Xiaomi smart watches: how to use from scratch – from unpacking to advanced features

Xiaomi smartwatches are not just an accessory, but a full-fledged assistant for sports, health and everyday tasks. S3, The first steps with a new gadget may raise questions: how to connect to the phone, set up notifications or activate sleep monitoring? This article will help you understand all the nuances – from basic synchronization to hidden functions that are not written in the official instructions.

We won’t re-told the dry documentation from the manufacturer. Instead, you’ll find practical tips based on real-world users’ experiences, solutions to typical problems (such as why the watch doesn’t sync or discharge quickly) and life hacks that make it easier to use the gadget. And if you’re already an experienced owner, at the end of the article there’s a section with advanced settings, from customizing dials to integrating with the Mi Home smart home.

1 Unpacking and first switching on: what to do with the box?

Before you turn on the watch, carefully examine the equipment. In the box with Xiaomi should be:

• 📦 Smart watches themselves (sometimes with a strap already installed)
• 🔋 Charging cable (magnetic or clamping, depending on the model)
• 📄 Short instructions in several languages (including Russian)
• 🔧 Tool for replacing the strap (if such option is provided)

If something is missing — for example, there is no charging or only a watch without documents in the box — this is an excuse to check the gadget for authenticity. Xiaomi fakes are often sold without a full package.

• 🏷️ Serial number on the box and on the back of the device (must match)
• 🔍 Mi or Xiaomi logo with hologram on the package
• 📱 QR-Download the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app

First on: Hold the watch to the charger (even if the battery is not drained).Most Xiaomi models automatically turn on when connected to the power.

1. Hold the physical button (if any) for 10-15 seconds.
2. For models without buttons (such as Mi Band), tap the touch screen and hold your finger for 5 seconds.
3. If the watch is not turned on, check the charging contacts for contamination (wipe with an alcohol wipe).

2. Synchronization with the phone: step-by-step instructions

Without a smartphone connection, Xiaomi smartwatches work like a regular fitness bracelet, counting steps and showing the time. To unlock the full potential, you need to sync them with the official app.

• 📱 Mi Band 3/4/5/6/7/8 → Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit)
• ⌚ Xiaomi Watch, Watch 2 Pro, Watch S3 → Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit)
• 🔴 Redmi Watch → Mi Fitness or Zepp Life (depending on year of release)

Instructions for connection (for example, Mi Fitness):

1. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Sign up or sign in via your Xiaomi account (you can use Google/Facebook).
3. Click "Add device» → Choose your model from the list.
4. Allow the application to access notifications, geolocation, and contacts (this is necessary for the functions to function properly).
5. It'll appear on the clock. QR-code – scan it through the app or enter it PIN-manually.

If the clock is not connected:

• 🔄 Reboot both the watch and the phone.
• 📶 Make sure your phone is on Bluetooth and the Internet.
• 🚫 In the phone settings, remove the device from the list of Bluetooth conjugates and repeat synchronization.
• 🔧 Update the firmware of the watch through Settings → About the device → Update of the PO.

Important for iPhone owners: smart watches Xiaomi on iOS work with restrictions – for example, you can not answer calls directly from the clock or install third-party dials.

3. Basic settings: time, notifications, alarm clocks

Once synchronized, the first thing you need to configure is the time and notification display, and most settings are configured through the app, but some options are available on the watch.

How to change the dial:

1. On the clock: long press on the main screen → swipe left/right to select the design.
2. Annex: Profile → My devices. → Dials → Download your favorite version.

Configuring notifications:

• 📳 In the app, go to Profile → Notifications.
• 🔔 Turn on the Notifications switch and select apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS etc.).
• 📵 To turn off vibration at night: Do not disturb → Schedule.

Alarm clocks and reminders:

• ⏰ Annex: Profile → Alarm clocks → Add an alarm clock (you can set a repeat by day).
• 💤 On the Xiaomi Watch S3 There is a function “Smart alarm” – it will wake you up in the phase of light sleep 30 minutes before the set time.
• ⏳ Reminders of inaction: Profile → Reminders → Sedentary lifestyle (set up interval, for example, every 60 minutes).

💡

If notifications are duplicated (both on your phone and on your watch), turn them off in your smartphone settings for specific applications. → Annexes → [Select an application] → Notifications → Shut down.

Fitness and health: pulse, sleep, exercise

The main benefit of Xiaomi smartwatches is health monitoring, so let's figure out how to use these features properly so that the data is accurate.

Pulse measurement:

• ❤️ Automatic Measurement: Included in Profile → Monitoring of heart rate → Frequency (recommended every 10 to 30 minutes).
• ⚠️ Warning: For accuracy, wear a tighter watch (but don’t squeeze your hand) and don’t take your pulse immediately after exercise – wait 5-10 minutes.
• 📊 Data is stored in the appendix in the Health section → Heart rate.

Sleep tracking:

• 😴 Automatic: The watch itself determines when you fall asleep (if you wear it all the time).
• 🛏️ Manual mode: before going to bed, press on the clock Modes → Sleep (this improves accuracy).
• 📉 In the app, you can see the phases of sleep (deep, light, REM) and receive recommendations for improving rest.

Training:

• 🏃‍♂️ On the clock: select the type of activity (running, cycling, swimming, etc.) in the Training menu.
• 🎯 Annex: Profile → Training. → History - you can analyze the route here (if it was included) GPS), calorie and pulse.
• 🚴 For cyclists: in Xiaomi Watch S3 Support for external speed/cadence sensors (connect via Bluetooth).

Sensor. SpO₂ (oxygenation):

• 🩺 Available in Xiaomi Watch models 2 Pro, Watch S3 and Mi Band 7/8.
• 📱 To measure: on the clock, select SpO₂ Do not move your arm for 15 to 20 seconds.
• ⚠️ Warning: readings may be inaccurate at low ambient temperatures or if the sensor does not fit well to the skin.

5. Advanced features: payments, voice assistant, smart home

Xiaomi’s smartwatches today are much more than just time telling, and consider the hidden possibilities that many people don’t know about.

Contactless payments (NFC):

• 💳 Supported in Xiaomi Watch models S3, Watch 2 Pro (World Pay available in Russia).
• 📱 To set up: in the Zepp Life app, go to the wallet → Add a card and follow the instructions of the bank.
• 🔒 For payment: double-click on the watch button, bring it to the terminal (no PIN required for amounts up to 1000).₽).

Voice assistant:

• 🎤 In Xiaomi Watch S3 There is a built-in XiaoAI (Chinese version) or Google Assistant (for global firmware).
• 🗣️ To activate: Say “Hey Google” or press the button on the clock and hold for 2 seconds.
• 🔍 Through the assistant you can ask questions, manage a smart home or start workouts voice.

Integration with the Mi Home Smart Home:

• 🏠 Supported devices: Yeelight light bulbs, robot vacuum cleaners Mi Robot, Xiaomi cameras.
• 🔗 To connect: in the Mi Home app add the watch as a control device.
• 💡 Example: You can turn on the light in a room right from the clock by saying, “Switch on the lamp in the living room».

Music and media:

• 🎵 Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and Watch S3 2 GB of memory for downloading music (format) MP3).
• 📱 To download tracks: connect the watch to your PC via cable (defined as a flash drive) or use the Zepp Life app.
• 🎧 To listen, connect Bluetooth headphones directly to the clock.

💡

The voice assistant on the watch works only when connected to the Internet via a Bluetooth smartphone. In offline mode, only basic commands are available (for example, starting a timer).

6 Problems and their solutions: the clock does not synchronize, quickly discharge, etc.

Even the most reliable gadgets sometimes fail, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If the clock is not switched on:

1. Set it on charge for 30 minutes (even if there is no indication).
2. Press and hold the power button for 15-20 seconds.
3. If the screen flashes but does not load, reset through the button clip. + connection to charging (for different models, the combinations are different).

If the touch screen does not respond:

• Wipe the screen with a wet wipe (possibly fat or sweat on it).
• Remove the protective film (if it interferes with the sensor).
• Update the firmware – in the old versions there were bugs with screen calibration.

💡

If Xiaomi watches start to warm up a lot while charging, check the power supply. Use only the original chargers with output 5V/1A. Cheap analogues can damage the battery.

7. Update firmware and reset to factory settings

Regular firmware updates add new features and fix bugs.

1. Connect the watch to charging and make sure the battery is >50%.
2. In annex Mi Fitness/Zepp Life go to Profile → About the device → Update of the PO.
3. If the update is not available, check your internet connection or try it later.

If the watch is unstable after the update (for example, it quickly discharges or freezes), reset to factory settings:

• 🔄 On the clock: Settings → System system → Resetting settings.
• ⚠️ Warning: After reset, all data (training, settings) will be deleted.
• 📱 Annex: Profile → My devices. → [Name of the clock] → Untie the device.

For Xiaomi Watch models S3 Watch 2 Pro is available manually install firmware via PC (if the automatic update does not work:

1. Download the firmware from the official Xiaomi website (support section).
2. Connect the watch to your PC via cable (you need a MiFlash driver).
3. Use the MiFitTool utility for firmware (instructions are available on the forums) 4PDA).

8. Accessories and care: how to extend the life of the watch?

The life of Xiaomi smartwatches depends not only on the build quality, but also on how you care for them.

Straps:

• 🔄 Original silicone straps last 1-2 years, then lose elasticity.
• 🛒 Replacement can be bought on AliExpress or in the official Xiaomi store (look for the model of the watch).
• 🧼 Clean the strap with soap solution 1 time a week (especially if you are exercising).

Screen:

• 🛡️ Put a protective film (for Xiaomi Watch) S3 glass 2.5D).
• 🚫 Avoid scratches: Do not wear the watch down and do not put it in the same pocket with the keys.
• 💦 Use microfiber and alcohol wipes (without abrasives) for cleaning!).

Battery:

• 🔋 The optimal charge level for lithium polymer batteries is 20-80%.
• ⚡ Charge with the original cable (cheap analogues can damage the power controller).
• 🔥 If the watch heats up while charging, disconnect it from the mains and let it cool down.

Water protection:

• 🏊‍♂️ Most models have 5 protections. ATM (You can swim in the pool, but do not dive deeper than 5 meters).
• 🚿 After contact with water, rinse the watch with fresh water and dry (especially if it is sea water or a chlorinated pool).
• 🚫 Do not press the buttons under water – this can disrupt the tightness.

💡

If you don't plan to use the watch for a few days, store it with a charge of 40-60% in a dry place at room temperature.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions