Xiaomiβs external batteries (or Power Bank) are known for their reliability, but even they sometimes require a reset, which may be necessary if the device stops charging, does not recognize the smartphone, shows an incorrect charge level or does not turn on at all. Unlike smartphones, where the reset is performed through the menu, Power Bank requires other approaches, from simple manipulation of buttons to flashing the controller.
In this article, we will analyze all the working methods of resetting for popular models: Mi Power Bank 3 (20000 mAh), Mi Power Bank 4, Redmi. PB10000, Mi Compact Power Bank 2 and others. It's important to understand that not all methods are universal - some only work for certain series. We'll also explain why button retention resets don't work on all models after 2021 (this is due to a change in the controller architecture). BQ27742).
When you need a reset Power Bank Xiaomi: symptoms and causes
Before you start resetting, make sure that the problem does require drastic measures. Here are the typical signs indicating that a reset is needed:
- π The battery does not charge from the mains (indicators do not burn or flash abnormally).
- π± Not recognized by connected devices (smartphone, headphones, tablet).
- π Incorrect percentage of charge (e.g. 100% immediately after connecting to the network).
- π« Not fully activated (no response to the charge check button).
- β‘ It discharges quickly (from 100% to 0% in a few minutes) or, conversely, βhangsβ at one level.
The reasons for such failures usually lie in:
- π§ Errors of the charge/discharge controller (most often) TI BQ27xxx or MAX17205).
- π Incorrect firmware after updating (relevant for models with USB-C Support for Quick Charge).
- π Battery cell degradation (lithium polymer cells 18650 or 21700).
- π₯ Short circuit or overheating (if the body is swollen - reset will not help, repair is needed!).
β οΈ Warning: If the Power Bank case is swollen, hissing or smelling of a burn, don't try to drop it. These are signs of critical battery cell failure. Immediately isolate the device and dispose of it according to local regulations (at hazardous waste points).
Method 1: Hard Reset through a button
The easiest way, which works on most Xiaomi models until 2021, is to force the controller to restart by holding the charge check button for a long time.
Instructions:
- Disconnect Power Bank from all devices (cables, smartphones, chargers).
- Find the charge check button (usually located on the end of the case next to the indicators).
- Press the button and hold for 15-20 seconds (on some models β up to 30 seconds).
- Release the button. If the reset is successful, the indicators should blink 1 time or go out, and then turn on again.
For Mi Power Bank 4 and newer models (with support) USB-C PD) You may need to double-press:
1. Press the button 1 time (the indicators will light up).
2. Immediately after that, press the button for 10 seconds.
3. Release and wait 5 seconds - a reset should occur.β οΈ Attention: On Redmi PB10000 Mi Power Bank 3 Pro Holding the button for more than 30 seconds can lead to locking the controller.
βοΈ Preparation for hardware discharge
Method 2: Resetting through full discharge and charging
If the hardware reset didn't work, try calibrating the controller by a full discharge-charging cycle, which is effective when the Power Bank is incorrect or discharges quickly.
Step-by-step:
- Connect a high-power device (such as a smartphone in game mode or tablet) to Power Bank. Unload until the indicators go out and the device shuts down.
- Leave Power Bank in a discharged state for 2-3 hours (this is important for resetting the controller memory!).
- Connect the original charging (preferably from Xiaomi with Quick Charge 3.0 support) and charge up to 100% without interruptions.
- After you're fully charged, turn off the cable and press the charge check button, and if the lights are 100 percent, the calibration was successful.
For models with USB-C (For example, Mi Power Bank 4 is recommended to use a charger with a power of 18-20 watts. If charged from a weak source (for example, from a PC), the calibration may not work.
| Model of Power Bank | Minimum charging power for calibration | Time of complete discharge (about) |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Power Bank 3 (20,000 mAh) | 10 Watts. | 8-10 hours (at a load of 5 W) |
| Redmi PB10000 | 5 watts | 4-5 hours |
| Mi Power Bank 4 (10,000 mAh, USB-C) | 18 W. | 3-4 hours |
| Mi Compact Power Bank 2 (5,000 mAh) | 5 watts | 2-3 hours |
π‘
If the Power Bank still shows an incorrect charge after calibration, try repeating the process 2-3 times in a row. Sometimes the controller needs several cycles to "learn".
Method 3: Reset via PC connection (for models with a USB-C)
Some modern Xiaomi Power Banks (such as Mi Power Bank 4 or Mi Smart Power Bank) support diagnostic mode when connected to a computer, which allows you to reset controller errors through special commands.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Windows computer 10/11 Linux.
- π Cable USB-C β USB-A (original, with data transmission support).
- π οΈ Device Manager (built into Windows) or lsusb (for Linux).
Instructions:
- Connect Power Bank to your PC without pressing a button (the device must be turned off).
- Open Device Manager (Win) + X β Device Manager) and find an unknown device (usually as USB Input Device or HID-compatible).
- Right-click on it and select Update the driver β Search for drivers on this computer β Select a driver from the list.
- Manually specify the driver LibUSB-Win32 (You can download it here).
- After installing the driver, open the Command Prompt on behalf of the administrator and execute the command: echo 0 > \\.\libusb0-0001:0x1234 (where 0x1234 β Your device ID can be found via LSUSB in Linux).
- Turn off the Power Bank from your PC and press the charge check button. If the reset is successful, the indicators should light up as standard.
β οΈ Warning: Incorrect commands in libusb can cause the controller to break. If you are not sure about your actions, use other reset methods.
What if the PC doesnβt see the Power Bank?
Method 4: Controller flashing (for advanced users)
If none of the previous methods worked, you'll have to flash the controller, which is a good way to do it for models with a computer. USB-C and support for Quick Charge/Power Delivery, where the reset is software blocked by the manufacturer.
Important: Firmware requires soldering skills and special equipment, unless you have experience with the STM32 or ESP8266, It is better to contact the service center.
Equipment required:
- π§ A soldering iron with a thin sting (0.5-1 mm) and solder.
- π₯οΈ ST-Link programmer or CH340.
- πΎ Firmware for your model (can be found on the forums) 4PDA or XDA-Developers).
- π power supply 3.3V (charge-stress).
Step-by-step instruction (simplified):
- Disassemble the Power Bank case by carefully tucking the latches with a plastic blade. Be careful, there may be adhesives inside!
- Find a controller on the board (usually marked as BQ27742, MAX17205 or STM32F030).
- Connect the programmer to the contacts SWDIO, SWCLK, GND and 3.3V (Look for the dataset on the controller).
- Consider the current firmware with the help of the program STM32CubeProgrammer or Flash Loader Demo.
- Download the new firmware (required for your model!) and write it down in the controller memory.
- Collect the case back and check the Power Bank.
On the forums, there are often firmware for popular models:
- πΉ Mi Power Bank 3 (20000 mAh - firmware BQ27742_v1.4.3 (corrects charge errors through USB-C).
- πΉ Redmi PB10000 β firmware MAX17205_v2.1 (eliminates the "hang" on 1% charge).
- πΉ Mi Power Bank 4 β firmware STM32F030_PD_Fix (Restores Power Delivery Support).
β οΈ Warning: Incorrect firmware can cause the controller to fail. Always check that the firmware file is compatible with your Power Bank model and the board version (it is listed on the board itself in the format of the board). PBXXX V1.2).
π‘
Controller flashing is a last resort, and 80 percent of the time, hardware resets or calibrations help, and if you're not sure about your skills, you should go to Xiaomi's service center.
Method 5: Reset via service menu (hidden mode)
Some Xiaomi Power Bank models (such as the Mi Smart Power Bank with Bluetooth) have a hidden service menu available through a button combination.This method is little known, but can help if a standard reset doesn't work.
How to enter the service menu:
- Turn off all cables from Power Bank.
- Press the charge check button and, without letting it go, connect the device to charging.
- Hold the button for another 10 seconds after connecting.
- Release the button. If you log in to service mode successfully, the indicators will flash in a non-standard sequence (for example, in a circle or with pauses).
In the service menu, you can perform:
- π Reset controller errors (indicators flash 3 times).
- π Calibration of the charge level (indicators light up alternately).
- π Battery cell test (all indicators burn at the same time for 5 seconds).
To exit the service menu, disconnect Power Bank from charging and press the charge check button 1 time.
π‘
If your model supports Bluetooth connectivity (such as Mi Smart Power Bank), try resetting your settings through the official Mi Home app. β find the device β Settings β Reset to factory.
What to do if nothing helps: diagnosis and repair
If all the reset methods fail, the problem may be a hardware malfunction.
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No lights, no response to the button. | Controller failure (BQ27742) | Replacement of controller or board |
| Indicators are burning, but there is no charging / discharging. | Chain break or damage MOSFET-transistor | Diagnostics with a multimeter, replacing the burned element |
| Bloating, smell of burning. | Degradation or short circuit of battery cells | Recycling (repair is dangerous!) |
| Slow charging/discharge | Wear of batteries (capacity below 60% of nominal value) | Cell replacement 18650/21700 |
For self-diagnosis, you will need:
- π§ Multimeter (to check the voltage on the cells).
- π Loop or microscope (to inspect the board for burned elements).
- π± Power testing application (e.g. AccuBattery for real capacity testing).
If you decide to repair Power Bank yourself, follow the following security rules:
- β‘ Work in gloves and safety glasses (lithium polymer batteries can ignite!).
- π₯ Do not use metal tools for disassembly (risk of short circuit).
- π― Donβt disassemble the bloated batteries β dispose of them completely.