Step-by-step connection of Xiaomi Watch S1 to a smartphone: from installing an application to synchronizing data

Why sync Xiaomi Watch S1 with your phone?

The Xiaomi Watch S1 is not just a stylish accessory, but a full-fledged assistant for monitoring health, sports and everyday tasks. However, without the right connection to the smartphone, the functionality of the device will be limited: you will not be able to receive notifications, monitor real-time workouts or analyze sleep data. Synchronization with the phone reveals 100% of the watch’s capabilities, including personalized settings, firmware updates and integration with other Xiaomi services.

The connection process can seem complicated for beginners, especially when it comes to the first setup, and in this article we will look at all the steps from installing the official Mi Fitness app to solving typical problems (for example, when the watch does not find the phone or constantly breaks the connection). We will pay special attention to the nuances for iPhone owners, since the algorithm for iOS is different from Android. S1 or encountered errors after updating, this guide will save time and avoid common errors.

Phone and Hours Requirements Before Connection

Before syncing, make sure your hardware meets the minimum requirements. The following conditions apply for the Xiaomi Watch S1:

• 📱 Phone operating system: Android 6.0 or newer / iOS 12.0 or newer. On older versions, the Mi Fitness app may not install or crash.
• 🔄 Bluetooth version: no lower than 4.2 (recommended 5.0 for stable connection). → Information on the PO → Bluetooth version.
• 🔋 Battery charge: the watch must have at least 50% charge. At a low level, the connection may be interrupted, and the firmware may not be installed correctly.
• 📶 Internet access: to download the application and updates requires Wi-Fi or mobile Internet (on the phone).

Also check that the watch has the latest firmware installed. If the Watch S1 is only out of the box, they most likely require an update. You can find out the version of the software from the watch menu: Settings → About the watch → Software version. Up-to-date firmware is posted on the official Xiaomi website.

⚠️ Note: If you are using an iPhone with iOS 16+, Before connecting, turn off the Bluetooth Interruption to Save Power function in the battery settings. Otherwise, the clock will shut down every 10-15 minutes.

Installation and configuration of the Mi Fitness application

The official management app for the Xiaomi Watch S1 is Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Wear), which in some regions may be called Zepp Life, but the functionality remains identical.

• 🤖 For Android: Google Play.
• 🍎 For iOS: App Store.

After installation, follow the following steps:

1. Open Mi Fitness and sign up (or log in via Xiaomi, Google, Facebook) without authorization, data synchronization will not be possible.
2. Click "Add device" (the "+" icon in the upper right corner).
3. Select "Xiaomi Watch S1" from the list. If you don't have a model, update the app.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: Allow notifications, geolocation, and contacts (optional, but recommended for full-time operation).

At the device addition stage, the app can request permission to send notifications. On Android, this is mandatory for displaying SMS and calls on the clock. On iOS, notification functionality is limited - the watch will only show incoming calls and messages from standard applications (for example, Messages or Mail).

Download Mi Fitness | Charge watches up to 50%+| Turn on Bluetooth on your phone | Allow notifications in the app-->

⚠️ Note: If after installing Mi Fitness gives an error “I failed to connect to the server”, check the settings VPN The application blocks the connection through some proxy servers (for example, Psiphon or 1.1.1.1).

Step-by-step instructions for connecting Xiaomi Watch S1

When the app is installed and the clock is charged, switch to sync. The whole process will take no more than 5 minutes:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and watch. On the Watch S1, swipe down the screen and tap the Bluetooth icon (it should turn blue).
2. In the Mi Fitness app, click “Connect” next to the Xiaomi Watch S1.
3. The watch will have a 6-digit code on it, compare it to the code in the app and confirm the pairing.
4. Wait until the sync is complete (the progress will be displayed in the app). At this point, the clock can reset — that's normal.
5. After successful connection, set up the basic parameters: units of measurement (meters / feet), time format (12/24 hours), activity targets.

If the watch doesn't find the phone:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📱 Make sure your phone has power saving turned off (it can block Bluetooth background work).
• 🔍 Check if the watch is connected to another device. S1 Go to Settings. → Bluetooth → Forget the device.

Critical error: If the clock shows the time 3-12 hours apart after the connection, it means that the application settings have the wrong time zone. Correct it to Profile → Settings → Time Zone.

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If the clock is connected but the data is not synchronized, try manually updating the connection: in Mi Fitness go to Profile → Xiaomi Watch S1 → Sync data.

Configure notifications and additional functions

After successful connection, it is recommended to personalize notifications and other settings.

1. In Mi Fitness, go to the Notifications section.
2. Turn on switches for SMS, calls and applications (on Android you can select specific programs, such as WhatsApp or Telegram).
3. Set up vibrations and beeps for different types of notifications.

Additional functions that should be activated:

• 🏃 Auto-tracking: The watch will automatically recognize running, walking or cycling.
• 💤 Sleep monitoring: include in Settings → Health → Son.
• 🌡️ Measurement of stress: requires calibration (the first measurement takes 2-3 minutes).
• 🔒 Screen lock: You can set up unlocking your phone using a watch (Android only).

On iOS, some features will be restricted due to Apple's policy, such as not configuring notifications from third-party messengers or using a watch to unlock your iPhone.

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On iOS, the functionality of the Xiaomi Watch S1 is limited due to Apple's policy. If you are interested in notifications from messengers or unlocking your phone, use an Android device.

Solving Typical Connection Problems

Even with the right setup, users are faced with errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

1.The watch does not find the phone (or vice versa)

• 🔹 Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.
• 🔹 Reset the clock: Press the power button for 10 seconds.
• 🔹 In the phone settings, delete the Watch S1 from the list of connected devices and reconnect.

2. Permanent breaks of the connection

• 🔹 Turn off the power saving mode for the Mi Fitness app (on Android: Settings) → Annexes → Mi Fitness → Battery → No restrictions).
• 🔹 Update the watch to the latest version.
• 🔹 If the problem persists, reset the clock to factory settings: Settings → System system → Reset.

3. Training data are not synchronized

• 🔹 Check your internet connection on your phone.
• 🔹 Manually run synchronization in Mi Fitness.
• 🔹 Remove the app cache (on Android: Settings) → Annexes → Mi Fitness → Memory. → Clear the cache).

If neither of these methods worked, try connecting the watch to another phone. If the problem recurs, it could indicate a hardware malfunction (such as a faulty Bluetooth module in the watch), in which case, contact Xiaomi's service center.

Updating firmware and optimizing work

Regular firmware updates improve the stability of the Xiaomi Watch S1 and add new features.

1. Through the Mi Fitness app: Open Profile tab → select Xiaomi Watch S1. Click Firmware Update. If a new version is available, follow the on-screen instructions.

After the update:

• 🔋 Charge the clock to 100% – this will prevent failures.
• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📱 Check the synchronization of data in Mi Fitness.

Optimization tip: If the clock is running out quickly, turn off the permanent pulsemeter (in Health → Heart Rate → Measurement Mode → Manual) This will increase the operating time from 5-7 to 10-12 days.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions