Setup calls on Xiaomi smart watches: from synchronization to troubleshooting

Xiaomi smart watches have long ceased to be just fitness trackers — now they are full-fledged communication gadgets that can receive and make calls without a smartphone. However, many users face problems when configuring this feature: the sound is lost, the contacts are not synchronized, the watch simply does not not notify about the incoming call. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of setting up calls on Xiaomi smart watches (Mi Band, Watch, Watch S and others), including synchronization with Android and iPhone, as well as solutions to typical errors.

It is important to understand that the call capabilities depend on the watch model. For example, the Xiaomi Mi Band 7 can only alert you about incoming calls, while the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro supports full calls through the built-in speaker and microphone. We will look at the settings for all types of devices, as well as give recommendations for optimizing communication quality and saving battery life.

If you just bought a watch or updated your firmware, but your calls are not working correctly, don’t rush to bring your gadget to the service. 90% of the time, the problem is solved software, and we will show you how to do it yourself.

Which Xiaomi models support calls?

Not all Xiaomi smartwatches can make and receive calls. Functionality depends on the presence of a built-in speaker, microphone and eSIM support (for offline calls).

If your model doesn’t support calls, but you want this feature, consider upgrading to the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or Watch S3. These devices are equipped with everything you need for autonomous communication, including a slot for eSIM (virtual SIM- card).

Note that even if the watch supports calls, it may require a firmware update to work. For example, in the Xiaomi Watch S1, the call function only appeared after the release of MIUI Watch 2.1.

Preparation for setup: what to do before synchronization

Before setting up calls, make sure the basic conditions are met:

• 📱 Smartphone on Android 8.0+ or iOS 12.0+ (for iPhone functionality is limited).
• 🔄 The official Mi Fitness app (for Mi Band) or Xiaomi Wear (for Watch) is installed.
• 🔋 At least 50% charge – with low battery levels, some functions are turned off.
• 📶 The smartphone has Bluetooth 5.0+ enabled and notification permissions for the Xiaomi app.

For eSIM models (such as the Watch 2 Pro), you will need to:

• 📱 Support for eSIM by your mobile operator (check on the MTS, Beeline, MegaFon or Tele2 website).
• 💳 Active tariff with VoLTE support (calls on 4G).

A critical mistake many users make: ignoring firmware updates. For example, in Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro, Bluetooth calls work only stably with MIUI Watch 2.5 and later. You can check the current version in the Settings menu → About Phone → Software version (on the clock).

Set up incoming call alerts (for all models)

If your watch doesn’t support receiving calls, but can alert you, follow these steps:

1. Open the Mi Fitness or Xiaomi Wear app on your smartphone.
2. Go to the Profile section → Your device. → Notifications.
3. Activate the incoming call switch.
4. Enable the option to "Show contact name" (if you want to display the name of the caller).
5. Set up vibration and sound in the Settings menu → Sound and vibration on the watch.

For iPhone, the process is a little different:

1. Go to iPhone → Bluetooth Settings and make sure the watch is connected.
2. In the Mi Fitness app, allow notifications in iPhone Settings → Notifications → Mi Fitness.
3. Turn on the option to “Repeat notifications” if you want your watch to vibrate when you miss a call.

If the alerts don't come:

• ⚙️ Reset the clock (press the power button for 10 seconds).
• 🔄 Disable and reconnect the watch in the phone's Bluetooth settings.
• 📵 Check if the watch is added to the blacklist of notifications on your smartphone.

💡

If the watch vibrates but does not show the contact name, manually sync contacts through Mi Fitness → Profile → Device → Contact Synchronization.

Configure calls via Bluetooth (for Xiaomi Watch, Redmi Watch)

Bluetooth-enabled models (such as the Xiaomi Watch S2 or Redmi Watch 3) allow you to talk directly from the clock, but the phone must be within range (usually up to 10 meters).

1. Connect the watch to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
2. In the Xiaomi Wear app, go to Device → Call settings.
3. Turn on the "Calls through the clock" option.
4. Allow access to microphone and contacts in your phone settings.

To improve the quality of communication:

• 🎧 Use Bluetooth 5.2+ (on your smartphone and watch).
• 📶 Turn off Wi-Fi on your watch if the signal is weak (may cause interference).
• 🔊 Increase the volume of the speaker in the Settings → Sound on the clock.

If you hear interference during the call:

⚠️ Warning: The problem may be with Bluetooth codecs. On Android, try turning on LDAC (in Bluetooth settings → Additional → Audio codec). On iPhone, you can't change the codec, in which case only updating the watch firmware will help.

Set up offline calls via eSIM (Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Watch S3)

Watches with eSIM support (such as Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) allow you to call without a smartphone.

1. Make sure your operator supports eSIM (list: MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2).
2. In the Xiaomi Wear app, go to Device → Mobile → Add eSIM.
3. Scan it. QR-code provided by the operator or enter data manually.
4. Activate the tariff with VoLTE support (required!).
5. Reset the clock.

After activation of eSIM:

• 📞 Calls will go through the 4G network (if coverage is available).
• 📶 Additional rates are possible in roaming - check with the operator.
• 🔋 Battery consumption will increase by 15-20% due to the communication module.

If the eSIM is not activated:

• ❌ Check if your VoLTE tariff supports (without it, eSIM calls are not possible).
• 🔄 Try restarting the watch and re-scanning the QR- code.
• 📡 Make sure there is 4G coverage in the area (eSIM only works on next-generation networks).

Solving problems with calls on Xiaomi smart watches

If your calls are not working or are not working properly, use this instruction:

If the problem is not resolved:

⚠️ Warning: Some Xiaomi Watch firmware S1 has a bug that disappears after the update. Solution: Reset the clock to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset) and re-sync with the phone.

For diagnosis, it is useful to check the connection logs:

1. On the clock, go to Settings → About Phone → Log of connections.
2. See if there are any errors like “Bluetooth disconnected” or “No network.”
3. If there are any errors, reinstall the Xiaomi Wear app and reconnect the watch.

Optimizing battery consumption for active calls

Calling over the clock increases battery consumption by 20 to 30 percent to extend battery life.

• 🔋 Turn off persistent network search (if you use eSIM) in Settings → Mobile → Saving Mode.
• 📵 Reduce the screen backlight time during the call to 5-10 seconds.
• 🎧 Use Bluetooth headphones instead of the built-in speaker, which reduces the workload on the processor.
• 🔄 Turn off mobile data on your watch when it is not needed (for models with eSIM).

For models with AMOLED- screen (for example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro), additional savings are achieved due to:

• ⚫ Use dark themes of design.
• 🕒 Reduce the screen refresh rate to 30 Hz (in display settings).

💡

If you rarely call from the clock, turn off background contact sync in the app settings, which will save up to 15% of your charge per day.

FAQ: Frequent questions about calls on Xiaomi smart watches