The Xiaomi Watch S1 is a stylish and functional device that combines classic design and modern technology, and is suitable for everyday use and for an active lifestyle thanks to its wide range of fitness features, easy handling and long battery life. However, to unlock the full potential of a smartwatch, it needs to be properly configured and synchronized with a smartphone.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to connect the Xiaomi Watch S1 to a phone, adjust basic functions, optimize battery life and solve possible problems. We will focus on fitness tracking, notifications and interface personalization, all of which will help make the use of the watch as comfortable as possible. If you just purchased this watch or want to learn about hidden features, this guide will be useful.
Set and appearance Xiaomi Watch S1
Before setting up, you should familiarize yourself with what is standard with the Xiaomi Watch S1. In the box you will find:
- 📦 The smart watch Xiaomi Watch S1 (stainless steel or aluminum case, depending on version).
- 🔋 Magnetic charging cable (USB-Type-C).
- 📄 A short user guide (in several languages, including Russian).
- 🔄 Additional strap (in some versions, such as Pro or limited editions).
The watch is designed in a minimalist style with a round AMOLED screen diagonal of 1.43 inches and a resolution of 466×466 pixels. The case is protected from dust and moisture according to the 5ATM standard, which allows you to use the watch while swimming or in the rain. Physical buttons are located on the right side: the top is responsible for turning on / off and returning to the menu, the bottom is responsible for quick access to training.
Important: depending on the region of supply, power adapters may differ, in Russian versions there is usually a cable without a power supply - it must be connected to charging from a smartphone or a smartphone. USB-port.
First Enablement and Connection to a Smartphone
To start using the Xiaomi Watch S1, they need to be enabled and synced with the smartphone through the official Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Wear), which takes no more than 5-10 minutes, but requires a stable Internet connection on the phone.
Follow the step-by-step instructions:
- Charge the watch by at least 20% (the charging indicator lights up when the cable is connected).
- Press and hold the top button on the case until the Xiaomi logo appears.
- Download the Mi Fitness app from Google Play or the App Store.
- Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (you can use a Google or Apple ID account).
- In the app, click Add Device → Watch → Xiaomi Watch S1.
- Follow the instructions on your phone and watch screen (you will need to confirm pairing via Bluetooth).
If the clock is not determined by the app, try rebooting Bluetooth on your phone or resetting the network settings on the watch through Settings → System → Network Reset.
Charge the watch at least 20% |
Install the application Mi Fitness|
Turn on Bluetooth and GPS on your phone |
Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network|-->
Set up the main parameters
Once connected successfully, you need to set up the basic settings to keep the watch running properly, and most options are available both through the Mi Fitness app and directly on the watch.
Here are the key settings that are worth checking first:
- ⏰ Time and Date: automatically synced with the smartphone, but if you crash can be set manually in Settings → System system → Date and time.
- 🔔 Notifications: Choose which apps can send alerts to your watch (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).
- 🔊 Sound and vibration: adjust the vibration force or turn off the audible signals in Settings → Sound.
- 🌙 Do Not Disturb: Set a schedule to automatically disable notifications (useful overnight).
It is also recommended to activate automatic software updates in the watch settings, which ensures that you receive the latest bug fixes and new features. Updates are downloaded through the Mi Fitness app when you connect to Wi-Fi.
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If notifications are duplicated on your watch and phone, turn them off on your watch for unnecessary apps.
Fitness functions and health monitoring
One of the main advantages of the Xiaomi Watch S1 is its wide range of activity and health tracking tools, which support more than 100 exercise regimes, including running, cycling, swimming, yoga and even winter sports.
Basic fitness functions:
- 🏃 Activity tracking: pedometer, distance, calories burned (data synced with Google Fit or Apple Health).
- ❤️ Heart monitoring: continuous pulse measurement with alerts for high or low levels.
- 😴 Sleep analysis: deep, light and REM-Sleeping with recommendations for improving rest.
- 💪 Stress level: score on a scale of 1 to 100 based on heart rate variability.
- 🩺 SpO₂ (oxygen saturation: Measurement manually or automatically during sleep.
To start your workout, press the bottom button on your watch or select the mode in the menu. During the session, the screen displays your current pulse, distance traveled, time and pace. After the workout is completed, the data is stored in the Mi Fitness app, where you can analyze progress.
| Function | How to activate | Frequency of measurements |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse. | Automatically or in Settings → Health → Heart rate | Every 5–30 minutes (configuration) |
| SpO₂ | Manually on the health menu or automatically at night | Upon request or 1 time per day |
| Stress. | Automatically while wearing watches | Every 10 minutes. |
| Son | Automatically from 22:00 to 8:00 (time is adjusted) | Continuously while sleeping |
⚠️ Attention: for accurate pulse measurement and SpO₂ The watch should be snugly attached to the wrist, the distance between the sensor and the skin should not exceed 1-2 mm.
Optimizing battery life
Battery life Xiaomi Watch S1 depends on the intensity of use and settings. the manufacturer claims up to 12 days in standard mode, but in practice with active fitness tracking and frequent notifications, this period is reduced to 5-7 days.
- 🔋 Turn off the screen always on (AOD): Go to Settings. → Display. → Always on and select Disable.
- 📵 Reduce the frequency of measurements: set a pulse check every 30 minutes instead of 5 minutes.
- 🔔 Limit notifications: Leave only important apps (calls, SMS, messengers).
- 🌑 Use dark dials: on AMOLED-The black pixels do not consume energy.
- 📶 Turn off Wi-Fi and GPS: If you do not use them actively (for example, for jogging).
If the watch starts to run out too quickly (less than 2 days), try:
- Reset the settings to factory (Settings → System → Reset).
- Update the firmware through Mi Fitness.
- Check battery wear in the service menu (you need to connect to your PC via Mi Band Tools).
⚠️ Warning: Do not use unoriginal charging cables, which may damage the battery or power controller.°C to 40°C.
How to check the wear of the battery?
Personalization: dials, straps and gestures
Xiaomi Watch S1 offers a wide range of personalization options, and you can change the dial, change the strap, or adjust the controls to make the watch perfectly suit your style.
How to change the dial:
- Press and hold the main screen of the watch.
- Scroll through the available options left/right.
- Choose the one you like and click on it.
- Additional dials can be downloaded through Mi Fitness in the Dials section.
You can also adjust gestures for convenience:
- 👆 Raising your hand to turn on the screen (Settings) → Display. → Raising the wrist).
- 🔄 Turning the wrist to flip notifications.
- 🖐️ Double touch for return to menu.
The straps on the Xiaomi Watch S1 are removable, and can be replaced with any standard 22mm (for the standard version) or 20mm (for Active). Xiaomi’s original straps are made of silicone, leather or metal. When buying third-party accessories, make sure they are compatible with the quick-release mount.
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Dials with animations (such as moving hands) consume batteries faster than static ones. If autonomy is more important than design, choose simple options.
Troubleshooting and frequent problems
Even reliable devices sometimes fail, and here are the most common problems with the Xiaomi Watch S1 and how to solve them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The clock is out of sync. | Bluetooth or software failure | Reboot your watch and phone, update your Mi Fitness |
| The screen doesn't respond to touch. | Pollution or software failure | Wipe the screen, reset the settings or update the firmware |
| Quick battery discharge | Background processes or ABC wear | Turn off the AOD, check battery wear |
| Notifications are not coming. | Phone or clock settings | Check the permissions for Mi Fitness in your phone settings |
| Improper pulse | Bad fit or dirt on the sensor | Tighten the strap, wipe the sensor with alcohol |
If the watch stopped turning on or the firmware update hung, try the forced reboot:
- Connect the watch to charge.
- Press and hold both buttons for 15 seconds.
- Wait for the Xiaomi logo to appear.
⚠️ Note: if after resetting the clock through Settings → System system → They don't turn on, don't try to sew them yourself, it can lead to a complete loss of functionality.