How to use Xiaomi smart watches: full instructions from A to Z

Why Xiaomi Smart Watches Are Needed and What They Can Do

Xiaomi smartwatches have long ceased to be just an accessory for athletes. Today they are full-fledged gadgets that monitor health, simplify everyday tasks and even replace a smartphone in some scenarios. S3 — Everyone will find a model for their needs, but how do you understand all the features if you've just unpacked the box?

This article will help you learn from scratch: from the first turn on to fine-tuning notifications and workouts.We will look at the general working principles for most models (including the Mi Band). 7/8, Watch 2 Pro, Watch S1/S2), If you're looking for information on a particular model, use a page search (Ctrl).+F) or go to “Comparison of functions by model".

We warn you right away: some features may differ depending on the firmware version and the region of sale. S3 And the Chinese market has Alipay payments, but the global version doesn't, but the basics -- pedometer, pulsemeter, notification -- are everywhere.

First Enablement and Connection to a Smartphone

Start by charging the clock. Even if the box says that the battery is partially charged, it's best to bring the level to the level. 100% — it'll take 1-2 For the Mi Band, use the original magnetic connector cable, and for the Xiaomi Watch, use a wireless charging station (if it comes with a package).

After charging, press and hold the power button (usually located on the side) for a period of time. 3-5 If the watch does not respond, check the charging contacts - they may be contaminated or the cable is not connected tightly.

• 📱 Install the app: Download Mi Fitness (for Mi Band) or Xiaomi Wear (for Xiaomi Watch) from Google Play or the App Store. Apps differ in interface, but the principles of customization are similar.
• 🔗 Bluetooth pairing: Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone, open the app and select Add Device. The watch should appear on the list of available. If not, reboot both devices.
• 🔄 Update firmware: Once connected, the app will prompt you to update the software. Do not interrupt the process - this can lead to "bricking" of the clock (loss of performance: 5-15 minute.

If the clock is not connected, check:

• 📶 Smartphone compatibility: Xiaomi Wear requires Android 6.0+ or iOS 12.0+.
• 🔋 Charge level: if less than 20%, the pairing may be interrupted.
• 🛡️ Permissions: The application needs access to Contacts, Notifications and Locations (for the purpose of GPS-tracking).

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If you watch Xiaomi Watch S3 Not sync steps with Google Fit, go to Settings → Accounts. → Google and enable manual synchronization.

Set up the main parameters

Once connected, it's time to customize the clock to your own, and the basic settings are in the app on your smartphone, but some of them can be changed on the device.

1. Language and region

By default, the watch can be in Chinese or English.

1. Open Mi. Fitness/Xiaomi Wear.
2. Go to Profile. → My devices. → [Name of the clock] → Settings of the device → Language.
3. Select Russian (if it is not in the list, update the firmware).

2. Dials

In Xiaomi Watch you can install third-party dials.

• 🎨 In the app, select Dials. → Shop (registration in Mi Account required).
• 🖼️ Free options are updated weekly, but the most beautiful are paid (from 100 rubles).
• ⚙️ On some models (such as the Watch) S3) You can configure the display of widgets on the dial: weather, steps, pulse.

Notifications

To watch the message from messengers:

1. In the application, go to Device Settings → Notifications.
2. Turn on the "Show notifications" switch.
3. Select the apps you want to see notifications from (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail).

On the Mi Band, notifications are displayed as icons and vibrations, while on the Xiaomi Watch, you can read a portion of the text (up to 100 characters).

Monitoring health and fitness functions

One of the key benefits of Xiaomi watches is health monitoring. Even the budget Mi Band can measure heart rate, blood oxygen levels (SpO₂) And we can analyze sleep. We're more advanced models like the Watch. S3, add ECG and stress measurement.

Measurement of pulse and SpO₂

For manual measurement:

• On the clock, go to the menu and select "Pulse" or"SpO₂".
• Place your hand on a flat surface and do not move for 30 seconds.
• The results will be stored in the annex under “Health”.

For automatic monitoring, turn on the "Continuous pulse measurement" settings (discharges the battery faster!).

Training and sports

The watch supports up to 100+ sports, from running to yoga, to start training:

1. On the watch, select "Training."
2. Specify the type of activity (e.g., “Running outside”).
3. Press Start. The clock will start recording the route (if any). GPS), pulse and burned calories.

After training, the data is synchronized with the application, where you can see detailed statistics: pace, heart rate, recovery.

Turn on GPS on the clock (if any)|Check the density of the strap (sensors should touch the skin)|Charge the clock to 50%+|Set up target heart rate zones in the app-->

3.Sleep analysis

The clock automatically tracks sleep phases (deep, light, REM), If you wear them at night, in the morning, a report will appear on the app:

• 😴 Total sleep duration.
• 📊 Phase percentage.
• 💤 Recommendations for improvement (e.g., “Go to bed before 23:00").

For accuracy:

• Wear a watch on an unworking hand (usually left handed).
• Don’t tighten the strap too tightly, it distorts the data.
• Turn on the “Smart alarm” in the settings – it will wake you up in the optimal phase of sleep.

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For accurate measurement SpO₂ And the pulse sensors on the back of the watch should fit tightly to the skin. If the strap is hanging, the data will be incorrect.

Managing music and calls

Xiaomi watches can be a remote for your smartphone, with their help to conveniently switch tracks while jogging or take calls without getting your phone.

1. Control of music

If music is playing on your smartphone (in Spotify, YouTube Music or a standard player), a widget with control will appear on the watch:

• 🎵 Play/Pause — pause/reproduction.
• 🔀 Previous/next track.
• 🔊 Volume (adjusted by a wheel or swipe on some models).

On the Xiaomi Watch S3 Watch 2 Pro can download music directly in hours (up to 2 GB) through the app: MP3, AAC.

2 Calls and voice assistant

Functions depend on the model:

• Mi Band: Call notifications only (can be rejected).
• Xiaomi Watch S3: Answer by speaker (there is a microphone and speaker).
• Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro: eSIM support – you can call without a smartphone

To answer the call:

1. Swipe right on the notification screen.
2. Hold the watch to your mouth (microphone at the bottom of the case).
3. To complete the conversation, press the red button.

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If the voice of the person is not heard well, check if you are not closing the speaker with your hand. S3 It's on the right.

3.Voice assistant

On a watch with a microphone (Watch) S3, Watch 2 Pro can be activated by XiaoAI (Chinese assistant) or Google Assistant (global firmware:

1. Press and hold the power button.
2. Say a command such as, "What's the weather forecast?" or "Set an alarm for 7:00."

Remember: voice input works only when connected to the Internet (via Bluetooth smartphone).

Battery and energy optimization

The lifetime of a single charge varies from 5 days (Xiaomi Watch) S3 s AOD) Up to 14 days (Mi Band 8) to extend autonomy:

• 🔋 Turn it off. AOD (Always-on display – this consumes up to 30% of the charge.
• 📵 Reduce your pulse rate: Choose Every 10 minutes instead of Every Minute".
• 📶 Turn it off. GPS, If you do not practice outside.
• 🔔 Reduce the number of notifications – leave only important messengers.

If the watch is discharged too quickly (less than 2 days), check:

• 🔄 Software updates: sometimes firmware bugs lead to increased consumption.
• 🌡️ Ambient temperature: in the cold (-10°C and below: the battery goes down faster.
• 🔌 Battery status: After 500 charging cycles, the capacity may drop by 20%.

⚠️ Note: Do not use fast chargers with more power to charge the watch. 5W (This can reduce battery life, and the best option is the original cable and adapter. 5V/1A.

Hidden functions and life hacks

Even experienced users are unaware of some of the features of Xiaomi watches. Here are some useful tips:

• 🔍 Phone search: If you lose your smartphone, you have a "Find your phone" feature on your watch, and the watch will make your phone make a loud signal, even if it's silent.
• 📸 Camera Control: In the Mi Fitness app, turn on "Camera Control." Now you can take a selfie by pressing the button on your watch.
• 🚪 Opening the doors: Some models (Watch) S3) support NFC-tags for intercoms or office passes, set up via the "Mi Home" app".
• 💧 Swimming mode: In front of the pool, turn on "Water mode" (in settings).This will turn off the touch screen to avoid false presses.

The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro has another interesting feature, which is offline maps. You can download a map of your city (up to 10 MB) and use it. GPS-It's a navigation without a smartphone, and it's good for tourists or runners.

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If the pedometer stopped working on the Mi Band 8, reset the steps: Settings → Step reset. Often, it solves the problem of "hungry" indicators.

How to turn on the secret menu of engineering settings

Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S3) There's a hidden menu for testing sensors:

1. Go to the dial.
2. Slap the clock 5 times in a row.
3. Enter the code ##3646633## (not working on all firmware).

This menu can be used:

• Check the operation of the accelerometer and gyroscope.
• Calibrate the compass.
• Test vibration and display.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change the parameters in the engineering menu unless you know their purpose. Incorrect settings can lead to incorrect operation of sensors or even overheating of the device.

Comparison of models: which Xiaomi watch to choose

If you haven’t bought a watch yet, here’s a quick comparison of the current models (2023–2026):

The choice depends on your tasks:

• 🏃 For sports and health: Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (precise) GPS, long-term autonomy).
• 💼 For work and notifications: Xiaomi Watch S3 (screen, NFC pay).
• 💰 Budget option: Mi Band 8 (all basic features for the minimum price).

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If you need to always have a screen on (AOD), Choose models with AMOLED-display (Watch) S3, The Watch 2 Pro does not feature on the Mi Band.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions