Xiaomi S1 Activation: A Complete Guide from Unpacking to Synchronization

The Xiaomi Watch S1 (or Mi Watch S1 in some regions) is a stylish AMOLED-display device that combines fitness tracker and smartwatch features. However, before first using it, it must be activated correctly, otherwise some of the features will not be available. Many users face problems during the connection to a smartphone or authorization in Mi Account, especially if they have not previously worked with the Xiaomi ecosystem.

In this article, we will take the entire activation process in steps, from unpacking the box to first synchronizing data, and focus on common errors such as the inability to connect via Bluetooth or crashes in the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit). You will also learn how to authenticate the device and what to do if the watch is not determined by the phone. S1 2026.

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

Before you start setting up, make sure you have everything you need, and errors at this point can cause your device to malfunction or not be able to complete the activation.

  • πŸ“± Compatible smartphone: Xiaomi S1 Officially supports Android 6.0 devices+ or iOS 10.0+. On the iPhone, some functions may be limited.
  • πŸ”‹ Charging hours: Even if the indicator shows charge, connect the device to charge for 10-15 minutes before first turning on.
  • 🌐 Stable Internet connection: to download the application and update the firmware will require Wi-Fi or mobile Internet.
  • πŸ“² Xiaomi Account: If you don’t have one, sign up in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

Important: If you didn't buy a watch from an official store, check it for authenticity. Compare the serial number on the box and on the device menu (Settings β†’ About the phone).

⚠️ Note: Do not use chargers from other gadgets with voltages higher 5V/1This could damage the Xiaomi battery. S1.

πŸ“Š What ecosystem do you use?
Only Xiaomi.
Samsung + Xiaomi
Apple + Xiaomi
Other brands

2. Install the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit)

The official management app for the Xiaomi S1 is Mi Fitness (in some regions it may be called Zepp Life), which must be installed before the first time the clock is turned on, otherwise the synchronization may not start.

  • πŸ€– Android: Google Play or AppGallery.
  • 🍎 iOS: App Store.

After installation:

  1. Open the application and log in via Mi Account.
  2. Allow all geolocation, notification and contact requests (this is necessary for the functions to function properly).
  3. Update the app to the latest version through the Profile menu β†’ Settings β†’ Update.

If the app doesn’t see the hours after connecting, try restarting your smartphone and resetting your Bluetooth settings (Settings) β†’ Connections β†’ Bluetooth β†’ βš™οΈ β†’ Drop it).

πŸ’‘

If you already have an old Mi Fit app installed, uninstall it before installing Mi Fitness - version conflict can cause synchronization errors.

3. First on and basic setup of Xiaomi S1

Now we can start turning on the clock.

  1. Press and hold the side button on the Xiaomi S1 body for 3-5 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  2. Select the interface language (scroll the screen up/down, confirm the tap).
  3. Confirm the agreement with the user agreement (a mandatory step!).

Then the clock will go into the waiting mode of connection. QR-code or unique 6-digit code – you will need to enter it in the Mi Fitness app.

Charge the watch to at least 30% | Install Mi Fitness |Authorize in Mi Account |Enable Bluetooth and geolocation on your phone |Remember the code from the watch screen-->

4. Synchronization with the phone: step-by-step instructions

The most important step is pairing the watch with a smartphone.

  1. Open Mi Fitness and go to Profile β†’ Add Device.
  2. Select the Xiaomi Watch S1 from the list.
  3. Click Connect and allow access to Bluetooth.
  4. Enter 6-digit code from the watch screen or scan QR-code.
  5. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes).

If the process is stuck at the "Connection" stage, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reset the clock (hold the side button for 10 seconds).
  • πŸ“± Restart the Mi Fitness app and clear its cache (Phone Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Mi Fitness β†’ Memory. β†’ Clear the cache).
  • πŸ”Œ Shut down. VPN Proxies can block Xiaomi servers.
Problem.Possible causeDecision
The watch is not on the device list.An outdated version of the appUpdate Mi Fitness to the latest version
The "failed to connect" errorConflict with another Bluetooth deviceDisconnect all other gadgets from the phone
QR-code not scannedPoor lighting or dirt on the cameraEnter the code manually or wipe the phone’s camera
Synchronization is interrupted by 99%The Unstable InternetConnect to another Wi-Fi network

⚠️ Note: If you use an iPhone, turn off the marginal charge saving feature in iOS settings before connecting.It can block background work of Mi Fitness.

5. Set up the main parameters after activation

After successful synchronization, you need to configure the key parameters:

  • ⏰ Time and Date: automatically synced to the phone, but if you crash you can manually set in Settings β†’ System system β†’ Date and time.
  • πŸ”” Notifications: Allow access in phone settings (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Mi Fitness β†’ Notifications).
  • πŸƒ Fitness tracker: set goals for steps, sleep and heart rate in the Profile section β†’ Goals.
  • πŸ”’ Screen locking: activate PIN-code β†’ Security to protect data.

For maximum pedometer accuracy, calibrate the sensors:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Sensors and data β†’ Calibration pedometer.
  2. Walk 20 steps with your phone in your hand.
  3. Confirm the settings are maintained.
How to reset the settings Xiaomi S1 to factory?
If the clock starts to glit, reset: Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset β†’ Confirm. After that, you will have to re-activate. All data (except stored in Mi Account) will be deleted.

6. Update of firmware and check of operability

After activation, it is recommended to update the firmware Xiaomi S1 to the latest version, this will fix possible bugs and add new features.

  1. Connect the watch to charging and make sure the battery is >50%.
  2. Open Mi Fitness and go to Profile β†’ Xiaomi Watch S1 β†’ Firmware Update.
  3. If a new version is available, click Download and Install.
  4. Do not disconnect the clock from your phone until the process is complete (it can take up to 20 minutes).

After the update, check:

  • πŸ“Ά Stability of phone communication (check notifications).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery life (should correspond to the stated 12 days in typical use mode).
  • 🩺 Accuracy of sensors (compare pulse rates with a medical tonometer).

If after the update, the watch began to slow down or discharge quickly, reset the settings (see spoiler above) and repeat the activation.

πŸ’‘

Updating your firmware through Mi Fitness is the only official way. Don't use third-party firmware, it will take away your warranty and can put your watch out of order.

7.Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the correct instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
The clock does not turn on after chargingBattery discharged or faulty chargerTry another charger (5V/1A) and wait 30 minutes
Mi Fitness doesn't see the watch after resetResidual data in the app cacheClear the cache and app data in the phone settings
Error "Device not certified"Buying from an unofficial store (possible forgery)Check the serial number on Xiaomi’s website
The clock is constantly disconnected from the phone.Energy saving mode on the phoneAdd Mi Fitness to Battery Optimization Exclusion List

If none of these methods worked, please contact Xiaomi Support via the official website or chat in the Mi Fitness app.

  • The Xiaomi Watch S1 model.
  • The firmware version (you can find in Settings β†’ About the phone).
  • Description of the problem with screenshots (if possible).

FAQ: Frequent questions about activation of Xiaomi S1

Can you activate the Xiaomi S1 without a smartphone?
No, the watch requires a Mi Fitness app and a smartphone to function properly, and without synchronization, only the basic functions of time, pedometer and pulsemeter (without saving data history) will be available.
What if Mi Fitness doesn’t support my country?
Try changing the region in your phone settings to India or Singapore (where the app works exactly), and the alternative is to use a VPN with a connection to those countries while activating.
How to transfer data from the old Xiaomi watch to the S1?
Automatic portability is not possible. However, you can manually export data from your old Mi Fit account (if you had one) and upload it to Mi Fitness via Profile β†’ Data Import.
Why are not notifications working after activation?
Check: Mi Fitness permissions in phone settings; notification settings in the app itself (Profile β†’ Xiaomi Watch S1 β†’ Notifications); no energy-saving restrictions for Mi Fitness.
How long does the first synchronization take?
The average is 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the speed of the Internet and the amount of data, and if it takes more than 30 minutes, reset the clock and phone, then reconnect.