How to install apps on Xiaomi Watch S1: all ways 2026

Why installing apps on the Xiaomi Watch S1 isn’t so easy

The Xiaomi Watch S1 is a stylish gadget with a AMOLED- display and advanced health features, but many users are facing a problem: how to install third-party apps on this model? Unlike smartphones or even some competitors (for example, Wear OS), the Mi Watch ecosystem has severe limitations. The manufacturer originally sharpened the device for branded Mi Fitness and Zepp Life services, blocking the direct installation of APK- files.

But that doesn’t mean that there’s no way to do it. In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to install apps on the Xiaomi Watch S1, from official methods to workarounds for power users, which apps can be installed without the risk of clock building, and where ADB or modified software will be needed. We’ll also look at why some popular apps (like Spotify or Google Maps) may not work even after installation.

Warning: not all methods are equally safe: Installing unofficial firmware or modified APK- files can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the watch. If you are a beginner, start with the official methods described in the first sections.

Installation with Mi Fitness (Zepp Life)

The only method supported by the manufacturer is the use of the proprietary Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Wear>, now renamed Zepp Life for the international market), which is suitable for installing pre-approved Xiaomi applications that are available in the watch catalog.

Here's how it works:

• 📱 Install the latest version of Zepp Life from Google Play or the App Store.
• 🔗 Connect the Xiaomi Watch S1 to the app via Bluetooth (if you haven’t already done so).
• 🛒 Go to Profile → My Devices → Xiaomi Watch S1 → App Store.
• ⬇️ Select the app you want and click "Install." The watch must be connected to Wi-Fi to download.

The list of available applications is limited but includes:

⚠️ Warning: Apps in the Zepp Life catalog are often lightweight versions with reduced functionality. For example, Spotify on this list only allows you to control playback from your phone, but does not store music locally on your watch.

Unofficial methods: Install APK via ADB

For users willing to take risks, there is a way to install third-party APK- files via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) which requires the development mode on the watch and the connection to the computer. It is important to understand that not all APK- files will work – Xiaomi Watch S1 runs on a modified version of Wear OS with limited rights.

Step-by-step:

Enable the developer mode on the clock (click 7 times on the software version in Settings → About the clock)

Connect the watch to your PC via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (using adb connect IP:PORT)

Download Android Platform Tools

Unlock the APK- file and check its compatibility with the arm64-v8a architecture

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After preparation, execute commands in the terminal:

adb devices # Checking the connection


adb install path/to/app.apk # Install APK

Key limitations of the method:

• 🚫 Most APK- files are not installed due to the lack of Google Play Services.
• 🔋 Installed applications can quickly drain the battery (up to 20-30% per hour).
• 🔄 After the clock is restarted, some applications may disappear.

⚠️ Warning: Using ADB to install modified APK- files (e.g. from sites like APKMirror) can result in a Mi Account being blocked for violating the terms of use. Xiaomi is actively fighting pirated firmware on its devices.

Bypassing restrictions: modified firmware

The most radical way to gain full control of the Xiaomi Watch S1 is to install custom firmware. There are currently modified versions of the software that will unlock:

• 📥 Install any APK- files without verification of signature.
• 🔧 Access to Root Rights.
• 🌐 Fully work with Google Play Services.

The most popular firmware for Xiaomi Watch S1:

The process of installing custom firmware includes:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official tool Xiaomi Unlock Tool (requires binding account Mi and waiting 7-30 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for backup of original software.
3. Firmware of the modified image via fastboot.

⚠️ Warning: Once custom firmware is installed, you will lose the ability to receive official updates OTA. There is also a high risk of permanent brick if you interrupt the firmware process.

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Before you run your firmware, make sure to back up the original software via TWRP. Save boot.img, system.img, and vendor.img files to a separate storage medium, which will help restore the clock in the event of a crash.

Alternative solutions: Web applications and notifications

If installing apps seems too risky, consider alternative ways to extend the functionality of the Xiaomi Watch S1:

• 🌐 Web applications: Some services (e.g. Trello or Notion) offer PWA- versions that can be opened through a browser on a watch (if supported by your firmware).
• 📩 Advanced Notifications: Set up Zepp Life to display notifications from all phone apps, allowing you to interact with instant messengers through quick responses.
• 🔄 Automation: Use Tasker or Automate on your phone to send commands to the clock via ADB (e.g., running a timer by voice).

Example of setting notifications for Telegram:

1. Open Zepp Life on your phone.
2. Go to Profile → Notifications → Application Management.
3. Find Telegram in the list and enable the “Show Notifications” and “Vibration” options.
4. In the Telegram settings on your phone, turn on "Show the text of notifications".

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Web applications and notifications are the safest way to expand the functionality of a watch without the risk of losing the warranty or stability of the work.

Application compatibility: what exactly won’t work

Even if you’ve managed to install an app on the Xiaomi Watch S1, there’s no guarantee it’ll work properly. Here’s a list of app categories that almost never work on this model:

• 🎵 Music services: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music require Google Play Services and DRM- protection that is not on the watch.
• 🗺️ Navigation: Google Maps or Yandex Navigator cannot access the GPS- watch module due to firmware limitations.
• 🎮 Games: Any 3D- games (even simple ones like Flappy Bird) are slowed down by a weak Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor.
• 📷 Social media: Instagram or TikTok are not optimized for round screens and require touch input that is not on the watch.

The only exception is the apps that have been ported specifically for the Mi Watch, and for example, you can find modified versions on enthusiast forums:

• 🎵 Poweramp (local player with no online features)
• 🏃 Strava (only recording tracks without maps)
• 📊 Sleep as Android (Sleep Monitoring)

To check the compatibility of the application before installing, note:

• Requirements for the Android version (on the Xiaomi Watch S1 installed Android 8.1 Oreo with the shell MIUI Watch).
• Dependence on Google Mobile Services (GMS)
• Processor architecture (must support arm64-v8a)

Safety and Risks: What to Avoid

Chasing third-party apps on the Xiaomi Watch S1 can be a big problem, and these are the key risks that are often overlooked:

• 🔒 Mi Account Lock: Xiaomi actively scans devices for modified software. If unofficial firmware is detected, the account can be blocked for 30-90 days.
• 🔋 Accelerated battery discharge: Unoptimized applications can reduce the running time from 2 days to 6-8 hours.

How to minimize the risks:

• 🔍 Before installing APK, check its hash (SHA-256) on sites like VirusTotal.
• 📦 Use only open source firmware (e.g., from GitHub repositories).
• 🔄 Regularly back up the original software via TWRP.
• 📵 Turn off automatic update installation in Zepp Life if you use custom software.

⚠️ Warning: If the watch stops turning on after installing the third-party app (symptoms: no boot vibration, black screen), try resetting it to factory settings. To do this, press the physical button for 15-20 seconds before double vibration. If this doesn't help, you'll need to run a fastboot firmware.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions