How to reboot the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet: all ways to reset and recover

The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet is one of the most popular wearables due to its combination of functionality and affordable price. However, even such reliable technology sometimes fails: screen freeze, sensor malfunction or synchronization problems. Most of these problems are solved by simply restarting, but not all users know how to do it correctly without risking damage to the device.

In this article, we will take a look at all the ways to reboot the Mi Band 5, from the standard soft restart to forced resetting. You will learn when to use each method, how to avoid errors when updating the firmware and what to do if the bracelet does not respond to commands at all.

If your Mi Band 5 is no longer synced with your smartphone, doesn’t show notifications or just “gluts”, don’t rush to bring it to the service center. 90% of the time, the problem is solved in 5 minutes using the instructions in this article.

When do you need to reboot Xiaomi Mi Band 5?

Rebooting the wristband is a standard procedure that helps to fix temporary software failures, but how do you know if the device really needs a restart?

📱 Bracelet does not sync with Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) despite stable Bluetooth connection.
⏳ The screen is stuck on the logo or one of the icons, does not respond to touch.
🔄 Sensors are not working correctly: pulse is not measured, steps are not counted, or readings are clearly incorrect.
🔔 No notifications of calls, messages or alarms are received, although everything is included in the settings.
🔋 The battery is discharged quickly (for example, the charge drops from 100% to 20% in a few hours without active use).

It is important to distinguish between situations where you need a simple reboot (soft restart) and those that require a full reset (hard reset), for example, if the bracelet just brakes, a soft reboot is enough, and if you forget the unlock password or want to sell the device, you will need a factory reset.

⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Band 5 doesn't turn on after a full discharge, don't rush to reset.Plug it into a 30-60-minute charge - often enough to restore work.

📊 What is the Mi Band 5 problem you are facing?

Not synchronized with your smartphone

Screen hangs.

Sensors are not working properly.

It's discharged fast.

Another problem.

This is the safest and most recommended way to restart if the bracelet responds to touch and the screen does not freeze.Soft reboot does not delete user data (steps, training, settings), but simply restarts the system.

Instructions:

Slide the bracelet screen down to open the settings menu (swipe down from the main screen).
Find the icon. ⚙️ Settings (usually last on the list) and tap it.
Scroll down to Reboot (on some firmware – Restart or Restart).
Confirm the action by pressing ✓ (check). The bracelet will start rebooting, which will take about 20-30 seconds.

After restarting, the bracelet will automatically connect to the smartphone (if Bluetooth has been turned on).If the problem persists, try the following method.

Check the battery power (minimum 20%)

Make sure the bracelet is not connected to the charging

Close the Mi Fitness app on your smartphone

Wear a bracelet on your hand (for ease of control)

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Method 2: Hard reboot (button on charger)

If the bracelet screen does not respond to touch or is stuck on the logo, a forced restart is required, using a hidden button on the charger (dock station), which does not delete data, but resets all current processes.

Step-by-step:

Remove the bracelet capsule from the strap by pressing the latch on the back side.
Place the capsule in the charger so that the contacts match. Make sure the bracelet is not connected to the USB (unplug the cable from the socket or power bank).
On the back of the dock, find a small hole labeled Reset (usually next to the contacts).
Take a paper clip or a toothpick and gently press the button inside the hole. Hold it for 5-10 seconds until the bracelet vibrates.
Release the button and wait for the reboot (the Mi logo will appear on the screen).

If the bracelet still doesn't work after a hard reboot, it may be a firmware or hardware problem, in which case try updating the software or resetting to factory settings (see next section).

⚠️ Note: Do not use metal objects (needles, pins) to press the Reset button so as not to damage the contacts. The best option is a plastic toothpick or a special tool for resetting.

What to do if the Reset button doesn’t work?

If the Reset button doesn't work, check: 1. The capsule is properly installed in the dock (contacts should fit tightly). 2. The cleanliness of the contacts - wipe them with an alcohol wipe if necessary. 3. The charger is faulty (try another one if there is one). If nothing helps, the button or bracelet board may be faulty.

Method 3: Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

A full reset removes all user data from the bracelet, including:

📊 Activity statistics (steps, exercise, sleep).
⚙️ Personal settings (alarm clocks, notifications, profiles).
🔒 Unblock password (if set).

This method should only be used in extreme cases: before selling the bracelet, if you forgot your password or if other methods of rebooting did not help, after resetting the bracelet will return to a state of “out of the box”.

Resetting instructions:

Make sure the bracelet is at least 50% charged (resetting when charged low can lead to errors).
Open the settings menu on the bracelet (swipe down) → ⚙️ Settings).
Scroll down to Reset (or Factory Reset).
Confirm the action by selecting ✓. The bracelet vibrates and begins the reset process (it will take 1-2 minutes).
After rebooting, connect the bracelet to the Mi Fitness app again, as when you first used it.

Important: Once reset, the bracelet may require firmware updates. Do not interrupt this process, otherwise the device may fail.

Method	When to use	Deleting data?	Implementation time
Soft reset	Hanging, minor failures	❌ No.	20-30 sec.
Hard reset	The screen does not respond, hovers on the logo	❌ No.	30-60 sec.
Resetting settings	Forgotten password, sale, and critical error	✅ Yes.	1-2 minutes
Firmware update	System Errors, Outdated Software	❌ No (but possible resetting)	5-10 minutes

What if the bracelet does not turn on after restarting?

If the Mi Band 5 doesn't show signs of life after a restart, don't panic.

Check the charging: 🔌 Connect the bracelet to another USB-port or charger. 🕒 Leave on charging for at least 1 hour (even if the indicator does not burn). 🔍 Check the purity of contacts on the capsule and docking station.

Try another charger:

Sometimes the problem is a faulty cable or adapter.Use the original docking station from Xiaomi or a certified replacement.

Forced PC discharge:

If the bracelet doesn’t respond to anything, you can try hand-stitching it through your computer, and you’ll need Mi Band Tools and firmware for Mi Band 5. For more details, see the firmware update section.

Contact the service:

If none of the methods worked, the battery or motherboard may have failed. In this case, self-repair is not recommended - contact the authorized Xiaomi service center.

💡

If the bracelet doesn't turn on after it's completely discharged, try to wake it up with a magnet. Put a small magnet (like a refrigerator) on the back of the capsule for 5-10 seconds, which sometimes helps start the charging process.

Updating the firmware as an alternative to restarting

If the bracelet is unstable even after a reboot, it may be a problem with outdated firmware. software updates can eliminate system errors, improve compatibility with the smartphone and add new features.

How to update the firmware Mi Band 5:

Make sure the bracelet is at least 60% charged.
Open the Mi Fitness app on your smartphone.
Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 5 → Firmware update.
If a new version is available, click Update and wait for the process to complete (the bracelet will reboot automatically).

If the problem persists, contact the service.

How to save data before resetting?

Before a full reset, sync the bracelet with the Mi Fitness app: Open the app and wait for the data update. Go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 5 → Sync the data. Export the history to the cloud (if the feature is available in your area).

Where to download the official firmware for Mi Band 5?

Official firmware is distributed only through the Mi Fitness app. It is not recommended to download software from third-party sites - this can lead to loss of warranty or failure of the bracelet. If the update does not come automatically, check: 📱 Your Xiaomi account region (some updates are coming out first in China). 🔄 Stability of Internet connection. 📅 Date of last update check (sometimes 1-2 days required).