Xiaomi watches are hanging – what to do: from reboot to firmware

Xiaomi smartwatches are some of the most popular gadgets on the market, but even they are not immune to failure. If your Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch or other model stopped responding to touch, stuck on the logo or the screen became black, do not panic. In 90% of cases, the problem can be solved without going to the service center.

Watches can freeze for a variety of reasons, from software errors to hardware malfunctions. In this article, we will discuss all possible recovery methods, from the simplest reboot to flashing. Particular attention will be paid to the Mi Band 6/7/8, Xiaomi Watch S1/S2 and Redmi Watch 3, as they are the most common among users.

Before you start active, check the obvious: whether the battery is enough (plug the watch to charge for 10-15 minutes), whether the screen or buttons are damaged. If the gadget does not show signs of life even after recharging, go to the instructions below.

Causes of Xiaomi watches hanging: from bugs to “iron”

Xiaomi watches can freeze for a variety of reasons.

• 🔄 Software failures: firmware errors, conflicts after an update or resets through the Mi app Fitness/Zepp Life.
• 🔋 Power problems: a discharged battery, damaged battery or faulty charging cable.
• 📱 Conflict with the smartphone: incompatibility of the application version, synchronization errors over Bluetooth.
• 💥 Hardware damage: falling, getting moisture (even in models with protection) IP68), button wear.
• 🛠️ Failed Update: Interrupted firmware or unofficial software installation.

According to service center statistics, more than 60 percent of freezes are due to software errors that are fixed by rebooting or resetting. Only 10 to 15 percent of the time do you need to repair or replace components. If your watch is new (up to 1 year), there is a good chance that the problem is temporary.

Note: Mi Band 5 and older models are more likely to suffer from failures after updates, while Xiaomi Watch S1/S2 is more stable, but can “hang” due to overheating of the processor during prolonged load (for example, during training with GPS).

First Aid: How to Reset a Hanging Watch

If the Xiaomi watch screen doesn’t respond to touch or displays a single picture, try a forced reboot first.This method works for all models, including the Mi Band and Xiaomi Watch.

Reboot methods depending on the model:

If the reboot didn’t help, try an alternative method:

1. Connect the watch to the charger (preferably the original one).
2. Leave on charging for 30 to 60 minutes, even if the indicator is not on.
3. Then try again to reboot.

⚠️ Note: Do not use foreign objects (needles, toothpicks) to reboot to press a button. This can damage the mechanism or screen. If the button is not pressed, it is likely a hardware problem.

Resetting to factory settings: when and how to do

If the reboot doesn't work, the next step is to reset the settings, which will delete all user data (steps, training, settings), but often solves the freeze problems.

For the Mi Band 6/7/8 and Redmi Watch:

1. Go to the clock menu by swiping up the screen.
2. Find the Settings item → About the device → Reset.
3. Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter) PIN-code).

For the Xiaomi Watch S1/S2:

1. Press the top button for 5 seconds until the menu appears.
2. Select Settings → System → Reset.
3. Confirm the reset (the clock will reset automatically).

If the screen does not respond to touch, try resetting via the app:

1. Open Mi Fitness or Zepp Life on your smartphone.
2. Go to the device profile → Settings → Untie the device.
3. After unplug, reconnect the watch – this will initiate a reset.

⚠️ Note: On Mi Band 3 and older models, an app reset may not work if the watch is completely locked, in which case only a physical reset button (see the instructions for your model) will help).

After resetting, Xiaomi watches will return to factory settings, you will need to re-synchronize them with your smartphone and adjust the basic parameters (time, notifications, training), if the reset did not help, the problem may be in the firmware or hardware.

Update and update: when necessary

If Xiaomi watches regularly freeze after updates or don't turn on after a reset, there may be a problem with the firmware.Official updates are usually installed automatically through the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app, but sometimes manual flashing is required.

Signs that you need a re-flash:

• 🔄 The watch is cyclically rebooted (hangs on the Xiaomi logo).
• 📵 The screen is not turned on, but the vibration is working.
• 🔋 The battery is discharged in a few hours without using.
• 🚫 The application does not see the device or gives a synchronization error.

Official method of updating:

1. Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app.
2. Go to the profile of the device → Update firmware.
3. If a new version is available, download it and install it.

If the official update doesn’t help, you can try the alternative firmware through Gadgetbridge or Mi Band Tools.

⚠️ Note: Unofficial firmware may contain errors or malicious code. Install them only if you are sure of the source. Also note that after flashing the link to the Xiaomi account, the watch will need to be re-synchronized.

For manual firmware, you will need:

• Cable for connecting the watch to a PC (for Mi Band – an adapter with pins).
• ADB and Fastboot (for some models)
• Firmware file (only download from trusted forums, such as 4PDA).

The firmware process may vary depending on the model, for example, MiBand6Tool is often used for the Mi Band 6, and WatchFlasher is used for the Xiaomi Watch S1.

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Before you run the firmware, back up your data via the Mi Fitness app (if the watch is still working), and after flashing it, all settings and statistics will be deleted.

Hardware problems: when without repairs can not do

If none of the software methods worked, there's a high probability of hardware failure.

• 🔋 Faulty battery: the watch does not hold charge, turns off at 20-30% of the battery or does not turn on after discharge.
• 💧 Moisture intake: even in models with IP68 Over time, leakiness may be broken (for example, after falls).
• 🔧 Damaged button or sensor: if the screen does not respond to touch or the button is not pressed.
• 🔥 Overheating or bloating of the battery: the watch becomes hot, the body deforms.
• 📱 Module problems Bluetooth/Wi-Fi: The device does not connect to the phone, constantly loses communication.

How to diagnose a hardware malfunction:

1. Check the body for cracks, bloating or traces of corrosion.
2. Connect the watch to charging: If the indicator doesn’t burn, the problem may be in the power controller.
3. Try connecting the watch to another smartphone – if it is not detected, the communication module may be damaged.

Cost of repairs in service centers:

If your watch is guaranteed (usually) 12 months), contact the official service center Xiaomi. mi.com/ru/service. For warranty repairs, a check and a box from the device will be required.

⚠️ Note: Don't try to disassemble your watch yourself if you don't have experience. S2 The screen is glued to the body, and if you open the plumes in a neat way, you can damage them.

Preventing Frosts: How to Avoid Problems in the Future

To ensure that Xiaomi watches work consistently, follow these guidelines:

• 🔋 Charging: Use only original cables and adapters. Do not leave your watch charging for more than 2-3 hours.
• 📲 Updates: Install firmware through the official app. Don't interrupt the update process.
• 💦 Moisture: Despite protection IP68, Avoid prolonged contact with water (shower, pool) after wetting, dry the hours.
• 📵 Overheating: Do not leave your gadget in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
• 🔄 Sync: Regularly sync data with the app to avoid losing statistics.

For the Mi Band 6/7/8 and Xiaomi Watch S1/S2 models, it is useful to disable unnecessary features that load the processor:

• Turn off Autodefinition training if you are not using it.
• Reduce the frequency of your pulse measurement (e.g., every 10 minutes instead of 1 minute).
• Disable notifications from unnecessary applications.

Also, watch the battery. If the watch is running out quickly (for example, the Mi Band 7 has less than 2 days of battery life), this may be a sign of battery wear, in which case it is better to replace the battery before it completely fails.

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Regular firmware updates and careful handling of the watch reduce the risk of hanging by 70-80%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi watch hangings