Modern wearables are no longer just pedometers or wrist notifications. The functionality of the Mi Band, Amazfit and Mi Watch series allows you to fully manage communications without taking your smartphone out of your pocket. However, the process of setting up and making calls has its own technical nuances, which often confuse users when they first get acquainted with the device.
The main challenge lies in the different architecture of Bluetooth protocols and the presence or absence of its own communication module in the watch. While some models require constant presence of the phone next to each other, others are able to work autonomously thanks to support for eSIM or a slot for nano-SIM. Understanding this difference is critical for the correct operation of the audio system of the device.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithms for connecting, adjusting volume and fixing typical sound problems, you will learn how to turn your gadget into a full-fledged tool for calling, and what system permissions you need to activate for stable operation.
Model differences: Bluetooth and eSIM
The first step in setting up is to determine the type of device you have, because it's the way you make calls, and all Xiaomi wearables and the Mijia ecosystem can be divided into two big groups, and that's a fundamental factor in how you communicate with the operator's network.
The first group is classic fitness trackers and Bluetooth-synchronized smartwatches, which include the popular Mi Band (starting with version 4 and later), Amazfit Bip, GTS and GTR series, which do not have their own cellular radio module, they act as a remote microphone and speaker for your smartphone. If the phone is out of range of Bluetooth (usually 10 meters), you can’t call from the clock.
The second group is a full-fledged smart watch with support SIM-The brightest representatives are the Mi Watch (eSIM version), Redmi Watch (some modifications) and the flagship Amazfit models. IMEI-They can register with the operator's network regardless of the phone, and for them, having a smartphone nearby is not a prerequisite, which ensures maximum mobility.
⚠️ Note: Before buying a watch, carefully review the specification on the box or website. Having the word "Bluetooth Calling" does not always mean support. SIM-It's often just a hands-free phone function.
You can also tell the type of device by the physical elements, if you have a card extraction tray on the case or if you have a "Mobile Networks" item on the menu, you have a standalone device, otherwise you're dealing with a smartphone-dependent accessory.
Bluetooth Call Configurement (for Mi Band and Amazfit)
For devices without a native communication module, the key is to have the right initial synchronization. Simply turning on Bluetooth on your phone is not enough, you need to configure the audio streaming. The process begins with the installation of an official companion app: Mi Fitness (formerly Zepp Life) or Zepp.
Once paired, you need to find the partition that handles the calls in the application. The interface may vary depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same. You need to activate the Inbound Calls or Blueooth Calls switch. Without this step, the clock will only vibrate when it rings, but it won't transmit the sound.
☑️ Checking Bluetooth settings
The most important thing is to provide all the necessary permissions in the operating system of the smartphone. Android and iOS have strict privacy policies, so the first connection you need to agree to access the contact book, microphone and call log. If you accidentally refused access, the watch will not be able to display the name of the caller or allow you to make outgoing calls.
For outgoing calls, the watch menu usually includes a phone icon or a list of the latest dialed numbers. Some models, such as the Mi Band 6 and later, support dialing by voice or through preset contacts. The sound quality in this mode depends on the Bluetooth version (preferably 5.0 and higher) and the distance to the phone.
Using SIM and eSIM in smartwatches
Owners of models with eSIM or physical support SIM-So the cards can be completely independent, and that turns the watch into a full-fledged phone on your wrist, and you need to activate the service from your mobile operator to get started. Not all tariff plans support work with "smart" devices, so this issue is better to solve in advance in the salon or personal account.
The eSIM activation process usually occurs through scanning. QR-In the Xiaomi watch with the Wear operating system OS proprietary MIUI For Watch, this process is integrated into the Network or Connections menu. After successfully registering online, an icon will appear on the screen. 4G/LTE and signal level.
| Characteristics | Bluetooth models | Models with eSIM/SIM | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dependence on the phone | Definitely (up to 10m) | Not required | |||
| Phone battery consumption | High (permanent BT) | Minimum | Autonomy of the clock | 5-14 days | 1-3 days (with active LTE) |
| Cost of the device | Low/Mediocre | Tall. |
It is important to consider that the mode of operation over the cellular network significantly increases power consumption. 4G radio requires more power to maintain a stable connection than Bluetooth Low Energy. Therefore, in the settings it is often recommended to turn on cellular communication only when necessary or use the “Only Hours” mode when the phone is turned off or left at home.
What to do if the watch doesn’t see SIM-map?
Process of making and receiving calls
The call management interface on Xiaomi watches is designed with limited screen space in mind. When a call is made, the device vibrates and displays the contact name (if synchronization is successful) or phone number. To answer, you just need to touch the green handset or, on some models, press the side button.
During the conversation, the screen displays the duration and control buttons. The main functions include:
- 📞 End of the call - red button to reset.
- 🔇 Turning off the microphone – allows the person to not hear you while you are talking to someone nearby.
- 🔊 Volume control - change in the sound level of the speaker.
- 📱 Translation to phone – switching the audio stream back to the smartphone.
For outbound calls, you can use a voice assistant (like Google Assistant or Xiao AI) or find a contact in the list. In touch-screen models, it is convenient to dial a number from the keyboard, although typing on a small display is quite time-consuming. Some users prefer to initiate a call on the phone and then switch the audio to the clock if the phone is far away.
Communication quality depends largely on the implementation of noise cancellation: expensive models use algorithms that cut off background noise from the wind or the street, and budget trackers can make the sound quieter and the microphone more sensitive to outside sounds.
Loudness and sound quality setting
One of the common problems users have is quiet sound or poor hearing. The speakers in wearables are physically small, so their acoustic performance is limited. However, the right tuning can make things much better.
First, check the volume level directly on the watch. During a conversation, use volume buttons (if you have them physically) or software sliders in the call menu. Also, the overall level of media sound and call sound can be adjusted in the general settings of the device in the section "Sound and vibration".
On a smartphone, it’s also worth checking the volume balance of Bluetooth devices. In Bluetooth settings on Android, there is sometimes a separate Media slider and Call Sound for the connected gadget. Make sure that both are twisted to the maximum.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to seal the speaker holes with protective films or "water protection" patches unless the watch has an official waterproof rating. IP68. This silences the sound and can cause the speaker to overheat.
If the sound becomes hoarse or intermittent, check the speaker grid for dust and pile, carefully clean it with a soft toothbrush, and the quality is also affected by distance: try not to close the speaker area with your palm during a conversation, as this creates a "barrel effect" and reduces the intelligibility of speech.
Solving Sound and Connection Problems
Even when you set it right, you can get a crash. The most common problem is that the watch vibrates, but there's no sound. This indicates that the audio protocol is out of sync. Solution: go to the Bluetooth settings on your phone, find your watch, click on the gear (or "i") and make sure that the tick is "Sound" or "Audio."
Another common issue is one-way audibility, and if you can't hear the person you're talking to, but they can hear you, the problem might be the Bluetooth codec. Try reconnecting the device. If the microphone is not there, check if it's covered by a sleeve of clothing, and make sure that the companion app has permission to use the microphone.
In case of permanent communication breakdowns:
- 🔄 Reboot both the watch and the smartphone.
- 📶 Make sure your phone doesn’t have power saving mode on it that “kills” Bluetooth background processes.
- 🗑️ Remove the device from the Bluetooth list and pair again.
- 📲 Update the firmware of the watch through the app to the latest version.
💡
If the sound is lost in the watch speakers after the firmware update, perform a full Factory Reset via the watch menu, which will clear the cache of the system audio drivers.
Sometimes the problem lies with the smartphone itself. Some shells (MIUI, OneUI) aggressively control memory. Add the Mi Fitness or Zepp app to the autoboot and remove background restrictions, which will provide a stable communication channel for audio transmission.
Additional opportunities and advice
Xiaomi’s modern watches offer more than just calls, but smart management. For example, the “Discard SMS” feature allows you to quickly send a template message (I’m in a meeting, I’ll return later) with one touch. Message templates can be edited in the app, adding your own options.
Car owners have a hands-free function, and you can use the watch as a headset if the phone is in the glove compartment and you've moved away from the car. Bluetooth range 5.0 lets you step back 15-20 meters without loss of audio quality.
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The stability of calls depends not only on the clock, but also on the version of Bluetooth on the smartphone and the absence of interference in the air (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves).
Keep in mind privacy. Because the watch broadcasts the sound of a conversation, in quiet rooms (library, meeting) it is better to use headphones connected to the clock, or to translate the call to the phone. The clock's dynamics, although pointed upwards, can still be heard by others.