Xiaomi Electronic Watch: How to Use From Zero to Pro

Where to start: First Enablement and Synchronization

Xiaomi’s electronic watch is not just an accessory, but a complete gadget for health, sports and everyday tasks. But even experienced users sometimes have questions about how to properly connect the device, configure notifications or activate hidden functions. This article will help you understand everything from basic synchronization to fine customization.

The first thing to do after buying is to charge the watch and install the Mi Fitness app (for the Mi Band) or Xiaomi Wear (for the Xiaomi Watch) without it, most of the features will not be available. The synchronization process takes no more than 5 minutes, but there are pitfalls here: from choosing the right version of the application to setting the permissions on the smartphone.

If you’re switching from a different smartwatch model, note that Xiaomi uses its own ecosystem, and some data (such as training history) can’t be transferred, but new devices support cross-platform — they can be connected to both Android and iPhone, although the functionality on iOS is sometimes stripped.

Connecting to a smartphone: step-by-step instructions

To make Xiaomi watches work at full capacity, you need to tie them to your phone.

• 📱 Install the Mi Fitness app (for fitness bracelets) or Xiaomi Wear (for smartwatches) from the App Store or Google Play.
• 🔋 Make sure the watch is at least 20% charged, otherwise it may shut down during synchronization.
• 🔄 Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and allow the app to access geodata, notifications and contacts.
• 🔗 In the app, click "Add device" and select your model from the list. If there is no model, update the app!

Once successfully connected, the watch will automatically update the firmware (if a new version is available). Do not interrupt the upgrade process, which can cause heart rate sensors and pedometers to fail. On average, the first synchronization takes 10-15 minutes, as the watch downloads the weather, establishes a connection to Xiaomi servers and adjusts notifications.

If the clock is not connected, check:

• 📶 Does Bluetooth work on your phone (sometimes rebooting the module in settings helps).
• 🔄 Is the version compatible? Android/iOS with your watch model (e.g. Mi Band) 8 Android requires 6.0+ iOS 12+).
• 🛡️ Does the antivirus or power saving mode block the application.

⚠️ Note: On iPhone, some features (such as quick response to messages) may not work due to Apple’s limitations. Also, iOS users often have problems with displaying Cyrillic notifications - this is a feature of the Xiaomi protocol, it can only be corrected by changing the system language to English.

Main functions: what can Xiaomi watch

Even the basic Xiaomi models offer a wide range of features, and here are the key ones:

One of the most useful things is automatic activity recognition, which detects when you start running, walking, or cycling, and records your workout, but for accuracy, it's better to manually run the mode: automatic recognition sometimes works with a delay or misses short activities (like climbing stairs).

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To save battery power, turn off automatic sleep and exercise recognition in the app settings. Manually turn on these modes only when they are really needed.

Another hidden feature is music control, which allows you to switch tracks, adjust volume, and even save playlists from the clock (on memory models, such as the Xiaomi Watch). S3). For that:

1. Put the watch on the phone.
2. Open the Mi Fitness app → «Music».
3. Choose a playlist to sync (up to 500 songs are available on some models).

Set up notifications and calls

By default, Xiaomi watches show notifications from all apps, but this can and should be customized, otherwise you will be distracted by messages from instant messengers, games and social networks even during important meetings.

To set up alerts:

1. Open the Mi Fitness or Xiaomi Wear app.
2. Go to "Device Profile» → «Notifications».
3. Select the apps you want to see on your watch.
4. Set up vibration and sound signals (on models with a speaker).

Is calendar notifications included

Are alerts from games disabled?

Is the vibration volume checked?

Are contacts synchronized for incoming calls?-->

On models with call support (for example, Xiaomi Watch) S4) You can answer your phone right from the clock, if you have Bluetooth on your phone:

• 📞 When incoming call, swipe up on the clock screen.
• 🔊 Click on the green phone to answer (or the red one to reset).
• 🎤 Speak right at the clock – the built-in microphone will transmit your voice to the interlocutor.

⚠️ Attention: The quality of communication through the watch depends on the model and version of Bluetooth. on the Mi Band, the sound can be quiet or jammed, and on the Xiaomi Watch S3 — It's very clear. For important conversations, you'd better use your phone.

If notifications do not arrive:

• 🔄 Restart the clock and phone.
• 📱 Check if notifications for the Mi Fitness app are disabled in your smartphone settings.
• 🔋 Make sure there is enough charge on the watch (at a level below 10%, some functions are turned off).

Fitness and Health: How to Get the Most from Sensors

The main advantage of Xiaomi watches is their fitness capabilities, but many users don’t know how to use sensors to get accurate data.

Pulse measurement: To get the right result, wear a tighter watch (but don't hold your hand) and hold your hand still during the measurement. It's best to measure your pulse while sitting, rather than standing or moving. PPG-4th generation sensor (for example, Mi Band 8) error is minimal. ±2 beats per minute.

Sleep tracking: To make your watch properly analyze your sleep, put it on your non-working hand (usually your left hand) and don't take it off at night. Xiaomi's algorithms take into account your movements, pulse, and even your skin temperature, but you need to sleep at least 4 hours straight for accuracy. If you wake up at night, don't take your watch off - otherwise the data will be incomplete.

Workouts: Before you start your classes, select the type of activity in the watch menu (running, cycling, swimming, etc.) This is important because the algorithms calculate calories and load differently. For example, for swimming, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro takes into account water resistance, and for running, the impact load on the joints.

If the data seems inaccurate (for example, a pedometer shows inflated numbers), try:

• 📏 Calibrate the pedometer: walk 100 steps, compare with the readings of the clock and adjust the step length in the settings.
• 🔧 Reset sensor settings (in the application) → «Additionally» → «Sensor reset»).
• 🔋 Make sure the watch doesn’t come into contact with clothing – this can block the sensors.

Advanced Features: What You Didn't Know About Your Watch

Even power users often miss out on the hidden features of Xiaomi watches. Here are a few life hacks:

1. Smartphone camera control. If your model supports this feature (check in the Mi Fitness app), you can use the watch as a remote for selfies or group photos.

• Open the camera on your phone.
• In the clock menu, find the camera icon.
• Click on it to take a picture or start a timer.

2. Phone search. If you lose your smartphone at home, you can make it ring from the clock. To do this, swipe down on the watch screen and click on the phone icon. The device will emit a loud signal, even if it is silent.

3. Quick response to messages. On touch screen models (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S4) You can send template responses to messages right from the clock. Set them up in the app:

Examples of templates:


- "I'm on my way, I'll write later."




- "I'll be back in 10 minutes."




- "Okay, thank you!"

4. Do not disturb mode. If you do not want your watch to vibrate at night or during meetings, activate this mode. It turns off all notifications except alarms. It turns on with a long press on the screen or through the app.

5. Hidden dials. Mi Fitness has dozens of free dials that don't show up in the main menu.

1. Open the app. → «Device profile» → «Dials».
2. Scroll down and click on “More” or “Recommended”.
3. Choose your favorite design and sync with the clock.

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Some dials consume more energy because of the animation. To save battery, choose static options with minimal elements.

Update firmware and reset settings

Regular firmware updates add new features and fix bugs. Xiaomi Watches are usually updated automatically, but sometimes you have to do it manually.

To check for updates:

1. Open the Mi Fitness or Xiaomi Wear app.
2. Go to “Device Profile” → “Firmware Update”.
3. If a new version is available, click “Update”.

If the update is hanging:

• 🔄 Restart the clock (press the power button for 10 seconds).
• 📱 Reinstall the Mi Fitness app on your phone.
• 🔋 Make sure your watch is at least 50 times charged%.

⚠️ Warning: If the watch stops turning on or the sensors are not working properly after the update, reset to factory settings. To do this, press the button on the watch for 20 seconds (before vibration) or select Reset in the application. This procedure will delete all data from the watch, including the training history!

To avoid problems with the update:

Battery charge > 50%

Stable Wi-Fi connection

Closed all background applications on the phone

Data backup made in Mi Fitness-->

If the reset didn’t help and the watch doesn’t respond to the charge or buttons, try a forced reboot:

1. Connect the watch to the charger.
2. Press the power button for 30 seconds.
3. If the screen doesn’t light up, leave the clock charging for 1-2 hours – sometimes the battery discharges to a level where the device doesn’t turn on right away.

Care and extension of service

To make Xiaomi watches last longer, follow the following simple rules:

• 🚿 Do not wear a watch in the shower or bath (even if it is waterproof - steam and soap spoil seals).
• 🔋 Charge the device with the original cable. Cheap analogues can damage the battery.
• 🧼 Clean the sensors and straps from sweat and dirt regularly (use soft fabric and alcohol wipes).
• ☀️ Avoid direct sunlight – overheating can knock out the screen.

If the strap began to crack or cause irritation, replace it.The original straps for the Mi Band are inexpensive (from 300 rubles), and for the Xiaomi Watch you can choose universal options with a width of 20 or 22 mm.

The battery life depends on the model:

• Mi Band 7/8: 10–15 days with active use.
• Xiaomi Watch S3: 5-7 days (due to color screen and screen) GPS).
• Redmi Watch 3: Up to 12 days in energy saving mode

To extend autonomy:

• 🔕 Turn off the constant pulse measurement (leave only the night time).
• 📴 Reduce the brightness of the screen or set a short auto-out time.
• 🚫 Disable notifications from unnecessary applications.

⚠️ Warning: If the battery starts to run down in 1-2 days, even though it used to last a week, this is a sign of battery wear and tear, in this case, only a replacement (in the service center or on your own, if you are confident in your skills) will help).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions