Xiaomi fitness watches are not just an accessory for tracking steps, but a full-fledged assistant in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether you just bought the Mi Band 8, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or any other model of the brand, the first steps with the device can raise questions. How to connect the watch to the phone? How to set up notifications? Why sleep data do not match reality? In this article, we will discuss all the stages of working with Xiaomi fitness watches – from unpacking to advanced features that many do not even know.
It is important to understand that the functionality of the devices depends on the model and version of the firmware. S3 They have different features, but the basic principles of customization and use are similar, and we will focus on the universal instructions that are relevant to most Mi Band and Xiaomi Watch devices released after 2020. If your model is older, some features may be missing or work differently.
Before we get into the details, we will answer the main question: why do we need this gadget? Xiaomi fitness watches help:
- 📊 Track physical activity (steps, calories, distance)
- 💤 Analyze sleep quality and rest phases
- ❤️ Monitor pulse and blood oxygen levels (SpO2)
- 📱 Receive notifications from your phone (calls, messages, reminders)
- 🏃♂️ Use specialized training regimens
- 🔋 Monitor the battery level and optimize its operation
But to make all these functions work properly, the device needs to be configured correctly, and then there's a detailed instruction with explanations and life hacks.
1. First turn on and connect to the phone
Start by charging the device. Even if the box says that the battery is partially charged, connect the watch to the charger for 30 to 60 minutes, which ensures that it does not run out during the setup process. Use only the original cable or certified counterpart - cheap charging can damage the battery.
After charging, press and hold the power button (or touch area if the button is not) for 3-5 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears on the screen. If the screen does not respond, check the density of the charging contacts fit - sometimes the device does not turn on due to weak contact.
To connect to a smartphone:
- Download the official Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) from the App Store or Google Play. for some models (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S3) You may need Xiaomi Wear.
⚠️ Note: If the watch is not on the list of available devices, reboot it (Settings) → Reboot) and try again. On Android, also check if antivirus or power saving mode is blocking Bluetooth.
2. Basic setting: profile, notifications, screen
Once connected, the app will ask you to fill in personal data — gender, age, weight, height — that is critical to calorie accuracy, steps, and other metrics, for example, if you put the wrong height, the distance traveled will be distorted. These parameters can be changed at any time in the Profile section. → Personal data.
Next, set up notifications:
- 📞 Calls: you can turn on the display of the caller's name and the ability to reset the call directly from the clock (on some models).
- 💬 Messages: Select messengers, notifications from which will be duplicated on the clock (WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS etc.).
- 🔔 Apps: filter out unnecessary alerts (such as from games or social media) to avoid clogging the screen.
To control the screen:
- 🌓 Brightness: in the settings of the clock (Display) → Brightness) select automatic adjustment or set a fixed value.
- ⏱️ Backlight time: adjust how long the screen will remain on after interaction (optimum 5-10 seconds).
- 🎨 Dials: There are dozens of free and paid dials available in the Mi Fitness app. To change them, go to the Device Profile → Dials.
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If notifications come with a delay, in the phone settings, turn off battery optimization for the Mi Fitness app (Settings section). → Annexes → Mi Fitness → Battery).
3. Activity tracking: Steps, exercise, sleep
The main function of the fitness watch is to monitor physical activity, and by default, the device automatically counts steps, but for accuracy:
- 👟 Wear the watch on the non-dominant hand (left hand for right-handed, right hand for left-handed) and this reduces the error in the steps count.
- 📏 Enter the correct step length in the settings (Profile) → Personal data → Step length. To do this, walk 10 to 20 steps on a flat surface, measure the distance and divide it by the number of steps.
- 🚶 Turn on Walk/Run Autodetection in Activity Settings so that the watch automatically recognizes the start of the workout.
For training, use specialized modes:
- On the clock, select Training and find the right type (running, cycling, swimming, etc.).
- Set up the settings: time/distance target, interval training (if supported).
- After completion, save the result – the data is synchronized with the application, where you can analyze the pulse, pace and calories.
Sleep tracking works automatically, but for accurate data:
- 😴 Wear a watch 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime – this will help the device correctly determine the phase of falling asleep.
- 🛌 Turn on Do Not Disturb on the clock so that notifications don’t wake you up at night.
- ☀️ Do not take off your watch immediately after waking up in the morning – wait 1-2 minutes for the device to record the end of sleep.
Wearing a watch on a non-dominant hand|Energize the "Do not disturb" mode"|Do not take off the clock immediately after waking up|Update the firmware to the latest version-->
Health monitoring: pulse, SpO2, stress
Modern fitness watches Xiaomi can measure not only the pulse, but also the level of oxygen in the blood (SpO2), It's also about measuring stress levels, but these functions have nuances:
Pulse measurement:
- ❤️ The clock automatically measures the pulse every 5–30 minutes (the interval is adjusted to the settings). → Heart monitoring).
- 🩺 For manual measurement, go to the Pulse section on the clock and hold your hand still for 10-15 seconds.
- ⚠️ If the data is very different from the norm (for example, 40 or 180 beats per minute without loading), take your pulse manually or use a medical pulsemeter - optical clock sensors may be mistaken.
Oxygen levels (SpO2):
- 💨 Measured manually only (automatic monitoring is not available on all models).
- 🧘 For accuracy, sit still, put your hand on the table and do not move for 1-2 minutes before the measurement.
- 📉 Normal score: 95-100%, if it's below 90%, it may indicate breathing problems (but not a diagnosis!).
Stress level: assessed by heart rate variability (HRV). To reduce the margin of error:
- 🧘♂️ Measure stress while still, sitting or lying down.
- ☕ Avoid caffeine and nicotine 1-2 hours before measurement.
- 📱 In the Mi Fitness app, you can see a stress schedule for the day and relaxation tips.
| Parameter | Normal values | What to do with deviations |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse at rest. | 60-80 strokes/min | If you're over 100, check your workload, stress, body temperature, and if you're under 50, consult your doctor. |
| SpO₂ | 95–100% | If you're below 90 percent, ventilate the room, do breathing exercises, and if you have repeated lows, see your doctor. |
| Stress level | 1–30 (low), 31–60 (medium) | At values above 70 - rest, meditation or a light walk is recommended. |
| Skin temperature | 32–36°C (individually) | Sharp changes may indicate inflammation or a cold. |
⚠️ Attention: Fitness watch sensors are not medical devices, they provide a rough introspection, but they do not replace a doctor's consultation, for example, if the watch shows arrhythmia, this is not a diagnosis, it is just an occasion to pay attention to your health.
5. Advanced features: payments, music, voice assistant
Fitness watches Xiaomi of the latest generations support functions beyond the standard tracking.
Contactless payments (NFC):
- 💳 Available on Xiaomi Watch models S2/S3, Mi Band 7 Pro and newer.
- 📱 Add a bank card to the Mi Pay app (bank support required).
- 🔒 To pay, double-press the button on the clock and bring it to the terminal (only works when the phone screen is unlocked near the terminal).
Music management:
- 🎵 On the clock, you can switch tracks, adjust volume and pause playback from the phone.
- 📱 Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S3) Free music storage (up to 200 songs) is available.
Voice assistant:
- 🎤 On models with a microphone (such as Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) you can use Alice or Google Assistant for voice commands.
- 🔊 To activate the assistant, say “OK, Google” or click the corresponding button on the screen.
Autonomous GPS: available on marked models GPS (It's a Mi Band 7 Pro, which allows you to record a running or cycling route without a phone, and it's less accurate than a smartphone, but it's good enough for basic tracking.
How to reset the clock settings to factory?
Battery Optimization: How to Prolong Work Without Recharging
Xiaomi fitness hours are 5 days old (Xiaomi Watch) S3) Up to 20 days (Mi Band 8) to maximize autonomy:
Screen settings:
- 🌑 Use the black dials on the AMOLED-The screens use less energy.
- ⏱️ Reduce the lighting time to 5 seconds.
- 🔦 Turn off auto-lighting when lifting your hand if it works too often.
Sensor monitoring:
- ❤️ Set the heart rate interval to 30 minutes instead of 1 minute (unless frequent measurements are needed).
- 💤 Turn off sleep tracking if you are not using this feature.
- 📡 Turn on Flight Mode for Sleep – This Will Turn off Bluetooth and Save Power.
Other advice:
- 🔄 Regularly update the firmware – new versions optimize power consumption.
- 📴 Disable notifications from unnecessary applications.
- 🔋 Avoid battery drains – recharge your watch at 20-30% charge.
| Action. | Saving charge | Impact on functionality |
|---|---|---|
| Turning off auto-lighting | 20% | You will have to press the button to turn on the screen. |
| Reducing the frequency of pulse measurement | 15% | Less data to analyze activity |
| Night flight mode | 10% | No notifications will come. |
| Use of simple dials | 5% | Less animation and widgets |
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The most effective way to extend the battery is to turn off unnecessary background monitoring (pulse, sleep, GPS) reduce the activity of the screen.
7. Solving common problems
Even reliable Xiaomi devices sometimes fail, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
The clock is not synchronized with the phone:
- 🔄 Reboot both devices.
- 📱 In the phone settings, check if Bluetooth is disabled for the Mi Fitness app.
- 🔗 Remove the watch from the list of associated devices in the phone’s Bluetooth settings and reconnect.
Not accurate steps or pulse data:
- 👕 Check if the watch fits tightly to the wrist (the finger should pass, but not hang around).
- 🔄 Update the firmware of the watch and applications.
- 📏 Recalibrate the step length (walk 10-20 steps and enter the exact details in the profile).
The battery is fast running down:
- 🔋 Check which features are actively used (e.g., continuous pulse monitoring or a heart rate monitor) GPS).
- 📱 Make sure that the watch does not have energy-intensive dials with animation.
- 🔄 Reset the settings to factory (see spoiler above).
The watch does not include:
- 🔌 Connect to charging for 30 to 60 minutes – the battery may be completely drained.
- 🔧 If it doesn’t work, try resetting through the reset button (if any) or hold the power button for 15-20 seconds.
- 📦 In extreme cases, contact the service center - the problem may be in the battery or board.
⚠️ Note: If the watch starts to glitches after the firmware update (for example, does not react to touch or constantly overheats), roll back to the previous version. To do this, in the Mi Fitness app, find the Software Update section and select the Reverse option (not available on all models).
8 Hidden functions and life hacks
Xiaomi fitness watches hide several useful, but little-known features:
Quick action:
- 🔍 Phone search: in the watch menu, find the icon of the phone with waves - click, and the phone will emit a loud signal (even if it is in silent mode).
- 🔦 Flashlight: On some models (for example, Mi Band 7) you can turn on the screen backlight at maximum brightness by swiping up the main screen.
- ⏳ Timer and stopwatch: Available directly from the home screen – swipe right or left for quick access.
Gesture settings:
- 👋 On models with Always-On Display (constantly on screen), you can set the gesture "shake your wrist" to switch information.
- 🔄 In the gesture settings (Settings) → Turn on the option to raise your hand to wake up.
Data export:
- 📊 In the Mi Fitness app, you can export training and sleep data in the format CSV or GPX (for GPS-track).
- 🔗 These files can be imported into Strava, Google Fit or Apple Health for comprehensive analysis.
Games and mini-applications:
- 🎮 Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S3) Simple games like 2048 or Snakes are available.
- 📱 You can install them through the app store in Xiaomi Wear.
On Mi Band 8 and later, the Double-Tap for Photography feature is available, allowing you to remotely control your phone’s camera by touching the watch screen twice, which is convenient for selfies or group photos.
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If you’re lacking standard features, try third-party apps like Notify & Fitness for Mi Band (Android) or Tools & Mi Band (iOS) that extend the watch’s features by adding new dials, widgets and settings.