Bluetooth on Xiaomi Watch S1 Active: how to enable, configure and troubleshoot

The Xiaomi Watch S1 Active has become a popular choice among users who value a combination of stylish design, functionality and affordable price. One of the key features of the device is Bluetooth 5.2 support, which provides a stable connection to a smartphone, headphones or other gadgets. However, beginners often have questions about how to activate the module correctly, what settings are required for the first connection, and what to do if the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active does not see the phone.

In this article, we will not only look at the basic process of turning on Bluetooth, but also the nuances of settings for different scenarios, from synchronization with the Mi Fitness application to connecting wireless headphones. We will focus on the typical errors that interfere with the stable operation of the connection, and how to fix them. If you just unpacked the watch or encountered problems after updating the firmware, here you will find the latest solutions.

Preparing the clock for the first Bluetooth turn on

Before you activate Bluetooth on the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active, make sure the device is ready to go.This includes charging the battery, installing a companion app on the smartphone, and checking compatibility.

Minimum requirements for stable operation:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery charge: at least 20%. At low charge, the watch can automatically turn off power-intensive modules, including Bluetooth.
  • πŸ“± Smartphone: Android 6.0+ or iOS 12.0+ Mi Fitness (or Zepp Life for some regions).
  • πŸ”„ Software Updates: Check the Relevance of the Watch Firmware Through Settings β†’ About the clock β†’ Update of the PO.

If the watch is new, you need to link it to your Xiaomi account.

  1. Launch the Mi Fitness app on your phone.
  2. Click Profile β†’ Add device β†’ Watch β†’ Xiaomi Watch S1 Active.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen by confirming the pairing on the watch (OK button or touch the screen).

⚠️ Note: If the watch was previously linked to another account, reset via Settings β†’ System system β†’ Reset. Without that, the new connection will be impossible.

πŸ“Š What OS is using your smartphone?
Android
iOS
Another.
I don't know.

Step-by-step: how to turn on Bluetooth on Xiaomi Watch S1 Active

Bluetooth activation on the watch takes several steps. Unlike smartphones, there is no separate switch in the notification curtain - control is carried out through the settings menu.

Instructions:

  1. Swipe your finger from the bottom up on the watch screen to open the main menu.
  2. Find the Settings icon (cog) and touch it.
  3. Scroll through the list to Connection (or Bluetooth depending on the firmware version).
  4. Activate the switch next to Bluetooth. The icon should turn blue.
  5. To connect to your phone, go back to the Connection menu and select Add Device.

Once Bluetooth is enabled, the watch will automatically start searching for available devices. A list of found gadgets will appear on the screen - select your smartphone and confirm pairing on both devices.

Bluetooth is turned on on on the clock (blue icon)

Smartphone found in list of available devices

Conjugation confirmed on both devices

The Mi Fitness app displays the status "Connected"-->

If the watch can't see the phone, try restarting both devices and repeating the process, and that's how it works 90% of the time.

Setting up Bluetooth for different tasks

Bluetooth on the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active is used not only for synchronization with a smartphone, but also for connecting other devices.

The challengeInstructionsFeatures
Synchronization with Mi FitnessTurn on Bluetooth on your watch. Open the app on your phone. Go to Profile β†’ My devices.A constant connection is required for notifications and activity tracking.
Connecting headphonesActivate the search mode on the headphones. On the watch: Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Add the device.Only headphones with an A2DP profile (for music) are supported.
File transferUse the Mi Fitness app to convey wallpaper or alarm clock tunes.Direct transmission via Bluetooth is not supported.

To listen to music directly from the clock (without a smartphone) you need:

  • 🎡 Download tracks via Mi Fitness in watch memory (up to 2 GB).
  • πŸ”Š Connect headphones via Bluetooth.
  • 🎧 Select a track in the menu Music on the clock.

⚠️ Attention: When you connect your headphones to your watch at the same time as your smartphone, you may experience conflicts. S1 Active.

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If music is interrupted, reduce the distance between the watch and headphones to 1 meter or check for interference from other Bluetooth devices (e.g., 2.4GHz Wi-Fi routers).

Typical Bluetooth Problems and Solutions

Even after setting up correctly, users experience connection errors, and let's look at the most common cases and how to fix them:

Problem 1: The watch can’t see the smartphone

  • πŸ”„ Solution: Reboot both devices. Make sure your phone is Bluetooth enabled and geolocated (required for some Android versions). In your phone settings, remove the watch from the list of associated devices and reconnect.

Problem 2: Permanent connection breaks

  • πŸ“Ά Solution: Check for interference from other devices (Wi-Fi, microwaves). Update the watch firmware and Mi Fitness app. Turn off energy saving in the watch settings (path: Settings β†’ Battery).

Problem 3: Notifications are not working

  • πŸ“³ Solution: In the Mi Fitness app, check notification permissions (Device Settings) β†’ On Android: Allow the app to access notifications in the system settings. On iOS: Enable Bluetooth and Notifications for Mi Fitness in Settings β†’ Annex.

What to do if the clock is stuck when connected?
If the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active stopped responding to touch after trying to pair, perform a forced reboot: Press the physical button for 15-20 seconds. After vibration, release the button and wait for the reboot. Repeat the connection process. If the problem repeats, reset the clock settings to factory (Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset).

How to Save Battery when Using Bluetooth

Bluetooth is one of the main energy consumers in smartwatches. To extend the life of the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active, follow these tips:

Optimization of settings:

  • ⏳ Auto-Disable: Turn on the option to Disable Bluetooth in Sleeping Mode (path: Settings) β†’ Connections β†’ Additionally).
  • πŸ”” Notifications: Turn off unnecessary alerts in Mi Fitness (Device settings) β†’ Notifications).
  • πŸ”‹ Power saving mode: Activate it at night or when the watch is not actively used.

Alternative methods:

  • πŸ“΄ Manual control: Turn off Bluetooth manually when it isn't needed (e.g. while sleeping).
  • πŸ”„ Updates: Check firmware updates regularly – the manufacturer optimizes power consumption in new versions.

The average lifetime of the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active with active Bluetooth use is 7-10 days, and if optimized according to the above scheme, this figure can be increased to 12-14 days.

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Disabling unnecessary functions (for example, constant monitoring of heart rate) can increase the time of operation by 20-30%.

Reset Bluetooth settings on Xiaomi Watch S1 Active

If the connection problems are not solved by standard methods, you may need to completely reset your Bluetooth settings, which will remove all the associated devices and return the settings to factory.

How to reset:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Scroll down and select Reset Bluetooth settings.
  3. Confirm the action by pressing OK.

After discharge:

  • πŸ”„ The clock will automatically reset.
  • πŸ“± You will need to re-spoil all devices (smartphone, headphones, etc.).
  • βš™οΈ Restore individual settings (e.g., connection priority).

⚠️ Note: Bluetooth reset does not affect other clock settings (such as wallpaper or workout data).However, if the problem is firmware, a complete device reset may be required.

Comparison of Xiaomi Watch S1 Active with other Bluetooth models

The functionality of Bluetooth varies depending on the Xiaomi smartwatch model, and below is a comparative table of key parameters:

ModelBluetooth versionMax: Number of connected devicesSupporting musicEnergy consumption
Xiaomi Watch S1 Active5.22 (phone + headphones)Yes (through clock memory)Average.
Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro5.33Yeah (with streaming support)Low.
Xiaomi Mi Band 75.01No.Minimum
Xiaomi Watch S35.34Yes (LTE enabled)High (due to additional modules)

The Xiaomi Watch S1 Active is in between budget fitness bracelets and flagship watches. Its Bluetooth 5.2 provides a stable connection at a distance of up to 10 meters (in ideal conditions), which is enough for most tasks. However, for advanced features (for example, streaming music directly from the Internet), it is better to consider models with Bluetooth 5.3 and LTE support.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Bluetooth on Xiaomi Watch S1 Active

Can the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active connect to multiple devices at the same time?
Yes, but with limitations: The watch supports multipoint (connecting to a phone and headphones at the same time), but it cannot, for example, be paired with two smartphones at the same time.
Why is the watch not connected to the iPhone?
The problem most often involves iOS settings. Check: Mi Fitness Resolution in Settings β†’ Privacy β†’ Bluetooth. Turn off Charge Savings mode (it limits the background of apps). Update Mi Fitness to the latest version in the App Store. If the problem persists, try uninstalling the app and installing it again.
How to check the Bluetooth version on your watch?
The Bluetooth version information is not displayed in the watch interface. To find out: Open the Mi Fitness app on your phone. Go to Profile β†’ My devices β†’ Xiaomi Watch S1 Active β†’ Device Information. In the Specifications section, you will see the Bluetooth version. For Xiaomi Watch S1 Active, it is always Bluetooth 5.2.
Can I use a watch as a remote for Bluetooth presentations?
No, Xiaomi Watch. S1 Active does not support presentation management (e.g. PowerPoint or Google Slides) and requires specialized devices with a profile. HID (Human Interface Device, which is not in this watch.
What to do if Bluetooth is lost after the update?
This is a rare but possible problem. Solution: Reset your watch settings (Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset). If that doesn't work, check firmware integrity through Mi Fitness. In extreme cases, contact Xiaomi Support with the firmware version and watch model. Usually, the problem is solved by resetting or re-installing the update.