How to call Xiaomi smartwatch: from SIM settings to receiving calls

Smart watches Xiaomi has long ceased to be just fitness trackers – modern models like Watch 2 Pro, Watch S3 Or even the Mi Band 8 Pro, which allows you to make and receive calls without a smartphone. But how does it work? SIM-Map, can you call via Bluetooth, and why sometimes the sound is interrupted? In this guide, we will examine all the ways of calling from Xiaomi watches, from basic settings to solving typical problems.

It's important to understand that the functionality depends on the model. For example, the Mi Band 7 can only alert incoming calls, while the Watch 2 Pro supports full calls via eSIM. We'll look at everything from budget bracelets to flagship watches, and give tips on battery saving and improving communication quality. If you're just planning a purchase, at the end of this article there's a comparison table of models with support for calls.

What Xiaomi Smart Watches Can Support Calls?

Not all Xiaomi devices can call themselves, and here are the key differences:

• 📱 Full calls (c) SIM/eSIM): Watch 2 Pro, Watch S3, Watch S2, Mi Watch (first generation) These models have a built-in speaker, microphone and support the installation of a physical nano-SIM or virtual eSIM.
• 📞 Bluetooth calls: Mi Band 8 Pro, Watch Lite, Redmi Watch 3 Active. You can answer calls, but only if the watch is connected to the smartphone (sound goes through the phone).
• 🚫 Notifications only: Mi Band 6/7, Redmi Watch 2 Lite. can vibrate when you call in, but you can only answer from your smartphone.

To find out exactly what your model is capable of, check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or in the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app. Please note: even if the watch supports SIM, in some countries eSIM support may be limited (for example, in Russia for 2026 eSIM is not available for all operators).

Method 1: Calling through SIM-map (autonomous mode)

If your watch supports physical SIM (like the Watch 2 Pro), you can call without being tied to your smartphone.

1. Open the back cover of the watch (usually removed with a special key from the kit) and insert the card. Note: the watch only supports nano-SIM, and the card must be cropped to the desired size.
2. Activate. SIM. Go to Settings. → SIM-If the card is not identified, restart the device.
3. Set up mobile Internet. In the same menu, choose a carrier manually or wait for an automatic connection. 2G/3G is enough for calls, but 4G is better for stability (if supported).

⚠️ Note: Not all operators support voice calls on smartwatches, such as Tele2 and Iota, which can block this feature. SIM Check with the operator whether use is allowed in wearable devices.

Inserted and activated SIM-map

Mobile Internet is enabled on the watch (antenna icon in the status bar)

Numbers are saved in contacts (or synchronized with a smartphone)

Battery level above 20% (calls quickly discharge the clock)

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To make a call:

1. Open the phone app on the clock (pipe icon).
2. Select a contact from the list or enter the number manually using the on-screen keyboard.
3. Press the green phone to call.

Important: when offline calls, the watch uses its own phone number (linked to the SIM) rather than your smartphone number, which means that subscribers will see a different caller ID.

Method 2: Calls via Bluetooth (linked to a smartphone)

If your watch doesn't support SIM (like the Mi Band 8 Pro), you can still answer your calls, but the sound will be transmitted via a connected smartphone.

• 📲 Sync your watch with your smartphone. Install the Mi Fitness app (for Mi Band) or Zepp Life (for Watch) and connect your device via Bluetooth.
• 🔊 Allow access to contacts and calls. In the application settings, enable Call Notifications and Contact Access options.
• 📞 Answer from the clock. When you call in, you'll see a notification on the watch screen with the Answer and Reject buttons.

⚠️ Warning: If you answer a call from the clock, but then pick up the phone, the connection may be interrupted. To avoid this, use only one device to talk.

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If the sound when talking via Bluetooth is interrupted, try to turn off the battery saving function on your smartphone – it can limit the operation of the Bluetooth module.

Some models (such as the Watch S3) allow you to switch the audio output between the clock and the phone during a conversation.

1. During the call, swipe down the clock screen to open the control panel.
2. Click on the Speaker icon and select Phone or Watch.

Method 3: Calling via eSIM (virtual) SIM-map)

Watch 2 Pro models support eSIM, a virtual model. SIM-A card that duplicates your main phone number, which is handy if you don't want to buy a separate physical card. Here's how to set up an eSIM:

1. Check operator support. In 2026, eSIM for smartwatches officially supports MTS, Beeline and MegaFon (but not all tariffs), check with the operator whether the service is available for your number.
2. Activate eSIM. In the operator application (for example, My MTS) find the Control section SIM → Add eSIM. Select the option for smartwatches and follow the instructions. Scan the clock scanner QR-code generated by the operator.

Set your watch.

Settings → SIM-map and mobile network → Add eSIM

⚠️ Note: When using eSIM, calls from the clock will be charged at the same rate as on your smartphone. If you have a limited pack of minutes, they will be charged for calls from the clock.

The advantages of eSIM:

• ✅ One number for watches and telephones (comfortable for business users).
• ✅ There is no need to buy a separate one. SIM-map.
• ✅ You can switch between devices quickly (for example, leave your phone at home but stay connected).

How to improve the sound quality of calls?

Many users complain of poor hearing or echoes when talking from their watch, and here's how to fix typical problems:

If problems persist, try resetting the network settings on your watch:

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset.
2. Select Network Resetting.
3. Reset the clock.

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For better communication when calling from Xiaomi watches, use 3G networks instead of 4G – they work more stable with voice calls.

How to save battery with frequent calls?

Calls are one of the most energy-intensive features of a smartwatch. If you talk a lot on the Watch 2 Pro or the Watch S3, the battery can run out in a matter of hours.

• 🔋 Turn off the background update of applications. In the settings of the clock, go to the Apps → Auto-start and disable unnecessary programs.
• 📶 Use it. 2G instead 4G. B Settings → SIM-Map and mobile network select only 2G. This will reduce the speed of the Internet, but will save a lot of charge.
• 🔊 Turn down the volume. The louder the sound, the faster the clock discharges. Optimal level is 60-70%.
• ⏱️ Reduce the time spent searching the network. → Mobile Network Install Network Search: Manually and Choose Your Operator.

It is also necessary to turn off the constant monitoring of heart rate and SpO₂ In the background, if you're not using these features:

1. Open the Zepp Life app on your smartphone.
2. Go to the Device Profile → Health Monitor.
3. Turn off the options of Continuous heart rate monitoring and blood oxygen levels.

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If you need to make an emergency call but the battery is running out, put the clock in Flight Mode, then turn on Bluetooth only, which will turn off the energy-consuming network search, but allow you to answer calls from your smartphone.

Frequent mistakes and their solution

Even when set up correctly, Xiaomi watch calls can malfunction, and here are the most common errors and ways to fix them:

• 🚫 Mistake "SIM-The reason is that the operator is blocking the use of the card. SIM Solution: Call operator support and ask for activation of the service "Voice calls for wearable devices".
• 🔕 Unable to answer a call (button inactive) Reason: clock is not synced to smartphone or contact access is disabled Solution: reconnect Bluetooth and check permissions in Mi app Fitness/Zepp Life.
• 📵 No sound when talking. Reason: the clock speaker is contaminated or turned off in the settings. Solution: Clean the speaker with a soft brush and check the volume level in Settings. → Sound.

If the clock stopped ringing after the software update, try to roll back to the previous version:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool app on your smartphone (for firmware).
2. Download the old version of the software for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
3. Connect the watch to the PC and follow the firmware instructions.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware rollback may cause data loss.Pre-backup through the Zepp Life app (Profile) → Backup).

Comparison of Xiaomi Call Support Models

To make it easier for you to choose the right watch, we have compiled a table with key characteristics:

If you need full-fledged offline calls, choose between the Watch 2 Pro or Watch S3. For a budget option with Bluetooth support, Mi Band 8 Pro or Redmi Watch 3 Active will suit.

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When choosing a call watch, pay attention not only to SIM support, but also to battery capacity. For example, the Watch 2 Pro holds a charge longer than the Watch S3, despite similar features.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions