How to turn on Xiaomi smartwatches: from Mi Band to Watch 2 Pro

Xiaomi smart watches and fitness bracelets have long become an integral part of the daily lives of millions of users. However, even such simple at first glance devices sometimes put at a standstill: they do not turn on after purchase, then “hang” after updating, then discharge to zero and refuse to respond to charging. If you encounter such a problem, do not rush to carry the gadget to the service center. In 90% of cases, the problem is solved independently in 5-10 minutes.

In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios for the inclusion of Xiaomi smart watches: from the basic models of the Mi Band 3/4/5/6/7 to the flagship Xiaomi Watch S3 watch 2 Pro. You'll learn how to start the device after you buy it, what to do if it doesn't respond to a button, how to get out of the dead state after you've completely discharged it, and even how to turn on the watch without the original charging cable.

Warning: If your watch falls from a height, you have contact with water (despite the stated IP68) Or have visible damage to the body, it is better to contact the service.

1.The first inclusion of Xiaomi's new smartwatch

You just unpacked the box with the new Mi Band 8 or Xiaomi Watch S2 You want to start using the device as soon as possible? Take your time -- the right first turn on is the key to a stable future:

First, check the equipment carefully. The box should contain:

• 📦 Smart watches or fitness bracelet
• 🔌 Charging cable (for Mi Band – clips, for Watch – magnetic dock)
• 📄 Short instructions (sometimes in several languages, but without Russian)
• 🔋 In some models (for example, the Watch 2 Pro) - additional straps

If something is missing, don’t turn on the device, but contact the seller to replace it. Charging cable is especially critical: using unoriginal accessories can lead to battery damage or even fire (yes, such cases were recorded with cheap Chinese charging).

Now, plug the watch into charging. There's a caveat here: some models (like the Mi Band 7 Pro) have a hidden connector that needs to be connected properly to the clip, so if the charging indicator doesn't catch fire, try flipping the cable or sliding it slightly to the side.

Check the equipment for all elements.|

Use only the original charging cable.|

Connect the watch to the power source (USB 5V/1A higher)|

Wait for the charging indicator to appear (usually a red or green LED)-->

Once the watch starts charging, wait at least 10-15 minutes, even if the battery was charged in the factory, to stabilize the voltage in the battery.

1. Press and hold the physical button (if any) for 5-7 seconds.
2. For models without a button (such as Mi Band 6), tap the touch screen and hold your finger for 10 seconds.
3. If the screen does not respond, disconnect the watch from charging and try again.

The screen should show a screensaver with the Mi or Xiaomi logo, after which the device will go into configuration mode. If this does not happen, move to the next section.

2. Xiaomi Watches Not Included: Main Reasons and Solutions

The situation when smartwatches refuse to turn on is one of the most common, and the reasons can be different, from a complete discharge to a software failure, take them in order and tell you how to bring the device back to life.

Reason 1: Complete battery discharge

If the watch has been idle for a long time or is discharged to zero, it may not show signs of life even after being connected to a charge.

• ⏳ Connect the device to charge and wait at least 30 minutes. Sometimes it takes up to 2-3 hours for the battery to gain enough charge to turn on.
• 🔌 Use the original cable and power supply with output 5V/1A or 5V/2A. Charging from your phone (especially with Quick Charge) may not work.
• 🔋 Try an alternative power source: connect to a computer, power bank or other power source USB-port.

Signs of life: if you feel a slight vibration 10-15 minutes after you connect to the charger or see a red indicator, the battery starts charging.

Reason 2: Firmware freeze

Sometimes the clock freezes after an update or because of a bug, and a forced reboot will help:

• 🔄 For models with a button: press and hold it for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out and turns on again.
• 🖐️ For models without a button (such as Mi Band 5): connect to charging and hold the touch screen for 20 seconds.
• 🔌 If the screen does not respond, turn off charging, wait 1 minute and try again.

Reason 3: Damage to charging contacts

If the watch doesn't charge at all (no indicator, no vibration), the problem may be oxidation or contamination of the contacts.

1. Carefully inspect the charging contacts on the watch and cable. They should be clean and shiny.
2. If there is oxidation - gently clean the contacts with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
3. Check if the contacts on the clip are bent (for Mi Band).

⚠️ Warning: Never use abrasive materials ( sandpaper, needles) or water-based liquids to clean contacts. This can damage the coating and lead to corrosion.

If after all the manipulations the watch is still not turned on, it may be a problem in the battery or motherboard, in which case it is better to contact the service center.

3.How to turn on Xiaomi smartwatch after resetting settings

Setting reset (or hard reset) is the last resort if the watch is stuck, out of sync with the smartphone, or is not running smoothly, but after reset, the device does not always turn on automatically – it needs to be properly “waked up”.

Method 1: Standard reset via menu

If the watch still responds to presses, reset through the settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Confirm the action (usually you need to hold the button or screen for a few seconds).
3. After the reset, the clock will be turned on in the initial setting mode.

Method 2: Forced reset (if the clock does not react)

If the screen is not working or the device is “hung” on the logo, perform a hardware reset:

• 🔌 Connect the watch to charging.
• 🔘 Press and hold the power button (or touch screen for models without a button) for 30 seconds.
• 🔄 Release the button when the Mi logo or Rebooting label appears on the screen....

Method 3: Reset via Mi Fitness (for some models)

Some Xiaomi smartwatches (like the Watch) S1) Supports resetting through the official application:

1. Open Mi Fitness on your smartphone.
2. Go to the section with connected devices.
3. Select your watch and find the option Reset or Untie the device.
4. Confirm the action and wait until the clock restarts.

⚠️ Note: After reset, all data (steps, pulse, settings) will be deleted without recovery. If the clock is synchronized with Mi Account, some data can be recovered from the cloud.

4. Features of inclusion for popular models

Despite the general principles, each Xiaomi smartwatch model has its own unique nuances of inclusion.

Mi Band 7 Pro and Watch 2 Pro: Hidden Power Features

These models support alternative inclusions that are not specified in the official instructions:

• 🖐️ Awakening gesture: Watch 2 Pro can enable the option to raise your wrist to wake up in the display settings.

Mi Band 3/4: dead-screen problem

If the screen doesn’t turn on after charging, but the clock vibrates when connected, try:

1. Press the screen and hold for 20 seconds.

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If you have a Xiaomi Watch S2 do not turn on after the update, try to keep them on charging for at least 2 hours. Sometimes the firmware "hangs" during the installation phase, and the device takes time to complete the process.

5. Incorporation without the original charging cable

Have you accidentally lost a charger or has it failed? don't rush to buy a new one - there are several alternative ways to turn on a Xiaomi watch without the original cable.

Method 1: Use of universal charging

For models with magnetic contacts (for example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) you can use Qi wireless charging standard:

• 🔋 Place the clock on the charging pad so that the magnets match.
• 🔌 Connect the site to the power source.
• ⏳ Wait 10-15 minutes – the charge indicator should appear.

Method 2: Homemade adapter for Mi Band

If you have a Mi Band. 3/4/5/6/7, You can temporarily use crocodile wires or spring contacts:

1. Take any one. USB-cable with a Micro-USB or Type-C connector.
2. Carefully bare the red (+5V) black (GND) wire.
3. Attach them to the contacts on the back of the watch (usually the two extreme contacts).
4. Connect the cable to the power source.

⚠️ Warning: This method is risky, because if you don't connect properly, you can burn the power controller, and use it only as a last resort, if you're confident in what you're doing.

Method 3: Charging from another device

Some users successfully charge the Mi Band from:

• 📱 Power Bank with Exit 5V/1A.
• 💻 USB-port of the computer (but not all models – some ports do not provide sufficient current).
• 🔌 Charges from the smartphone (if the voltage coincides).

Important: If after connecting the alternative charge, the watch heats up or smells of smoke - immediately turn it off!

6. The clock is on, but it is not working correctly: what to do?

Oh, yeah, the watch is finally on, but what if it doesn't sync with the smartphone, doesn't show notifications, or turns off itself?

Problem 1: The watch does not connect to the phone

If Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch don’t find a smartphone:

• 📱 Make sure your phone is Bluetooth enabled and allowed to use the location (this is required to search for devices).
• 🔄 Reboot both the watch and the smartphone.
• 📲 Remove the device from the list of conjugates in Bluetooth settings and try to connect again.
• 🔧 Update Mi Fitness or Zepp Life to the latest version.

Problem 2: The clock is spontaneously turned off

If the device is turned off a few minutes after disconnecting from charging:

• 🔋 Check the battery status in the settings (Battery section) If the capacity is less than 50% of the nominal capacity, the battery is worn out and requires replacement.
• 🔌 Try battery calibration: completely discharge the clock, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
• 🔄 Reset your settings (see Section 3).

Problem 3: The screen does not respond to touch

If the display is on but does not respond to swipes and clicks:

• 🧼 Wipe the screen with a soft lilaless cloth (sometimes the reason is in greasy traces).
• 🔘 Reset the clock (hold the 10 seconds button).
• 🛠️ In the settings, find the Screen section → Sensitivity and increase the importance.
• 🔧 Update the firmware through the Mi Fitness app.

Problem 4: The clock shows the wrong time

If time is out of sync or not sync:

1. Open Mi Fitness and check if AutoSynchronization is enabled.
2. Make sure that the smartphone has the right time and time zone.
3. Go to the clock settings and select Sync Time manually.

7.Preventing Turn-On Problems: How to Extend the Life of Xiaomi Watches

To keep your Xiaomi smartwatch lasting and on the first time, follow these simple rules:

Rule 1: Proper charging

• 🔋 Charge your watch with original cable or certified accessories.
• ⚡ Avoid fast charges with higher voltage 5V (This reduces the battery life).
• 🔌 Do not leave your watch on charge for more than 4 hours after reaching 100%.
• 🌡️ Do not charge the device at a temperature below 0°C or higher than 40°C.

Rule 2: Updating firmware

• 🔄 Check for updates in Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app regularly.
• 📱 Before upgrading, make sure the battery is charged at least 50 times%.
• 🔌 Do not interrupt the update process (this may result in “bricking»).

Rule 3: Care of the device

• 🚿 Despite water resistance (IP68 or 5ATM), Do not swim in salt or chlorinated water.
• 🧴 Clean the body and strap regularly from sweat and dirt (use soft fabric and alcohol).
• 🌞 Avoid direct sunlight (especially for the sun) AMOLED-screen).

Rule 4: Storage

• 📦 If you don’t use the watch for a long time, keep it in a dry place with a charge of 40-60%.
• 🔋 Once every 3 months, turn on and charge the device to 100% to prevent deep discharge.

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The most common reason for the breakdown of smart watches Xiaomi — the use of non-original chargers. saving 200-300 rubles on the cable can turn into repairs for 2-3 thousand.

FAQ: Frequent questions about including Xiaomi smartwatches