How to turn on Xiaomi Watch 5: instructions for beginners and problem solving

The Xiaomi Watch 5 is one of the most popular devices in the brand’s line of wearable electronics, combining stylish design, advanced functionality and an affordable price. However, even with an action as simple as turning on, users sometimes have difficulties, especially if it is a first launch after buying or after a long downtime without recharging.

In this article, we will not only discuss the basic process of switching on the Xiaomi Watch 5, but also the nuances that are often overlooked: how to understand that the watch is completely discharged, what to do if it does not respond to a button, and how to properly prepare the device for first use.

If your Xiaomi watch is not turned on at all, don’t rush to bring it to the service. 80% of the time, the problem is solved by yourself, and we will tell you how to do it.

Preparation for inclusion: charging and status check

Before you try to turn on the Xiaomi Watch 5, make sure they have enough battery power. Even if you just bought the device, it could run out during storage in a warehouse or in a store.

• 🔋 Check the charge level: Connect the watch to the charger (use the original cable and adapter). If the charge indicator appears on the screen (usually this is a battery animation), then the device is responding to the power.
• ⏳ Wait 10-15 minutes: Sometimes, when the clock is deep, it doesn't show signs of life right away. Give it time to accumulate the minimum charge to turn on.
• 🔌 Use the right charger: Xiaomi Watch 5 supports wireless charging, but it requires a branded dock standard. Charging from other devices (such as a smartphone) may not work.

If the screen is black after you connect to the charger, try to shift the clock slightly at the docking station - sometimes the contacts do not touch tightly, and check if dust or dirt has hit the charging contacts (you can gently wipe them with a dry cotton swab).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use alcohol or liquids to clean contacts, this may damage the protective coating.

If the watch doesn’t respond to charging, there may be a problem with the cable or adapter. Try using another power source (e.g., a quick Charge-enabled Xiaomi smartphone charger).

Basic way of inclusion: button and touch screen

When the Xiaomi Watch 5 is sufficiently charged, it can be turned on in two ways: via a physical button or through a touch screen.

Method 1: Enabling the power button

This is the most reliable method, especially if the watch has been left unused for a long time or has been completely discharged.

1. Find the physical button on the right side of the case (usually one and located closer to the top).
2. Press and hold it for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears on the screen.
3. Release the button and wait for the system to boot up fully (it can take up to 30 seconds).

If nothing happens after holding the button, try repeating the action 2-3 times.

Method 2: Including through touch screen

If the watch has been on before and was just in sleep mode, you can try to “wake up” them by touching:

• 👆 Touch the screen with one finger.
• 🔄 If the screen is not responding, swipe your finger from the bottom up (unlock gesture).
• 🔘 If the watch is off, double-pressing the screen can trigger it (the function depends on the firmware version).

The sensory method doesn't always work, especially if the battery is discharged to a critical level, and in such cases, it's better to use a physical button.

Make sure the watch is charged (minimum 5% battery)| Check the contact density at the docking station |Use the original charging cable |Hold the power button for at least 5 seconds-->

What to do if Xiaomi Watch 5 is not turned on

If the clock is still alive after all the manipulations, don't panic. Here's an algorithm for diagnosing the problem:

1. Check charging again: Connect the watch to another power source (e.g., to a different power source) USB-You can wait 30 minutes. Sometimes the original adapters fail.
2. Reset: If the watch previously worked but is not turned on, try resetting it to factory settings. To do this, hold the power button for 15-20 seconds until the recovery menu appears (if supported by your model).
3. Check for physical damage: Check the case for cracks, dents, or traces of moisture. If the watch fell or got wet, it could damage the internal components.

If neither of these methods worked, it may be a software failure or hardware malfunction, in which case it is recommended to contact the Xiaomi service center.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to disassemble the watch yourself - this will void the warranty. Inside the case, glue joints and fragile plumes are used, which are easily damaged.

If the watch is on but immediately switched off or rebooted, it may indicate a battery failure, which also requires professional diagnosis.

Configure after first activation

When the Xiaomi Watch 5 finally turned on, they need to be properly configured to work.

1. Language selection: When you first start up, the system will prompt you to select an interface language. Scroll through the list and select Russian (if available).
2. Connect to your smartphone: Install the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp Life for newer versions) on your smartphone and follow the Bluetooth pairing instructions.
3. Firmware Update: After connecting to your phone, check for updates in the Settings menu → About Phone → System Update.

If the watch does not find a smartphone to pair, make sure that the phone is enabled Bluetooth and the permissions for the Mi Fitness application are set correctly (access to location, contacts and notifications).

It is also recommended to immediately configure the main parameters:

• 🕒 Time format (12/24 hour).
• 🔔 Notifications (select which apps can send alerts on the clock).
• 🏃 Activity goals (steps, calories, sleep).

After setting up, do not forget to synchronize data with the application on your smartphone - this will allow you to save statistics even when you reset your watch.

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If after updating the firmware watch began to discharge quickly, try resetting them to factory settings through the Settings menu. → System system → Reset. This often helps to fix software bugs.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users experience the same issues when switching on and configuring the Xiaomi Watch 5. Here are the most common errors and ways to fix them:

Another common mistake is ignoring firmware updates. Xiaomi regularly releases bug fixes, including issues with power on and stability. If your watch is not working properly, check for updates first.

Also avoid using non-original straps with metal elements – they can interfere with the Bluetooth antenna, which leads to communication breaks with the smartphone.

How to prolong battery life after switching on

One of the main complaints users have about the Xiaomi Watch 5 is battery life. Although the manufacturer claims up to 12 days on a single charge, in practice, when used actively, the watch lasts 3-5 days.

• 📵 Turn off your constant heart rate monitoring (in your health settings) and just take your heart rate on a schedule or manually.
• 🌙 Use the "Energy Saving" mode at night (disables the screen and background processes).
• 🔔 Limit notifications only from important applications (messaging, calls).
• 🔄 Update your firmware – newer versions often optimize power consumption.

You should also turn off the Always-On Display feature if you don't need it, which significantly reduces battery life.

If you notice that the battery is running out too quickly (for example, in a day), check which apps are actively using the connection with the clock, sometimes the cause is background synchronization with fitness services or weather widgets.

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Regularly rebooting the clock (once every 2-3 days) helps to clear the cache and prevents hangings that lead to increased battery consumption.

Comparison with other Xiaomi models

If you’ve used other Xiaomi smartwatches before, you’ll be interested to know how the Watch 5 differs from its predecessors in terms of inclusion and customization:

Xiaomi Watch 5 favorably differ from more budget models (for example, Mi Band) by the presence of a full-fledged smartphone. AMOLED-But the process of turning on them is similar to the flagship watch. S1, except for gesture support.

If you are switching from Mi Band to Watch 5, note that there is no default “raise your hand to turn on the screen” feature – it needs to be activated in the display settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about including Xiaomi Watch 5