How to activate the Xiaomi Mi Watch: full instructions with pictures

The Xiaomi Mi Watch is not just an accessory, but a complete gadget for health, sports and communication. But before you use it, you need to activate and sync it correctly with your smartphone. In this article, we will discuss all the steps from unpacking to setting up basic functions, and also look at typical errors and how to fix them.

It’s important to understand that the activation process can vary depending on the model (Mi Watch Lite, Mi Watch S1, Mi Watch Revolve, etc.) and the smartphone operating system, and we’ve compiled general instructions that will work for most devices, and also pointed out key differences for different versions.

1.Preparation for activation: what will be needed

Before you start setting up, make sure you have everything you need:

• 📱 Smartphone on Android 6.0+ or iOS 10.0+ (Mi Watch Lite requires Android 5.0+)
• 🔋 Charger (combined with a clock)
• 📲 Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app (depending on the watch model)
• 🔑 Xiaomi account (can be created during setup)

If you use an iPhone, note that the functionality of the watch will be limited: for example, no call notifications and SMS.

Also check that the smartphone includes:

• 📱 Permission to install applications from unknown sources (for Android)

⚠️ Note: If you activate the Mi Watch S1 Or, more recently, you'll need a Zepp Life app to work properly, not Mi Fitness. Install the correct app in advance to avoid synchronization errors.

Charging hours before first switching on

Even if the Xiaomi Mi Watch comes with a small charge, it is recommended to charge it to 100% before activation, this is due to the fact that the process of setting up and updating the firmware can take up to 30 minutes, and discharging at this point will lead to a failure.

How to properly charge your watch:

1. Connect the magnetic cable to the charger (use the original 5V/1A adapter).
2. Apply the cable to the back of the watch – the magnets will provide reliable fastening.
3. Connect the adapter to the socket. The charge indicator (battery icon) will appear on the watch screen.

If the charging indicator doesn't appear, check the integrity of the cable and the purity of the contacts on the watch. Dust or fat can block the connection.

3. Installation and configuration of the application

To activate the watch, you need to install an official application.

• 🔹 Mi Fitness – Mi Watch Lite, Mi Watch Color and older models.
• 🔹 Zepp Life for the Mi Watch S1, Mi Watch Revolve and new devices.

Download the application from official sources:

• 📱 Mi Fitness on Google Play
• 📱 Mi Fitness in the App Store
• 📱 Zepp Life on Google Play

After installation:

1. Open the app and select the language (Russian is supported).
2. Sign in through your Xiaomi account or create a new one (click “Register”).
3. Click "Add device" (+ in the upper right corner).

⚠️ Note: If the error “Impermissible region” occurs when registering Xiaomi account, try changing the country in the settings of the smartphone to Russia or China (depending on the firmware of the watch).

4. Step-by-step activation instruction

When the clock is charged and the app is installed, start syncing:

1. Turn on the clock: Press and hold the side button (or touch area) for 3-5 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears.
2. Select the language: Swipe up/down on the watch screen to select Russian (or English if there is no Russian).
3. Confirm pairing: In the app, click Add Device → select your watch model. The watch will show a confirmation code (e.g., 1234). Compare the code on the watch and in the app — if they match, click Confirm.

Update the firmware

Don't interrupt the process!

After successful synchronization, the main menu will appear on the watch screen, and the device settings will open in the application.

Video instructions (if you need visual assistance):

🎥 Watch YouTube (select a video for your model).

5. Set up the main functions after activation

After activation, it is recommended to immediately configure the key parameters:

• 🔔 Notifications: In the app go to the Device Profile → Notifications: Enable Call Notifications and Notifications from Apps. Select applications that must be duplicated on the clock (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram).
• 🏃 Health monitoring: Activate "Heart rate" (automatic measurement every 30 minutes). Adjust "Blood oxygen level» (SpO2) and “Sleep quality».
• 🔒 Security: Install PIN-code to unlock the clock (Settings) → Lock screen. Set up the “Call Phone Search” function (the clock will vibrate when you lose communication with your smartphone).

For models with NFC (e.g. Mi Watch S1):

1. Go to Settings. → Contactless payments.
2. Link your bank card via Mi Pay or Google Pay (bank support is required).

💡

If notifications don’t arrive on the clock, check your power saving settings on your smartphone. Add the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app to the background work exception list (on Android: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).

6. Solving common problems

When activating Xiaomi Mi Watch, users often encounter common errors.

If the Mi Watch S1 or Revolve is not updated:

1. Make sure the battery is more than 50% charged.
2. Connect your smartphone to Wi-Fi (update via mobile Internet may not work).
3. In the Zepp Life app, go to Profile → Firmware Update and click “Update”.

💡

If the watch has stopped responding to touch after the firmware update, reset through the app (Device Settings → Reset) and this will return the factory settings without losing compatibility.

7. Additional features after activation

After successful setup, you can expand the function of the watch:

• 🎵 Music Management: In the Mi Fitness app, go to Music and upload the tracks directly to the watch (available for the Mi Watch) S1). Use the watch as a remote for Spotify or Apple Music (Android only).
• 🏊 Exercise modes: Add the right sports to your Profile → Set up automatic activity recognition (e.g. walking, running, swimming).
• 🌍 Weather and widgets: Enable weather display in Settings → Screen. → Set up the order of the widgets (swipe left/right on the watch's home screen).

For owners of the Mi Watch S1, the voice assistant function is available:

1. Activate it in Settings → Voice Assistant.
2. Set up a hot phrase (such as “Hello, Mi”) or set up a launch with a double-press button.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)