The Xiaomi Mi Watch has become an integral part of the active lifestyle gadget ecosystem, but its functionality depends largely on a stable Bluetooth connection to a smartphone. Without the module on, you will not be able to synchronize training data, receive notifications or control music right from the wrist. However, many users face difficulties when connecting first — especially if it comes to Mi Watch Lite, Mi Watch Color or the flagship Mi Watch S1 Pro.
In this article, we will examine not only the basic way to turn Bluetooth on through the watch menu, but also alternative methods (for example, forced reboot of the module when the connection is interrupted), as well as typical errors that cause connection to be interrupted. Special attention will be paid to the differences between firmware for the global and Chinese versions of devices, which often causes confusion. If your watch refuses to connect despite all efforts, at the end of the article you will find a checklist to diagnose the problem.
Why Bluetooth on Xiaomi Mi Watch won’t work
Before we get to the instructions, it is important to understand what is preventing the stable operation of the module, and most often problems arise for the following reasons:
- 🔋 Battery discharge: At a charge level below 15%, the watch automatically shuts down power-intensive functions, including Bluetooth, to extend the running time.
- 📱 Incompatible version of the application: if the smartphone is installed an outdated version of Mi Fitness or Zepp Life, synchronization may break.
- 🔄 Conflict with other devices: Xiaomi watches sometimes forget previous pairings, especially if you’ve connected them to multiple phones.
- 🛠️ Software glitches: After a firmware update or settings reset, the Bluetooth module may require a manual restart.
Another nuance is regional restrictions, such as Chinese versions of the Mi Watch (with CN firmware) often require a link to a Xiaomi account with a Chinese phone number, and if you bought a watch on AliExpress or in a grey import, this is a must-check first.
Method 1: Turning Bluetooth on through the clock menu
The most obvious method is to activate the module directly in the device settings. The interface may vary slightly depending on the model, but the general logic is maintained:
- Swipe your finger from the bottom up on the watch screen to open the quick access panel.
- Find a Bluetooth icon (a stylized "B" or antenna icon) and tap it. On the Mi Watch S1 Pro, this section may be called Connections.
- If the icon is lit in blue or green, the module is active. If not, hold your finger on the icon for 2-3 seconds to force it to turn on.
On some firmware (for example, on the Mi Watch Lite with MIUI Watch 1.0.42), the path will be different:
Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → Switch “On”.Make sure that Bluetooth is on on your smartphone|Charge of hours exceeds 20%|The distance between the clock and the phone is not more than 10 meters|The phone is disabled mode "Saving charge"-->
Critical detail: on models with NFC (for example, Mi Watch S1 Pro) after turning on Bluetooth, you may need to additionally activate the Quick Connect function in the Settings menu → Additional.
Method 2: Activate with Mi Fitness/Zepp Life
If you can’t turn Bluetooth on directly, try using the official app, which is especially useful for Mi Watch Color 2 and newer models where the connection is partially controlled by the software:
- Open the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp Life for new devices) on your smartphone.
- Go to the Profile section → My devices and choose your watch.
- Slap the gear icon (⚙️) Next to the device name, then select Connection Settings.
- Activate the Bluetooth switch and wait for the message Device is connected.
If the app does not have the option of manually enabling, try reconnecting the watch:
Profile → My devices → Click on the clock → Delete the device → Connect again💡
If the app doesn't see the watch, try clearing the Mi Fitness cache in your phone's settings (Applications section).This often helps with sync failures.
Problem Solving: Bluetooth is not turned on or permanently shut down
If the module does not respond to commands, use these diagnostic methods:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth is turned on, but immediately shut down | Conflict with other devices in the clock memory | Reset network settings: Settings → System → Network reset |
| The watch does not appear in the list of devices on the phone. | Outdated firmware of watches or telephones | Update the software through Settings → System → Update |
| The connection is interrupted during training | Activated energy saving mode on the clock | Turn it off in Settings → Battery → Power saving mode |
| Bluetooth only works next to your phone | Range limitation in settings | Set maximum range in Mi Fitness → Device settings → Connection range |
For Mi Watch S1 Pro models with Wear OS (e.g., global version) resetting to factory settings can help:
Settings → System → Reset → Resetting settings⚠️ Warning: Once reset, the watch will lose all stored training and setting data. Pre-export the history to the Mi Fitness app!
Features of Bluetooth on different models Xiaomi Mi Watch
The manufacturer regularly updates the interface and logic of the Bluetooth module, and here are the key differences for popular models:
- 📱 Mi Watch Lite: Bluetooth only enabled via the Quick Access Panel (swipe up.
- 🎨 Mi Watch Color/Color 2: Supports simultaneous connection to phone and headphones (for example, Xiaomi AirDots), but requires firmware at least below 1.1.50.
- ⌚ Mi Watch S1 Pro: Has a separate Bluetooth mode LE Audio for low power. Included in Settings → Sound.
- 🌍 Chinese versions (with firmware) CN): You may need to be linked to a Xiaomi account with a Chinese number for full Bluetooth.
How do I check the firmware version?
The Mi Watch S1 Pro with Wear OS also has Automatic Reconnect, which restores the connection after a signal is lost, to activate it:
Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → Additional → AutoconnectionHow to Save Battery with Active Bluetooth
The Bluetooth module, which is always on, significantly reduces the battery life of the watch, to extend the battery life without losing functionality:
- 🔄 Turn off Bluetooth manually when you’re not using your watch (like at night) and save up to 30% on the Mi Watch Lite.
- 📴 Set up notifications: disable synchronization of unnecessary applications (social networks, games) in Mi Fitness → Notifications.
- 🔋 Use Power Saving mode, but leave Bluetooth active for calls only (on Mi Watch Color 2 this is an option Priority Calls).
- 🔄 Update the firmware: new versions optimize the algorithm of the module, for example, at 1.2.60 for the Mi Watch S1 Pro added adaptive power consumption mode.
⚠️ Attention: on models with Wear OS (Like the Mi Watch. S1 Pro) deactivation of background data synchronization (Settings) → Accounts. → Synchronization can lead to loss of part of the training statistics!
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The highest battery consumption with active Bluetooth occurs during the GPS-If you don't need a precise route, use Energy Saving mode in your workout settings.