How to set up a smart watch Xiaomi Watch S1: Complete guide from connectivity to fine-tuning

Introduction: Why Xiaomi Watch S1 require proper adjustment?

Smart watch Xiaomi Watch S1 — It's not just an accessory, it's a full-fledged gadget with a range of functions, from health monitoring to smart home management, but without a proper initial setup, you're only at risk of using 30 percent of their capabilities. Many users face problems such as late notifications, fast battery discharge or sensors malfunctioning – all of which are often due to errors in the first run.

In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step setting of Xiaomi Watch S1 With the latest firmware updates from 2026, with a focus on energy efficiency and integration with the Mi Home ecosystem, you will learn how to avoid common mistakes (such as double-tipping) and optimize your watch for your needs, whether it be fitness, business or entertainment. We will pay special attention to hidden features that Xiaomi does not advertise in the official documentation, but which significantly improve the user experience.

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

Before you start setting up, make sure you have everything you need, which will prevent interruptions and potential failures.

• 📱 Smartphone on Android 8.0+ or iOS 12.0+ (iPhone functionality is limited)
• 🔋 Outlet charger 5V/1A (Using more powerful adapters can shorten battery life)
• 📲 Mi Fitness (for Android) or Zepp Life (for iOS), latest version
• 🆔 Xiaomi or Zepp account (registration takes place) 2-3 minute)

Important: If you are updating your firmware from an older Xiaomi Watch model, reset your settings to factory via Settings → System system → Reset: Transferring data from an old watch often leads to conflicts in the operation of the sensors:

• 📶 Bluetooth 5.0+ (stable-connection)
• 📍 Geolocation (necessary for proper pedometer operation and GPS)
• 🔔 Notifications for the Mi app Fitness/Zepp Life

⚠️ Note: If you are using Xiaomi Watch S1 Active (Light version), note that it is not available NFC-Contactless payment module: Trying to configure Mi Pay on this model will lead to an error 0x8010.

Step 1: First Enabling and Linking to an Account

Press and hold the physical button on the right side of the Xiaomi Watch case S1 for 3 seconds until the Mi logo appears. The first turn on can take up to 1 minute - this is normal, since the watch conducts self-testing of the sensors. After download, select the language (Russian, English, Chinese and 12 others are available).

Then the system will suggest connecting to your smartphone. Open the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp Life for iOS) and do the following:

1. Click Add Add the device → The clock → Xiaomi Watch S1.
2. Confirm pairing on both devices (the clock will appear 6-digit code).
3. Sign in to your Xiaomi account or create a new one (if you already have a Mi Account, use it to avoid duplicate data).
4. Allow access to notifications, contacts and geolocation (without this, calls and other information will not work). SMS-warning).

Once successfully anchored, the watch automatically synchronizes time, weather, and basic settings, a process that can take up to 5 minutes — don’t interrupt it even if the watch’s screen goes out (they go into power saving mode).

⚠️ Note: If you encounter a Bluetooth pairing error, try turning it off on your smartphone. VPN And then turn on Bluetooth again, and 80 percent of the time, that solves the problem.

Step 2: Configure the interface and control

Xiaomi Watch S1 They offer flexible customization of the interface, but many users are unaware of the hidden options. To get into the settings menu, swipe from top to bottom across the screen (this is a gesture to call the notification bar) and select an icon. ⚙️ Settings.

Recommended changes for convenience:

• 🔄 Change the order of the tiles in the main menu: pinch any icon for 2 seconds, then drag it to the right place. For example, if you are actively using a pulsemeter, put the heart rate first.
• 🌙 Enable automatic night-mode transition on schedule: Settings → Display. → Night mode. → Turn it on by time. That'll save you up to 15 percent of your battery life.
• 🔊 Adjust the volume of vibration: Settings → Sound and vibration → Vibration intensity. The office will be at a level. 3-4, street-side — 6-7.
• 🔒 Set up screen lock when removing from your hand: Settings → Security → Locking when you're off. This will prevent accidental pressing.

Pay special attention to the setting of physical buttons:

• The top button opens the list of apps by default, but it can be reassigned to start a workout or voice assistant.
• The bottom button (if present in your version) is usually responsible for returning back, but in firmware 2.1.0+ You can configure it to call the last application you use.

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If the watch screen becomes less responsive after the update, calibrate the sensor: → System system → Calibrate the screen and follow the instructions. It takes 30 seconds, but it returns factory accuracy.

Step 3: Synchronize notifications and calls

One of the key functions of smartwatches is to alert you about calls and messages, so you can set them up correctly:

1. In the Mi Fitness app, go to the Device Profile → Xiaomi Watch S1 → Notifications.
2. Turn on the Allow Notifications switch.
3. Select the applications from which you want to see alerts on the clock (messengers, mail, calendar, etc.).
4. For calls, activate the option to Display incoming calls and set the vibration.

Important nuances:

• 📞 To receive calls directly from the clock (if the model supports eSIM) requires a separate setting in Settings. → Connection → SIM-map.
• 📧 Notifications from Gmail and Outlook can be duplicated. To avoid this, turn off email sync in your Google account settings on your smartphone.
• 🔕 If notifications don’t come, check to see if Mi Fitness app is added to Android battery optimization list (this blocks background activity).

For iPhone users:

• Notifications are limited due to Apple's policy, and you can only see incoming calls and SMS.
• Alerts from third-party messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) are not supported.

Step 4: Fitness Functions and Health Monitoring

Xiaomi Watch S1 equipped with sensors to measure pulse, blood oxygen levels (SpO₂), But by default, many of the functions are disabled to save charge:

1. Go to Settings. → Health.
2. Turn on Continuous Heart Monitoring (interval: every 10 minutes).
3. Activate Measurement. SpO₂ in sleep (important to detect apnea).
4. Set up low activity reminders (e.g., every 60 minutes of sitting).

For accurate tracking of training:

• 🏃‍♂️ Before starting a class, select the exact type of activity (running, cycling, swimming, etc.) General "training" mode gives an error of up to 20% in calories.
• 📊 After training, sync your data with the Strava or Google Fit app via Profile. → Synchronization of data.
• 🏊‍♂️ To swim, turn on the pool mode manually – automatic recognition works only in open water.

⚠️ Attention: Sensor SpO₂ It can be incorrect if the watch is worn too loosely or on the hand with tattoos. For accurate measurement, tighten the strap so that your finger does not pass between the skin and the sensor.

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For maximum accuracy of the pulsemeter before training, wipe the sensor on the back of the watch with an alcohol wipe - sweat and dirt distort the readings.

Step 5: Battery Optimization and Firmware Update

Average operating time of Xiaomi Watch S1 single-charge — 12 days, but with active use GPS And the notifications are reduced to 5-7 To extend autonomy:

• 🔋 Turn off continuous monitoring SpO₂ (measure it 1-2 day-to-day).
• 📴 Reduce the data synchronization frequency to 1 time every 3 hours in the application settings.
• 🌓 Use the black dials (AMOLED-The screen consumes less energy when displaying dark colors).
• ⚡ Turn off automatic weather updates (it consumes up to 5% of the charge per day).

To update the firmware:

1. Connect the watch to charging and make sure the battery level is above 50%.
2. In the Mi Fitness app, go to the Device Profile → Update of the PO.
3. If a new version is available, click Download and install. 10-15 minute.

Important: After the update, reset the clock settings to factory (Settings) → System system → Reset to avoid conflicts between old and new data.It won't remove your workouts - they'll stay in the Xiaomi cloud.

Step 6: Additional Features and Integration with Xiaomi Ecosystem

Xiaomi Watch S1 It can be the control center of your smart ecosystem:

• 🏠 Smart Home: Connect the Watch to Mi Home via Settings → Smart devices. You can then control the lights, the sockets and the robot vacuum cleaner right from your wrist.
• 🎵 Music: Download up to 500 songs in memory hours (2GB) via Mi Fitness → Music. Format: MP3, bitrate to 320 kbit/s.
• 💳 Contactless payments: Set up Mi Pay in Settings → Payments (requires a Mir or UnionPay-enabled bank card).
• 🗣️ Voice Assistant: Activate XiaoAI in Settings → Voice assistant: commands in Russian are supported (e.g., "What is the weather forecast for tomorrow?").

For owners of other Xiaomi devices:

• If you have a Xiaomi Band 7, you can sync your sleep data between devices via Mi Fitness.
• With the Xiaomi Smart Scale 2, weight and body composition will automatically be displayed in the health statistics on the watch.

⚠️ Note: Mi Pay only works in Russia, China and India, and in other countries, when you try to pay, you will get an error. 0x9013.

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To quickly find the lost phone, double-click on the bottom button of the watch – the smartphone will emit a loud beep, even if it is in silent mode.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions