How to set up Xiaomi Watch 3 smartwatch: a complete guide from connectivity to fine-tuning

The Xiaomi Watch 3 is not just an accessory, but a full-fledged assistant for tracking health, managing notifications and even paying for purchases. However, many users face difficulties in the first setup, from problems with communication with a smartphone to incorrect sensors. This article will help you understand all the nuances from basic connectivity to hidden features that are not written in the official instructions.

We will not only look at the standard steps (synchronization with Mi Fitness, setting dials), but also solve typical problems: why the watch discharges quickly, how to turn on the Russian-language voice assistant and what to do if the pulse sensor gives inaccurate readings.

If you've just unpacked your device or want to reinstall it from scratch, this is for you, and for power users, we've prepared a section with advanced settings that go beyond the standard functionality.

Preparing for the first setup: what to do before turning on the clock

Before you start setting up the Xiaomi Watch 3, make sure you have everything you need, which will save time and avoid common mistakes such as not connecting or crashing when updating your firmware.

First, check your smartphone compatibility, and the watch officially works with Android 6.0 and higher (iOS is limited).

• 📱 Smartphone with Mi Fitness installed (you can download it from Google Play or App Store).
• 🔋 Charger (there is a magnetic docking station included) Charge the clock to at least 50% before setting up – this will prevent a sudden shutdown during the update.
• 📶 Stable Internet connection on a smartphone (preferably Wi-Fi, as mobile Internet can be interrupted).
• 📝 Xiaomi account (if not, register in advance at account.xiaomi.com).

Note the firmware version of the watch. If you bought the device from a non-official store, it may have outdated or custom firmware installed. Check the current version from the Settings → Device menu. The current firmware for the Xiaomi Watch 3 for 2026 is 1.7.85 or later. If the version is lower, be sure to update it via Mi Fitness after you connect.

⚠️ Note: Do not use chargers from other watch models (e.g. Mi Band) and the magnetic contacts may not match, causing battery damage.

Step 1: Connect your watch to your smartphone via Mi Fitness

The process of pairing Xiaomi Watch 3 with a smartphone begins with the installation of the Mi Fitness app. If you already have Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit), remove it - these apps conflict with each other.

Follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn on the clock by holding the side button until the Xiaomi logo appears.
2. On your smartphone, open Mi Fitness and log in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Click on the profile icon (in the upper right corner) and select Add Device.
4. Find the Xiaomi Watch 3 and confirm your choice.
5. It'll appear on the clock. QR-code – scan it through the smartphone camera (permission to use the camera must be provided in advance).
6. Confirm the pairing on both devices.

If QR-The code doesn't show up, reset the clock (hold the side button for 10 seconds) and try again. Also make sure that your smartphone has Bluetooth and geolocation enabled, without which you can't connect.

Bluetooth enabled on your smartphone

Installed application Mi Fitness

The clock is at least 50% charged.

Smartphone connected to the Internet

Scanned. QR-clock-screen-->

After a successful connection, the application will offer to update the firmware. Do not refuse to update - this will fix possible bugs and add new features (for example, support for NFC for payment in the latest versions).

⚠️ Warning: If the watch doesn't sync data (steps, pulse) after you're connected, check the permissions for Mi Fitness in your smartphone settings.

Step 2: Set up the basic parameters and personalize

After you connect, go to the clock menu by swiping up the main screen.

• 🌐 Interface language: English may be the default. Change to Russian in Settings → Language.
• 🔊 Volume level: adjustable in Settings → Sound: It is recommended to set an average level for notifications (50-70%), Don't miss important signals.
• 🌙 Do Not Disturb: Activated in Settings → Don't disturb. It's good to turn on at night or during meetings.
• 🔄 Screen Autoturn: If the watch does not respond to the wrist turn, check the settings in Settings → Display. → Crash-turn.

Pay special attention to the dial settings, with over 100 options available in Mi Fitness, including animation and weather display, to set a new dial:

1. Open Mi Fitness and go to Device Profile → Dials.
2. Choose the option you like and click Install.
3. Wait a few seconds – the dial will load on the clock automatically.

If the dial is unchanged, try rebooting the watch or re-synchronizing it with the app, and check if there is a restriction on downloading data in the background for Mi Fitness.

Step 3: Set up notifications and calls

One of the key features of the Xiaomi Watch 3 is to display notifications from your smartphone, so that they work correctly, you need to:

1. In Mi Fitness go to Device Profile → Notifications.
2. Enable Call Notifications and Notifications from the Apps slider.
3. Select applications that must be duplicated on the clock (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).

By default, the clock vibrates when the notification arrives, to change the type of alert:

• 📳 B Settings → Notifications on the clock can be selected between vibration, beep, or combination.
• 🔕 For important contacts (such as relatives), set up individual signals in Mi Fitness under Special Notifications.

If notifications do not arrive:

• Check if your smartphone has blocked background activity Mi Fitness (on Android, this is done in Settings → Applications → Mi Fitness → Battery → Background activity).
• Make sure that the watch is Bluetooth enabled and they are within range of the smartphone (up to 10 meters).
• Reboot both devices.

💡

To quickly respond to a message, swipe left on the notification on the clock and select the response template (for example, “OK”, “I’ll re-take later”).

Step 4: Optimizing the sensors and battery

Xiaomi Watch 3 is equipped with heart rate sensors, SpO₂ (They're oxygenated, they're accelerometers and gyros, but by default, they don't work at full capacity to save charge:

For monitoring heart rate:

• 🩺 Include continuous measurement in Settings → Heart monitoring → Frequency of measurements → Every 10 minutes (default is every 30 minutes).
• 📊 Activate high/low pulse notifications in the same menu.

To measure oxygen in the blood (SpO₂):

• 🩸 Enable automatic measurement in your sleep in Settings → SpO₂ → Automeasurement.
• ⚠️ Don't measure. SpO₂ When moving, it distorts the results.

To extend the battery life:

If the watch is running out too quickly (less than 2 days), check the background processes in Mi Fitness. Sometimes apps (like Strava or Google Fit) continuously sync data, resulting in increased battery consumption.

💡

Disabling the Always On Display (AOD) feature increases the Xiaomi Watch 3’s life by 30-40%.

Step 5: Set up NFC and Contactless Payments

Xiaomi Watch 3 supports contactless payments via NFC, but you need to:

1. Make sure your bank supports card binding to smartwatches (the list of Xiaomi Pay partners can be found at mi.com/global/mi-pay).
2. In Mi Fitness go to Device Profile → Xiaomi Pay and add a bank card by scanning it or entering data manually.
3. Confirm the link via SMS from the bank.
4. On the clock in the Settings menu → Xiaomi Pay, install the default card.

To pay for the purchase:

• Twice press the side button on the clock.
• Bring the clock to the terminal (distance not more than 5 cm).
• Wait for the sound signal and vibration – the payment was successful.

⚠️ Note: If payments do not pass after linking the card, check: Internet connection on your smartphone (watch syncs data with the bank through it), balance on the account and limits for contactless payments (some banks have a limit — 1000-5000 Activation of Mi Pay service in the personal account of the bank.

If your bank does not support Xiaomi Pay, you can use Google Pay (Android only):

1. Install Google Pay on your smartphone.
2. Add the map to the app.
3. In Mi Fitness, activate the option to Use Google Pay in a Watch (not available in all regions).

Step 6: Advanced Settings and Hidden Functions

Besides the basic features, the Xiaomi Watch 3 has a few hidden features that few people know about:

• 🎵 Music control: The watch can work like a remote for a player on a smartphone. → Music and use swipes on the screen while playing tracks to switch songs.
• 📸 Remote camera shutter: In Mi Fitness in the section Additional → You can activate the camera to take a photo from your smartphone in hours, useful for selfies or group shots.
• 🏃 Training on the spot: If you are on the treadmill, turn this mode on in Settings → Training to make sensors correctly count steps.
• 🔋 Energy saving mode: When activated (c Settings) → Battery) shuts down all sensors except time, clocks last up to 20 days, but lose most of the functions.

For automation enthusiasts:

• Configure quick actions in Settings → Quick settings. For example, double-pressing a button can open the last application or turn on a flashlight.
• Use the voice assistant (only available in Chinese firmware). To activate, say "Hey, Xiaomi" or press and hold the side button.

If you want to get root-access to the watch for installing custom firmware, consider:

• It voids the warranty.
• You need to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (the process takes up to 72 hours).
• Incorrect actions can turn a watch into a brick.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Xiaomi Watch 3