Smart watch Xiaomi: how to use from scratch to pro

Xiaomi smartwatches have long ceased to be just an accessory, they have become a full-fledged assistant in everyday life. From health tracking to managing a smart home, from paying for purchases to listening to music, the capabilities of these gadgets are impressive. 20-30% This article will help you understand how to maximize the use of Xiaomi smart watches of any model - from budget Mi Band to flagship Watches. 2 Pro.

We're not going to re-tell the dry instructions out of the box. Instead, you'll learn how to customize the device to suit your needs, avoid the typical novice mistakes, and use rare features that the manufacturer doesn't mention. For example, did you know that some Xiaomi models can measure stress levels by heart rate variability with up to 92% accuracy? Or that they can be turned into a presentation remote? Even if you already have experience with fitness bracelets, here you will find something new.

Choosing a model: what smart watch Xiaomi will suit you

Before you know how to use a device, you need to choose the right model. Xiaomi’s line of smart watches includes more than 15 devices, which are divided into three main categories:

• 📱 Fitness bracelets (Mi Band) 7/8, Smart Band Pros are compact, lightweight, with a focus on health and sports, ideal for those who want basic functionality without unnecessary bells and whistles.
• ⌚ Smart watches (Watch 2 Pro, Watch) S3) — Fully replace traditional watches with extended functions (calls, music, NFC). Suitable for those who want a stylish accessory with maximum possibilities.
• 🏃 Sports watches (Watch 2, Watch) S1 Pro: Enhanced autonomy, accurate sensors for training, water and dust protection, best choice for athletes and active users.

How to make the right choice? Focus on your priorities:

If you want a watch purely for fitness and notifications, overpaying for the Watch 2 Pro makes no sense - take the Mi Band 8. And if you want to replace the phone on your wrist (calls, music, payment), then you can not do without a full-fledged smart watch. S1 Pro is the best balance between functionality and autonomy today.

First Enablement and Connection to the Phone

Starting with Xiaomi smartwatches always starts with connecting to a smartphone, which seems simple, but many users face typical problems: the watch does not find the phone, the app does not see the device, or the sync is interrupted, and let’s take a step-by-step instruction to help avoid these errors.

First, make sure your smartphone meets the minimum requirements:

• 📱 Android: version 6.0 and higher, with Bluetooth 4.2 or later.
• 🍎 iPhone: iOS 10.0 and higher (but functionality will be limited – for example, no calls from the clock).
• 🔋 Charge of the clock: at least 50% (at low charge, synchronization may fail).

Now we're going to connect:

1. Install the official Mi Fitness app (for Mi Band) or Wear OS by Google (for Watch 2 Pro) from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Turn on the watch with a long press on the physical button (or the touch area of the Mi Band).
3. In the app, click Add Device → The clock → Choose your model from the list.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: Allow access to notifications, contacts, geolocation, and microphone (if needed for calls).
5. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes).

Notifications come on the clock|Synchronized contacts|Updated on the device|Main dials are set up-->

If the clock is not connected:

• 🔄 Reboot both the watch and the phone.
• 📱 Make sure your phone is Bluetooth and Geolocation enabled.
• 🚫 Turn it off. VPN Proxies – They can block Xiaomi servers.
• 🔧 In the phone settings, allow the Mi Fitness app to work in the background.

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If you have the Watch 2 Pro on Wear OS, After connecting, be sure to update the firmware through Settings → System system → Older versions can slow down and quickly discharge the battery.

Set up the main functions: from dials to notifications

Once connected, it's time to customize the watch to your own, and let's start with the most prominent dial. Depending on the model, you can have 50 to 200.+ Options to choose from, including animated and customized.

How to change the dial:

1. On the watch itself: a long press on the main screen → Swipe your finger left/right to select.
2. Through the app: Profile → My devices. → Dials.
3. For Watch 2 Pro: you can download additional dials from the Play Market (Facer or WatchMaker app).

Now, we're going to set up notifications, which is one of the most useful features, and by default, the watch shows all notifications from the phone, but you can flexibly configure this:

• 📱 In the Mi Fitness app, go to Profile → Notifications.
• 🔕 Select which apps to show notifications from (for example, disable games, but leave messengers).
• 🔔 Set up the vibration: you can choose different patterns for calls, messages and alarms.
• 🕒 Set a "quiet mode" at night so that no night notifications are woken up.

Equally important is the health tracking setting:

• ❤️ Frequency of pulse measurement: c Settings → Monitor the heart, select the interval (every 10 minutes, 30 minutes or manually).
• 😴 Sleep tracking: Enable in Settings → Sleep and set the time to go to sleep.
• 🏃 Activity level: Set a daily goal in steps (8000-10,000 recommended).
• 🩺 Measurement SpO₂ (Oxygen saturation: Available on most models, but can be disabled by default.

Hidden functions you didn’t know about

Even experienced users are often unaware of some of the features of Xiaomi’s smartwatches, and here are some of the most useful “chips” that will make your use of the device much more convenient:

1. Controlling the phone camera from the clock

If you need to take a selfie or group photo but no assistant, the watch can be a remote for the camera:

1. Open the Camera app on your phone.
2. On the watch, find the Camera Control widget (or add it through the settings).
3. Press the shutter button on the clock – the picture will be taken with a delay of 3 seconds.

2. Phone search

If you lose your phone a lot at home, the watch will help you find it. Activate the phone search function in the watch menu, the phone will start ringing loudly even if it was in silent mode.

3. Quick responses to messages

On models with Wear OS (For example, Watch 2 Pro can be set up templates for quick answers:

• 📝 Go to Settings. → Communications → Quick answers.
• 🔤 Add your own phrases (e.g., "I'm on my way," "I'll be back in 10 minutes").
• ⚡ Now, when you receive a message, you can quickly respond without taking out the phone.

4.Do Not Disturb Scheduled Mode

To automatically switch to quiet mode at night or during meetings:

1. In the Mi Fitness app, go to Profile → Don't disturb.
2. Set up a schedule (for example, from 23:00 to 7:00).
3. Enable the option Automatic Enable.

5.A secret battery saving regime

If the charge is running out, but you need to hold out for another day, activate the hidden saving mode:

• 🔋 On the clock, go to Settings. → Battery → Savings regime.
• 🔄 Select Maximum Savings – all background processes will be turned off, except for time and pedometer.
• ⚡ In this mode, the watch can work up to 5 additional days (on the Mi Band 8).

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The most useful hidden feature is automatic sleep tracking without manually turning on, so in your sleep settings, turn on the Smart Mode option, and the watch will tell you when you fall asleep by your arm movement and pulse.

Xiaomi Smart Watches and Sports: How to Get the Most Out of It

One of the key functions of a smartwatch is to track sports activity, but many users are limited to just counting steps, although the devices are much more advanced, and let's look at how to use the watch properly for exercise to get accurate data and improve their performance.

First, we will set up the athlete profile:

1. In the Mi Fitness app, go to Profile → Sport.
2. Specify your weight, height, age and level of training (beginner, amateur, professional).
3. Choose your preferred sports (watches will offer them first).

Now let’s look at how to use a watch for different activities:

After training, do not forget to analyze the data in the Mi Fitness application:

• 📊 Check out your heart rate charts – if it’s too high, you may be overloaded.
• 🏆 Rate your recovery rate – if it’s low, make a day off.
• 📈 Compare your results with previous workouts to track progress.

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If you run or cycle in cold weather, wear a watch under your jacket sleeve to protect the screen from fogging and extend battery life.

Problems and Solutions: What to Do When the Watch is Glitting

Even the most reliable devices sometimes fail, and let's look at the most common Xiaomi smartwatch issues and how to fix them, and most of the problems can be fixed without going to the service.

1.The clock is not synchronized with the phone

• 📱 Reboot both the watch and the phone.
• 🔄 In the Mi Fitness app, remove the device and connect it again.
• 📶 Check if the antivirus is blocking or VPN Connection to Xiaomi servers.
• 🔧 Update the watch firmware and app to the latest version.

2.The battery goes down fast.

• 🔋 Check which features are actively used: Turn off unnecessary Constant pulse or Autobrightness.
• 📴 Reduce notification frequency or turn them off for unnecessary apps.
• 🔄 Reset the clock to factory settings (in Settings) → System system → Reset).
• 🔌 If the watch is new, let the battery “swing” – the first 3 cycles of charging and discharging may show an inaccurate level.

3. Inaccurate pulse or step readings

• 🩺 Make sure the watch fits tightly to the wrist (1-2 fingers above the bone).
• 🧼 Wipe the sensor on the back of the watch – dirt or sweat can distort readings.
• 🏃 When walking, keep your hand relaxed, not in your pocket – so the pedometer works more accurately.
• 🔄 Update the measurement algorithms through the Mi Fitness app.

4.The watch does not turn on or freezes

• 🔌 Put the watch on charge for 30 minutes - sometimes a discharged battery blocks the switch on.
• 🔄 Press and hold the power button for 15-20 seconds for forced reboot.
• 🔧 If the watch is stuck on the logo, reset through Settings → System system → Reset (if available) or via an application.
• 📱 Reinstall the Mi Fitness app and reconnect the watch.

5. It's not working. NFC contactless

• 💳 Make sure your bank supports smartwatch payments (the list is available on Xiaomi’s website).
• 📶 Check if it's on. NFC clock-setting.
• 🔄 Reset the clock and add the card again.
• 📱 Update the firmware - in the old versions there may be errors with NFC.

Firmware Update: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right

Regular firmware updates are key to keeping smartwatches running smoothly, not only fixing bugs, but adding new features, such as the latest updates to the Watch 2 Pro that feature Google Assistant support and improved accuracy. GPS.

How to check and update the firmware:

1. On the clock go to Settings → System → Software update.
2. If an update is available, connect the watch to Wi-Fi (or use a mobile internet phone).
3. Click Download and install. Don't interrupt the process!
4. Once installed, the clock will reset automatically.

What to do if the update is not installed:

• 📶 Make sure your watch is connected to Wi-Fi or your phone has a stable internet connection.
• 🔋 The battery charge must be at least 50%.
• 📱 Update the Mi Fitness app to the latest version.
• 🔄 If the update is “hanging”, restart the clock and try again.

Why it is important to update:

• 🛡️ Security: Fixing vulnerabilities that scammers can exploit.
• ⚡ Performance: New algorithms save battery power and speed up work.
• 🆕 New features: for example, in the latest versions, phase-based sleep monitoring (light/deep) has been added./REM).
• 📊 Sensor accuracy: Algorithms for measuring heart rate, steps and calories are improving.

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If the watch starts to glitches after the update (for example, quickly discharge or brake), reset to factory settings, which will help avoid conflicts between old and new data.

Integration with smart home and other devices

Xiaomi smartwatches can be the central control panel for your smart home, compatible with most Mi Home devices, and support voice assistants, and let's figure out how to set up this integration.

1.Manage the smart home from the clock

To turn on the lights, adjust the temperature or run the robot vacuum cleaner right from the wrist:

1. Make sure all smart home devices are connected to the Mi Home app.
2. In the Mi Fitness app, go to Profile → Smart home.
3. Select the devices you want to control from the watch (e.g. Xiaomi Smart Lamp or Roborock).
4. Now the watch will appear widget Smart home, where you can manage connected gadgets.

2.Voice assistant

On models with Wear OS (Watch 2 Pro is available for Google Assistant:

• 🎤 Hold the button on the clock for 2 seconds to activate the assistant.
• 🗣️ Say a command, for example: OK, Google, turn on the light in the living room".
• 📱 Make sure your phone has Google Assistant enabled and it is linked to the same account as your watch.

3. Music and podcasts

If you have a Watch 2 Pro or other Wear-enabled model OS, You can:

• 🎵 Listen to music offline: Download tracks via YouTube Music or Spotify (up to 2GB of storage available).
• 🎧 Manage playback on the phone: pause, next track, volume.
• 🎙️ Listen to podcasts through apps like Google Podcasts.

4. Payment for purchases

Function NFC Payments are made in hours instead of a bank card:

1. In the Mi Fitness app, go to Profile → purse.
2. Add your bank card (supported World, Visa, Mastercard).
3. To pay, bring the clock to the terminal (no need to enter). PIN for amounts up to 1,000 ₽).

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If you have multiple Xiaomi devices (such as a watch, lamp and vacuum cleaner), create automation in the Mi Home app. For example, you can configure that when you wake up (the clock fixes the exit from sleep), the lights will automatically turn on and the coffee maker will start.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions