How to turn on Xiaomi smart watches: from charging to first synchronization

Xiaomi smartwatches are some of the most popular wearables on the market due to their combination of functionality, design and affordable price. However, even with such simple gadgets, users often have questions about how to turn on the watch for the first time, what to do if they do not respond to the power button, or how to avoid typical errors when you first set up.

It is important to understand that the activation process may vary depending on the model. S3 They have different interfaces and controls, but the general logic remains the same, and we'll look at the generic steps that are suitable for most of the brand's devices, and we'll also look at the specifics of the popular lines. If your watch has already discharged "to zero" or lay for a long time without use - here too, there is a solution.

Before you get to the instructions, make sure you have everything you need: an original charging cable (or compatible adapter), a smartphone with Mi Fitness or Zepp Life installed, and a stable Internet connection.

Preparing for the first turn on: what to do before activation

Before you press the power button, you should follow a few preliminary steps, which will eliminate problems such as inability to synchronize or errors when updating the firmware.

First, check your smartphone's compatibility with the watch. Xiaomi devices work with Android 6.0+ or iOS 10.0+, But some features (such as Mi Pay) may require more recent OS versions. Also make sure your phone is enabled with Bluetooth and GeoData – without them, synchronization is impossible.

• 📱 Install the official app: For most models, it's Mi Fitness (for Mi Band) or Zepp Life (for Xiaomi Watch). Download it from Google Play or the App Store.
• 🔋 Charging before first switching on: Even if the watch is new, its battery may have run out during storage. Connect the device to charging for at least 30 minutes before first activation.
• 🔄 Update your smartphone firmware: An outdated version of the OS can cause conflicts when syncing. Check for updates in your phone settings.

Pay special attention to the charging cable. Using non-original adapters can cause slow charging or even battery damage. If you have a wireless charging model (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S3), Make sure you place your watch correctly on the charging pad – the magnets must match.

Step-by-step: how to turn on Xiaomi smart watches for the first time

When the preparation is complete, you can proceed to the turn on itself. The process takes no more than 5 minutes, if you follow the algorithm:

1. Connect the watch to charge. Wait for the charge indicator to appear on the screen (usually battery animation or percentage of charge). If the screen remains empty, wait 10-15 minutes and check the cable.
2. Press and hold the power button (usually the only physical button on the body). For models without buttons (such as the Mi Band), tap the touch screen and swipe up.
3. Select a language. A menu with a choice of language will appear on the screen - scroll through the list and select Russian (or other language you want).
4. Connect to the app. Open Mi on your phone. Fitness/Zepp Life, click "Add device" and follow the instructions on the screen.

If the watch does not respond to the press of a button, try the following:

• 🔌 Check charging: Connect the watch to another power source (e.g., to a different power source) USB-port).
• ⏱️ Wait longer: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) require charging up to 10-15% before first switching on.
• 🔄 Reset: For models with a button, press it for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.

Once you've successfully turned on, you'll see a welcome menu, and you can immediately set up the basic parameters: the time format (12/24 units of measure (meters/feet), and enable or disable notifications. some models (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S3) You will be offered a short tutorial on gesture management.

What to do if Xiaomi smart watches are not turned on

When a watch doesn't respond to a power button or a charge, it's one of the most common, and it can range from a fully discharged battery to software failures, and we can diagnose and fix the problem.

The first thing you need to do is check the charging indication. Connect the watch to the charger and notice:

• 🔴 Red indicator - battery discharged, charging is underway.
• 🟢 Green indicator – Charging is complete (or battery charged).
• ⚫ No indication - a problem with the cable, adapter or the watch itself.

If the indicator is not burning, try the following steps:

1. Change the cable and adapter. Use the original cable or certified cable. For wireless charging models (Xiaomi Watch) S3) Check if the contacts are correctly located.
2. Clear the contacts. Sometimes dust or oxidation interferes with charging. Gently wipe the contacts on the watch and charger with an alcohol napkin.
3. Reset. For models with a button, press it for 15 to 20 seconds. For Mi Band, charge it and hold the touch button for 10 seconds.
4. Check on another device. Connect the watch to another smartphone or tablet to rule out a problem with your phone.

If none of these things worked, it could be a hardware problem.

• 🔋 Battery failure (especially if the clock has been discharged for a long time).
• 🔌 Damage to the power controller (for example, after falling or getting moisture).
• 🖥️ Failure of the firmware (solved by flashing in the service center).

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to disassemble the watch yourself, this will lead to loss of warranty.If the device does not turn on after all manipulations, contact the authorized service center Xiaomi.

How to connect your watch with Mi Fitness or Zepp Life

Turning on the watch is only half the battle, and to work properly, you have to sync it to your smartphone through an official app, which is usually automatic, but sometimes there are errors, and you have to figure out how to avoid problems.

First, make sure that on the phone:

• 📲 The latest update to the app (Mi Fitness or Zepp Life).
• 🔵 Bluetooth and geolocation enabled (necessary to find device).
• 🌐 Internet access (to download firmware and data).

Follow the instructions:

1. Open the application and click "Add device" (or "+" top-right).
2. Select your watch model from the list. If you don't have one, select "Other device" and type the name manually.
3. Hold the watch close to the phone (at a distance of 10-15 cm) and wait for detection.
4. Confirm pairing on both devices (on the watch you may need to press a button or touch the screen).
5. Wait until the sync is complete. At this point, the clock can reset, which is normal.

If the synchronization is interrupted, check:

• 📵 No interference: Other Bluetooth devices (earphones, speakers) may interfere with the connection.
• 🔄 Update firmware: The application may offer to update the software clock – agree, this will solve many errors.
• 📱 Application Permissions: Make sure Mi Fitness has access to Contacts, Notifications and Warehouse.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Xiaomi Watch S3 or Watch 2 Pro, you may need to link a Zepp account to work properly, and without it, some features (such as sleep analysis) will not be available.

Features of inclusion for popular Xiaomi models

While the overall inclusion pattern is similar across devices, some models have their own nuances, and we've collected key features for the most popular lines.

Mi Band 7/8 and Redmi Band

These fitness bracelets don't have a physical power button to turn them on:

1. Connect to charging and wait for the indicator to appear (usually 5-10 minutes).
2. Touch the touch screen and swipe upwards – this will unlock the device.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions for selecting language and connecting to your phone.

If the screen doesn’t respond, try resetting: plug in to charge and hold the touch button for 10 seconds until vibration appears.

Xiaomi Watch S2/S3 and Watch 2 Pro

These models have a physical button and support gesture control.

• 🔄 Double press of a button – fast turn on the screen.
• 🔋 Wireless charging: Make sure the clock is properly positioned on the set (magnet should go off).
• 📱 Zepp Life app: These models are not Mi Fitness, but Zepp Life.

If the watch doesn’t turn on, try a forced reboot: press the power button for 15 seconds, then plug in to charge.

Xiaomi Mi Watch (first generation)

This model has a unique interface based on Wear OS. For inclusion:

1. Press the power button for 3 seconds.
2. Select a language and connect to Wi-Fi (required for the first setup).
3. Install the Wear app OS on the phone and follow the instructions.

If the clock freezes on the boot, reset through Settings → System system → Reset.

💡

If you have a Xiaomi Watch S3, After the first synchronization, update the firmware through Zepp Life. This will fix possible bugs with notifications and GPS.

Typical errors on first turn on and how to avoid them

Many of the problems with Xiaomi smartwatches are caused by non-obvious user errors, and we have collected the most common cases and ways to prevent them.

Error 1: The clock is not specified in the appendix

The reason: This is most often due to the fact that the watch is not fully charged or the Bluetooth on the phone is unstable.

• ⚡ Solution: Charge the clock to 50% and restart Bluetooth on your phone.

Error 2: Constant reboots after switching on

Reason: Firmware failure or conflict with a previously connected device.

• 🔄 Solution: Reset the clock to factory settings and repeat synchronization.

Error 3: The touch screen is not working

Cause: Screen contamination, sensor damage, or calibration failure.

• 🧹 Solution: Wipe the screen with a dry wipe. If it doesn't work, reset.

Error 4: The watch discharges quickly after switching on

Reason: Background processes (e.g., constant search) GPS) erroneous.

• 🔋 Solution: Turn off unnecessary functions (such as a constant pulse) and update the software.

Mistake 5: Notices are not received

Reason: Mi Fitness app’s lack of permissions or synchronization failure.

• 📱 Solution: Check notification settings in the app and on your phone.

💡

If Xiaomi watches are not turned on after all the manipulations, the reason may be a hardware malfunction. in this case, do not try to repair the device yourself - contact the service center.

Frequent questions about the inclusion and setting of Xiaomi smart watches