How to turn on and configure Xiaomi Watch S1 Active: full instructions with photo

The Xiaomi Watch S1 Active is a popular model among fans of fitness trackers and active lifestyle gadgets. However, even experienced users sometimes have difficulty turning on the device first. Unlike the classic mechanical watch, it requires not only charging, but also proper synchronization with the phone through the Mi Fitness (formerly Zepp Life) app.

In this article, we’ll look at all the steps from unpacking to first settings, and also look at common errors that may cause your watch to fail. We’ll focus on the nuances of your firmware and Xiaomi account, which often cause crashes. If your Watch S1 Active doesn’t respond to a button or connect to your phone, here’s a solution.

Before you start, make sure you have an Android/iOS smartphone, a charging cable (included) and the Mi Fitness app installed.

Preparation for the first inclusion: charging and checking of the complete set

Before you press the power button, you need to make sure that the battery of the watch is charged at least 20-30%. In the factory state, the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active can have a minimum charge, not enough to fully start.

• 🔌 Connect the watch to the charger using a magnetic cable (included).The connector should be magnetized to the back panel.
• ⚡ The charge indicator will appear on the screen, red lightning. If there is no indicator, check the cable and the power supply (it is recommended to use an adapter on the device). 5V/1And).
• ⏳ Charge for at least 30 minutes. The full charging cycle takes ~2 hours.
• 📦 Check the completeness: the box must have a watch, cable and documentation.

If the screen is black after you connect to charging, try:

1. Press the cable tighter to the contacts (sometimes the magnet is weakened).
2. Connect to another power source (e.g, USB-port).
3. Wait 5-10 minutes – sometimes the indicator lights up with a delay.

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If the watch doesn't charge, clean the contacts on the back with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.Oxidation or dirt can block charging.

2. Power button: where is it and how to press correctly

In the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active, the physical button is located on the right side of the case (when you look at the screen) and it performs several functions: short press - wake up the screen, long press (3-5 seconds) - on / off, double press - return to the menu (in some firmware).

To turn on the watch for the first time:

1. Make sure they are charged (see the previous section).
2. Press the button for 5-7 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears.
3. Release the button and wait for the system to boot (it can take up to 1 minute).

If nothing happens after holding the button:

• ❌ Clock discharged (requires charging).
• ❌ The button is blocked due to falling or moisture (repair required).
• ❌ Firmware damaged (solution – reset via Mi Fitness).

3. Phone synchronization: Mi Fitness installation and device binding

Without connecting to a smartphone Xiaomi Watch S1 Active work in a limited mode (only time and pedometer).

1. Download the Mi Fitness app: 📱 Android (Google Play) 🍎 iOS (App Store)

Xiaomi

Bluetooth

geolocation

Add the device → The clock → Xiaomi Watch S1 Active

It'll appear on the clock screen. QR-Point your phone's camera at it through the Mi Fitness app to automatically link it. QR-code not scanned:

• 🔦 Increase the brightness of the watch screen (swipe your finger up and find the sun icon).
• 📱 Restart the Mi Fitness app on your phone.
• 🔄 Reset the clock (hold the 10 seconds button).

4.Tune the language, time and basic parameters

After successful synchronization, the clock will have a customizator on its screen.

1. Language selection: Scroll down to Russian (or other language you need) and tap the screen.
2. Time format: Specify 24-hour or 12-hour.
3. Units of measurement: Choose the metric system (km/kg) or imperial (miles/pounds).
4. Permissions: Provide access to notifications, contacts and geodata (required for the tracker to operate).

Important: if the clock is stuck on the Xiaomi logo during the setup stage, don’t interrupt the process! wait 10-15 minutes – sometimes the first download takes a long time due to the firmware update.

After the setting is completed:

• 🔄 The clock automatically syncs time with the phone.
• 📲 Notifications of calls and messages will be duplicated on the screen.
• 🏃‍♂️ Training modes will be available (running, cycling, swimming, etc.).

Make sure the clock time is the same as the phone.|Check the heart rate sensor (click on the icon) ❤️)|Set an alarm in the Mi Fitness app|Activate the "Do Not Disturb" mode at night|Update the firmware if available-->

5. Firmware Update: Why It Matters and How to Do It

The manufacturer regularly releases updates for the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active, which fix bugs, add new features (for example, support for new types of workouts) and improve autonomy. Skipping updates is not recommended - this can lead to sensor failures or synchronization.

To update the firmware:

1. Open Mi Fitness on your phone.
2. Go to Profile → Xiaomi Watch S1 Active → Update firmware.
3. If a new version is available, click Download (Wi-Fi connection required).
4. Wait for the download and installation to be completed (the clock will reboot automatically).

⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the upgrade process or turn off the clock! This can cause the device to "brickle"; if the battery runs out during the upgrade, connect the watch to charge and try again.

List of the latest firmware versions for the Watch S1 Active (as of 2026):

• 📌 1.17.24 – Step counting errors corrected, swimming support added.
• 📌 1.15.12 - improved autonomy, optimized power consumption sensor SpO₂.
• 📌 1.12.8 - The first stable version with support for the Russian language.

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Update your firmware only through the official Mi Fitness app. Using third-party firmware (for example, through Amazfit Tools) can deprive you of warranty and cause unstable work.

6. Problem Solving: The clock is not switched on or synchronized

If the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active does not respond to the button, does not charge or connect to the phone, use this instruction:

🔋 The clock is not charging.

• 🔌 Check the cable and power supply (try charging another device).
• 🧲 Make sure the magnetic connector fits tightly to the contacts.
• 🔄 Reset the clock (hold the 15 second button).
• 🔧 If nothing helps, contact the service - a charging controller may malfunction.

📵 The watch doesn't connect to the phone.

• 📱 Reinstall the Mi Fitness app.
• 🔄 Reboot both the watch and the smartphone.
• 📡 Enable Device Search Mode in Bluetooth Settings.
• 🔑 Make sure you’re logged in to the same Xiaomi account as you did on your phone.

⚙️ The watch hung on the logo.

This is one of the most common problems.

1. Connect the watch to charging and wait 30 minutes.
2. Hold the power button for 20 seconds to force a reboot.
3. If it doesn’t work, reset through Mi Fitness: Device Profile → Settings → Reset to factory.

⚠️ Warning: Reset will delete all data from the clock (training, alarm settings, etc.) Pre-sync the data with the cloud Xiaomi.

7.Operation optimization: tips for increasing autonomy

The average time of Xiaomi Watch S1 Active on a single charge is 7-12 days, depending on the intensity of use.

• 🔋 Turn off your steady pulse (in sensor settings) and measure your heart rate only during exercise.
• 📴 Reduce the brightness of the screen to 50-60%.
• 🛌 Activate the mode Do not disturb at night (saves up to 15% charge).
• 📶 Disable notifications from unnecessary apps (such as social media).
• 🔄 Update your firmware – newer versions often optimize your power consumption.

If the clock is discharged in 1-2 days, check:

• 🔍 Active background processes (e.g, GPS-tracking).
• 📲 The frequency of synchronization with the phone (in Mi Fitness you can set the interval).
• 🔋 The state of the battery (with severe wear, the capacity falls on the 30-40%).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Watch S1 Active