Modern wearables are no longer just a step-counting accessory, becoming a full-fledged extension of your smartphone. Xiaomi’s smartwatch and Redmi’s sub-brand have gained popularity thanks to the excellent balance between functionality, autonomy and affordable price. However, to ensure that the device works correctly and does not discharge in a couple of hours, it must be properly prepared for its first use.
The activation process is simple, but many users have difficulty pairing or selecting an app. Misconceptions in setting notifications or ignoring sensor calibration can negate the benefits of a gadget. In this article, we will take a look at each step, from unpacking to fine-tuning the health monitoring system.
Follow the algorithm of actions described below carefully to avoid common connection errors. It is critical to choose the right app for your particular model, as older versions of the watch may not work with new software.
Choosing the Right Application for Management
The first and most important step is installing control software.The Xiaomi ecosystem has undergone significant changes in recent years, and a single app for all devices no longer exists.Newer models like the Redmi Watch 3 or Xiaomi Watch S1 require the Mi Fitness app (formerly known as Xiaomi Wear), while older models may require Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit).
Download apps exclusively from official stores: Google Play for Android or App Store for iPhone. APK-files or modified versions of programs can lead to unstable clocks, data leakage or inability to log in. Once installed, launch the application and log in to your Mi Account or create a new one.
What is the difference between Mi Fitness and Zepp Life?
When registering, pay attention to the region you choose when you sign in. Default servers or Russia regions are the most stable for users in Russia and CIS. Choosing the wrong region can cause weather data to be displayed incorrectly and synchronization to occur with a delay.
- 📱 Download Mi Fitness or Zepp Life from the official store.
- 📝 Register using your phone number or email.
- 🌍 Choose the right region (usually “Russia” or “EU»).
- 🔐 Confirm the entry through the code from SMS email.
Connecting the clock to a smartphone
The process of pairing devices requires Bluetooth enabled on the smartphone and proximity of gadgets to each other. Unlike conventional headphones, Xiaomi and Redmi smartwatches can not just be found in the list of Bluetooth devices of the phone and connect from there.
Turn on the watch by pressing the side button and wait for the logo to appear or QR-Open the app on your phone, go to the Devices tab, and click the Add a new gadget button, and the system will automatically start searching for available devices within range.
☑️ Checklist before connection
When your watch appears on your smartphone screen, click Connect. The watch display may request a pairing confirmation — check the tick. The process of establishing the connection may require updating the watch firmware, which is normal for new devices.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to connect the watch through the standard Bluetooth menu in the Android or iOS settings.This will result in a pairing error and the device will appear as “Connected” but will not transmit health data or notifications.
If the search is not producing results for more than 30 seconds, restart the Bluetooth on your phone or restart the watch itself. Also make sure that the application has all the necessary permissions, especially access to geolocation, which is mandatory for Bluetooth Low Energy to work on Android.
Set up notifications and permissions
One of the main functions of a smart watch is to display notifications, so that messages from messengers, social networks and calls come to the wrist, you need to give the app the appropriate rights, without which the watch will only work as a fitness tracker, ignoring incoming information.
Go to the device profile settings in the app and look for the “App Notifications” section, where you will see a list of all the programs installed on your smartphone, activate the switches opposite to the apps you want to see notifications from on your watch, such as Telegram, WhatsApp or Viber.
| Type of notification | Where to set up | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Incoming calls | Device Profile → Call settings | Tall. |
| Communications (SMS/MMS) | Profile → Application Notifications | Medium |
| Messengers | Profile → Management. notifications | Tall. |
| Systemic sounds | The clock settings → Sound and vibration | Low. |
For Android users, it is critical to adjust the app to the background so that the system does not “kill” the sync process to save energy. Go to the phone’s settings, find the Apps section, select your watch app, and set the battery mode to “No Limits” or “No Limits.”
Also check if contacts are allowed, which will allow the clock to display the caller's name, not just an unknown number. If you want to see text directly on the watch screen, make sure that the "Display Content" option is enabled in the notification privacy settings.
Sensor calibration and health monitoring
The accuracy of heart rate, steps and calorie expenditure is directly dependent on the device fitting correctly on the arm and the initial calibration. The heart rate sensor on the back should fit tightly to the skin, but not squeeze the wrist. A weakened strap will cause light to hit and misread.
You need to enter the application with the current anthropometric data: height, weight, age and gender, these parameters are used by algorithms to calculate BMR (basic metabolism) and distance traveled. If you use a watch to track sleep, also specify your usual schedule for rise and come down.
To improve the accuracy of the pedometer, it is recommended to take a test walk. Walk a known distance (for example, 100 meters) at a normal pace, holding the phone in your hand for comparison, and check the results in the application. Some models allow you to manually calibrate the step length in advanced settings.
💡
For maximum accuracy, measure your pulse during exercise, slightly moisten the skin under the sensor or move the clock higher from the wrist, where the pulsation of the artery is felt more strongly.
Remember that an optical sensor can make errors during intense interval training or in cold weather when the vessels are narrowed, and in such cases, you should rely on averages per session, not on instantaneous values.
Personalization of dials and interface
The visuals are what make it fun to use. The dial store in the Mi Fitness and Zepp Life apps offers thousands of options, from the strict analog to the vibrant animated. It takes a few seconds to load a new dial and completely changes the look of the device.
To install, open the Dials section in the app, select your favorite design, and click Set. You can also create your own dial using personal photos. To do this, select Local or Create, upload photos from the gallery, and adjust the position of the items (time, date, steps).
In addition to the look and feel, you can also customize the functional widgets, swipe up or sideways (depending on the model), you can access weather, pressure, stress or music control cards, and in the interface settings, you can reorder these cards, leaving only the ones you use regularly.
- 🎨 Choose the dials with AMOLED-deep-black screen.
- 📸 Use family photos to personalize the home screen.
- ⚙️ Disable unnecessary widgets to speed up the menu.
- 🌙 Set up automatic “Do Not Disturb” mode at night.
Addressing common problems
Even when set up correctly, there can be technical difficulties, and users often complain that the clock is no longer synced or that training data is not stored, most of the time it is solved by simply restarting Bluetooth or reconnecting the device in the app.
If the watch is stuck and does not respond to touch, you need to perform a forced reboot, to do this, press the side button and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the device vibrates and the brand logo appears, this is a safe procedure that does not delete your data.
⚠️ Note: If the watch stops connecting after updating the phone’s operating system, try finding the device in Bluetooth settings and select “Forget this device” and then pairing again through the app.
If you have a GPS problem (the workout track is ragged or misaligned), make sure you are outdoors when the activity starts, give the clock 10-20 seconds to search for satellites before you start running, and check if the app is allowed geolocation in the background.
💡
90% of smartwatch problems are solved by restarting both devices (watches and phones) and re-pairing through the app.