Smart watch Xiaomi is not just an accessory, but a full-fledged gadget that can replace a fitness bracelet, a smart home remote control and even a wallet thanks to the NFC. However, without the right setup, the device will not reach its full potential, and many users face problems when they first connect: the watch does not sync with the phone, does not display notifications or quickly discharge. This article will help you avoid typical mistakes and set up the Mi Band, Redmi Watch or Xiaomi Watch as efficiently as possible – with video instructions and step-by-step tips.
We will not only analyze the basic setting (connection to Mi). Fitness/Zepp Life, firmware updates, but also advanced features: installing third-party dials, setting up alerts for specific applications and optimizing power consumption. Particular attention will be paid to compatibility with the iPhone — there are nuances that the manufacturer does not mention. If you’ve just unpacked the box or want to reinstall the clock after resetting, this guide will be your navigation map.
1. Preparation for setting up: what to do before turning on the clock
Before you start connecting, check out three key points:
- 📱 Smartphone compatibility: Xiaomi watches work with Android 6.0+ or iOS 10.0+. On iPhone, some features (such as answering calls) will be limited.
- 🔋 Battery charge: If the watch is under 20%, it may shut down during synchronization. Charge it to at least 50%.
- 🌐 Internet connection: to download firmware and applications will require stable Wi-Fi or mobile Internet.
Also prepare:
Xiaomi account (if not, register at account.xiaomi.com) without it, you can not save your settings in the cloud.
Logins from services you plan to connect (e.g. Google Fit or Strava for synchronizing workouts).
⚠️ Note: If you are updating your watch from an old firmware (e.g., Mi Band 5 to Mi Band 7), untie the old device in the app beforehand.
For convenience, download the official application in advance:
- For Mi. Band/Redmi Watch: Mi Fitness (App Store / Google Play).
- For Xiaomi Watch (such as the Watch) S3): Zepp Life (App Store / Google Play).
2. step-by-step connection of the clock to the phone (video) + text-book)
So, let's start with basic synchronization, which is the same for most models, but there are nuances for iPhones and watches. NFC (For example, Xiaomi Watch S3).
Step 1. Turning on the clock
Press and hold the physical button (or touch zone) on the body for 3-5 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears on the screen.
Step 2: Launching the application
Open Mi Fitness or Zepp Life and tap the icon "+" (Add a device. Select your model from the list. If you don't have a model, update the app.
Step 3: Synchronization
Follow the instructions on the screen:
1. Allow the app to access Bluetooth, Notifications and Locations (required!).
2. Bring the watch to the phone at a distance < 10cm.
3. Confirm pairing on both devices (the code will appear on the clock - it must match the code in the application).
If the clock is not there, try:
- Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (Settings) → Bluetooth → switch off).
Remove the device from the list of conjugate gadgets and reconnect.
- For iPhone: Enable the Developer Mode in Mi Fitness (Profile) → Settings → Developer mode).
The clock is on and charged.
Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app updated
Bluetooth and location on the phone included
The device is added to the list of associated gadgets-->
Video instructions (relevant to Mi Band 8 and Redmi Watch 4):
🎥 Watch on YouTube: Connecting Xiaomi Watch to Android and iPhone in 3 minutes"
⚠️ Note: On iPhone, Xiaomi watches do not support answering calls and voice commands (due to Apple restrictions.
3. Firmware Update: Why It’s Important and How to Do It Without Errors
The firmware is responsible for stability, new features and bug fixes. For example, Mi Band 7 has been updated to version 1.16.0.14. SpO₂ (blood oxygenation) in automatic mode.
How to update firmware:
1. Open the Mi app Fitness/Zepp Life.
2. Go to the section "Profile" → My device. → Firmware update".
3. If a new version is available, click "Download" (Wi-Fi required).
4. wait until the end (the clock will restart automatically).
| Model clock | Current Update Firmware (2026) | File size | Time of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 8 | 1.20.5.19 | ~15MB | 3-5 minutes |
| Redmi Watch 4 | 1.12.8.7 | ~20MB | 5-7 minutes |
| Xiaomi Watch S3 | 2.5.1.34 | ~50MB | 10-12 minutes |
What to do if the update is suspended:
Do not disconnect the watch from your phone or close the app.
- If the process continues >20 minutes, restart both devices and try again.
- For the Xiaomi Watch S3: If the firmware "flyed off" after the update, reset through Settings → System system → Reset.
How to roll back firmware if the new version is unstable
4.Setting up notifications: how to get only important alerts
By default, Xiaomi watches duplicate all notifications from the phone, which quickly drains the battery and clogs the screen with unnecessary information.
For Android:
1.In Mi Fitness go to "Profile" → My device. → Notifications".
2. Turn on the "Calling and Message Notifications" switch.
3. Tap "App Management" and select only the necessary ones (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, Bank).
4. disable "Show Content" for sensitive applications (so that only "New Message from..." is displayed on the watch).
For the iPhone:
Functional is limited - you can only include:
- Calls (without possibility of reply).
- Calendar and reminders.
Notifications from Mi Fitness (e.g. low battery charge)
To enable alerts, go to iPhone Settings → Bluetooth → Icon "i" next to the clock → Insert notifications.
- 🔔 Tip: For Xiaomi Watch S3 You can set vibration patterns for different types of notifications (e.g., long vibration for calls, short vibration for messages). → Notifications → Vibration style".
- 📵 How to disable spam: Mi Fitness has a Do Not Disturb feature - it blocks all notifications at a given time (e.g. at night). → My device. → Don't disturb".
💡
If notifications are late, check your phone's power saving settings. On Android, add Mi Fitness to the exception list (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Mi Fitness → Not optimize).
5. Customization: dials, widgets and gestures
One of the main advantages of the Xiaomi watch is its flexible look and feel setting, and let’s figure out how to install third-party dials and configure quick access to features.
Installation of dials:
1. In the appendix, go to "Profile" → My device. → Dials".
2. Select a category (e.g. "Sport" or "Minimalism").
3. Slip on your favorite design and click "Install".
4. To download third-party dials (for example, with Amazfit Watch Faces), download the.bin file and download it through "Laboratory" → Local dials" (not available on all models).
Customization of widgets:
On the Xiaomi Watch S3 Redmi Watch 4 can be added to the main screen:
1. Flip the screen to the right.
2. Add the widget.
3. Select from the list (weather, pulse, steps, music, etc.).
Priority widgets
Control gestures:
- Raise your hand - turn on the screen (configured in "Settings" → Display. → Raise to wake up").
- Double-touch – go back (on Xiaomi Watch) S3).
- Wrist rotation – flipping screens (disabled in Settings) → Gestures" for false positives).
💡
Third-party dials can reduce battery life by 10 to 15 percent. Use only proven sources to avoid viruses.
6. Battery Optimization: How to Extend Up to 20 Days
Xiaomi Watches are 5 days in operation (Xiaomi Watch) S3 s AOD) Up to 20 days (Mi Band 8 in energy saving mode). Let's take a look at how to maximize autonomy.
Main settings:
1. Screen:
- Turn off Always on Display (AOD) (Settings → Display. → AOD).
Reduce the brightness to 50% and set the screen timeout for 5 seconds.
Synchronization:
Enable Autosynchronization only for important data (e.g., once-hour steps).
Turn off the "Constant monitoring of heart rate" (enough measurements every 30 minutes).
Notifications:
- Leave only critical alerts (calls, SMS, messengers).
Turn off the vibration for unnecessary notifications.
Additional advice:
For Mi Band: Use dials without animation (they consume less power).
- For the Xiaomi Watch S3: turn off GPS and NFC, If you don’t use them all the time.
Once a month, perform "Battery Calibration" (discharge the hours to 0% and charge to 100% without interruption).
| Regime. | Mi Band 8 | Redmi Watch 4 | Xiaomi Watch S3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard. | 14-16 days | 7-10 days | 5-7 days |
| Energy conservation | 20+ days | 12-15 days | 8-10 days |
| constant GPS | N/D | 3-5 days | 2-3 days |
7. Advanced functions: NFC, Voice assistant and smart home
Xiaomi watches can become the control center of the smart home and even replace the bank card.
NFC contactless:
Supported on Xiaomi Watch S3, Redmi Watch 3 Active and new models:
1. In the appendix, go to "Profile" → My device. → Contactless payments".
2. Attach the card Mir, Visa or Mastercard (banks: Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, etc. are supported).
3. Bring the watch to the terminal for payment (no unlocking required).
Limitation
iPhone
Voice assistant:
On the Xiaomi Watch S3 There's a built-in XiaoAI (Chinese analogue of Alice:
1. Activate the function in "Settings" → Voice assistant".
2. Press the button on the case and say the command (for example, "What is the weather forecast?").
It's important.
Smart home management:
The watch is compatible with the Mi Home ecosystem, so you can add the devices.
1.In Mi Fitness go to "Profile" → Smart home".
2. Select devices to control (e.g. Xiaomi Smart Lamp or Roborock).
3. You can now turn on the lights or start the vacuum cleaner right from the clock (through the Smart Home widget).
Council
How to Enable Hidden Mode "For Developers"
8. Troubleshooting: the clock is not synchronized, does not charge, etc.
Even after you've set up correctly, you can have failures, and we'll look at the most common problems and their solutions.
Problem 1: The watch does not connect to the phone
The reason: Bluetooth connection conflict or outdated firmware.
- Decision:
1. Remove the watch from the list of associated devices on the phone.
2. In Mi Fitness, perform "Untie the device."
3. Reboot both gadgets and reconnect.
4.If it doesn't help - reset the clock to factory settings (Settings) → System system → Reset).
Problem 2: Notices are not coming.
Reason: Power saving restrictions on the phone or lack of permissions from Mi Fitness.
- Decision:
On Android: Add the app to the battery optimization exceptions (the path above).
- On iPhone: Check if notifications for Mi Fitness are included in Settings → Notifications.
Make sure that the “Notification” function is activated.
Problem 3: The clock is running out quickly
- Cause: active AOD, Continuous monitoring of heart rate or background processes.
- Decision:
- Turn off Always On Display.
Set the interval of pulse measurement - "Every 30 minutes".
- Check if the energy-intensive dials are installed (with animation or 3D-effects).
Problem 4: The touch of the screen is not working
Cause: Sensor contamination, screen damage or firmware failure.
- Decision:
1. Wipe the screen with an alcohol napkin.
2. Reset the clock (hold the 10 seconds button).
3. If it does not help - update the firmware or perform a reset.
⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi watches stop turning on after falling or water hits (even if the model has 5 protection) ATM), Take them to a service center, self-repair will take away the warranty.