How to set up Xiaomi smartwatch: a complete guide from connectivity to fine-tuning

Xiaomi smartwatches are not just accessories, but a full-fledged assistant for sports, health and everyday tasks. However, after buying, many people are faced with the question: how to properly configure the device to work as efficiently as possible? In this article, we will analyze all the stages from the first onset to hidden functions that the manufacturer does not always advertise.

Whether you bought the Mi Watch, Redmi Watch or Xiaomi Watch flagship model S3, The setup process has general principles, but there are also nuances: for example, different versions of firmware may require additional steps, and some functions (like the ones you see here). NFC or SOS) We've gathered all the relevant information for 2026, including solutions to typical problems.

Important: If you’re upgrading your watch from an older model, note the changes in the Mi Fitness app (now called Zepp Life for most devices), which has affected the interface and location of some settings.

Preparing for the first inclusion: what to do before setting up

Before you start setting up, make sure you have everything you need, which will save time and eliminate unnecessary problems.

Minimum requirements for work:

• 📱 Smartphone on Android 6.0+ or iOS 12.0+ (iPhone functionality is limited)
• 🔋 Charger (included or compatible with your model’s magnetic connector)
• 📶 Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data on your phone)
• 📌 Xiaomi account (can be created during setup)

Pay special attention to charging: some models (for example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) require a minimum of 20% charge for the first turn on and synchronization. If the battery indicator flashes red, connect the watch to the network for 15-20 minutes.

What to do if the clock is not turned on?

⚠️ Note: If after a long charge (1)+ The screen is still black, try resetting the device, press the power button for 10-15 seconds, and if that doesn't work, it could be a faulty battery or charging contacts.

Installation of the application and synchronization with the phone

The main tool for setting up is the official app, and depending on the watch model, it can be:

• 📲 Zepp Life (for most new models, including the Watch) S3 Watch 2 Pro)
• 📲 Mi Fitness (for older devices like Mi Band 6 or Mi Watch Lite)
• 📲 Wear OS by Google (only for Xiaomi Watch) S1 Google Wear-based OS)

Download the app from the App Store or Google Play. After installation:

1. Open the app and sign in to your Xiaomi account (or sign up).
2. Click Add Device and select your model from the list.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions: Allow notifications, contacts, and geolocation (this is necessary for functions like call alerts or route tracking to work properly).
4. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes).

If the app doesn't find the watch, check:

• 🔄 Bluetooth is on on your phone and watch.
• 📵 Is there no active mode Do not disturb or Energy saving on your smartphone.
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.

Basic settings: time, language and notifications

After synchronization, set the main parameters:

1. Language and region

By default, the watch can be in Chinese or English.

1. Open the Zepp Life app → Go to the Device Profile → Settings → Language.
2. Select Russian (if it is not in the list, update the firmware).
3. For models on Wear OS (For example, watch. S1) Language changes right in clock settings: Settings → System → Language.

2. Time format

If the clock shows the wrong time or date:

• 🕒 Check automatic time synchronization in the application settings.
• 🌍 Make sure you choose the right time zone (sometimes confused when traveling).
• 🔄 Restart the clock if the time is not updated.

Notifications

To receive notifications about calls, SMS and messages from messengers:

1. In the app, go to Device Profile → Notifications.
2. Turn on the Notifications switch and select the applications you want to see alerts from.
3. For iPhone, additionally allow notifications in iOS settings: Settings → Bluetooth → [name of your watch] → Allow notices.

Setting up health and fitness functions

One of the key features of Xiaomi’s smartwatch is health monitoring, and to be accurate, you’ll need to customize it personally:

1. Personal data

In the Zepp Life app, go to Profile → Personal information and provide:

• 👤 Paul
• 📏 Height and weight (important for calorie and step calculations)
• 🎂 Date of birth (for age analysis)

2. Tracking the heart and sleep

Activate the functions in the Health menu:

• ❤️ Heart rate – choose Auto or Manual mode (for battery savings).
• 😴 Sleep monitoring – enable Smart Tracking to automatically detect sleep phases.
• 🩺 Blood oxygen levels (SpO₂) — Set up a measurement schedule (recommended at night).

3. Training

Add frequently used sports to Quick Access:

1. Open the training. → My sports.
2. Click Edit and drag the desired views (running, cycling, swimming, etc.) to the Favorites section.
3. For accurate distance tracking, turn on GPS (Not available on all models).

💡

To save battery, turn off the Continuous Heartbeat and leave only the Intelligent Measurement (the clock will measure the pulse every 30 minutes instead of constant monitoring).

Additional functions: NFC, voice-assistant

Modern Xiaomi watches support advanced features that often go unused.

1. Contactless payments (NFC)

Available on Xiaomi Watch models S2, Watch 2 Pro and others with a chip NFC. To set up:

1. Open the Zepp Life app → Device profile → NFC.
2. Click Add card and select a bank (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, etc. are supported).
3. Follow the instructions of the bank for binding (you will need to enter the card details and confirm the SMS).
4. After adding, activate the default Payments option so that the watch automatically opens the card when it is brought to the terminal.

2.Voice assistant

On a Wear watch. OS (For example, watch. S1) Google Assistant is available. To activate it:

• 🎤 On the clock, say “OK, Google” or press the power button for 2 seconds.
• 🔊 In the settings of the clock, turn on Voice input (Settings). → Google → Voice).

3.Gestural control

Some models support gestures for quick access:

• 🙌 Raise your hand - turn on the screen (configured in Settings) → Display. → Raising your hand).
• 👆 Double touch – switch the dial (does not work on all models).
• 🤏 Clenching your fist – take a photo on a connected smartphone (you need to include in Settings) → Gestures).

💡

NFC Xiaomi only works with bank cards that support the technology HCE (Host Card Emulation: Cards with a physical chip (e.g. transport) are not added.

Battery Optimization: How to Extend Your Time

One of the most common complaints about smartwatches is that the battery is running out fast, and fortunately, there are ways to increase autonomy without losing key features.

Basic advice:

• 🔋 Turn off the Constantly Active Screen (in the display settings) and save up to 30% of charge.
• 📶 Use Night Flight Mode if you don't need sleep monitoring.
• 🔄 Reduce the frequency of automatic pulse measurements (e.g., once every 30 minutes instead of 5 minutes).
• 📵 Disable notifications from unnecessary applications.

Energy saving modes:

On most models, 2-3 modes are available:

To switch to energy saving mode:

1. On the clock, swipe down the screen to open the control panel.
2. Click on the Battery icon and select the desired mode.

💡

If the watch runs out in 1-2 days for no apparent reason, check the background apps in the phone settings. Some programs (such as fitness trackers) can constantly sync with the clock, consuming charge.

Troubleshooting: What to do if something doesn’t work

Even after you've set up the right thing, you can have problems, and let's look at the most common ones and their solutions.

1.The clock is not synchronized with the phone

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📱 Remove the watch from the list of Bluetooth devices on your phone and reconnect.
• 📲 Update the Zepp Life app to the latest version.
• 🔌 Check if the antivirus is blocking or VPN linkage.

2.The touch of the screen does not work

• 🧼 Wipe the screen with a wet wipe (it may have fat or dirt on it).
• 🔋 Check battery power – at levels below 5%, the sensor may be switched off.
• ⚙️ Reset the clock settings to factory (Settings) → System system → Reset).

3. Incorrect steps or pulse data

• 👟 Make sure the watch fits tightly to the wrist (a gap of 1-2 cm is acceptable).
• 📏 Check your personal information (height, weight) in your profile.
• 🔄 Update the firmware of the watch (Settings) → System system → Update of the PO).

4.The watch does not vibrate at notifications

• 🔊 Enable Vibration in the Notification Settings.
• 📵 Check if the "Do Not Disturb" mode is activated".
• 🔋 Make sure the battery is not discharged (at a level below 10%, the vibration may be turned off).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions