How to turn on and configure Xiaomi Watch 4: a complete guide for beginners

The Xiaomi Watch 4 is one of the most popular products in the brand’s line of wearable electronics, combining stylish design, rich functionality and affordable price. However, even experienced users sometimes have questions about how to turn the device on for the first time, what settings are necessary for comfortable use, and what to do if the watch does not respond to buttons. This article will help you understand all the nuances from unpacking to synchronizing with your smartphone and activating key functions.

We will not limit ourselves to the basic instructions from the official manual, but here you will find practical tips on how to optimize the clock, solve typical problems (for example, why the Xiaomi Watch 4 does not turn on after charging), as well as hidden features that the manufacturer does not mention, and pay special attention to the first launch, a critical step on which the stability of the device in the future depends.

If you’ve just purchased the Xiaomi Watch 4 or are planning to, bookmark this article, which is not only for initial setup, but also as a troubleshooting guide, and for those who already use the watch, we’ve created a section with useful life hacks that will make interaction with the gadget even more convenient.

Preparing for the first turn on: what to do before launch

Before you press the power button, make sure you follow all the preliminary steps.This will eliminate typical errors such as a discharged battery or synchronization problems.

First, check the trim. In the box with Xiaomi Watch 4 should be:

• 📦 The smartwatch itself.
• 🔌 Magnetic charging cable (usually with USB-Type-C connector)
• 📄 Short instructions (in several languages, including Russian)
• 🔄 Strap (if the model comes with a replaceable bracelet)

Pay special attention to the charging cable. The Xiaomi Watch 4 uses a magnetic connector that should fit tightly to the back of the watch. If the contacts are contaminated or oxidized, charging may not start. Wipe them with a dry wipe before first connecting.

💡

If the clock doesn’t respond to charging, try connecting the cable to another. USB-port or use the original power adapter, cheap chargers may not provide enough current.

Second, prepare a compatible smartphone. Xiaomi Watch 4 officially supports Android 6.0 devices+ or iOS 10.0+, but for full work is recommended:

• 📱 Android 8.0 and newer (for stable synchronization with Mi Fitness)
• 🍎 iPhone 6s and newer (on iOS, some functions may be limited)
• 🔄 Free space on the phone (Mi Fitness app weighs in) ~100MB + synchronization)

How to turn on Xiaomi Watch 4: step-by-step instructions

The first switching on process takes no more than 2-3 minutes, but requires precise algorithmic follow-up. If the watch does not respond to the button, do not panic - below we will discuss the possible causes.

Step 1. Charge before first powering on. Although the Xiaomi Watch 4 comes with a small battery charge, it is recommended to connect them to charge for 10-15 minutes. This ensures that the device does not turn off during setting up. The charging indicator (usually a red or green LED on the back) should light up.

Step 2: Power button activation. There's a physical button on the right side of the case. Hold it for 3-5 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears on the screen.

• 🔋 Check that the cable is connected correctly (magnets must click)
• ⏳ Wait 1-2 minutes – sometimes deep discharge takes time to initialize
• 🔄 Try another charger (current at least) 5V/1A)

Step 3: Select language and region. After downloading, the initial setting menu will appear on the screen. Scroll down or sideways (depending on the firmware) and select Russian. → Russia (or your region) is important for proper weather, notifications and voice assistant.

Charge the clock 10-15 minutes|Press and hold the power button|Choose Russian|Connect to the phone via Mi Fitness-->

Step 4: Sync with your smartphone, and at this point, the watch will suggest you connect to your phone, download the Mi Fitness app (for Android) or Zepp Life app (for iOS) and follow the instructions on the screen, and more on that in the next section.

Phone sync: Connect via Mi Fitness or Zepp Life

Without a smartphone connection, the Xiaomi Watch 4 loses most of its functionality: notifications, calls, health monitoring, and firmware updates. Consider the connection process for both platforms.

For Android:

1. Download Mi Fitness from Google Play.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi/Mi Account.
3. Click Add Add the device → Choose the Xiaomi Watch 4.
4. Allow all requests (access to contacts, notifications, location).
5. Confirm the pairing on the clock (the code will appear on the screen).

For iOS:

1. Install Zepp Life from the App Store.
2. Enter via Apple ID Mi Account.
3. Select Add the device → Xiaomi Watch 4.
4. Enable Bluetooth and Notifications in your iPhone settings.
5. Confirm the connection on the watch.

Once synchronized successfully, the watch will automatically update the firmware (if a new version is available) and synchronize time, weather, and health data. Importantly, the device may be slower than usual for the first 10 to 15 minutes after it is connected, which is normal.

💡

On the iPhone, some features (such as answering calls through the clock) may be limited due to Apple's policy.

Basic settings: what to set up first

After syncing with your phone, move to customization, and these options will affect the usability and autonomy of the device.

1. Screen and brightness

• 🌞 Set Auto Brightness or select a fixed value (optimum 60-80% for battery savings).
• ⏱ Set the screen to turn off: 5-10 seconds is enough for everyday use.
• 🔄 Enable Wrist Raising to Activate (in the Settings menu) → Display).

Notifications

• 📱 Include alerts for important applications (messengers, mail, calendar).
• 🔕 Turn off unnecessary notifications (such as from games or social networks) to avoid wasting charge.
• 🔔 Set up a vibration or sound signal for incoming calls.

3. Health monitoring

4. Security.

• 🔒 Set the Ps.IN-code or pattern lock to unlock (in the Settings menu) → Security).
• 📍 Enable Device Search in case of loss.
• 🚨 Set up an emergency. SOS (Press the power button three times to send a distress signal).

💡

To save battery power, turn off the Constantly Active Screen (AOD) This feature reduces autonomy by 20-30%.

Incorporation problems and solutions

Even after you set it up properly, users sometimes have a problem, and let's look at some of the most common scenarios and how to fix them.

1.The watch does not turn on after charging

• 🔌 Check the cable and adapter (use original accessories).
• ⏳ Wait 30 to 60 minutes – with a deep discharge, it may take time to recover.
• 🔄 Perform a hard reset (press the power button for 15-20 seconds).

2. Hanging on the Xiaomi logo

• 🔄 Restart the clock (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
• 📱 Turn off the phone in Mi Fitness and reconnect.
• 🔧 Update the firmware through the app (in the device profile menu) → Update of the PO).

3. The touch screen is not working

• 🧼 Wipe the screen with a dry wipe (mud or moisture may interfere with the screen).
• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🛠 Reset the settings to factory (in the Settings menu) → System system → Reset).

💡

If the watch doesn't respond to charging and doesn't turn on, and a hard reset doesn't help, it's probably a battery or power charge problem, and you need repairs at the service center.

4. Problems with synchronization

• 📱 Reinstall the Mi app Fitness/Zepp Life.
• 🔄 Turn Bluetooth on/off on your phone.
• 📶 Check your internet connection (synchronization requires networking).

Hidden features Xiaomi Watch 4: what can watches besides the basic

Many users use the Xiaomi Watch 4

1. Music management

• 🎵 With the watch, you can control the playback of music on the phone (pause, next track, volume).
• 🔊 Some firmwares offer Local Music Storage (up to 2 GB on the device itself).

2.Voice assistant

• 🎤 Activate Alice or Google Assistant via settings (Internet connection required).

3. Contactless payments

• 💳 Set up Mi Pay or Google Pay (bank card binding required).
• 🏦 Payment is made by touching the clock to the terminal (supported) NFC).

4.Do not disturb mode

• 🔔 Disables all notifications and calls for a predetermined period (useful at night or in meetings).
• ⏱ You can set the automatic switching schedule.

5. Customization of dials

• ⌚ Mi Fitness app is available for over 100+ dials (including animated dials).
• 🎨 You can create your own face with your favorite photo.

💡

To quickly turn on the flashlight on the Xiaomi Watch 4, double tap the screen when it is off. This feature works even when the battery is dead.

How to extend battery life: Optimizing autonomy

The standard life of Xiaomi Watch 4 is 7-10 days, but with active use it can be reduced to 3-4 days.

1. Screen optimization

• 🌑 Use the Dark Dials (AMOLED-screen consumes less energy).
• ⏱ Reduce the screen activity time to 5 seconds.
• 🔄 Turn off Automatic Brightness and set a fixed value of 50–60%.

2. Notification management

• 📵 Disable notifications from unnecessary applications.
• 🔔 Use the "Do Not Disturb" mode at night.

3. Health monitoring

• ❤️ Set your pulse every 30 minutes instead of 10 minutes.
• 😴 Turn off automatic measurement. SpO₂ During the day (leave only night monitoring).

Other settings

• 📶 Turn off Wi-Fi and GPS, If you don’t use them all the time.
• 🔄 Update your firmware only via Wi-Fi (saves mobile traffic and phone battery).

💡

If you've lost 1 to 2 days of autonomy for no apparent reason, reset your factory settings, which solves the quick discharge problem in 80 percent of cases.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions