Xiaomi’s modern wearables have become an integral part of millions of users’ lives, tracking health and notifications. However, after unpacking or prolonged downtime, owners often wonder how to activate the device correctly. The launch process can vary depending on the model, whether it is a Mi Band tracker or a full-fledged Xiaomi Watch.
In most cases, the problem is not a breakdown, but a discharged battery or protective film that blocks contact. The correct sequence of actions will help avoid false conclusions about the malfunction. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of activation of various models of wearable electronics of the Chinese brand.
Primary charging and activation of Mi Band trackers
The most common reason that fitness bracelets of the Mi Band series 5, 6, 7, 8 and above do not respond to touch is the deep discharge of the battery. During long-term storage in storage, the battery voltage drops below the minimum threshold necessary to start the operating system.
Note that some models, especially older versions like the Mi Band 3 or 4, may require the capsule to be removed from the strap to connect to the charger. New versions already have built-in contacts or wireless charging, which simplifies the procedure.
It is important to use a serviceable cable and power supply with a current of no more than 1 Ampere so as not to damage the charge controller. If you use a powerful smartphone adapter, the system can limit the current, but it is better to be safe.
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Use it. USB-port of a computer or laptop for the first charge of the bracelet – this will provide a stable and safe current that will “wake up” the battery without the risk of overheating.
Once connected to the network, the indicator on the screen may not light up instantly. That's OK. Leave the gadget on charge for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Only then press the touch area. If the screen is still black, check the density of the contacts.
The launch of the Xiaomi Watch and Redmi Watch
Full-fledged smartwatches, such as the Xiaomi Watch S1, S3 or the Redmi Watch line, often come with a partially charged battery, but can be switched off software. They require a long press on a single side button. Some models need to hold the key for about 5-7 seconds until the Mi or Xiaomi logo appears.
If the device doesn't respond to short taps, it doesn't mean that it's broken.The internal logic of Wear OS or HyperOS' proprietary shell takes time to initialize the components. Make sure the protective film is completely removed from the back if the charging contacts are there, as oxidation can interfere with work.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to turn on the watch if it has just been introduced from the cold into a warm room. Condensation inside the case may cause a short circuit.
In case the button seems stuck or doesn't get squeezed, don't use excessive physical force.The mechanical buttons in the smartwatch have a limited pressing resource.It's better to carefully clear the gap between the button and the body with a dry soft brush.
Once the logo appears, the device can be on the boot screen for several minutes, which is the process of checking the integrity of system files and calibrating the sensors, and interrupting this process can lead to a software failure.
Problems with inclusion after long downtime
If your smartwatch or bracelet has been idle for months, the lithium polymer battery could go into a deep discharge, in which the chemical processes inside the cell slow down, and standard charging may not start right away, and the device will show an empty screen even when connected to the network.
It may take something called a "rock-up" to "reanimate" the battery. Leave the gadget plugged into the charger for a few hours even if the indicator doesn't burn. Sometimes the system takes time to gain the minimum voltage to start the power controller.
- 🔋 Leave the device on charge for 2-3 hours without trying to turn on.
- 🔄 Check every 30 minutes to see if the image appears on the screen.
- 🌡️ Make sure the room temperature is not lower. +15°C, as in the cold the battery capacity is temporarily reduced.
There is a myth that you need to disassemble the device and close contacts to turn on. This is completely wrong and will lead to loss of warranty and probable failure. Modern Xiaomi gadgets have built-in protection that will automatically resume charging when the current is applied.
Why does the battery run out when it is turned off?
Configure and pair through the Mi Fitness app
After successful screen activation, a welcome menu will appear in front of you, often with a QR-To work properly, you need to link it to your smartphone, and the main application for modern devices is Mi Fitness (previously Zepp Life was used for older models).
The setup process starts with selecting the interface language, use the touch screen or side button to navigate the menu, and after selecting the language, the device will go into the pairing standby mode, displaying the code or QR-code.
| Model of the device | Required annex | Minimum version of Android | Minimum version of iOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 8 / 9 | Mi Fitness | Android 6.0+ | iOS 12.0+ |
| Xiaomi Watch S3 | Mi Fitness | Android 8.0+ | iOS 13.0+ |
| Redmi Watch 4 | Mi Fitness | Android 6.0+ | iOS 12.0+ |
| Mi Band 4 (old) | Zepp Life | Android 5.0+ | iOS 10.0+ |
Open the app on your smartphone, sign up or log in to your Xiaomi Account. Go to your profile and click Add Device. The system will find your watch if your phone is enabled with Bluetooth and geolocation.
When you pair the watch and the smartphone, you can have confirmation codes on your screen, make sure they match, and confirm the action, and then you start synchronizing time and data, which can take a few minutes.
Diagnosis: What to do if the screen is black
When the device seems to be charging but the screen remains black, it requires careful diagnosis. First of all, check whether the Do Not Disturb or Sleep mode is turned on, in which the screen goes out completely and does not respond to the lift of the wrist.
Try a forced reboot. For most Xiaomi and Redmi models, this is done by holding the side button for a long time (10-15 seconds), and if the device is stuck at the software level, this action will cause the system to restart.
⚠️ Warning: If after 30 minutes of charging and trying to reboot the screen does not light up, there may be a problem in the physical damage to the display plume or the matrix itself, especially if the device falls down.
It's also worth checking the brightness settings in the app. Sometimes users accidentally twist the brightness to zero, and at a certain angle of view, the screen seems to be off. Try to light the screen with a bright flashlight at an angle - if you see a dim image, then the backlight is faulty.
In rare cases, a factory reset via a device menu helps if it does respond to touch in certain areas. The path usually looks like: Settings → System → Reset. If the menu is not available, only service remains.
Frequent errors during the first launch
Beginners often make mistakes that are interpreted as a breakdown, one of which is trying to turn the device on without removing the protective transport film from the charging contacts, which creates insulation, and the current simply does not enter the battery.
Another common mistake is using damaged or too long USB cables. Current is important for charging wearables, and long cables (more than 1.5 meters) often have high resistance, which is why voltage is not enough to start.
- 🚫 Do not try to charge the device from powerful fast charging units (QC 3.0, 65W and above) without a controller – it is better to use a PC port.
- 🧼 Do not wet the contacts with alcohol or water before turning on, if they are oxidized - use dry eraser gum.
- 📱 Make sure that the smartphone has enabled access rights for the Mi Fitness app, otherwise the watch may not complete the setup.
☑️ Checking before contacting the service
Understanding these nuances will save you time and nerves, and in most cases, a non-working device just needs the right approach to charging and activating.
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90% of cases of “non-enabled” are solved by long-term charging with the original cable for 1-2 hours without trying to turn on frequently.