How to turn on Xiaomi watches: from Mi Band to Watch S3

Xiaomi smartwatches and fitness bracelets have become an integral part of the daily lives of millions of users. However, even such reliable gadgets sometimes refuse to turn on — whether after a deep discharge, software failure or mechanical damage. If your Mi Band 7, Watch 2 Pro or other model does not respond to the power button, do not panic: in 90% of cases, the problem can be solved yourself.

In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to include Xiaomi watches - from basic methods (charging, hard reboot) to advanced ones (firmware via PC, diagnostics of hardware malfunctions). AMOLED-screens (e.g., the Watch) S3), You can also find a charger compatibility table and answers to common questions, such as why the watch vibrates but doesn't turn on, or what if the screen remains black after updating.

Before you start the instructions, make sure that the problem is not related to a dead battery - this is the most common cause of the "dead" state of the gadget. Even if the watch has been lying idle for several months, it can be reanimated with the right sequence of actions.

Basic on-line methods: charging and power button

Start with the simplest thing: battery checks. Xiaomi smartwatches (especially Mi Band and Smart Band models) can completely run out in 2-3 weeks of downtime, after which they will not respond to pressing.

• 🔌 Connect the watch to the original charger. For the Mi Band, use the proprietary magnetic connector cable, for the Watch series, use the docking station. Non-original charges may not provide enough current.
• ⏳ Leave the gadget on charge for at least 30 to 60 minutes. Even if the indicator does not burn, the battery could discharge to a level at which the power controller blocks the switch on.
• 🔄 If the screen doesn't turn on after an hour, try a hard reboot: press the power button (or touch zone on the Mi Band) for 15-20 seconds. S1) You have to hold the button for that. + volume.
• 🔋 Check the status of contacts on the watch and charger. Oxidation or contamination may interfere with charging. Clean the contacts with an alcohol napkin.

If after these manipulations the clock is still not turned on, go to the next section. AMOLED-With a display (like the Watch 2 Pro) in deep discharge, the screen can remain black even after you're connected to charging, which is normal. Wait for the indicator (usually a red or green LED) to appear, and then try turning on the light.

2.Switching on after deep discharge: what to do if the watch is "dead"

Deep discharge is one of the most insidious problems for lithium polymer batteries that Xiaomi watches are equipped with. If the gadget is discharged to 0% and has been in this state for several days, the battery controller can block charging, in which case a standard network connection will not help.

1. Use a charger with a 5V/1A or 5V/2A output. Charges from smartphones (especially those with fast charging support) may not be suitable - they often have too high a current that is blocked by the watch controller.
2. Connect the watch to charge and leave it for 2-3 hours, even if there are no signs of life.
3. Try the "push" method: 🔌 Connect the watch to charging for 5 minutes. ⚡ Turn it off and connect it again immediately. 🔄 Repeat 3-4 times. This can wake up the power controller.

Check the body temperature

Another way to do this is for the Mi Band 5/6/7 and Smart Band Pro models: plug the watch into charging and press the touch button 10-15 times in a row, which sometimes works if the controller is stuck in power saving mode.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use high voltage (e.g., via a laptop power supply) methods to “resuscitate” batteries, which can disable the power controller and render the watch unfit for repair.

Hard Reset: When and How to Do It

If Xiaomi watches are not turned on but are responsive to charging (for example, the indicator lights up), the cause may be a software failure, in which case a hard reset will help, analogous to “back to factory settings”.

After a hard reset, all the data (steps, pulse, settings) will be deleted, but this is often the only way to bring the watch back to life without going to the service. If the reset didn't work, the problem may be the firmware, read about this in the next section.

Make sure the watch is at least 20% charged | Disconnect the watch from your smartphone (in the Mi Fitness app) | Prepare data for re-synchronization (logins, passwords) | Have the original charger at hand-->

4. PC firmware: if the clock is not turned on after the update

One of the most frustrating situations is when Xiaomi watches “died” after updating the firmware, which can occur due to interrupted file downloads, software version incompatibility or server error, in which case forced firmware through the computer will help.

This will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (or macOS with emulator).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (for the Watch series - docking station).
• 📥 Firmware for your model (you can download on the official Xiaomi website or forums like this) 4PDA).
• 🛠️ MiFlash or Fastboot (for models on Wear) OS).

The following is a step-by-step guide for Mi Band 7/8:

1. Download the firmware in.fw format (for example, mili_pro7.fw for the Mi Band 7).
2. Connect the watch to the PC via the charger (they must be turned off).
3. Run MiFit for PC or Gadgetbridge (for Linux/macOS).
4. In the utility menu, select Firmware Update → Select File and specify the path to the downloaded file.
5. Start the firmware and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

For the Xiaomi Watch (on Wear OS), the process is more complicated:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot on PC.


2. Connect the watch in Fastboot mode (press the power button + volume down when connecting to USB).




3. In the command line, do:




fastboot flash boot boot.img




fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: PC firmware voids warranty if the watch was officially purchased, and there is a risk of bricking the device if you choose the wrong firmware file. Use only files designed for your model and region (for example, global or cn).

5. Hardware malfunctions: when to carry in the service

If none of the above methods worked, the problem is likely hardware, and here are the signs that self-repair is pointless or dangerous:

• 🔥 Watches heat up without charging (risk of short circuit).
• 💧 On the case or under the screen, traces of corrosion / oxidation are visible (infection of moisture).
• 🔌 Charger is not detected (no indication, computer does not see device).
• 💥 Screen broken or appeared on it "spiders" (damage to the plume).
• 🔋 The battery swelled (seems to deform the body).

In these cases, contact the authorized service center Xiaomi. the cost of repair depends on the model:

Before the service visit:

1. Check if the warranty is valid (usually 12 months from the date of purchase).
2. Back up your data via the Mi Fitness app (if the watch is reacting at all).
3. Check if your city has an official Xiaomi service – unofficial workshops can use unoriginal parts.

💡

If the watch is warranty, but in your city there is no service center Xiaomi, contact the store where you bought the device. Under the law on consumer protection, they are obliged to take the gadget for diagnosis and send it to the service at their own expense.

6. Frequent User Errors and How to Avoid Them

Many of the problems with the Xiaomi watch are caused by the wrong actions of users, and here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• 🔋 Use of non-original chargers: Cheap cables may not provide the required voltage or damage the power controller. 5V/1A or 5V/2A.
• 💦 Bathing or showering with a watch, even if the model has 5 protections ATM, prolonged exposure to hot water or soap foam can damage seals. After contact with water, dry for hours 2-3 hours.
• 🔄 Interrupt firmware updates. If the watch is updated through the app, do not disconnect it from the phone and do not leave Mi Fitness».
• 🔥 Charging at extreme temperatures. Do not put the watch on charge if it is cold (below) +5°C) or overheated (above) +40°This reduces the battery life.
• 📱 Ignoring low charge notifications: If the watch runs down to 0% and stays there for a few days, the battery may lose capacity or fail altogether.

Also, many users forget that smartwatches need to be rebooted regularly, and turn them off every 1-2 weeks, and turn them on again, which clears the cache and prevents hanging.

💡

If Xiaomi watches don't turn on after a fall or hit, don't try to disassemble them yourself.Modern models (like the Watch S3) have adhesive joints and brittle plumes that are easy to damage without a special tool.

7. Specificity of models: Mi Band vs Watch vs Smart Band

The switching algorithm may vary depending on the Xiaomi watch line.

Mi Band 3/4/5/6/7/8

Budget fitness bracelets with minimalistic control.

• 🔄 No physical power button – on/off is done through the touch zone.
• 🔋 Battery discharges faster than the Watch-series (life of 1-2 weeks).
• 📱 Mi Fitness application is required to reset settings (in the device menu) → «Untie the device»).

Xiaomi Watch S1 / S2 / S1 Pro

Classic smartwatches on proprietary firmware.

• 🔧 There is a physical power button and an additional button (to call a menu or voice assistant).
• 🔄 Supports hard reset via a combination of buttons.
• 📲 Compatible with iOS and Android, but some features (such as Mi Pay) only work on Android.

Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and Smart Band Pro

Flagship models with AMOLED-screens and advanced functions:

• 🖥️ Works for Wear. OS (Watch 2 Pro, which allows you to install third-party applications.
• 🔋 More capacious battery (up to 700 mAh in the Watch 2 Pro), but also more charging time (up to 2.5 hours).
• 🔧 Firmware requires ADB and knowledge of Fastboot teams.

If you have a Watch S3 or nova, note that these models have dual firmware (main and backup). If the main firmware fails, the watch automatically switches to backup, but can run unstable, in which case only a full firmware reflash through the PC will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions