How to set up Xiaomi Watch S1 Active: full instruction from connection to hidden features

The Xiaomi Watch S1 Active combines stylish design, advanced health monitoring features and easy control through the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life).However, even experienced Xiaomi users sometimes face difficulties in the first setup: the watch does not sync with the phone, notifications are not displayed, training data is lost. This article will help avoid typical errors and reveal hidden features of the model that are not written in the official instructions.

We will analyze not only the basic steps – connecting to a smartphone and setting up a dial, but also advanced features: creating custom training modes, optimizing battery consumption and integrating with Google Fit or Apple Health services. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances that are often missed: why the watch may not show notifications from messengers, how to properly calibrate the pedometer and what to do if some functions are lost after updating the firmware.

Preparation for setting up: what to do before turning on the clock

Before you start setting up the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active, make sure all the preconditions are met.This will save time and eliminate the need to reconnect the device.

First, check your smartphone compatibility. The watch officially runs Android 6.0+ or iOS 12.0+, but full synchronization (such as notifications from Telegram or WhatsApp) on the iPhone will require additional configuration through the Notify for Mi Band app. On Android, a standard Mi Fitness is enough.

• 📱 Update your smartphone firmware to the latest version – it will eliminate possible conflicts with Bluetooth.
• 🔋 Charge the clock to at least 50% – with a low charge, some functions (for example, software updates) will be blocked.
• 📲 Remove old versions of apps (Mi Fit, Zepp) – they may conflict with Mi Fitness.
• 🔒 Enable permissions for the application: geolocation, notifications, autorun (on Android).

If you are switching from other Xiaomi smartwatches (such as the Mi Band 7 or Watch S1), untie the old device in the app to avoid conflicts when connecting. Also, we recommend resetting the clock to factory settings - this will clear the cache and eliminate possible errors of past settings. To reset, press the button on the case for 10 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears.

Connecting Xiaomi Watch S1 Active to the phone: step-by-step instructions

The process of pairing the clock with the phone takes no more than 5 minutes, but requires precise follow-up of the instructions.

1. Download the Mi Fitness app from the App Store or Google Play. Avoid third-party sources - this is fraught with viruses.

Once successfully connected, the watch will automatically upgrade to the latest firmware version (if available). Do not interrupt the upgrade process, this may cause the system to crash. If the update is suspended during the Preparation stage, restart the clock and try again.

Date and time synchronized|The charge level is displayed in the appendix|Watch vibrates when notified|Basic dials available-->

⚠️ Note: If the clock is not determined by the app, try forgetting the device in the phone's Bluetooth settings, then reconnect. iPhone may require additional resolution for Mi Fitness in Settings → Confidentiality → Bluetooth.

Customization of the dial and appearance

Xiaomi Watch S1 Active supports interchangeable dials, including animated and customizable options.

1. Open Mi Fitness and go to Profile → Xiaomi Watch S1 Active → Dials.
2. Choose your favorite option from the collection (there are themed dials for sports, business, minimalism).
3. To download third-party dials, use services like Amazfit Watch Faces (manual installation is required via.bin).

Some dials support widgets -- quick access to the weather, pulse, or steps -- to customize them:

• 🌡️ Press the dial and hold for 2 seconds.
• 🔄 Scroll down to the Widgets section and select the right ones.
• ⚙️ Adjust the display order in the Mi Fitness app.

If the clock starts to slow down after changing the dial, go back to the standard version – some animated themes consume up to 20% of the additional battery.

Configuration of notifications and calls

One of the key features of a smartwatch is alerting for calls and messages. By default, the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active only shows notifications from standard applications (SMS, Calendar).

1. In Mi Fitness, go to Profile → Notifications.
2. Activate the Notification switch on the device.
3. In the Applications section, select the necessary ones (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, etc.).
4. On Android, additionally enable Show Content for each application.

For iPhone you will need an additional app Notify for Mi Band (cost ~ 300 rubles.).

• 🔗 Connect Notify for Mi Band to Mi Fitness via Settings → Integration.
• 📱 In iOS settings, allow notifications for Notify for Mi Band.
• 🔄 Restart the clock and phone.

If notifications are late or duplicated, check:

• 📶 Bluetooth connection stability (distance to phone no more than 10 meters).
• 🔋 Charge level of the clock (at <15% Notifications may be blocked).
• 📵 Power saving settings on your phone (add Mi Fitness to exceptions).

⚠️ Note: On iPhone, notifications from Instagram and Facebook Messenger may not show due to Apple's restrictions.The solution is to use web versions of messengers via Safari.

Health and fitness monitoring

Xiaomi Watch S1 Active equipped with sensors to measure pulse, blood oxygen levels (SpO₂), But accurate readings require the right setup:

There are 100+ training modes available, including running, swimming, cycling and yoga, to add a custom mode:

1. In the app, go to Training → Set up.
2. Select Add Mode and specify the name (e.g., CrossFit).
3. Set the parameters: duration, target heart rate, alerts.

💡

To swim, activate the Pool or Open Water mode manually - automatic determination is unstable.

Optimization of battery and autonomy

The manufacturer claims up to 12 days of battery life, but in practice this figure depends on the settings.

• 🔋 Turn off the Constantly Active Screen (Settings) → Display).
• ⏱️ Reduce the frequency of automatic pulse measurements to every 30 minutes.
• 📵 Disable notifications from unnecessary applications.
• 🌙 Use Sleep Mode at Night (disables all sensors except for time).

If the clock is discharged in 1-2 days, check:

• 🔄 Firmware updates – sometimes newer versions contain errors that increase the cost.
• 📡 Bluetooth Status – Constant communication breaks increase power consumption.
• 🎨 Complex dials – animations and widgets “eat” up to 15% of the charge per day.

For battery reset (if the clock shows an incorrect percentage):

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset.
2. Select Battery Data Reset.
3. Connect the watch to charging and wait for the full cycle (discharge-charge).

💡

Turning off the function of raising the hand to activate saves up to 20% of charge per day.

Hidden functions and life hacks

The Xiaomi Watch S1 Active hides a few useful features that are not mentioned in the official documentation:

• 🎵 Music control: From the clock you can switch tracks on the phone (even if the screen is locked.
• 📸 Remote camera shutter: activate the camera in the application → Xiaomi Watch S1 Active, then use the watch as a selfie remote.
• 🔐 Clock locking: C Settings → Security setup PIN-code so that no one can change the settings.
• 🌍 Offline maps: download cards for running or cycling via Strava (integration available in Mi Fitness).

For advanced users:

• 🔧 Developer Mode: activated by 5-fold pressing the Build Number in Settings → System. Allows you to test beta firmware.
• 📊 Data export: Mi Fitness can download training history in CSV for analysis in Excel.

If you lack functionality, consider installing third-party firmware like Amazfit Mod, but keep in mind that this is unwarranted and can lead to unstable work.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Watch S1 Active