Bluetooth on Xiaomi smart watches: how to turn on, configure and troubleshoot

Xiaomi’s smartwatches are some of the most popular wearables on the market, but even power users sometimes have trouble configuring Bluetooth.Without this protocol, the device loses half of its features, from syncing notifications to controlling music. In this article, we will analyze not only the standard way to include the module, but also the nuances for different models - from the budget Mi Band 7 to the flagship Xiaomi Watch. S3.

Compounding the problem, the Mi Fitness, Zepp Life interface is regularly updated, and what worked a year ago may not be useful today, we tested the current firmware of 2026 and put together proven methods, including solutions for cases where Bluetooth is not turned on or the watch does not see the phone, and we focus on compatibility with the iPhone — there are often specific errors.

Why Bluetooth doesn’t work on Xiaomi watches: the main reasons

Before proceeding to setup, it is important to rule out typical issues that may make the module unavailable:

• 🔋 Battery discharge: At a charge level below 15%, many models automatically turn off power-intensive functions, including Bluetooth. Connect the watch to charging and wait at least 30 hours%.
• 📱 Outdated firmware: Software versions older than 2023 have bugs with wireless modules, such as the Mi Band 6 before 1.0.6.54 Bluetooth spontaneously shut down when the phone screen was locked.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunctions: If the watch falls or comes into contact with water (even in models with protection 5) ATM), Bluetooth module may have been damaged. Check if the watch responds to other commands (vibration, sensor).
• 🚫 Conflict with other devices. Xiaomi watches can "forget" previous connections. If you previously synced them with another phone, you will need to reset.

In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by restarting the watch and phone. To do this, press and hold the power button on the watch (or the touch zone in the Mi Band) for 10-15 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears.

Standard way to turn on Bluetooth: step-by-step instructions

The activation algorithm of the module depends on the model of the watch, but the general scheme looks like this:

1. Check that the phone is enabled Bluetooth (in the Quick Settings Panel or in Settings). → Connections).
2. Install the official app: For Mi Band and Redmi Watch - Mi Fitness (Android) or Zepp Life (iOS). S2/S3 — Xiaomi Wear (Android) or Zepp (iOS).

Xiaomi

Add the device

Follow the instructions on the screen. When the clock vibrates, confirm pairing on both devices.

Most models automatically turn on Bluetooth when you first connect to your phone, but in some cases (for example, after resetting), you need to manually activate:

- Charge the clock > 50%

- Bluetooth on the phone is on

- Application Mi Fitness/Zepp updated

- The watch and phone are close by (≤ 1m)

- Power saving mode on the phone is off-->

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If the watch doesn’t appear in the list of available devices, try “forgetting” it in your phone’s Bluetooth settings and repeat pairing.

How to turn Bluetooth on on Xiaomi Watch S3: extension

Xiaomi Watch S3 — The flagship model with support for dual Bluetooth (simultaneous connection to the phone and headphones:

1. Swipe your finger across the screen from the bottom up to open the Quick Settings panel.

2. Find the Bluetooth icon (stylized "B") and tap it. If the icon is illuminated in blue, the module is active.

To connect the headphones:

• 🎧 Turn on the headphones in pairing mode (usually hold the power button for 3-5 seconds).
• 🔍 On the clock, go to Settings. → Connections → Bluetooth → Add the device.
• 🔗 Select headphones from the list and confirm the connection.

Important: Watch S3 Supports only headphones with profiles A2DP (for music, and HFP (If your headphones don't connect, check their compatibility on the manufacturer's website.

Problem Solving: Bluetooth is not turned on or finds devices

If after all the manipulations the module still does not work, use these methods:

⚠️ Warning: Before resetting your watch settings, export your workout data through the Mi app Fitness/Zepp. After the reset, all statistics will be deleted from the device (but will remain in the cloud if you are logged in).

• 🔄 Reset the network. Go to Settings on your phone. → System system → Reset → Reset the network settings. This will delete all stored Bluetooth connections.
• 📲 Reinstall the app. Remove the Mi. Fitness/Zepp, Clear the cache in Settings → Applications, then reinstall.
• 🔧 Manual reset of the watch. For Mi Band: Settings → Reset. for Xiaomi Watch: Settings → System system → Reset.
• 🛡️ Shutdown VPN/Some security applications (e.g. Avast) block connection to wearable devices.

For iPhone users, a separate problem is relevant: iOS limits the background work of Bluetooth, so that the watch receives notifications consistently:

1. Open the settings of the iPhone → Bluetooth.
2. Find your watch in the list and click on the icon "i" next to it.
3. Activate Connect to iPhone and Sync notifications.
4. B Settings → Mainstream → Update to check the relevance of iOS (minimum version – 15.4).

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On iPhone, Xiaomi watches can switch off Bluetooth due to power optimization.Add Zepp Life app to exceptions in Settings → Battery → Battery status.

How to connect your Xiaomi watch to another phone without losing data

If you have changed your smartphone or want to sync your watch with multiple devices (like your phone and tablet), follow this algorithm:

On an old phone:

• Open Mi. Fitness/Zepp.
• Go to the device profile and select Untie the clock.
• Confirm the action – this will remove the link, but the data will remain in the Xiaomi account.

On the new phone:

• Install the same app and log in to your account.
• In the Devices section, click Add and select the watch from the list.
• Confirm synchronization – all previous data (steps, training) will be downloaded automatically.

For Xiaomi Watch models S3 The Watch 2 Pro has a multi-connection feature, which means that the watch can be linked to two phones at the same time (for example, personal and work:

1. Connect the watch to the first phone.
2. On the second phone in the Xiaomi Wear app, select Add Device → Connect to an existing account.
3. Scan it. QR-Clock screen code or enter PIN (clock-post).

Compatible with headphones and other accessories

Not all Xiaomi smartwatches support third-party Bluetooth connectivity, and the table below shows the capabilities of popular models:

To connect wireless headphones to supported models:

1. Turn on the headphones pairing mode (usually hold the power button until the indicator blinks).
2. On the clock, go to Settings. → Bluetooth → Add the device.
3. Select headphones from the list. PIN, Try 0000 or 1234.

⚠️ Warning: Headphones connected to the watch won't work with the phone at the same time. To switch, you need to manually disconnect them from the watch and connect them to the phone.

Energy Saving and Bluetooth: How to Prolong Battery Life

Bluetooth is one of the main charge eaters in smartwatches, to save battery life without losing functionality:

• 🔋 Disable notifications from unnecessary apps. In Mi Fitness, go to Device Profile → Notifications and leave only messengers and calls.
• 📶 Reduce the synchronization frequency. In the application settings, select Data Synchronization. → Every hour instead of "Continuously".
• 🎵 Don't use your watch as a player, Bluetooth music transfers up to 40 percent of your charge per hour, and you'd better control your phone playback.
• 🌙 Activate sleep mode. in Xiaomi Watch S3 there is a charge saving function that turns off Bluetooth for sleep time (configured in Settings) → Regimes).

For models with AMOLED-screen (e.g., Watch) S3) additional savings:

• Reduced brightness to 30-40%.
• Disabling the always active display (AOD).
• Use dark dials.

Average operating time from one charge at optimal settings:

• Mi Band 7/8: 10–14 days.
• Redmi Watch 3: 7-10 days.
• Xiaomi Watch S2/S3: 3–5 days (active Bluetooth).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Bluetooth on Xiaomi watches