What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm pairs through the Mi Fitness app, not through the phone’s Bluetooth menu alone. Install Mi Fitness on an iPhone or Android phone, add the watch from the app, and then complete the platform-specific confirmation: Android requires matching security codes and approval on both devices; iPhone requires accepting the Bluetooth request in iOS Settings before returning to Mi Fitness.
This guide follows Xiaomi’s global Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm FAQ, accessed October 13, 2026. Menu names and background-app controls can differ after software updates or between phone manufacturers.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Before you start
These instructions are for the Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm. Have the watch, your phone, and a Xiaomi Account ready. Mi Fitness is available for both Android and iOS. Xiaomi’s support instructions do not specify a minimum operating-system version, so use a phone that can install the current Mi Fitness release from its official app store.
- Charge the watch enough to remain powered through setup.
- Keep the phone and watch close together while pairing.
- Turn on Bluetooth. Android users should also be prepared to allow location access when requested; iPhone users must allow Bluetooth access to Mi Fitness.
- If you want health information in Apple Health, plan to approve Health data access on the iPhone.
- There is no paid service or extra accessory required by Xiaomi’s documented pairing process.
Do not pair the watch to a second phone while the first phone is still managing it unless you are using the watch’s documented “Connect new phone” option. Existing Bluetooth entries can also confuse discovery, so remove or ignore old entries only when the troubleshooting steps call for it.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.48" AMOLED Display & Premium Design: Features a 1.48-inch AMOLED screen with up to 2500 nits peak brightness for clear visibility in sunlight. Crafted with a durable 316L stainless steel frame and a slim 10.99mm profile, combining lightweight comfort (46g) with a premium look.
Android and iPhone pairing: what is different?
| Phone | Where pairing is confirmed | Security-code step | Important app setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android | Mi Fitness and the watch | Compare the code shown on both devices, then approve on both | Storage, Auto-start and Background pop-up permissions may be needed for syncing and reliable prompts |
| iPhone | First in iPhone Bluetooth Settings, then again in Mi Fitness | Xiaomi specifically describes code matching for Android; the iPhone flow is an operating-system Bluetooth acceptance followed by in-app completion | Bluetooth permission is required; Health access is needed to sync metrics to Apple Health |
On either platform, the watch still needs to be added in Mi Fitness. Pairing it only from the phone’s Bluetooth screen does not complete the app setup. The most important platform distinction is where you confirm the relationship: Android presents a matching-code confirmation, while iPhone sends you to iOS Bluetooth Settings first and then back to Mi Fitness.
Set up and pair the Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm
1. Turn on the watch and display its QR code
- Press and hold the watch’s power button for about three seconds.
- Wait for the setup screen with a QR code.
- Use the phone’s camera or QR scanner to scan it. If scanning is inconvenient, install Mi Fitness from the App Store or Google Play and search for the app manually.
The QR code is a shortcut to the app and device setup; it does not replace the pairing confirmation later in the process. If the screen times out, wake the watch again before scanning.
2. Open Mi Fitness and sign in
- Launch Mi Fitness.
- Sign in to a Xiaomi Account when prompted, or complete the account setup shown by the app.
- Read each permission request and allow the permissions needed for the functions you plan to use. You can re-enable a permission later in your phone’s settings if you denied it during setup.
Granting a permission should be tied to a feature you want. For example, Camera is relevant to QR scanning, while Contacts is relevant to displaying caller names; neither permission is a substitute for Bluetooth pairing.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →3. Add the watch in Mi Fitness
Xiaomi documents three equivalent ways to choose the watch. Use whichever is visible in your Mi Fitness version:
- Scan the QR code: follow the app’s scan option and point the phone at the code on the watch.
- Find the discovered device: choose Add device, then select the Bluetooth name discovered by the app. It is shown in the form
Xiaomi Watch S5 46mmXXXX, with the final characters identifying your individual watch. - Select the model manually: choose Add model, select Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm, and then select the discovered watch.
If several nearby devices appear, match the name shown on the watch or the device identifier rather than selecting a random entry. Keep the watch awake and close to the phone while discovery runs. The model selector is useful when the QR route does not open correctly or when the app cannot read the code.
4. Finish pairing on Android
- When Mi Fitness or Android shows a security code, compare it with the code displayed on the watch.
- If the codes match exactly, approve the pairing on the phone and on the watch.
- If no code is visible in the main phone window, pull down the notification area. Xiaomi notes that the pairing request can appear as a notification instead.
Do not approve a pairing when the codes differ. Cancel that request, restart Bluetooth, and begin the add-device step again so the phone and watch establish a fresh request. A matching code confirms that the nearby watch is the one being added, rather than another Bluetooth device.
Rank #2
- ADVANCED HEALTH TRACKING – More than a basic activity tracker. 24/7 heart rate, blood oxygen, and stress monitoring with 4-LED + 4-PD sensors and self-developed algorithm 2.0. Tracks sleep stages in detail*—designed for daily wellness awareness, not a medical device.
- ACCURATE PEDOMETER FOR WALKING STEPS AND MILES – Dual-frequency five-system GNSS (GPS/Galileo/GLONASS/BeiDou/QZSS) delivers 30% faster positioning and 33% better accuracy vs. previous gen. Track steps, distance, and routes without your phone—ideal for daily walks, hiking, and outdoor runs.
- ULTRA-LONG BATTERY LIFE – 815mAh silicon-anode battery: up to 21 days light use, 14 days typical, 9 days AOD. Up to 14 days even with eSIM independent calling—charge less, adventure more.
- VERSATILE SPORTS WATCH WITH 150+ MODES – From cycling (phone-as-cyclocomputer, power meter support) to running (form metrics: vertical oscillation, ground contact time), skiing (fall detection), and cheer-gesture capture. A true all-rounder for fitness enthusiasts.
- PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL & BRIGHT AMOLED – 316L stainless steel case, ~46g, 10.99mm thin. 1.48" AMOLED up to 2500 nits (1500 nits HBM) for clear reading under direct sun, with wet-hand touch prevention. 5ATM water resistant for swimming.
5. Finish pairing on iPhone
- When Mi Fitness asks you to connect, open Settings > Bluetooth on the iPhone.
- Tap the watch’s Bluetooth name and accept the pairing request on both the iPhone and the watch.
- Return to Mi Fitness, select the Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm when it appears, and complete the remaining in-app pairing prompts.
The return to Mi Fitness is required. Accepting the watch in iOS Bluetooth Settings by itself leaves the app setup unfinished. If Mi Fitness does not resume automatically, open it from the Home Screen and use its device list to select the watch.
6. Leave the connection available after setup
- Keep Bluetooth enabled on the phone.
- Keep the watch within normal Bluetooth range of the phone, especially during the first synchronization.
- Lock Mi Fitness in the recent-apps screen or add it to the phone’s app whitelist, if your phone provides those controls. This helps prevent the operating system from closing the app and interrupting the connection.
The exact names and locations of whitelist, background-activity and battery controls vary by Android manufacturer. On iPhone, allow Mi Fitness to use Bluetooth when iOS asks. If you later disable Bluetooth access, notifications and synchronization can stop even though the watch still appears in the phone’s saved Bluetooth list.
Mi Fitness permissions and what each one does
Xiaomi associates the following permissions with specific watch features. Labels can vary slightly by operating-system version, but the purpose of each request is the same.
| Permission | Feature it supports | Platform notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | Calling features and call alerts | Relevant when you want the watch to handle or alert you to calls |
| SMS | SMS alerts | Needed for message notifications from the phone |
| Nearby devices | Bluetooth pairing and connection stability | Primarily an Android permission name; it controls nearby-device access on supported Android versions |
| Call logs | Call-history information | Needed for features that show recent calls |
| Contacts | Caller names | Without it, an incoming call may show a number rather than a saved contact name |
| Notifications | App notifications on the watch | Also enable notification access if Android presents a separate system screen |
| Location | GPS-related tracking and navigation features | Phone manufacturers may describe this as location services rather than a Mi Fitness permission |
| Camera | Scanning the setup QR code | Not needed if you choose the manual Add device or Add model route, but useful during first setup |
| Storage | Syncing and saving watch data | Xiaomi specifically lists this for Android |
| Auto-start | Reduces the chance that Android terminates Mi Fitness in the background | The switch is manufacturer-specific and may be under battery or app-management settings |
| Background pop-up | Allows pairing prompts to appear while Mi Fitness is not in the foreground | Xiaomi lists this additional control for Android |
| Bluetooth | Communication between Mi Fitness and the watch | iOS requires explicit Bluetooth permission for Mi Fitness |
| Health data | Syncs supported health metrics to Apple Health | Relevant to iPhone users who want that Apple Health integration |
To restore access after declining a request, open the phone’s settings, find Mi Fitness, and re-enable the relevant permission. Enabling every permission is not necessary for features you do not use. For example, you can skip Contacts if caller names are unimportant, and skip Camera if you use Add device or Add model manually. If a feature later fails, revisit the specific permission instead of resetting the watch.
How to keep the watch connected
Prevent the phone from closing Mi Fitness
Background restrictions are a common cause of an apparently random disconnect. On Android, lock Mi Fitness in the recent-apps view and use the phone’s battery or app-management page to permit auto-start and background activity. If the manufacturer offers an app whitelist, add Mi Fitness to it. Xiaomi says the exact control differs by phone model.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Maintain the Bluetooth link
- Leave Bluetooth switched on.
- Keep the phone and watch near each other instead of separating them for long periods.
- Check that battery-saving mode is not stopping Mi Fitness from running.
- Keep the watch powered and charged; a depleted watch cannot maintain a connection.
These settings improve continuity but do not guarantee a connection when the phone is out of range or the operating system force-closes the app. After changing battery or notification settings, open Mi Fitness once so it can reconnect and complete any pending synchronization.
Rank #3
- ADVANCED HEALTH TRACKING – More than a basic activity tracker. 24/7 heart rate, blood oxygen, and stress monitoring with 4-LED + 4-PD sensors and self-developed algorithm 2.0. Tracks sleep stages in detail*—designed for daily wellness awareness, not a medical device.
- ACCURATE PEDOMETER FOR WALKING STEPS AND MILES – Dual-frequency five-system GNSS (GPS/Galileo/GLONASS/BeiDou/QZSS) delivers 30% faster positioning and 33% better accuracy vs. previous gen. Track steps, distance, and routes without your phone—ideal for daily walks, hiking, and outdoor runs.
- ULTRA-LONG BATTERY LIFE – 815mAh silicon-anode battery: up to 21 days light use, 14 days typical, 9 days AOD. Up to 14 days even with eSIM independent calling—charge less, adventure more.
- VERSATILE SPORTS WATCH WITH 150+ MODES – From cycling (phone-as-cyclocomputer, power meter support) to running (form metrics: vertical oscillation, ground contact time), skiing (fall detection), and cheer-gesture capture. A true all-rounder for fitness enthusiasts.
- PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL & BRIGHT AMOLED – 316L stainless steel case, ~46g, 10.99mm thin. 1.48" AMOLED up to 2500 nits (1500 nits HBM) for clear reading under direct sun, with wet-hand touch prevention. 5ATM water resistant for swimming.
Troubleshoot a failed or interrupted pairing
Start with the low-impact checks
- Confirm that the watch is turned on and has sufficient charge.
- Place the phone and watch close together.
- Verify that Bluetooth is enabled. On Android, also verify location services and notification access if Mi Fitness requests them.
- Turn Bluetooth off, wait briefly, and turn it on again.
- Refresh Mi Fitness or close and reopen it.
- Check battery-saving settings and make sure Mi Fitness is not restricted in the background.
- Update Mi Fitness and the phone’s system software if updates are available.
Work through these checks in order. They preserve the watch’s local data and are less disruptive than removing the device or resetting it.
If the security code does not appear or does not match on Android
Check the phone’s notification area for a hidden pairing request. If a code appears but differs from the watch, reject the request rather than accepting it. Restart Bluetooth on the phone, return to Mi Fitness, and select the discovered Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm device again.
If an iPhone remains stuck after Bluetooth acceptance
Confirm that the watch was accepted under Settings > Bluetooth, then switch back to Mi Fitness and select the watch there. The iPhone flow is two-stage; completing only the iOS Bluetooth step does not bind the watch to Mi Fitness.
Recommended Free Tools
If Mi Fitness cannot find the watch
- Ensure the watch is awake and displaying its setup screen or otherwise powered on.
- Check Bluetooth, location services and the relevant nearby-device permissions.
- Move away from other Bluetooth devices temporarily and keep the watch beside the phone.
- Restart Bluetooth, refresh Mi Fitness, and try the Add device or Add model path instead of QR scanning.
- Install pending Mi Fitness or phone-system updates before trying again.
If the watch shows “Offline”
- Check that the watch is powered and has enough battery.
- Bring it close to the phone and verify that Bluetooth is on.
- Refresh Mi Fitness.
- Restart Bluetooth on both the phone and the watch.
- Check whether battery saver or background restrictions are preventing Mi Fitness from running.
An Offline label does not by itself mean the watch needs to be erased. First restore power, proximity, Bluetooth and background access, then refresh the device page.
Clear the app cache before considering a reset
If the connection still fails, clear the Mi Fitness cache in the phone’s app settings, restart Mi Fitness, and try the pairing flow again. The wording of the cache control differs by phone, but it is normally found on the Mi Fitness app-information page. Clearing cache is less destructive than erasing the watch.
Use a factory reset only as the final escalation
Xiaomi lists unpairing in Mi Fitness and factory-resetting the watch as later recovery steps. A factory reset removes personal data, health and workout records stored on the watch, watch faces, apps, settings and pairing information. Before using it, make sure cloud synchronization is enabled if you need to recover backed-up health data. After the reset, repeat the setup process from the beginning. Do not reset merely because iPhone pairing is waiting for the return to Mi Fitness or because an Android code is hidden in notifications.
Rank #4
- 1.48" AMOLED Display & Premium Design: Features a 1.48-inch AMOLED screen with up to 2500 nits peak brightness for clear visibility in sunlight. Crafted with a durable 316L stainless steel frame and a slim 10.99mm profile, combining lightweight comfort (46g) with a premium look.
Pair the watch after changing phones or Xiaomi Accounts
Moving to a new phone with the same Xiaomi Account
Keep the watch connected to the original phone. On the watch, open Settings > System > Connect new phone, then follow the pairing prompts on the replacement phone in Mi Fitness. This route is intended to transfer the connection without first erasing the watch. Keep the original phone nearby until the new connection is complete.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchSwitching to a different Xiaomi Account
If the watch must be bound to another Xiaomi Account, reset it first. Then pair it with the new phone in Mi Fitness and bind it to the new account. Because the reset erases local watch content and pairing information, check cloud synchronization and preserve anything you need before proceeding.
What a successful setup should leave you with
- The Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm appears as a device inside Mi Fitness, rather than only in the phone’s Bluetooth list.
- Android pairing was accepted only after the security codes matched on the phone and watch.
- iPhone pairing was accepted in iOS Bluetooth Settings and then completed again in Mi Fitness.
- Permissions needed for your chosen features are enabled, including Bluetooth or Nearby devices, Notifications, Contacts, Camera or Health access where applicable.
- Mi Fitness is allowed to remain active in the background, and Bluetooth stays enabled while the watch is in range.
Those checks follow Xiaomi’s documented setup and continuity requirements and give you a clear baseline for diagnosing a later “Offline” state. If a permission is missing, restore that permission first; if the app is being closed, adjust its background controls before attempting a factory reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pair the Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm with a phone?
Turn on the watch, scan its QR code or install Mi Fitness manually, sign in to a Xiaomi Account, and use Add device or Add model in Mi Fitness. Android users compare and approve matching security codes on both devices. iPhone users accept the watch under Settings > Bluetooth and then return to Mi Fitness to finish.
Which permissions does Mi Fitness need?
Permissions depend on the features you use. Nearby devices or Bluetooth supports pairing, Notifications supports alerts, Phone and SMS support call or message alerts, Contacts shows caller names, Call logs provides call history, Location supports GPS-related features, and Camera scans the setup QR code. Android may also need Storage, Auto-start and Background pop-up controls; iPhone users need Bluetooth permission and Health access for Apple Health syncing.
Why can’t Mi Fitness find my watch?
Make sure the watch is powered and close to the phone, Bluetooth and requested location services are enabled, and Mi Fitness has nearby-device access. Refresh the app, restart Bluetooth, try Add device or Add model instead of scanning, and install available app or phone updates.
Best Value
- ADVANCED HEALTH TRACKING – More than a basic activity tracker. 24/7 heart rate, blood oxygen, and stress monitoring with 4-LED + 4-PD sensors and self-developed algorithm 2.0. Tracks sleep stages in detail*—designed for daily wellness awareness, not a medical device.
- ACCURATE PEDOMETER FOR WALKING STEPS AND MILES – Dual-frequency five-system GNSS (GPS/Galileo/GLONASS/BeiDou/QZSS) delivers 30% faster positioning and 33% better accuracy vs. previous gen. Track steps, distance, and routes without your phone—ideal for daily walks, hiking, and outdoor runs.
- ULTRA-LONG BATTERY LIFE – 815mAh silicon-anode battery: up to 21 days light use, 14 days typical, 9 days AOD. Up to 14 days even with eSIM independent calling—charge less, adventure more.
- VERSATILE SPORTS WATCH WITH 150+ MODES – From cycling (phone-as-cyclocomputer, power meter support) to running (form metrics: vertical oscillation, ground contact time), skiing (fall detection), and cheer-gesture capture. A true all-rounder for fitness enthusiasts.
- PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL & BRIGHT AMOLED – 316L stainless steel case, ~46g, 10.99mm thin. 1.48" AMOLED up to 2500 nits (1500 nits HBM) for clear reading under direct sun, with wet-hand touch prevention. 5ATM water resistant for swimming.
What should I do if Android does not show the pairing code?
Pull down the phone’s notification area because Xiaomi says the pairing request can appear there. If the code differs from the watch, reject it, restart Bluetooth, and select the discovered Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm again in Mi Fitness.
Why is my iPhone stuck after Bluetooth pairing?
iPhone setup has two stages. Accept the watch in Settings > Bluetooth on both screens, then return to Mi Fitness and select the watch there. Bluetooth acceptance alone does not complete the Mi Fitness binding.
How do I keep the Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm connected?
Leave Bluetooth enabled, keep the watch near the phone and charged, and prevent the operating system from closing Mi Fitness. On Android, lock Mi Fitness in recent apps and use the manufacturer’s whitelist, Auto-start or battery controls when available.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhat does Offline mean on the watch or in Mi Fitness?
Check power and battery, bring the devices together, verify Bluetooth, refresh Mi Fitness, restart Bluetooth on both devices, and remove battery-saving restrictions from Mi Fitness. These steps should come before erasing the watch.
Can I pair it with a new phone or Xiaomi Account?
For a new phone using the same Xiaomi Account, keep the watch connected to the old phone and choose Settings > System > Connect new phone on the watch. To use a different Xiaomi Account, reset the watch first, then pair and bind it again. A reset erases local watch data, settings and pairing information.
Will a factory reset delete my health records?
Yes. Xiaomi says a factory reset clears personal data, health and workout records stored on the watch, watch faces, apps, settings and pairing information. Enable cloud synchronization first if you need to recover backed-up health data, and try Bluetooth, app, cache and background fixes before resetting.
The Bottom Line
Use Mi Fitness as the hub for the Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm. Android pairing is confirmed with matching codes on both devices; iPhone pairing starts in iOS Bluetooth Settings and ends back in Mi Fitness. Keep the app permitted to run in the background, grant only the feature permissions you need, and reserve a factory reset for last because it erases watch data and pairing details.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
