What functions perform smart watches Xiaomi: from basic to hidden features

Xiaomi smartwatches are no longer just a time display accessory. Today, they are full-fledged gadgets that can replace a fitness bracelet, a pultometer, a wallet, and even some of the functions of a smartphone. But many users use only 20-30% of their capabilities, without knowing about hidden chips. In this article, we will examine all the functions of Xiaomi smart watches – from the obvious (stepperformer, notifications) to the non-obvious (camera management, emergency calls, phase analysis).

We'll focus on the differences between popular models like the Mi Band 8 Pro, Watch 2 Pro, Watch S3 and budget options. You'll learn how to customize each feature using the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app, what data the watch collects about your health, and how to use it to improve your quality of life. And then we'll uncover myths: Is it true that Xiaomi smart watches can measure pressure and how accurate their readings are?

If you're just planning to buy, there's a feature-based model comparison at the end of this article. If you already own a gadget, check if you've used all the features. For example, did you know that the Xiaomi Watch S2 can automatically detect 150+ types of physical activity without manually starting?

1. Health monitoring: what Xiaomi smart watches can do in 2026

Xiaomi’s smartwatches are all about comprehensive health monitoring, and the gadgets are equipped with sensors that monitor key body indicators around the clock, but it’s important to understand that not all models are equally accurate. For example, the budget Mi Band measures heart rate and saturation, and the flagship Watch 2 Pro adds ECG and stress analysis.

Let’s discuss in detail what parameters the watch tracks and how much they can be trusted:

• 🩺 Pulse (HR): Measured every time 1-5 minutes (configured in the app). Accuracy — ±2 impact/min with proper landing. PPG-sensor 4-generation (e.g., the Watch) S3) added arrhythmia support.
• 🩸 Oxygen in the blood (SpO₂): Relevant for monitoring in COVID-19 Or sleep apnea. In the Mi Band. 7/8 measurement 30 seconds, watch 2 Pro — 15 seconds.
• 📊 Stress level: Analyzed by heart rate variability (HRV). The watch gives recommendations for relaxation (breathing exercises).
• 💤 Sleep phases: Deep, light and REM-Sleeping with clock detail. S3 added analysis of daytime sleep.
• ⚡ Energy level: A score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on activity, sleep and stress.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi smartwatch data is not a substitute for medical diagnostics. For example, pressure measurements (available in the Watch 2 Pro) are done indirectly – by pulse wave, not by tonometric method.

* - Pressure measurement requires preliminary calibration with a medical tonometer.

2.Sports and fitness: how Xiaomi watches help in training

Xiaomi’s smartwatches support up to 150+ sports, from running and swimming to yoga and climbing. But few people know that the gadgets are able to not only count steps, but also analyze exercise techniques. For example, in running mode, the Watch S3 watch tracks cadence (step frequency), stride length and vertical oscillation, helping to improve results.

Key features for athletes:

• 🏃 Activity Auto-Detection: The watch itself recognizes running, walking, cycling and swimming (in models with a 6-axis gyroscope).
• 🏊 Water resistance 5 ATM: You can swim in the pool or in the rain (but not for diving!). The Watch 2 Pro has added an open water mode.
• 📈 VO₂ Max: Estimating maximum oxygen consumption is a key measure of endurance.Available on Watch S3 newer.
• 🔋 Battery Savings in Sport Mode: Enable Ultra Battery Saver Mode in Workout Settings to Extend Up to 25 Hours.

⚠️ Attention: Calibrate for accurate tracking of running or cycling GPS before the first training session:

1. Turn on GPS on your watch (Settings → Sport → GPS).
2. Standing in an open area, wait for the signal to be fixed (the satellite icon will turn green).
3. Walk 200-300 meters on foot – the clock will remember your style of movement.

For runners, the Race With Yourself feature (available in Zepp Life) will be helpful, and the watch compares your current performance with previous records at the same distance and tells you where to speed up.

3. Smart Notifications and Smartphone Management

Xiaomi smartwatches can not only show incoming calls, but also filter notifications, respond to messages with voice, and in some models even control the camera of a smartphone, let’s analyze how to configure these functions to avoid missing out on important things.

What can be done with notifications:

• 📞 Calls: Reject or accept (in models with a microphone, such as the Watch) S3). Volume is regulated by gesture - twist the crown.
• 💬 Messages: Reading SMS, Telegram, WhatsApp. Watch 2 Pro can respond with voice messages or fast templates.
• 🎵 Music: Player control (pause, next track), even if the phone is across the room.
• 📸 Camera: Mi Fitness has the option Remote shooting – the watch becomes a remote for selfies.

🔹 How to Set Up Notifications:

1. Open Mi Fitness or Zepp Life on your smartphone.
2. Go to Profile. → My device. → Notifications.
3. Turn on the Notification switch and select apps.
4. For voice responses, activate Voice input (a microphone in a clock is required).

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If notifications are duplicated on your watch and phone, turn them off in Android/iOS settings for specific apps. e.g. for Telegram: Settings → Notifications → Turn them off on a locked screen

⚠️ Note: On the iPhone, notification functionality is limited – the clock will show only incoming calls and SMS. Messenger, Viber and other messengers will need to manually enable notifications in iOS settings (Settings) → Notifications → Select an application → Allow on the lock screen).

4.Payments and autonomy: NFC, battery, savings modes

One of the most popular smartwatch features is contactless payments, and in NFC models (such as the Xiaomi Watch S3 or Watch 2 Pro), you can link your bank cards and pay for your purchases without getting your phone out.

• 💳 Supported banks: Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, Alfa-Bank and others (full list in Mi Pay).
• 🔄 Limitation on amount: Up to 5,000 ₽ for one operation (according to the rules of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation).
• 🔋 Energy consumption: NFC-chip practically does not put down the battery, but payments work only when the screen is turned on.

🔹 How to set up payments:

1. Install the Mi Pay app on your smartphone.
2. Add the card to Mi Pay → Cards → Add.
3. On the watch, open Settings → Contactless payments and follow the instructions.

📊 Autonomy of models (with mixed use):

🔋 How to extend the battery life:

• Turn off Auto Brightness and set a fixed level.
• Reduce your pulse rate to every 10 minutes.
• Use Sleep Mode at Night (disables all sensors except the alarm clock).
• Turn on Economy mode in the battery settings.

5. Hidden functions: what is silent instructions

Even experienced users are unaware of some of the Easter eggs in Xiaomi smartwatches.

• 🔍 Phone search: Twice tap the crown (in Watch) S3) — The phone will give a loud signal, even if it is silent.
• 🎨 Hidden dials: Zepp Life has a Lab section with exclusive themes (updated once a month).
• 🚨 Emergency call: Press the side button for 3 seconds - the clock will send SMS with your geolocation contact from the emergency list.
• 📡 Remote presentation management: Install Mi Remote app on your phone – the watch will become a remote for PowerPoint.
• 🌙 Night mode for sleep: Turn on Do Not Disturb Schedule and the clock will only show the time, without notifications.

🔹 How to activate the developer mode:

1. Open the Settings. → About the clock.
2. Slap 5 times on the Assembly Number.
3. Return to Settings and the Developer Item will appear.
4. Here you can enable debugging over Bluetooth or change the animation of the interface.

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In developer mode, you can increase the screen backlight time to 15 seconds (default 5 seconds), which is convenient for reading long notifications, but reduces autonomy by 10-15%.

⚠️ Note: Not all hidden features work on all models, for example, emergency calls are only available in watches with a full-time view. SIM-card (for example, Xiaomi Watch) S1 Before using, check compatibility in the official documentation.

6. Model comparison: Which Xiaomi watch to choose in 2026

To understand which model is right for you, compare the key characteristics of the popular Xiaomi smartwatch:

🔹 Who's good for it:

• For fitness and budget: Mi Band 8 Pro is lightweight, with a good screen and GPS, but without NFC.
• For everyday use: Xiaomi Watch S3 – the optimal balance of price and features (payments, calls, 100+ sports modes).
• For health and premium feature: Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – ECG, accurate pressure sensor, metal body.

💡 Tip: If you are interested in notifications from iPhone, take a model with your own app (for example, Watch). S3), Mi Band on iOS is limited by the limitations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi smart watches