The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet is one of the most popular wearables, but even it sometimes fails: it stops syncing, freezes on the charging screen or does not respond to touch. In 80% of cases, a simple reboot solves the problem, but not everyone knows how to do it correctly. Unlike smartphones, the Mi Band 5 does not have an on button, and standard sensor retention does not always work.
In this article, we will discuss three official ways to reboot (including forced restart when completely freeze), explain when you need a factory reset, and warn against the typical errors that can turn the bracelet into a “brick.”
Why Mi Band? 5 You may need to reboot: the top-5 cause
Xiaomi is a mini computer with limited resources, and it is not immune to failures. Here are the most common situations when a reboot becomes a necessity:
- 🔄 Freeze after firmware updates. New software versions sometimes contain bugs that cause the bracelet to "hang" on the Mi logo or stop displaying notifications.
- 🔋 Incorrect charging: If there is a power surge during connection to the charger or the bracelet is connected to an unoriginal adapter, the battery calibration may be lost.
- 📱 Conflict with the Mi app Fit/Zepp. Data synchronization sometimes leads to errors, especially if the beta version of the application is installed on the smartphone.
Interestingly, 30 percent of the time, users confuse battery discharge to 0% with freezing, and if the bracelet doesn't respond to touch, but when you connect to charging, it shows an indicator, it's not a failure, it's a deep discharge, so you just have to wait 10 to 15 minutes until the battery has gained the minimum charge to turn on.
Method 1: Mild reboot (recommended method)
This method is safe and suitable for eliminating non-critical failures: slow operation, synchronization errors or incorrect display of data.
- Touch the touch button below the screen and hold it for 10-12 seconds until the Mi logo appears on the display.
If the bracelet does not respond to sensor retention, check:
- ✅ Screen Cleanliness – dirt or sweat can block touches.
- ✅ Density of strap fit – if it is clamped too tightly, the sensor may not work.
- ✅ Charge level - at <5% A soft reboot may not work.
☑️ Preparation for a soft reset
⚠️ Note: If the bracelet freezes again during the day after a soft reboot, the problem may be in the damaged firmware, in which case a reset will be required (see section 4).
Method 2: Forced reboot (when fully got stuck)
If the Mi Band 5 doesn’t respond to touch, doesn’t turn on, or shows endless download animations, a forced restart will help.This method resets all temporary data in memory, but doesn’t affect the basic settings.
Instructions:
- Connect the bracelet to the charger (even if it shows no signs of charging).
- Hold the touch button for 20 to 25 seconds until the screen goes out and reboots.
- If the screen remains black, unplug the bracelet from charging, wait 10 seconds and repeat step 2.
| Situation | Signs. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Hanging on the Mi logo | The screen is on, but the loading does not end >5 minutes | Forced reset (mode 2) |
| Black Screen After Fall | No reaction to charging and touching | Checking charging contacts, forced restart |
| Cyclical reboot | The bracelet is constantly reloading. | Reset to factory settings (mode 3) |
| The sensor is not working. | The screen is lighting up but does not respond to pressing | Soft reboot + screen cleaning |
If the forced reboot didn't work and the bracelet still doesn't work, the problem could be a damaged battery or a detached display plume, in which case repairs will be needed.
What if the bracelet does not respond to a forced reset?
Method 3: Reset to factory settings (hard reset)
The reset completely erases all data from the bracelet, including:
- 📊 Activity statistics (steps, sleep, exercise).
- ⚙️ Individual settings (alarm clocks, notifications, screen order).
- 🔒 Authorization data (bracelet will be uncoupled from Xiaomi account).
Use this method only if:
- The bracelet is cyclically reloaded.
- You can’t connect to the Mi Fit/Zepp app.
- After the firmware update, critical errors occurred.
Resetting instructions:
- Go to the bracelet menu by scrolling down to More (or More).
- Select Settings → Reset (or Reset).
- Confirm the action by touching the tick.
- Wait until the process is complete (the bracelet will reboot automatically).
If the bracelet does not respond to touch, the reset can be performed through the application:
- Open Mi Fit or Zepp on your smartphone.
- Go to the profile of the bracelet → Device settings → Untie the device.
- Confirm the uncoupling and repeat the synchronization.
⚠️ Warning: Once reset, the bracelet will return to the default firmware. If you have previously updated the software, you will need to re-install the current version through the application.
Frequent Reboot Errors and How to Avoid Them
Many users make problems worse by making common mistakes, and this is what you can't do when you reboot the Mi Band 5:
- ❌ Use sharp objects to press the sensor, which can damage the screen or sensor.
- ❌ Interrupt the firmware update process. If the bracelet is updated through the app, do not disconnect it from the phone or remove it from charging.
- ❌ Reset settings without backup. Before reset, save data to Mi Fit (Section Profile) → Backup).
- ❌ Charge the bracelet from powerful adapters (for example, from a laptop or a fast charge smartphone). Use the original cable or adapter with current. ≤1A.
One of the most dangerous mistakes is to try to disassemble the bracelet for “cleaning contacts.” The body of the Mi Band 5 is sealed, and disassembling yourself will lead to loss of water protection. If you suspect moisture, use silica gel (shoebox bags): place the bracelet and 2-3 bags in an airtight container for 12-24 hours.
💡
If the bracelet begins to discharge quickly after rebooting, perform a battery calibration: completely discharge it before turning it off, then charge it to 100% without interruptions. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.
How to check if the bracelet has reloaded correctly
After any reboot, make sure the device is stable:
- Check the sensor: scroll through the menu up and down, touch the icons. Delays of more than 1 second indicate a problem.
- Sync the data: open Mi Fit and wait for the statistics to update. If the sync is delayed, restart the smartphone.
- Test the functions: 🏃♂️ Start a workout (for example, walking). 💤 Switch on your sleep mode. 🔔 Set the alarm clock.
Check notifications
If new problems appear after the reboot (for example, the pulsemeter does not work or notifications are not displayed), follow the following steps:
- Update the firmware through Mi Fit (Device Profile Section → Software Update).
- Reinstall the Mi Fit/Zepp app on your smartphone.
- Reset your bracelet settings (if the problem persists).
💡
If the bracelet is unstable after rebooting, the reason may be the outdated firmware of the Mi Fit application. Update it through Google Play or the App Store before further manipulation.
When a reboot won't help: signs of hardware malfunctions
Not all Mi Band 5 problems are solved by software.
| Sign. | Possible cause | Can I correct myself? |
|---|---|---|
| The screen is completely black, no reaction to charging. | Disconnection of the display plume or battery failure | No. |
| The bracelet heats up when charging | Short circuit in the battery | No. |
| Constant vibration without stopping | Damage to the vibrator motor or control board | No. |
| Distorted image on the screen (strips, artifacts) | Damage to the matrix or graphics chip | No. |
If the bracelet stops turning on after falling, check the body for cracks or dents, even a small mechanical impact can damage the internal components, in which case the reboot is meaningless - diagnostics are required.
The cost of repairing the Mi Band 5 in official service centers Xiaomi starts from 1,200 ₽ (Replacement of the battery) and up to 2,500 ₽ (If the bracelet is warranty-free, repairs will be made, but only if the fault is not caused by mechanical damage or moisture.