How to turn on Xiaomi Mi Watch: 5 ways to start and solve problems

First Including: What You Need to Know Before Starting

Xiaomi Mi Watch smartwatches (including Lite, Color, S1 and Pro models) require the right sequence of actions when first launched. Many users face difficulties due to missed steps or improper manipulation of buttons. It is important to understand that the process of turning on is different from traditional mechanical watches – touch screen, physical button and communication with a smartphone are involved.

The main mistake of beginners is to try to turn on the device without pre-charging. The Mi Watch battery comes discharged to 30-40% to comply with transportation rules. If the charging indicator does not light up when you connect the cable, check the density of the contacts on the back of the case. Use only the original magnetic type cable - third-party accessories may not provide stable contact.

Another thing is, once removed from the box, the watch can be in a dormant energy saving mode, in which case a short press on the power button will not work, you need to hold it. 10-15 This applies to all models of the series, including the latest versions of the Mi logo. AMOLED-screen.

Standard way of switching on: power button

The most obvious activation method is to use a physical button located on the right side of the case.

• 🔋 Connect the clock to the charger on 30-60 The charge indicator should light up red or green.
• 🔘 Press and hold the power button during 8-12 The Mi logo should appear on the screen.
• ⏳ Wait until the download is completed (usually takes up) 20-40 A welcome menu in Chinese/English will appear on the screen.
• 📱 Connect your watch to your smartphone via the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app (depending on the model).

If nothing happens after holding the button:

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Mi Watch models S1 The Pro and the newer power button are paired with a scroll wheel. Make sure you press the button (usually recessed in the case) instead of rotating the wheel. Try pressing with force, the tactile response should be clear.

For eSIM models (such as the Mi Watch S1 Active), the first turn on can take up to 2 minutes due to the initialization of the communication module. Do not interrupt the process, even if the screen remains black for a long time - wait for the vibration signal.

Alternative methods of inclusion

If the standard method didn't work, try alternatives, which are especially relevant for devices that have been left unused for a long time or have gone "to zero."

1. Charging + Forced Start

Connect the watch to charging and follow the following sequence:

1. Hold the power button for 20 seconds (even if nothing happens).
2. Release the button and press it 5 times in a row at intervals of 1 second.
3. Wait 1-2 minutes. The recovery menu or logo should appear on the screen.

2. Connect to the smartphone in the off state

Some models (such as the Mi Watch Color 2) support wake-up through the app:

• 📱 Install the Mi Fitness app on your smartphone.
• 🔗 Connect the watch to charging and turn on Bluetooth on your phone.
• 🔍 In the application, select "Add device" → "Mi Watch" → "The device is not switched on".
• 🔄 Follow the instructions on the screen for forced activation.

3. Reset via charging contacts

For models Mi Watch Lite and Mi Watch Color (first generation) there is a service method:

1. Connect the watch to charging.


2. Close the two extreme contacts on the back (e.g., a paper clip) for 3 seconds.




3. Release and immediately press the power button.

Warning: This method can cause a reset, and only use it if other methods have not worked.

Solving problems: The clock is not turned on

If the Xiaomi Mi Watch doesn’t respond to the press of a button and doesn’t charge, the reasons could be both software and hardware.

Critical information: If the watch stops turning on after falling or getting moisture, DO NOT try to charge it. This can lead to a short circuit and permanent failure, in which case the only solution is professional diagnosis.

⚠️ Attention: On models with NFC (Like the Mi Watch. S1 Pro) resetting settings through charging contacts may result in loss of associated bank cards. Before resetting, untie the clock from payment systems in the bank's application.

Check the cable and power supply | Clear the contacts on the watch with an alcohol wipe |Try to charge from another source (Power Bank) |Hold the power button for 20+ seconds |Plug the Mi Fitness app for diagnosis-->

Updating the firmware as a way to solve problems

If the watch is on but not running smoothly (spontaneous reboots, freezes), the cause may be outdated firmware. Software updates often solve problems with power on and improve autonomy. manual update instructions:

1. Make sure the battery is above 50%.
2. Connect your watch to your smartphone via Mi Fitness.
3. Go to the "Device Profile" section → "Firmware Update".
4. If the update is not available, download the latest version from the official Xiaomi website (Support → Mi Watch → your model).
5. Move the firmware file (usually with the.fw extension) to the root folder of the watch’s internal memory via Mi Fitness.
6. In the menu of the watch, select "Settings" → "System" → "Software Update" → "Local File".

For Mi Watch S1 Pro and later, the Fastboot recovery function is available:

1. Connect the watch to the PC via a USB-OTG adapter.


2 Hold the power button for 15 seconds until the Fastboot menu appears.




3. Use the command:




fastboot flash system update.zip




4. Reset the device with the command:




fastboot reboot

After the update, reset your settings through Settings → System → Data Reset to avoid conflicts between old and new versions of the software.

💡

If the watch is running out faster after the update, roll back to the previous firmware version. To do this, download the archive with the desired version and repeat the update process, but selecting the "Downgrade" option in the recovery menu.

Reset to factory settings

If the Xiaomi Mi Watch is turned on but not working properly (e.g., not syncing with your smartphone or not displaying notifications), perform a full reset.This will delete all data, including tied accounts and screen settings.

Resetting methods:

• 📱 Through the Mi Fitness app: Open your device profile. Select "Additional settings" → "Data reset. Confirm the action on the clock (you will need to enter) PIN-code, if it is installed).
• 🔧 Through the clock menu: Go to Settings → System system → Reset. Select "Delete all data." Wait. 2-3 minutes before the process is completed.

1. Connect the watch to charge.
2. Hold the power button for 30 seconds until double vibration.
3. Release the button and the reset will start automatically.

Once reset, the watch will return to a “out of the box” state, you will need to reconnect it to your smartphone and adjust display, notification and activity tracker settings.

⚠️ Note: On eSIM models (e.g. Mi Watch) S1 Active LTE) Resetting will delete the data on the mobile operator's tariff plan. SIM-card in the operator's personal office.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when turning on the Xiaomi Mi Watch, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔌 Use of non-original cable: Cheap analogues may not provide enough current to charge. Always use a kit cable or certified magnetic connector accessories.
• 🔋 First charge interruption: When first connected to the network, the watch may take up to 2 hours to fully initialize the battery.
• 📱 Incompatible smartphone software: Mi Fitness app requires Android 6.0+ or iOS 10.0+. On older versions of the OS, synchronization may not work.
• 🌡️ Operating at extreme temperatures: If the watch was stored in the cold (below) -10°C) or in the heat (above) +40°C), before turning on, let them heat/cool to room temperature (20-25°C).
• 💦 Infection of moisture: Despite the declared level of protection 5 ATM, salt and chlorine (such as after a pool) can damage your contacts. After contact with water, rinse your watch with fresh water and dry it.

If after 2-3 hours of charging the watch does not show signs of life, the battery may have failed.