How to Set Up Xiaomi Smart Watches: A Complete Guide from Synchronization to Hidden Features

Xiaomi smartwatches are not just accessories, but full-fledged assistants for sports, health and everyday tasks. But to unlock the full potential of the device, it needs to be properly configured. Many users limit themselves to basic functions, without even realizing that in the Mi Band, Amazfit or Watch. S3 Dozens of useful options are hidden – from automatic sleep tracking to smart home management.

In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step setting of Xiaomi watches on the example of popular models, from the budget Mi Band 7 to the flagship Watch 2 Pro. You will learn how to connect the watch to the phone, configure notifications, optimize battery consumption and even activate hidden modes that are not written in the official instructions.

1. Preparation for setting up: what to do before the first turn on

Before you start setting up, make sure you have everything you need, which will save time and avoid common mistakes, such as when the watch does not connect to the phone due to outdated firmware.

Here is the checklist before starting:

• 📱 Smartphone on Android 6.0+ or iOS 10.0+ (The older version will also work for the Mi Band, but with limited features).
• 🔋 Charger – even if the watch is new, it’s best to charge it to 100% before setting up.
• 🌐 Stable Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network) – required for downloading applications and updates.
• 📌 Account. Xiaomi/Zepp — Without it, you can’t synchronize the data.

Charge the clock until 100%|Install the Mi app Fitness/Zepp|Create a Xiaomi account|Turn on Bluetooth on your phone|Update the firmware of the watch (if available)-->

Pay special attention to the firmware version of the watch. If you buy a device "hands-on", there is a high risk of running into outdated software that does not support new features. → About the device → For most Xiaomi models, the minimum supported version is 1.0.5.0 and higher.

⚠️ Note: If you are setting up a Xiaomi watch for a child, turn off the Payment function. QR-In some models (e.g. Mi Band 6) NFC) It is activated by default and allows you to make purchases without confirmation.

2.Installation and configuration of the application: Mi Fitness vs Zepp

All Xiaomi smartwatches are controlled through branded apps, but there's a caveat: different software is used for different product lines, like the Mi Band and the Watch. S1 They work through Mi Fitness and Amazfit. GTR/GTS — Zepp (formerly known as Amazfit App).

Here’s how to choose the right app:

After installation of the annex:

1. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (for Mi Fitness) or Zepp.
2. Click Add Device and select your watch model from the list.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen – the app will prompt you to turn on Bluetooth and allow notifications.

Mi Fitness|Zepp|Xiaomi Wear|Other|I don't know.-->

If the clock is not connected, try:

• 🔄 Reboot both the watch and the phone.
• 📱 Remove the device from the list of connected Bluetooth devices in the phone settings and repeat pairing.
• 🔧 Update the application to the latest version (sometimes bugs are only fixed in new releases).

3. Basic setting: time, language and notifications

Once you connect to the app, the clock automatically syncs the time and date to the phone, but some settings will have to be adjusted manually.

How to change the interface language:

1. On the clock, go to Settings. → Language (or Settings) → Language).
2. Select Russian (if it is not in the list, update the firmware).
3. For Amazfit, the language changes in the Zepp app: Profile → My devices. → Settings of the device → Language.

Setting up notifications is one of the most popular features, so that the watch shows incoming calls and messages:

1. In the application (Mi Fitness or Zepp) go to Profile → Notifications.
2. Turn on the Call Notification and Notifications from the apps switch.
3. Select the apps you want to see on your watch (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
4. Set up the Vibration and Screenlighting when you receive new notifications.

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If notifications don't come, check the power saving settings on your phone. Some manufacturers (like Huawei or Xiaomi) block the background of apps to save battery. Add Mi Fitness or Zepp to the exception list.

For models with NFC (For example, Mi Band 6 NFC watch S1 Pro) Quick Payments setting is available:

1. In the app, go to Profile → Xiaomi Pay (or Alipeas for Chinese versions).
2. Attach a bank card (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB and others are supported).
3. On the clock, activate the default payment option in the settings NFC.

4.Setting up health and sports tracking

The main advantage of Xiaomi smartwatches is health monitoring, but by default, many sensors are not working at full capacity, for example, sleep tracking can be turned off, and the pedometer can be inaccurate.

How to set up sleep tracking:

• 😴 In the annex (Mi) Fitness/Zepp) Go to Profile. → Son.
• Turn on Automatic Sleep Tracking and set the time of rest/up.
• For accuracy, turn off the Do Not Disturb mode on the clock while sleeping.
• In the Amazfit models GTR 3 and later available Sleep phase analysis (light, deep, REM).

Customization of training:

• 🏃 In the app, select Trainings → My sports.
• Add the necessary activities (running, cycling, swimming, etc.).
• Set up Autodefinition Training – the watch will recognize the beginning of a jog or a bike walk.
• For running and walking, calibrate the pedometer: walk 20 steps with your phone in your hand to sync the data.

For owners of Xiaomi Watch S2 and Amazfit GTR 4 Stress Measurement is available to activate it:

1. In the app, go to Profile → Stress.
2. Turn on Continuous Monitoring (be aware that this increases battery consumption).
3. Set up notifications about high stress levels.

5. Battery optimization: how to extend the work without recharging

One of the most common complaints about smartwatches is that the battery is running out fast, but most of the time, the problem is solved by the right settings. 7 standard-setting 10-12 In the course of the day, and in the course of optimization, up to 20.

Top.-5 Ways to increase working hours:

• 🔋 Turn off the constantly active screen (in models with the AMOLED, For example, the Watch 2 Pro).
• 📵 Reduce the frequency of data synchronization with the phone (in Mi Fitness: Settings) → Synchronization → Every 30 minutes).
• 🚫 Turn off unnecessary notifications (especially from social media).
• 🌙 Activate Power Saving Mode at Night (disables sensors other than pedometers).
• 🔄 Update the firmware – new versions often optimize battery consumption.

For models with GPS (For example, the Amazfit T-Rex 2 or the Watch. S1 Active) the main battery eater is the geolocation module:

• Use it. GPS only during training.
• In the training settings, select Energy Saving Mode GPS (less precision, but longer work).
• After training, check that GPS shut down automatically.

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The most effective way to extend the battery life is to turn off the Continuous pulse measurement. 10-30 minutes, not all the time.

If the watch is discharged too quickly (less than 3 days), check:

• 🔍 Background Processes: In Mi Fitness go to Settings → The device → Background processes and disable unnecessary ones.
• 🌡️ Temperature: If the watch overheats, it could indicate a battery malfunction.
• 🔄 Firmware: Outdated versions of software often contain bugs that lead to increased consumption.

6. Hidden functions and life hacks for power users

Even if you’ve been using a Xiaomi watch for years, chances are you’re not aware of some hidden features: For example, Mi Band 6 has an undocumented Theatre mode that turns off all notifications and screen highlights for 2 hours.

5 little-known chips:

• 🎭 Theatre Mode: Press the Mi Band button for 3 seconds → choose 🎬. Useful in the movies or at concerts.
• 🔊 Music Management: On Watch S2 You can swipe tracks left/right on the player screen.
• 📸 Remote shutter release: Mi Fitness has camera control option – the watch can serve as a remote for selfies.
• 🔒 Screen lock: on Amazfit GTR 3 You can set the unlock password (in the security settings).
• 🌦️ Weather on the dial: in Zepp you can add a weather widget with a forecast for 3 days.

For models with a microphone (such as the Watch 2 Pro), voice commands are available.

1. In the app, go to Settings → Voice assistant.
2. Choose Alice (for Russia) or Google Assistant.
3. Set up a hot word (like “OK, Google”).

If you like customization, look at the side of the dials.

• In the official Mi Fitness store (dials section).
• On sites like AmazfitWatchFaces (for Amazfit).
• Through WatchFace or Facer (requires manual installation)

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To install a third-party dial on the Mi Band, download the.bin file and through Mi Fitness select Add the dial. → But be careful, unofficial dials may contain malicious code!

7. Solving common problems

Even the most reliable devices fail.-5 Xiaomi Watch Problems and How to Solve Them:

1.The clock is not synchronized with the phone

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📱 In your phone settings, remove the watch from the list of Bluetooth devices and connect again.
• 🔧 Update the Mi app Fitness/Zepp.
• 🌐 Check your internet connection (synchronization requires networking).

2.Pulsemeter or pedometer is not working.

• 🩹 Check the density of the watch to the wrist.
• 🔄 Reset the clock (on Mi Band, press the button for 10 seconds).
• 📊 Update the firmware - in old versions there are bugs with sensors.

3. The battery goes down fast.

• 🔋 Turn off the Constantly Active Screen and Continuous pulse measurement.
• 📵 Reduce the frequency of data synchronization.
• 🌙 Activate Energy Saving Mode at Night.

4. Notifications are not coming.

• 📱 In the phone settings, check that Mi Fitness/Zepp not locked in the background.
• 🔔 In the app, include notifications for the desired applications.
• 🔄 Reconnect the clock to the phone.

5.The clock doesn't define the workout

• 🏃 In the app, check that Autodetermining Training is enabled.
• 📊 Update the watch firmware.
• 🩹 Wear your watch tighter during activity.

⚠️ Warning: If after the firmware update, Xiaomi watches stopped turning on (black screen, no button response), don't panic. connect them to charge for 30 minutes - often this helps restore work. If it didn't help, try resetting through the application (Profile) → The device → Reset).

8 Model Comparison: Which Xiaomi Watches to Choose in 2026

If you haven’t decided on a model yet, here’s a comparison table of Xiaomi’s current smartwatches (as of 2026):

The choice of the model depends on your needs:

• 💰 Budget up to 5,000 ₽ → Mi Band 8 (Basic Features, Long Work).
• 🏃 For sport. → Amazfit GTS 4 or T-Rex 2 (exact) GPS, battery).
• 💳 S NFC payment → Xiaomi Watch S3 Watch 2 Pro.
• 📱 Maximum functionality → Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (full replacement of the smartphone).

If you choose between the Mi Band and the Amazfit, consider that the Amazfit is better suited for sports (more precisely sensors, longer battery), and the Mi Band is better suited for everyday use (compact, cheaper).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions