Why you might want to turn off Mi Band 5 and what you need to know before you do it.
Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet is one of the most popular wearables, but even it has situations where you need to completely disconnect.Maybe you are preparing for long-term storage, want to reset before selling, or have experienced a system freeze. Unlike smartphones, there is no usual power button, and the process of turning off has its nuances.
Before you start, consider that completely turning off the bracelet resets some temporary data (for example, the current pedometer or heart rate in real time), but the information stored in memory (training history, sleep from the past days) will remain intact - it syncs with the Mi Fit or Zepp Life application the next time you connect. However, if the bracelet is discharged to 0%, data from the last day can be lost.
Another important point is that the Mi Band 5 doesn't support soft shutdowns like Android smartphones, and there are only two states here, working and completely de-energized, and if the bracelet doesn't respond to taps, alternative methods will be needed, which we'll talk about later.
Method 1: Standard shutdown through the bracelet menu
This is the safest and most recommended method if the device responds to touch.
- Wake up the screen โ put your hand against the bracelet or press the touch button under the display.
- Scroll down the menu until you see the icon. โ๏ธ Settings (cogs).
- Log in the settings and find the "Off" item (power icon).
- Confirm the action by touching the tick โ.
The bracelet vibrates and goes out in 2-3 seconds. If the switch off item is missing, then you have outdated firmware - update it through the Mi Fit application.
Battery charge (minimum 10% for correct shutdown)
Synchronization of data with the application
Lack of active training or timers
Removing the bracelet from your hand (to avoid accidental touches)
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โ ๏ธ Note: If the bracelet is discharged below 5%, it may not turn off correctly, which will cause a failure on the next turn on, in which case you will need to recharge for 10-15 minutes before trying again.
Method 2: Forced shutdown via charger
If the bracelet is stuck and doesn't respond to touch, but it's still charged, you can use the hardware method.
- Connect the Mi Band 5 to the charging cable (even if the battery is not discharged).
- Hold the touch button under the screen for 10-15 seconds until you feel a double vibration.
- Release the button and the bracelet will turn off.
This method simulates a hard reset, so you should only use it in extreme cases, after such a switch off, the bracelet can turn on longer than usual (up to 30 seconds).
Once a week.
Once a month
Only when you're hanging.
Never turn it off.
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| Way of turning off | Implementation time | Loss of data | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through the settings menu | 5-10 seconds | No (except for current metrics) | Regular shutdown |
| Forced (button + charging) | 10-15 seconds | Possible (if interrupted) | Hanging, glitches. |
| Discharge to 0 per cent | 1-2 hours | Yes (last day) | Extreme case |
| Reset via Mi Fit | 2-3 minutes | Yes (full reset) | Preparation for sale |
Method 3: Battery discharge before complete shutdown
If the bracelet does not respond to touch or charging, the only option is to wait until it is completely discharged.
- ๐ Long time โ at a charge level of 50%, it will take 12-24 hours (depending on the activity of the sensors).
- ๐ Data loss โ no information will be stored in the last day.
- โก Deep discharge risk โ if you leave the bracelet discharged for a long time, the battery may fail.
To speed up the process:
- Activate the exercise mode (for example, running) - this puts the battery as quickly as possible.
- Turn on the constant screen lighting in the bracelet settings.
- Periodically press the screen to prevent the transition to sleep mode.
What if the bracelet is not turned on after discharge?
Method 4: Remote shutdown via Mi Fit
Few people know, but Mi Fit (or Zepp Life for newer versions) has a remote reset feature that actually turns off the bracelet, which is useful if:
- ๐ The bracelet is frozen, but it is still connected to the phone via Bluetooth.
- ๐ฑ You want to prepare your device for sale or transfer to another user.
- ๐ง You need to fix software errors without physical access to the bracelet.
Instructions:
- Open Mi Fit and go to your Mi Band 5 profile.
- Select Device Settings โ Additional โ Untie the device.
- Confirm the action - the bracelet will reboot and automatically turn off after resetting.
โ ๏ธ Warning: This method erases all data from the bracelet, including account binding, and once activated, you will need to reconfigure it as you did after purchase!
Method 5: Hardware reset (for power users)
If the bracelet does not fully respond to any manipulation, the last resort is hardware reset through the contacts, which requires care, since improper actions can damage the device.
You'll need:
- ๐ The Mi Band 5 Charging Cable (Original).
- ๐ paperclip.
- ๐ Lupa (optional, for accuracy).
Sequence of action:
- Connect the bracelet to the charger.
- On the back of the case, next to the charging contacts, find a microscopic hole (usually next to the RESET label).
- Carefully press the paperclip into the hole and hold for 5-7 seconds until you feel the vibration.
- Let go, the bracelet will turn off.
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If you can't find the reset hole, light the bracelet with an angled flashlight - it's usually located between the left charging pin and the body. Don't use sharp objects to avoid damaging the board!
This is a method used by service centers to "resuscitate" the hanging devices, and after this reset, the bracelet is activated in recovery mode and requires re-attachment to the phone.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users have trouble turning off the Mi Band 5, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
- โ "The bracelet is not switched off through the menu" โ Make sure the firmware is updated. Older versions may not have the "Stop" option. Update the software via Mi Fit.
- โ "After the forced shutdown is not included" โ Connect to charging for 10-15 minutes. If the indicator is not on, check the cable or try another power supply.
- โ "The paper clip drop doesn't work" โ You may be pressing the wrong hole. Mi Band 5 has one, but in some versions (e.g., some of the other ones, NFC-version) may be hidden by a protective film.
- โ "Data lost after shutdown" โ Always sync the bracelet with the app before turning it off. Click Sync in Mi Fit.
If none of the methods worked, check the bracelet for physical damage (moisture, falls). In 95% of cases, the "non-on" devices are to blame for the oxidized charging contact - gently wipe it with an alcohol wipe.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions
Can I turn off Mi Band 5 overnight to save power?
Why does the bracelet turn on after it is turned off?
How do I know if my bracelet is turned off or just dead?
Can I turn off Mi Band 5 without a button?
What if the bracelet is turned off and does not respond to charging?
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Before any shutdown, sync your data with Mi Fit, which is the only way to keep your activity history, and even if the bracelet turns on later, the unsynchronized data from the last day will be lost.