How to turn on Xiaomi smart watch or fitness bracelet: from charging to first setup

Xiaomi fitness bracelets and smart watches are some of the most popular wearables due to their combination of functionality, design and affordable price. However, even experienced users sometimes have difficulties with the first turn on: the device does not respond to pressing, does not charge or sync with a smartphone. In this article, we will analyze all possible activation scenarios, from the classic Mi Band 6/7/8 to the flagship Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or Smart Band 8 Pro.

It’s important to understand that the switching process depends on the current state of the wristband: whether it’s a new gadget, whether it’s discharged to zero, or if you’re trying to reboot it after a crash. We’ll look at each case separately, and we’ll also give you recommendations for correcting common bugs — for example, when the charging indicator doesn’t burn or the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life) doesn’t see the device.

If your Xiaomi bracelet was already in use but stopped turning on, check the battery section first - perhaps a problem with deep discharge or damage to contacts. For new devices, start with the instructions for first start.

What is the difference between models: what affects the inclusion

Not all Xiaomi bracelets are included the same way. Key differences depend on:

• 🔋 Battery type: for example, the Mi Band 5 and later have a built-in battery, and the Mi Band 4 is removable (which affects the charging process).
• 📱 Firmware versions: 2023-2026 devices (such as Smart Band 8) require binding to the Mi Fitness app, whereas older models (Mi Band 3) can work autonomously.
• 🔄 Physical buttons: Xiaomi Watch S3 There is a side button on the switch, and the Mi Band 7 has only a touch screen.

Also worth considering are regional versions of firmware, such as bracelets for the Chinese market (CN-version may not support Russian out of the box or require additional manipulations to activate. If you bought the gadget on AliExpress or in unofficial stores, check its origin by serial number (is on the box or under the strap).

First inclusion of a new bracelet: step-by-step instructions

If you’ve just unpacked a Xiaomi bracelet, follow this algorithm. Don’t miss the steps — even if the device seems charged, without full activation, some of the features will not be available.

1. Charge the device. Connect the bracelet to the charger (usually included). Make sure the contacts on the bracelet and cable are clean and dry. The charging indicator (if any) should catch fire in 5-10 seconds. For the Mi Band 8 and later, use a magnetic cable - it is attracted to the rear panel automatically.
2. Wait for full charge. Even if the bracelet is 10-20%, wait 100 percent, it will take about 1-2 hours.
3. Download Mi Fitness (for Android/iOS) or Zepp Life (for older models). Use the same region as the bracelet when registering (for example, if the gadget is from Europe, choose Europe in your profile settings).
4. Sync. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone, open the app and press "Add device." The bracelet should show up in the list. If not, reboot both devices.

After successful synchronization, the bracelet will automatically update the firmware (if a new version is available).Do not interrupt this process - it can take up to 15 minutes. If the update is frozen, try reconnecting the bracelet or resetting it to factory settings (instructions in the section "Reset and reboot").

Check the complete set (bracelet, cable, instructions)

Clean the contacts of charging with an alcohol napkin

Install the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app

Turn on Bluetooth and GPS on your smartphone

Charge the bracelet to 100%-->

Bracelet not included: battery problems and their solutions

If Xiaomi bracelet does not respond to charging or power button, the reason for 90% of the cases lies in the battery.

Pay special attention to the charging cable. Many users use non-original adapters, which may not provide enough current. For Xiaomi bracelets, it is recommended to use a power supply with a 5V/1A output (for example, charging from a Redmi smartphone). Also check whether moisture has entered the connector - this is a common problem after a shower or pool.

⚠️ Note: If the Xiaomi bracelet does not turn on after a fall or mechanical impact, do not try to disassemble it yourself. Inside, plumes or battery may be damaged, which will lead to a short circuit.

Button combinations for forced inclusion

If the bracelet doesn't respond to standard actions, try hardware combinations. They vary depending on the model:

• 📱 Mi Band 6/7/8, Smart Band 8 Pro: Press the touch button (the area under the screen) on 10–15 A few seconds before the Mi logo appears.
• ⚙️ Xiaomi Watch S2/S3, Watch 2 Pro: Press and hold the physical side button on 8–10 If the screen flashes but doesn't turn on, release the button and try again.
• 🔄 Mi Band 5 and older: connect to charging and simultaneously press the touch area for 20 seconds (sometimes it takes multiple attempts).

For models with AMOLED-The screen (e.g. Smart Band 7 Pro) may need to be re-synced with the app after reset. If the combinations don't work, try the following:

1. Connect the bracelet to charging and leave for 1-2 hours (even if the indicator does not burn).
2. Use another one. USB-port.
3. Try charging from a computer (sometimes helps with power controller problems).

Synchronization with the application: why the bracelet does not connect

A common problem is that the Xiaomi bracelet is switched on but not synced with the smartphone, and the reasons may be both software and hardware.

• 📲 Bluetooth and location: Android requires you to enable geodata (even if you are not using it) GPS). On iPhone, check that the Mi Fitness app allows Bluetooth and Notifications.
• 🔄 Reboot devices: Turn off and turn on Bluetooth again on your smartphone, then restart the bracelet (instructions in the section "Knob Combinations").
• 📱 Application conflict: If you have other fitness trackers installed (like Google Fit or Huawei Health), they may block the connection.

If the bracelet is still undetectable, try the following steps:

1. Remove the device from the list of connected in the Bluetooth settings of the smartphone.
2. In the Mi Fitness app, go to Profile → Settings → Reset data (this won’t delete data from the bracelet, only reset the app settings).
3. Try connecting from another smartphone (such as a friend) to help you identify a problem in your bracelet or phone.

⚠️ Attention: on smartphones Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco s MIUI 14+ Battery optimization may work, which blocks the background work of Mi Fitness. To fix this, go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Mi Fitness → Battery and select No Limitations.

Resetting to factory settings: when and how to do

If the Xiaomi bracelet is glitchy, out of sync, or is not behaving in a stable way, factory resets often help bring it back to life. However, this will delete all data (steps, pulse, settings), so pre-sync it with the application.

Resetting methods:

• 🔄 Through the bracelet menu (for models with a screen): go to Settings → System system → Reset and confirm action.
• ⚙️ Hardware reset (for all models): Press the touch button (or physical if any) for 15-20 seconds until the Mi logo and vibration appear.
• 📱 Through the application: in Mi Fitness, select a bracelet → Settings of the device → Then the device will automatically reset.

Once reset, the bracelet will return to the box-like state.

1. Sync it with the app again.
2. Update the firmware (if a new version is available).
3. Set up notifications, dials and other parameters.

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If the Xiaomi bracelet doesn’t turn on after reset, plug it into a charger and leave it for 30 minutes.Sometimes the power controller needs to “reboot” after completely zeroing.

Firmware update: why the bracelet is not updated

Xiaomi’s firmware bracelet is responsible for stability, new features and compatibility with smartphones. If the update is not installed, the reasons may be as follows:

For forced renewal:

1. Open your Mi Fitness and select your bracelet.
2. Go to the device settings → Update the firmware.
3. If the update doesn’t appear, click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Checker.

If the firmware is stuck during the booting phase, don't disconnect the bracelet from your smartphone or interrupt the process. Wait 10-15 minutes - sometimes the update takes longer due to slow Internet. If nothing has changed after that time, restart both devices.

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Update Xiaomi’s firmware bracelet regularly – this fixes bugs, adds new dials and improves autonomy.However, do not do this before important events (such as a marathon), as a reset may be required in the event of a crash.

Common User Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many of the problems with Xiaomi bracelets are due to non-obvious errors.

• 🚫 Using a non-original charging cable, cheap analogues may not provide the desired voltage, which causes the bracelet to fail to charge or charge extremely slowly. Always check for magnets in the cable, they fix the connection.
• 🔋 Keep the bracelet discharged. If you leave the 0% battery for a few weeks, the battery may fail. Charge the bracelet at least once every 2-3 months, even if you do not use it.
• 📱 Bluetooth shutdown during synchronization. Many users save phone power by turning off Bluetooth, but this interrupts communication with the wristband. As a result, data is not saved and notifications do not come.
• 💦 Moisture entering the charging socket despite the declared level of protection IP68, After swimming or shower, always wipe the bracelet with a dry cloth, especially the contact area.

Another common mistake is ignoring app updates, and developers regularly release patches for Mi Fitness that fix sync errors, so if your Suddenly bracelet stops connecting, update the app first, and then look for a problem in the gadget itself.

Frequent questions about the inclusion of Xiaomi bracelets