How to turn Bluetooth on Xiaomi Watch S1: 3 ways + problem solving

The Xiaomi Watch S1 has become one of the most popular gadgets in the brand’s lineup of wearable electronics thanks to its stylish design, long battery life and wide functionality. However, many users face difficulties when connecting the watch to a smartphone for the first time – especially when it comes to turning on the Bluetooth module. Without an activated connection, you will not be able to synchronize health data, receive notifications or control music directly from the wrist.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to turn Bluetooth on the Xiaomi Watch S1, including hidden settings and alternative methods for cases where the standard procedure doesn’t work. You’ll also learn how to check the status of the module, fix typical pairing errors, and optimize the connection for stable operation. Instructions will be suitable for all versions of the watch firmware, including the latest updates in 2026.

1. Standard way to enable Bluetooth via the clock menu

The most obvious method of activating the module is using the built-in menu of the Xiaomi Watch S1, which works 90% of the time and does not require additional devices.

1.Unlock the watch screen by pressing the physical button on the side or touching the display (if the "Raise to Activate" mode is enabled).

2. scroll through the main menu to the right until you find the Settings icon (cog).

3. In the settings list, select Bluetooth (usually located on the second page after Screen and Sound).

4.Tap the switch next to the Bluetooth label - it should turn blue (active).

If the Bluetooth icon is not on the menu, it may mean that:

• 🔄 The watch is in power saving mode (check the battery balance)
• 📱 Bluetooth is already on by default (on some firmwares, the module is activated automatically when first turned on)
• 🔧 There was a firmware failure (solution – resetting settings, see section 5)

Bluetooth icon in notification panel turned blue

The “Settings → Bluetooth” menu displays the status “On”

Watches start vibrating when searching for devices

The screen reads "Ready to pair"-->

Once activated, the watch will automatically go into device search mode, at which point you can start pairing with your smartphone via the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life). If the connection is not established, move to the next section with alternative methods.

2. enable Bluetooth via Mi Fitness (Zepp Life) app

In some cases, the Bluetooth module on the Xiaomi Watch S1 can be locked software before the first pairing with the smartphone, this is done to protect against unauthorized connection.

1. Install the official Mi Fitness app on your smartphone (available for Android and iOS).

2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi/Zepp account.

3. Click on the icon "+" (Add device) in the upper right corner.

4. Select the Xiaomi Watch S1 model from the list.

5. Follow the instructions on the screen – the app will automatically send a command to turn on Bluetooth on the watch.

If the process is stuck in the “Device Search” stage, try:

• 🔄 Reset the clock (hold the side button for 10 seconds)
• 📱 Reinstall the Mi Fitness app on your phone
• 🔌 Disable and turn on Bluetooth again on your smartphone

💡

If you have an iPhone, open Settings → Bluetooth on your phone before pairing and make sure the feature is enabled. No additional action is required on Android – the Mi Fitness app will request all the necessary permissions automatically.

Important: On iOS, pairing can take up to 2 minutes due to operating system limitations. Do not interrupt the process, even if the indicator on the watch flashes longer than usual.

3. Alternative method: resetting network settings

If Bluetooth on the Xiaomi Watch S1 refuses to turn on or permanently shuts down, the problem may lie in a conflict of network settings, in which case resetting the connection settings will help:

1. Go to the menu of the clock: Settings → System → Reset.

2. Select Reset Network Settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).

3. Confirm the action by pressing Yes.

4.After restarting the clock, try turning Bluetooth back on through the main menu.

This method removes all stored connections (including Wi-Fi if your model supports it), but does not affect personal health data or screen settings.If the problem persists, proceed to a full reset (section 5).

4. Check the operability of the Bluetooth module

Before you start taking drastic measures (like factory resets), make sure the problem is the software part, not the hardware damage to the module.

For deep diagnosis, you can use the developer mode on the clock:

1. Go to Settings. → About the clock.
2. Press 5 times in a row on the item Model number.
3. Return to the main settings menu and a new section for developers will appear.
4. Select Bluetooth Logs and check for errors.

Xiaomi Smartphone

Smartphone of another brand (Samsung, iPhone, etc.)

Tablet

Laptop/PC

Other smart device (headphones, column)-->

5. Complete resetting of hours as a last resort

If none of the previous methods worked, the last option is a factory reset, which will delete all data from the clock, including:

• 📊 Health statistics (steps, sleep, pulse)
• 🔔 Notification and alarm settings
• 🎨 Personal dials and screen settings

To perform the discharge:

1. Open Settings → System → Reset.
2. Select Reset all settings.
3. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code (if installed).
4. Wait for the reboot (can take up to 5 minutes).

💡

Before reset, be sure to sync the data with the Mi Fitness app so you don't lose your activity history. Once reset, the watch will automatically turn on Bluetooth and be ready for a new pairing.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware after a reset, the watch may require re-association with your Xiaomi account. make sure to remember your username and password, or untie your device from your account in advance via the web version of account.xiaomi.com.

6. Solving specific Bluetooth issues

Even after the module is successfully enabled, users of Xiaomi Watch S1 may face a number of typical problems.

Problem 1: The watch doesn’t find the smartphone

If your phone doesn’t appear on the list of available devices:

• 📱 Make sure your phone is on visibility mode (on Android: Settings) → Bluetooth → Visibility).
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📶 Check if the connection blocks third-party software (antiviruses, VPN).

Problem 2: The connection is constantly breaking.

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Power saving mode is on the watch - turn it off in Settings → Battery.
• 📵 Battery optimization for Mi Fitness activated on phone – add app to exceptions.
• 📡 Interference from other wireless devices – try pairing elsewhere.

Problem 3: Bluetooth is turned on but not transmitting data

This may be due to:

• 📥 Mi Fitness App: Update it to Google Play/App Store.
• 🔄 Cache conflict – clear the app data in your phone settings.
• 📄 Firmware incompatibility – check for updates for the watch.

💡

If you use an iPhone, open Settings → Bluetooth on your phone after pairing, find the Xiaomi Watch S1 in the list, and click on the “i” icon next to the name. Make sure the “Contact Sync” and “Notifications” options are enabled – this will solve the data transfer problem.

7. Optimization of connection for stable operation

To ensure that the connection between the Xiaomi Watch S1 and the smartphone works smoothly, follow these guidelines:

1. Update the firmware regularly

The manufacturer releases patches that fix Bluetooth errors. Check monthly updates through Settings → System → Software Update or Updates section in the Mi Fitness app.

2. Limit the number of conjugated devices

Xiaomi Watch S1 works with 1-2 devices at the same time. If you have connected the watch to several smartphones or headsets, remove unnecessary connections:

1. On the clock: Settings → Bluetooth → List of devices.
2. On the phone: Settings → Bluetooth → Forget the device.

3. Set up energy saving

Actively using Bluetooth? Turn off the energy-saving mode for the watch:

• On Android: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → Mi Fitness → Not Optimizing
• On iOS: Settings → Bluetooth → Xiaomi Watch S1 → Allow background work.

4. Use the original software

Some users install custom firmware on the watch, which often leads to Bluetooth issues.If you're not an expert, stick to official updates from Xiaomi.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Bluetooth on Xiaomi Watch S1