The first encounter with a new gadget from Chinese giant Xiaomi often begins with confusion, when after extracting from the box the screen remains black.This is normal, as modern devices such as the Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch come from the factory in deep sleep mode to save battery power. Many users mistakenly believe that the device is faulty, and rush to carry it to the service center, although the problem is solved by elementary activation actions.
The startup process can vary depending on the specific model and generation of the activity tracker. Older versions of fitness bracelets require physical interaction with the touch button, whereas newer Amazfit models and flagship watches can turn on automatically when connected to a power source. Understanding the specifics of your device is the first step to successfully operating wearable electronics.
In this article, we will take a look at all possible activation scenarios, from standard procedures to troubleshooting, complex cases where the gadget does not respond to commands, learn how to properly prepare the device for the first launch and why initial charging is a critical step that can not be ignored under any circumstances.
Primary activation and mode of transportation
Most modern Xiaomi smartwatches and fitness trackers feature a built-in battery protection mechanism that blocks the device from working until the first contact with the user, a condition often referred to as “transport mode” or “storage mode.” In this state, the device’s processor is in sleep mode and the screen does not respond to touch, creating the illusion of a non-working gadget.
If you're picking up the Mi Smart Band 4, 5, 6 or later, you'll need to remove the tracker itself from the silicone strap. At the bottom of the capsule are the contact pads that need to be matched with the charger contacts. It's important to understand that magnets may not immediately "grab" the device, so you should move the tracker slightly until the Mi logo or battery image appears on the screen.
⚠️ Warning: If the screen has a badge of a discharged battery, but the device does not turn on, do not remove it from charging. 15-20 minutes, even if the screen goes off.
For the Xiaomi Watch and Redmi Watch series, the procedure is even simpler: just connect the magnetic cable to the back of the case. Unlike the bracelets, you don't need to extract anything. Once the contacts are connected, the device should vibrate, and the welcome window with the choice of language will appear on the display. If this does not happen, check the integrity of the cable and the purity of the contacts.
Preparation for the first launch: charging and cleaning
Before you try to activate a device that has been in the store for several months, you need to make sure that there is a minimum charge. Lithium polymer batteries used in wearable electronics tend to self-discharge, and after six months of storage, the energy level can fall below a critical minimum.
Use only the original charging cable or certified equivalent. Cheap Chinese cables from markets can produce unstable current, leading to long charging cycles or damage to the power controller. Wash the contact areas on the device and cable with an alcohol wipe or dry cloth, as oxidation or fat from the fingers can interfere with normal current flow.
☑️ Checklist before inclusion
When you first charge, the screen can behave strangely, like blinking, showing percentage of charge, and going out. This is normal behavior of the power management system (BMS) that calibrates the battery cells. You don't have to panic and constantly pull the device to check the reaction. Let the electronics wake up in calm mode.
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The ideal power source for the first switch is USB-port of a computer or laptop, as it delivers stable 5 volts without the voltage surges that are possible in cheap network adapters.
Instructions for different models: Mi Band and Amazfit
Xiaomi’s line of wearables is extensive, and each series has its own nuances of inclusion.It’s important for users to distinguish between brands, as the Mi Band and Amazfit, although connected to the Xiaomi ecosystem, may have different operating logics. Below is a table that helps identify actions for popular models.
| Model of the device | Action for inclusion | Status indicator | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 4-8 | Connecting to charging | Vibration + Mi logo | We need to get it out of the strap. |
| Xiaomi Watch / Redmi Watch | Connecting to charging | The screen lights up. | Automatic start |
| Amazfit Bip/Stratos | Long-term charge (30 min) | Green indicator at the back | There's a physical button on the side. |
| Mi Watch Lite | Retention of the side button | Vibration. | It requires a full charge. |
Amazfit models like the Bip, Pace or Stratos have a physical button on the side of the body. In some cases, if the device is completely discharged, simply pressing a button won't help. You need to combine charging and holding the button for 10-15 seconds. This action initiates a reset of the power controller and a forced start of the system.
Mi Band owners should be careful when removing the tracker.Silicon sticks to the body over time, and careless movement can damage the moisture-retarding membrane or screen.Use a thin plastic card or nail to tamper with the edges, but don't apply metal objects that can scratch the surface.
What to do if the Mi Band is not removed?
The role of Mi Fit and Zepp Life in activation
Xiaomi’s modern smartwatch rarely works as standalone devices right after it’s turned on. Full activation, timing, date, and interface language almost always requires pairing with a smartphone. The main applications for this are Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit) and Amazfit. Without installing the appropriate software, you can only see the logo or the requirement to connect the phone.
The synchronization process starts the final stage of the device configuration. The application downloads the necessary data packets, adjusts time zones and updates the firmware to the current version. It is at this point that all the functions of the tracker are "revived." Bluetooth on the phone must be turned on, and geolocation is activated for successful search of the device.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to create an account or link the device before the clock appears QR-- A code or a pairing request.
If the app can't see the device, try restarting your smartphone and switching Bluetooth. Also make sure the app has all the necessary permissions in your Android or iOS settings, especially permission to work in the background and access to location. Without these rights, stable communication with the clock is impossible.
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Successful activation is possible only with the connection "charged device + installed application + working Bluetooth".
Problems with inclusion: black screen and lack of reaction
When the screen is black and there is no vibration, it is one of the most common reasons for requesting support. In 80% of cases, the reason lies in the deep discharge of the battery. If the device has been idle for more than a year, the chemical processes inside the battery could cause the voltage to drop below the start threshold of the controller.
In such cases, the battery needs to be pumped out, leave the device on charge for a few hours, or better for a whole night, sometimes it takes the controller a long time to gain the minimum charge to start the system, do not check the device every 5 minutes, as this interrupts the process of energy storage.
If the device is silent after 12 hours of charging, check the cable itself. The contacts on the Mi Band chargers are very thin and easily oxidize or move away from the board inside the plastic case. Try to slightly curve the cable at the mounting point of the contacts or press them tighter against the tracker body.
Freezing method
Resetting settings and restarting the device
Sometimes the device is turned on but hangs on the logo or is not working properly, which may require a forced reboot or factory reset. For most Xiaomi models, this is done through the settings menu on the device itself or through the app on the smartphone.
If the touch screen is not responding, you can try a software reset via button retention (if any) or a special combination of actions. For models without buttons, such as the Mi Band, the reset is most often done through the application: you need to find the device in the list, select Untie or Reset settings, after which the tracker will return to the original setting state.
It's important to distinguish between soft and hard resets. Soft resets simply reboot the system, saving your data. Hard resets remove all information, alarm settings and activity targets, returning the gadget to the "out of the box" state. Use hard reset only in extreme cases when other methods don't help.