How to turn on the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet: full instructions with problem solving

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular trackers even years after its release, thanks to its simplicity, reliability and wide functionality. However, new users (and even experienced owners after a long downtime) often wonder how to properly turn on the device if it does not respond to pressing or sync with a smartphone.

In this article, we’ll look at all possible activation scenarios, from first activation after purchase to recovery after a discharge or failure. You’ll learn how to distinguish the Mi Band 3 from newer models (such as the Mi Band 4/5), which buttons and gestures are responsible for turning on, and what to do if the bracelet does not show signs of life even after charging.

If your bracelet has been in use but stopped turning on, do not rush to carry it to the service. 90% of the time the problem is solved at home in 5-10 minutes, the main thing is to follow the instructions in order and not to miss important details.

How to distinguish Xiaomi Mi Band 3 from other models

Before you try to turn on the bracelet, make sure you have the Mi Band 3, not the newer or older version, which is important because the activation methods and menu interface are different.

The main visual differences of the Mi Band 3:

• 🔹 Screen: OLED-display with a touch button under the screen (not a full touchscreen, as in the Mi Band 4 and later).
• 🔹 Body: Plastic module with metal latch compatible with straps from Mi Band 2.
• 🔹 Charging: The charging socket is located on the back of the module (not magnetic, as in the Mi Band). 5/6).
• 🔹 Marking: The body or package must bear the inscription Mi Band 3 or XMSH07HM (code).

If your device looks different — for example, has a full touch screen or magnetic charging — it is likely the Mi Band 4 or a newer model, in which case the instructions in this article may not work.

First Including: Step-by-step instructions for new users

If you have just unpacked the bracelet, it will take no more than 2-3 minutes to activate, the main thing is not to miss the charging stage, since the Mi Band 3 often comes with a dead battery.

Sequence of action:

1. Charging device: Connect the bracelet to the charger (use the original cable or USB-A compatible connector). Charging indicator (red LED) should catch fire. Charge for at least 30 minutes.
2. Click and hold the touch button under the screen for 3-5 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Language selection: After downloading, a menu with a choice of language will appear on the screen. scroll through the options with an up/down swipe and confirm the choice by pressing a button.
4. Sync with your smartphone: Install the Mi Fit app (available for Android and iOS), sign up and follow the pairing instructions.

Charge the bracelet at least 30% |

Make sure the button under the screen is responsive to pressing |

Download the latest version of Mi Fit from the official store |

Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone |

Disable energy saving mode for Mi Fit (in phone settings)

-->

If the bracelet does not turn on after charging, check:

• 🔌 Cable and Power Unit: Try Another USB-port or charger, the connector should fit tightly to the contacts of the bracelet.
• 🔋 Charging indicator: If the LED is not burning, it may be a problem in the module contacts (try to press the bracelet slightly to charge).
• 📱 Smartphone Compatibility: Mi Band 3 Requires Android 4.4+ or iOS 9.0+. On older versions, the Mi Fit app may not work.

How to turn on the bracelet after complete discharge

If the Mi Band 3 has been lying idle for a long time and is completely discharged, the standard push of the button may not work, in which case a forced reboot is required and then charging is required.

Instructions for remediation:

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger. Do not turn it off for 10-15 minutes, even if the indicator is not on.
2. After 10 minutes, press and hold the touch button for 10-15 seconds. If the bracelet does not respond, try again.
3. If the screen never turned on, unplug the bracelet from charging, wait 1 minute, then plug again and repeat holding the button.

Once successfully enabled, the bracelet may require re-synchronization with the Mi Fit app.

1. Open Mi Fit and go to Profile → My Devices.
2. Click Add Device and select Mi Smart Band 3.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen, confirming the actions on the bracelet.

💡

If the bracelet is turned on but not synced, try resetting it to factory settings. Go to Bracelet Settings → Additional → Reset (in the Mi Fit app).

Resetting to factory settings: when necessary

Resetting the Mi Band 3 to factory settings may be required in several cases:

• 🔄 The bracelet is glitching, not synchronizing or showing incorrect data.
• 📱 You sell or transfer the device to another user.
• 🔋 After the firmware update, errors occurred.

There are two ways to reset: through the Mi Fit app and hardware (with a button).

Method 1: Reset via Mi Fit application

1. Open the Mi Fit and go to the section of your bracelet.
2. Select Settings → Additional → Reset.
3. Confirm the action on the smartphone screen and on the bracelet (click the button below the screen).

Method 2: Hardware reset (if the bracelet is not synchronized)

1. Disconnect the bracelet from charging (if it was connected).
2. Press and hold the touch button for 20 to 25 seconds until the Reset appears on the screen.
3. Release the button and confirm the reset by pressing it again.

💡

Hardware reset removes all the data from the bracelet, including the activity history and alarm settings, and it will be impossible to recover them after resetting!

Once reset, the bracelet will automatically reboot and prompt you to go through the initial setup, just like after you buy it.

Problem Solving: Bracelet not turning on or not responding

If the Mi Band 3 is not showing signs of life, the reasons may be both software and hardware, and below is a checklist for diagnosing and solving common problems.

If none of these methods helped, there may be a problem with the hardware:

• 🔋 Battery: Over time, the battery capacity decreases, and the bracelet may not turn on even after charging. ~500-800 rubles).
• 🖥️ Power controller: If the bracelet is not charged at all, the controller may have burned.
• 💧 Moisture intrusion: Despite the declared waterproofness (IP68), Long-term exposure to water can damage the board, in which case repairs are often unprofitable.

💡

Check the bracelet on another smartphone before you contact the service, and sometimes the problem lies in the Bluetooth settings of the phone, not in the device itself.

Firmware update: how it affects the inclusion of the bracelet

The Mi Band 3 firmware is not only responsible for the functionality, but also for the stability of the device, and outdated or damaged firmware can be the reason why the bracelet does not turn on or behaves incorrectly.

How to check and update the firmware:

1. Open the Mi Fit and go to the section of your bracelet.
2. Select Settings → Update firmware.
3. If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen. Do not disconnect the bracelet from your smartphone during the update!

If the update is suspended or interrupted:

• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (hold the button for 10 seconds).
• 📱 Restart the Mi Fit app and try again.
• 🔌 Make sure the bracelet charge level is not below 50%.

For power users, custom firmware (such as Mi Band 3 Custom Firmware) can be installed to extend the functionality of the device, but this can lead to loss of warranty and instability. If you decide to do this, follow the instructions from trusted forums (such as 4PDA).

Alternative ways to control the bracelet

If standard on-boarding methods don’t work, alternative approaches can be tried, such as some users successfully activate the Mi Band 3 via voice commands (if the bracelet has already been paired with a smartphone) or with special apps.

Alternative activation methods:

• 📱 Voice Assistant: If the bracelet is synced with Google Assistant or Alice, try saying “Put Mi Band on” (not working on all firmware).
• 🔧 Third-party apps: Utility like Notify & Fitness for Mi Band or Mi Bandage sometimes lets you wake up your device via Bluetooth.
• 💻 PC Firmware: With Mi Band 3 Tools or Gadgetbridge, you can reflash the bracelet if it doesn't respond to a button.

Unstable work

Blocking certain functions

Mi Pay

💡

If the bracelet does not turn on after all the manipulations, the most likely causes are hardware malfunction (battery, board) or firmware damage. In the first case, only repair will help, in the second - flashing through the PC.

FAQ: Frequent questions about incorporating Xiaomi Mi Band 3