How to turn on Xiaomi Mi smartwatch: full instruction for all models

The Xiaomi Mi Band and Xiaomi Watch have become an integral part of the daily lives of millions of users, helping to track physical activity, monitor sleep, receive notifications and even pay for purchases. But what if your gadget suddenly stopped turning on? The reasons can be different from trivial discharge to software failures.

In this article, we will go into detail about all possible ways to turn on Xiaomi Mi watches, from standard methods to emergency measures when hanging. You will learn how to properly charge the device, perform a reset and avoid typical errors. Instructions will be suitable for most models: Mi Band 3/4/5/6/7, Xiaomi Watch S1/S2, Mi Watch Lite and others.

If your watch doesn't respond to the press or shows no signs of life, don't panic. In 90% of cases, you can solve the problem yourself in a few minutes, the main thing is to follow the algorithm and not miss important steps.

1. Standard on: button and sensor

Most Xiaomi smartwatches are turned on the same way, either with a physical button or a touch screen. Let's look at both options in detail.

For models with a physical button (Mi Band 3/4, Mi Watch Lite):

  1. Connect the watch to the charger for 5-10 minutes (even if it is discharged).
  2. Press and hold the button for 5-8 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Release the button and wait for the full download (it can take up to 1 minute).

For models with a touch screen (Mi Band 5/6/7, Xiaomi Watch S1/S2):

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Connect the watch to charge for 10-15 minutes (required!)
  • ๐Ÿ‘† Touch the screen and hold your finger in the center for 10-15 seconds.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ If the screen is not responsive, try touching with two fingers at the same time (for some models)
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Wait for the logo or download animation to appear

If the watch doesn't turn on after these actions, move to the next section, and it may be a dead battery or software failure.

๐Ÿ“Š What is the Xiaomi Mi model you have?
Mi Band 3/4
Mi Band 5/6/7
Xiaomi Watch S1/S2
Mi Watch Lite
Another model

2. Charging check: why the clock isn't turned on

The most common cause of a dead watch is a completely dead battery, and even if you're sure you've charged your device, check out the following:

โœ… Correction of cable and adapter:

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Try another one. USB-Cable (original from Xiaomi is preferred)
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Connect the charger to another power source (computer, power bank)
  • ๐Ÿ” Check the contacts on the watch and charger โ€“ they should be clean

โœ… Correct connection:

โš ๏ธ Attention: Many users are not placing the watch correctly on the charger. For the Mi Band, the contacts should fit tightly to the metal pads on the back. For the Xiaomi Watch, use only the original docking station.

โœ… Signs of charging:

  • ๐ŸŸข The Mi Band should have a green/red light.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ On the screen Xiaomi Watch will appear the battery icon
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ If there is no indication, try to slightly shift the clock on charging.

If after 30 minutes of charging the watch does not show signs of life, try a hard reset (described in the next section).

๐Ÿ’ก

To speed up charging, use an adapter with an output current of at least 1A. Charging from a computer (USB 2.0) may be too weak for a fully discharged watch.

3 Hard Reset for non-responsive watches

When standard on-boarding doesn't work, hardware reset will help, a method that erases all settings, but often brings the device back to life.

๐Ÿ”ง For the Mi Band. 3/4/5/6/7:

  1. Press and hold the button (or touch area) for 20-30 seconds.

๐Ÿ”ง For the Xiaomi Watch S1/S2:

    โš ๏ธ It's important:

    โš ๏ธ Warning: After a hard reset, all data (steps, sleep history, settings) will be deleted, and to restore it, you will have to re-synchronize the clock with the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app.

    Charge the watch at least 20% |

    Make a backup copy of the data in the annex |

    Use the original cable |

    Follow the instructions for your model-->

    4. Problems after the update: how to bring the clock back to life

    Sometimes the Xiaomi Mi watch stops turning on after a failed firmware update.

      ๐Ÿ›  Addressing the problem:

      1. Connect the watch to charge and wait for 100% charge
      2. Hold the switch on 40-50 seconds (for forced exit from the update mode)
      3. If the screen flashes or shows an error, reset via the application: Mi Fitness โ†’ Device Profile โ†’ Update firmware โ†’ Restore

      ๐Ÿ“Œ If nothing helps:

        What to do if the watch is stuck on the Mi logo?
        If the watch is constantly resetting or hanging on the logo after reset, this indicates a damaged firmware. In this case: 1. Completely discharge the watch (wait 1-2 days without charging) 2. Charge up to 100% with the original 3. Repeat the hard reset 4. If the problem remains, you need to flash through the PC (you need a special cable and software).

        5. Checking serviceability: when to carry in the service

        If all of the above methods have failed, your watch may have a hardware malfunction.

        Symptoms.Possible causeDecision
        No charge, no lights on the indicatorFailed battery or power controllerReplacement of the battery in the service
        The screen flashes, but doesn't turn onDisplay plume damagedScreen diagnostics and repair
        Vibration is there, but the screen is black.Detachment of the display moduleSnap-steeling or screen replacement
        Watches heat up when chargingShort circuit in the batteryShutdown immediately!

        โš ๏ธ Critical situations:

        โš ๏ธ Warning: If the clock is heated above 50ยฐC, smell burns or swell the case - DO NOT TRY to turn them on! This can cause fire.

        ๐Ÿ”ง Where to fix it:

        • ๐Ÿฌ Official Xiaomi service centers (list on mi.com)
        • ๐Ÿ”ง Authorized Electronic Repair Workshops
        • ๐Ÿ›’ Shops where you bought the watch (if the warranty is valid)

        6.Problem prevention: how to avoid breakdowns

        To keep your Xiaomi Mi smartwatch lasting, follow these guidelines:

        ๐Ÿ”‹ Charging:

        • ๐Ÿ”Œ Use only original cables and adapters
        • ๐Ÿ”‹ Do not allow a discharge below 10% (this reduces the battery life)
        • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Do not charge at temperatures above 35ยฐC or below 0ยฐC

        ๐Ÿ’ฆ Waterproofing:

        • ๐ŸŠโ€โ™‚๏ธ Even if the watch has 5 protections ATM, Avoid hot water and steam
        • ๐Ÿšฟ After bathing, wash the watch with fresh water and dry.
        • ๐Ÿงผ Do not use aggressive detergents.

        ๐Ÿ“ฑ Software:

        • ๐Ÿ”„ Regularly update the firmware through the official application
        • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Do not install unofficial firmware (risk of "bricking")
        • ๐Ÿ”’ Turn off unnecessary notifications to reduce the load

        ๐Ÿ’ก

        Adhering to these simple rules will increase the life of your watch by 30 to 50 percent, and most breakdowns are due to improper charging or moisture.

        FAQ: Frequent questions about including Xiaomi Mi watches

        โ“ Why My Mi Band 6 Is Not Turned On After Update?
        This is a typical problem when interrupted update. Try: Connect to charge for 1 hour Perform a hard reset (hold the sensor for 30 seconds) Reinstall the firmware through the Zepp Life app If it does not help - contact the error logs for support.
        โ“ Can I turn on the Xiaomi Watch? S1 chargeless?
        No, if the battery is completely discharged, the watch will not turn on without recharging. Even to reset requires a minimum charge (5-10%). Connect to charging for 15-20 minutes, then try to turn on.
        โ“ What to do if the clock is reset PIN-code?
        This is standard post-reset protection. Type in: 0000 or 1234, the standard Mi Band codes, your previous PIN, if you installed it, if it doesn't fit, reset again and wait for sync with your phone.
        โ“ How long should the clock be charged before the first switch on?
        For the new Xiaomi Mi watch, the first charge is recommended for 2-3 hours, even if the indicator is 100%.This calibrates the battery. For discharged devices, 15-30 minutes are enough to accumulate a charge to turn on.
        โ“ Can I use wireless charging for the Mi Watch Lite?
        No, the Mi Watch Lite doesn't support wireless charging. Use only the original magnetic connector cable. Wireless charging can damage the power controller.