How to connect Wi-Fi to Xiaomi Watch S1: full instructions with pictures and tips

The Xiaomi Watch S1 is not just an accessory for tracking activity, but a full-fledged gadget with advanced features, many of which require an Internet connection. Without Wi-Fi, you will not be able to install firmware updates, sync data with the cloud or use the voice assistant to the fullest. However, the process of setting up the network on this watch has its own nuances, especially if you are doing it for the first time.

Unlike smartphones, where Wi-Fi connection takes a couple of clicks, the Xiaomi Watch S1 algorithm is a little more complicated due to the limited interface. In this article, we will discuss all the ways of connecting from the standard through the watch menu to alternative methods using the Mi Fitness app. You will also learn how to solve typical errors (for example, when the watch does not see the network) and optimize the connection to save battery power.

Preparing hours for Wi-Fi connection

Before you start setting up, make sure your Xiaomi Watch S1 is ready for the procedure.

• 🔋 Battery charge - the level must be at least 30%. Connecting to Wi-Fi and downloading updates can quickly discharge the clock if the charge is critically low.
• 📱 Smartphone pairing – the watch must be tied to the phone via the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp for some regions).
• 📶 Network availability -- make sure your router is stable and the Wi-Fi signal reaches where you are with the clock. You can use your smartphone to check.
• 🔄 Up-to-date firmware — if the watch has an outdated version of the software, some Wi-Fi options may not be available. Check for updates to Settings → System → Software Update.

Special attention should be paid to the type of network. Xiaomi Watch S1 supports only 2.4 GHz networks. If your router is running in 5 GHz mode or uses a combined name (for example, MyWiFi_2G/5G), the watch will not be able to connect. In this case, you either need to divide the networks in the router settings or temporarily disable 5 GHz.

Also check if the router is enabled with Client Isolation, which blocks device interactions on the same network, which can prevent the clock from syncing with the phone or cloud, and disable it in the router’s web interface (usually under Wireless → Additional settings).

Method 1: Connect via the clock menu

The most direct way to set up Wi-Fi is to use the built-in menu of the Xiaomi Watch S1, which is suitable if you already have access to the settings of the watch and do not want to use the smartphone.

1. On the watch’s home screen, swipe your finger from the bottom up to open the Quick Settings panel.
2. Tap the ⚙️ Settings icon (or scroll down if the icon isn't visible right away).
3. In the settings menu, select Connect → Wi-Fi.
4. Activate the Wi-Fi switch (if it's off). The watch will start scanning the available networks.
5. In the list, find your network name and tap it. If the network is not in the list, click Update or Scan again.
6. Enter your Wi-Fi password with your on-screen keyboard. Use arrows or swipes to switch between characters.
7. Confirm the connection by clicking Ready or Connect.

If the password is entered correctly, next to the network name, an icon ✓ will appear, and at the top of the screen there will be a Wi-Fi icon. Please note: there is no “Remember the Network” function on the Xiaomi Watch S1 - with each new connection, you may need to re-enter the password.

Wi-Fi signal is displayed in the notification panel |

The watch syncs with Mi Fitness without errors |

There is a checkmark on the Wi-Fi menu next to the network |

You can open the weather or install an update-->

If the connection fails, check:

• 🔑 Correctness of the password entered (registrar matters!).
• 📡 Router Distance – If the signal is weak, try to get closer.
• 🔄 Router mode – As mentioned earlier, the watch does not support 5GHz.

Method 2: Connect via the Mi Fitness app

If the on-screen keyboard on the watch seems uncomfortable, you can connect Wi-Fi via the Mi Fitness app on your smartphone, which is also useful if the watch doesn't display the network list for some reason.

1. Open the Mi Fitness app on your phone and make sure that the Xiaomi Watch S1 watch is paired and displayed in the list of devices.
2. Go to the Profile section → My devices and choose your watch.
3. Click on the ⚙️ Device Settings icon (or Device Management, depending on the version of the application).
4. Scroll down and find the Wi-Fi or Network.
5. Activate the option Connect to Wi-Fi. The application will prompt you to select a network from the list of available ones.
6. Select your network, enter a password and confirm the connection.

After that, the network data will be transmitted to the watch automatically, and this method is usually more stable than manual input on the watch screen, because it eliminates errors when typing passwords. However, note that some versions of Mi Fitness may not support this feature, it depends on the region and firmware.

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If Mi Fitness doesn’t have Wi-Fi connectivity, try upgrading to the latest version or use an alternative software called Zepp (formerly known as Amazfit).

The advantage of this method is that you can:

• 🔄 Quickly switch between saved networks (if the watch supports multiple profiles).
• 📱 Manage the connection remotely without touching the clock.
• 🔒 Avoid errors when entering complex passwords (e.g., with characters!@#$).

Solving typical Wi-Fi issues on Xiaomi Watch S1

Even with the right connection, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If none of these solutions worked, try resetting the network settings on your watch.

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset.
2. Select Reset Network Settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. Confirm the action and reconnect.

Another common problem is slow synchronization of data after you connect, which may be due to the energy saving settings on the clock, to eliminate the delays:

1. Open the Settings. → Battery.
2. Select Power Saving Mode.
3. Turn off the option to limit background activity for synchronization-related applications (e.g. Mi Fitness).

Optimizing battery consumption when using Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi connectivity significantly increases battery consumption on the Xiaomi Watch S1, especially if the watch is actively syncing data or installing updates. To extend your running time, follow these tips:

• 🔋 Turn off Wi-Fi manually when you don't need it. For example, if you're sleeping or exercising, you don't have to have internet on your watch.
• ⏳ Set up automatic shutdown. Some firmwares have the option to turn off Wi-Fi when inactive (you can find it in Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → More).
• 📴 Limit background activity. In battery settings, turn off automatic sync for unnecessary applications.
• 🔄 Use your mobile Internet phone for critical updates, like downloading firmware to your phone and then transferring it to your watch via Bluetooth.

Important: If you use a voice assistant (e.g. Xiao AI), Wi-Fi will turn on automatically when voice commands are activated, which can drain the battery even in standby mode, to turn off this feature:

1. Go to Settings. → Voice assistant.
2. Turn off the option of automatic Wi-Fi connection.

Also pay attention to the brightness of the screen. When using Wi-Fi actively (for example, during an update), the screen can stay on longer than usual. Reduce the brightness or set a short latency in Settings → Display.

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The optimal balance between functionality and autonomy is achieved when using Wi-Fi only for critical tasks (updates, synchronization) and turning it off in the background.

Security: How to Protect Wi-Fi Connection on Your Watch

Since the Xiaomi Watch S1 is connected to the same network as your smartphone or computer, it is important to ensure that it is protected from potential threats.

• 🔐 Use a complex password for Wi-Fi. Avoid simple combinations like 12345678 or qwerty. The optimal password is at least 12 characters with letters, numbers and special characters.
• 🌐 Turn off WPS on the router. This feature makes it easier to connect devices, but is vulnerable to hacking. In the router settings, find WPS and deactivate it.
• 🔄 Regularly update the watch firmware. The manufacturer often closes vulnerabilities in new software versions. Check for updates in Settings → System → Software Update.
• 📵 Limit access to the local network. In router settings, create a separate network for IoT devices (including watches) with limited rights.

If you connect your watch to a public network (such as a cafe or airport), consider the following risks:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Data interception – in open networks, traffic can be viewed by third parties.
• 🔄 Man-in-the-middle attacks – an attacker can substitute data transmitted between the clock and the server.

To minimize the risks:

⚠️ Warning: Never connect the Xiaomi Watch S1 to open networks without a password. If necessary (for example, to update while traveling), use VPN on your phone and connect the watch via Bluetooth, rather than directly to Wi-Fi.

You should also turn off automatic connection to new networks:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
2. Turn off the autoconnection option or connect automatically.

Alternative ways to connect to the Internet

If Wi-Fi connectivity is not possible for some reason (e.g., no router access), alternative methods of data transfer to the Xiaomi Watch S1 can be used:

• 📱 Bluetooth bridge over a smartphone, and the watch can receive notifications and some data through a phone connection.

Mobile hotspot

Direct connection to PC

Compare these methods by key parameters:

For most tasks (updates, synchronization), Wi-Fi remains the best option, but on trips or in the absence of a router, you can temporarily use Bluetooth or hotspot.

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If you only need to update your firmware but Wi-Fi is not available, download the update file to your phone, then transfer it to your watch via Mi Fitness (Service Update → Local Update).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Wi-Fi on Xiaomi Watch S1