make sure your smartphone is supported (listed on Xiaomi website).
• 🔧 Reset your network settings. On Android: Settings → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings.

Problem 2: The app doesn’t see the clock

• 🔎 Update the firmware of the watch. Sometimes outdated software interferes with the connection.
• 📲 Reinstall Mi Fitness. Remove the app, clear the cache, and install it again.
• 🔌 Try another phone. If the watch connects to another device, the problem is your smartphone.

Problem 3: Data synchronization error

• ⏳ Wait 10-15 minutes. Sometimes Xiaomi servers are overloaded.
• 🌐 Check the Internet. Synchronization requires a stable connection.
• 🔄 Restart the application. Close it and reopen it.

💡

If the Xiaomi Watch S3 doesn’t sync steps, try turning off battery saving on your phone for the Mi Fitness app. On Android, this is done in Settings → Apps → Mi Fitness → Battery → No restrictions.

If none of these methods worked, contact Xiaomi Support and save screenshots of the errors, which will speed up the solution.

6.How to Reset Xiaomi Watch to Factory Settings

Reset is required in three cases:

1. You bought a used watch and it's tied to someone else's account.
2. The device is unstable (hangs, errors).
3. You forgot. PIN-unlock.

Method 1: Through the clock menu (for most models)

1. Open the Settings on the clock → System → Reset.
2. Confirm the action (PIN may be required).
3. Wait for the reboot (it will take 1-2 minutes).

Method 2: Hardware reset (if the clock does not react)

1. Connect the watch to charge.
2. Press the power button (or touch zone) for 15-20 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears.
3. Release the button and the clock will reset automatically.

Method 3: Through the app (if the clock is connected)

1. Open Mi Fitness and go to Profile → My devices.
2. Select your watch and click Remove the device.
3. Confirm the reset - the data from the clock will be erased.

💡

Once reset, the watch will automatically untie the old account, and you can link it to the new Xiaomi profile without restrictions.

⚠️ Warning: On the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, a hardware reset can cause training data to be lost if it wasn't synced to the phone.Always back up to Mi Fitness before resetting.

7. Additional tips on using Xiaomi watches

To make the watch last longer and work steadily, follow these recommendations:

• 🔋 Charge correctly. Use only the original cable. Don't leave the clock charging for more than 2-3 hours, which shortens battery life.
• 💦 Protect from water, even if the model is waterproof (e.g., the Mi Band 8 with a rating of 5). ATM), Do not bathe in hot water or use it in a sauna.
• 📱 Update your firmware. Check for updates in Mi Fitness regularly, which fix bugs and add new features.
• 🔒 Set the lock. Turn it on. PIN Unlocking with a gesture so that no one can view your data.

For advanced users: Mi Band 8 and Xiaomi Watch S3 have hidden features that can be activated through Settings → Lab. For example, displaying the weather on the dial or advanced notification settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi watch activation