How to turn on and configure the new Xiaomi watch: from unpacking to synchronization

Have you just purchased a new Xiaomi smartwatch — whether it’s the Mi Band 8, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or Smart Band 7 Pro — and want to activate it quickly? The first turn on may seem simple, but there are nuances that affect the stability of the device. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step launch algorithm, possible synchronization errors and how to fix them.

The activation process varies from model to model: for fitness bracelets (Mi Band) and smart watches (Xiaomi Watch), the instructions are different. We will look at both options, and give recommendations for initial configuration, from connecting to the Mi Fitness (Zepp Life) app to updating the firmware. If your watch is not turned on or determined by your phone, at the end of the article you will find a diagnostic table with solutions.

1.Preparation for the first turn on: what to check before launch

Before you press the power button, make sure all conditions for successful activation are met.This will save you from problems connecting or charging later.

Minimum requirements for launch:

• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 20% (optimally — 50%). Xiaomi’s new watches are often discharged to the top. 10-15%, Not enough to complete synchronization.
• 📱 Compatible smartphone: Android 6.0+ or iOS 12.0+ Mi Fitness (or Zepp Life for Watch models) S3 newer).
• 🔄 Bluetooth and geolocation: must be enabled on the phone.
• 🌐 Internet connection: to download firmware and update health data.

If you bought a Xiaomi watch with Russified firmware (for example, Mi Band 8 NFC for Russia), additional language settings are not required. Global ROM may require a change of region in the application.

2. How to turn on Xiaomi watch: buttons and gestures

How you turn it on depends on the type of device. Let's look at both.

For fitness bracelets (Mi Band, Smart Band):

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger (magnetic cable) and in 5-10 seconds the charge indicator will appear on the screen.
2. Touch the touch button below the screen (or swipe up on the Mi Band 8). The bracelet will automatically turn on.
3. If the screen is not responding, press the touch button for 10 seconds – this is a forced start.

For smart watches (Xiaomi Watch, Watch S3):

• 🔘 Press and hold the physical button on the right side of the body. 3-5 A few seconds before the Mi logo appears.
• 🖐️ On some models (such as the Watch 2 Pro), you can touch the screen twice to wake up.
• ⚡ If the watch is discharged, connect it to charging – they will turn on automatically when the minimum charge level is reached.

Important: on the Xiaomi Watch S3 and later, the power button is combined with the return button.

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If the Xiaomi watch screen doesn’t respond to touch, try removing the protective film – it can block the sensor.

3. Synchronization with the phone: step-by-step instructions

Without connecting to a smartphone, Xiaomi watches work like a regular alarm clock. To unlock all the functions (notifications, sleep monitoring, payments), follow the following steps:

Instructions for Mi Fitness (for Mi Band, Smart Band):

1. Open the app and click Profile → Add the device.
2. Select your model from the list (e.g. Mi Smart Band 8).
3. Click Sync and confirm pairing on your phone and watch (the code will appear on the bracelet screen).
4. Wait for the firmware update to complete (it can take up to 10 minutes).

Instructions for the Zepp Life app (for Xiaomi Watch):

1. In Zepp Life, go to Devices → Add.
2. Bluetooth scanner will find the watch – select it from the list.
3. Confirm pairing on both devices (watch may require input) PIN-code 0000 or 1234).
4. Select the basic settings: units of measurement (metric/imperial), interface language, access to notifications.

If the clock is not specified by the phone:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone (turn off/on in settings).
• 📱 Remove the device from the list of conjugates in Bluetooth settings and try again.
• 🔋 Connect the watch to charging – sometimes a low charge blocks synchronization.

4.Initial setup: what to set up first

After synchronization, we recommend configured the basic parameters immediately. This will eliminate unnecessary actions later.

Mandatory settings (available in the appendix):

Additional settings (on the clock):

• ⏰ Alarm clocks: Add repeating alarm clocks on the clock (on the alarm clock menu).
• 💳 Xiaomi Pay: If your model supports your NFC, Link your bank card in the Mi Pay app.
• 🎵 Music Management: Enable the option in the settings to switch tracks from the clock.

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Don't configure all the functions at once, it drains the battery, and it's better to add options gradually, tracking the impact on autonomy.

Possible problems and solutions

Even when you turn it on correctly, there can be errors, and we've collected the most common and the ways to fix them.

Problem 1: The clock is not turned on

⚠️ Attention: If after 30 When charging, the indicator does not light up, check the cable and the power supply. Use the original Xiaomi adapter (5V/1A). Cheap charging may not provide the right current.

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port.
• 🔋 Hold the power button. 15-20 seconds (forced discharge).
• 🔧 If the watch fell or got wet, contact the service - possible battery breakdown.

Problem 2: The app doesn’t see the clock

• 📱 Reinstall the Mi app Fitness/Zepp Life.
• 🔄 Turn off Bluetooth, restart your phone and turn it on again.
• 🌍 Check the region in the Xiaomi account: for Russia, for Europe – Europe.

Problem 3: The clock is running out quickly

• ⚡ Turn off the constant heart rate measurement (leave every 30 minutes).
• 📴 Reduce screen brightness and backlight time.
• 🔄 Update the firmware – in new versions optimized energy consumption.

Problem 4: Notifications are not working

• 🔔 In your phone settings, give the Mi Fitness app access to notifications.
• 📱 Restart your phone and watch.
• 🔧 In the menu of the clock, check whether the mode is not worth disturbing.

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

Firmware affects stability, adding new features and security. Xiaomi regularly releases updates for its watches, but they don't always install automatically.

How to update firmware:

1. Open the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app.
2. Go to Profile → Your Device → Update Firmware.
3. If a new version is available, click Download and Install.
4. Wait until it is completed (don't turn off Bluetooth!) the watch will reboot automatically.

What the update does:

• 🆕 New dials and features (e.g., stress tracking in Mi Band 8).
• 🔋 Optimizing battery consumption.
• 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities (especially important for models with NFC).

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the upgrade process! If the battery runs out during installation, the clock may stop turning on. Charge it to at least 50% before starting.

7. Reset to factory settings: when and how to do

If Xiaomi watches are unstable (hangs, synchronization errors), resetting will help.

How to reset your settings:

• 🔧 On the clock: go to Settings → System system → Reset (the path may differ depending on the model).
• 📱 Through the app: Profile → The device → Untie the device (this will also reset all data on the clock).

What happens after the reset:

• ❌ All stored data (steps, sleep history, alarm clocks) will be deleted).
• ⚙️ Factory brightness, language and measurement settings will return.
• 🔄 Watches will be untied from the account Xiaomi – will require re-synchronization.

After the reset, we recommend:

1. Update the firmware to the latest version.
2. Set up notifications and basic parameters again.
3. Check the heart rate sensor (sometimes calibration is required after reset).

FAQ: Frequent questions about including Xiaomi watches