The first switch on Xiaomi smartwatches is a process that seems simple only at first glance. Even experienced users sometimes face unexpected problems, from lack of charging response to synchronization errors with the phone. In this article, we will analyze step-by-step activation for all popular models – from the budget Mi Band to the flagship Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – and also reveal hidden nuances that are not written in the official instructions.
It is important to understand that the activation process can vary depending on the firmware version of the watch, the model of the smartphone, and even the region of the device purchase. For example, a watch purchased in China may require additional manipulation of the Mi Account account, and we have taken all these points into account and put together a universal guide to help avoid typical errors.
Preparing for activation: what to do before turning on the clock
Before you press the power button on the new watch, make sure you follow all the preliminary steps.This will save time and eliminate the need to reset the device to factory settings.
Basic requirements:
- 📱 Smartphone on Android 6.0+ or iOS 12.0+ (Mi Band 7 and newer Android 8.0+)
- 🔋 Charger from the kit (using third-party adapters may cause slow charging or failures)
- 🌐 Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile Internet) 4G/5G firmware)
- 📲 Fresh version of Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app (depending on watch model)
Pay special attention to the region of your Mi Account account. If you bought a watch in China but your account is registered in Russia, you may have problems with the link, in which case you will either have to change the account region (which requires a VPN and document confirmation), or use workarounds, which we will describe below.
Compatibility check: Not all watch features are available on iPhones. For example, the Xiaomi Watch S3 does not support answering calls via iOS, and notifications come with a delay. The full list of restrictions can be found on Xiaomi's official website.
Unpacking and first inclusion: step-by-step instructions
Start by visually inspecting the device, make sure there is no mechanical damage to the body and no broken pixels on the screen, and then follow the algorithm:
- Wait for the Xiaomi logo to appear. It can take anywhere from 10 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the battery level.
- Select a language. Most models have Russian, English and Chinese available. Use a touch screen or a physical button to switch (on the Xiaomi Watch S3).
If the watch does not respond to the connection to charge:
- 🔌 Check the cable and socket serviceability (try another device).
- ⏳ Wait 10-15 minutes – the battery may be completely discharged.
- 🔄 Reset the clock by holding the power button for 20 seconds (for models with a physical button).
☑️ Checklist before first synchronization
Critical error: if the watch Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro after unpacking shows Chinese characters and does not respond to the change of language, this means that the device is designed for the domestic market of China.
Installation and configuration of the synchronization application
Without an official app, Xiaomi watches will not be able to reveal all its functionality.
| Model clock | Recommended annex | Supported OSs |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 3–8, Redmi Watch 2/3 | Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit) | Android 6.0+, iOS 12.0+ |
| Xiaomi Watch S1/S2/S3, Watch 2 Pro | Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit) | Android 8.0+, iOS 13.0+ |
| Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro | Mi Fitness or Zepp Life | Android 7.0+, iOS 12.0+ |
Installation instructions:
- Download the application from the official store: 🤖 Google Play for Android 🍎 App Store for iOS
Mi Account
account.xiaomi.com
Allow all permissions (geolocation, notifications, access to contacts) to be requested.
Add the device
If the app does not find the watch:
- 🔄 Restart Bluetooth on your phone.
- 📱 Make sure your smartphone has power saving turned off (it can block Mi Fitness background work).
- 🔗 Try connecting through QR-code (displayed on the clock screen after language selection).
💡
If you have a Xiaomi Watch S3 and the Zepp Life app doesn't see a watch, try temporarily disabling the VPN. Some Xiaomi servers block connections due to geo-restrictions.
Synchronization of the clock with the phone: a detailed analysis
The synchronization process can take anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes, depending on the amount of firmware updates you get. Here's what happens at each step:
Step 1. Search for the device
The app scans nearby devices via Bluetooth. Make sure:
- 📶 The watch and phone are no more than 1 meter away.
- 🚫 No active connections to other devices (such as headphones or fitness bracelets).
- 🔄 Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.
Step 2 Confirmation of the couple
The watch screen and the app will have a six-digit code that matches -- if not, press Undo and try again, and that's protection against random connection to other devices.
Step 3: Update the firmware
After successful synchronization, the application will offer to update the software. Do not interrupt the process! For the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, the update can weigh up to 300 MB. The download speed depends on your Internet connection.
What if the update is 99% down?
After the update, the watch will automatically restart. Now you can start personal settings: dial selection, notification settings, bank card binding (for models with NFC).
Configure the main functions after activation
Now that the clock is connected, it's time to adjust it to your needs.
1. Notifications
To receive alerts about calls and messages:
- In the app, go to Device Profile → Notifications.
- Turn on the Display Notifications switch.
- Select the apps you want to see alerts from (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
2. Dials
You can install a new dial in two ways:
- 📱 Through the application: Device profile → Dials (more than 100 options available, including animated ones).
- ⌚ Directly on the clock: Hold your finger on the home screen and select Change.
3. Health monitoring
For accurate measurement of pulse and blood oxygen levels:
- 🩺 Wear the watch tightly but without squeezing the wrist (the distance between the sensor and the skin should be minimal).
- ⏱ Turn on Continuous Monitoring in Health Settings (reduces battery life).
- 📊 To calibrate the pedometer, walk 20 steps with your phone in your hand – the data is synchronized automatically.
💡
For models with NFC (Xiaomi Watch S3, Watch 2 Pro) make sure that your bank supports Mi Pay before setting up contactless payments.
If you're an athlete, be sure to set up activity profiles, for example, when running outside, your watch can automatically turn on GPS, and when swimming, you can activate waterproof mode.
Solving common activation problems
Even with the exact following of the instructions, there can be failures.-5 errors and ways of eliminating them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The clock does not turn on after charging | Full battery discharge or factory defect | Keep 30+ minutes on the charge. If it doesn't work, call the service center. |
| App doesn't see the clock | Bluetooth conflict or outdated firmware | Update the watch through Settings → System → Update |
| Error "Device not supported" | The account region does not match the clock region | Change region to Mi Account or use workarounds (see below) |
| Hanging on the Xiaomi logo | Damaged firmware. | Reset via the power button retention (15-20 seconds) |
| No Russian language on the menu | Chinese version of firmware | Update the software through Mi Fitness with a change in the region to Russia |
Bypassing regional restrictions:
If your watch is designed for China, but you want to use it with a Russian interface:
- Install the Mi Fitness app version 4.6.0 or later.
- In the Mi Account settings, change region to China.
- Connect the watch to the application and wait for the suggestion to update the firmware.
- After the update, return the region back to Russia.
⚠️ Note: Changing your region to Mi Account can block access to certain services (e.g. Mi Pay) for 30 days.
Activation of additional functions: NFC, voice assistant, eSIM
Modern smart watches Xiaomi supports functions that require separate configuration.
1. Contactless payments (NFC)
For the Xiaomi Watch S3 and Watch 2 Pro:
- 💳 Open the Mi Pay app (download to Google Play).
- 🔗 Link a bank card (supported by Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, etc.).
- ✅ On the clock, activate the option in Settings → Contactless payments.
2.Voice assistant Xiao AI
Available only on Chinese firmware versions.
- Install China in your Mi Account.
- Update the watch firmware.
- In the settings of the clock, turn on the Voice Assistant.
Note: Xiao AI understands only Chinese. For a Russian-speaking assistant, use Alice via the Yandex app on your phone.
3. Virtual SIM-card (eSIM)
Supported only in the Xiaomi Watch S3 (currently only for the Chinese market).
- 📞 Contact the operator (for example, MTS or Beeline) to obtain an eSIM profile.
- 📱 Scan it. QR-Operator code in the Zepp Life app.
- ⚙ On the clock, turn on the mobile network in Settings → SIM-map.
⚠️ Note: the use of eSIM in Xiaomi watches in Russia may lead to the locking of the device by the operator due to uncertified equipment.