How to reboot Xiaomi Mi Band 5: from a simple reboot to a hard reset

The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet is a reliable activity tracking assistant, but even it sometimes fails: it stops syncing, does not respond to touches or hangs on the logo. 90% of the time, the problem is solved by rebooting, but not all users know how to do it correctly. A simple switch off through the menu here will not help - the device requires specific manipulations depending on the type of malfunction.

In this article, we’ll break down all the ways Mi Band 5 can be rebooted, from soft restart to full factory reset, including hidden button combinations and recovery via the Mi Fit app. You will also learn how to avoid data loss in a hard reboot and what to do if the bracelet does not respond to actions. NFC).

When do you need to reboot Xiaomi Mi Band 5?

Xiaomi bracelet does not have a traditional power button, so many users mistakenly think that it can not be rebooted without connecting to charging.In fact, the signs indicating the need for a reboot are diverse:

• 🔄 The screen does not respond to touch or reacts with a delay (lags when swipes).
• 📵 Bracelet doesn't sync with Mi Fit app for more than 10 minutes despite stable Bluetooth connection.
• 🔋 Battery badge shows 0% charge, but after connecting to the charger immediately jumps to 50-80%.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot: The bracelet is constantly turned on and off on its own.
• 📱 Notifications are late or duplicated.

It is important to distinguish between software failures and hardware malfunctions. If the bracelet does not turn on at all (no vibration, the screen is black even on charging), the problem may be in the battery or the board - in this case, rebooting will not help. Also, do not confuse the freeze with the power saving mode, which is activated at a discharge below 5%: in this case, it is enough to connect the bracelet to charging for 10-15 minutes.

Method 1: Soft reboot through the bracelet menu

If the bracelet responds to touch but is unstable, start with the safest method, rebooting through the system menu, which does not delete data and takes less than a minute.

1. Swipe up the bracelet screen to open the main menu.
2. Find the settings (cog icon) and tap it.
3. Scroll down to the Reboot option (or Restart in English firmware).
4. Confirm the action by touching the tick or OK button.

The bracelet vibrates and turns off for 5-10 seconds, then automatically turns on, a method similar to rebooting a smartphone and helps with non-critical crashes, for example, if notifications stop coming or the pedometer considers the steps to be incorrect.

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If the Reboot item is not in the menu, update the bracelet firmware through the Mi Fit application. In older versions of the software, this option may have been hidden.

Method 2: Hard button reboot (when getting stuck)

When the bracelet is completely frozen (it does not respond to swipes, the screen is frozen in one image), a forced rebuff is required. This uses a physical button under the screen capsule, which must be pinched for 10-15 seconds.

Instructions:

1. Remove the bracelet from your hand and place it on a flat surface with the screen up.
2. Find a small indentation underneath the screen -- this is a touch button -- that doesn't press, but it recognizes a long touch.
3. Hold your finger on this area until the bracelet vibrates (usually 10-12 seconds).
4. After vibration, release the button and the device will start restarting.

This method works even when the battery is completely discharged (if the bracelet is connected to charging), if after a hard reboot the problem repeats, this may indicate firmware damage, you will need to reset to factory settings.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Fit (without data loss)

If the bracelet syncs with the phone but is unstable, try rebooting it through the official app, a method that is milder than a full reset, but more effective than a conventional reboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Mi Fit app on your smartphone.
2. Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 5.
3. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings of the device.
4. Scroll down and find the Reboot bracelet (or Restart device).
5. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

The advantage of this method is that the bracelet is rebooted with all the data (steps, pulse, settings) saved. However, if the problem is associated with firmware damage, you may need to update the software through the same Mi Fit section.

Method 4: Complete reset to factory settings

If the bracelet doesn’t turn on, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to previous methods, the last option is hard reset, which removes all data from the device, including:

• 📊 Activity statistics (steps, sleep, exercise).
• ⚙️ Custom settings (alarm clocks, notifications, screen order).
• 🔒 Authorization data (link to Xiaomi account).

To perform the discharge:

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger (even if it is discharged).
2. Press the touch button under the screen for 20-30 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the button – the bracelet vibrates and starts the reset process (it will take 1-2 minutes).
4. After the reboot, set the bracelet as new through Mi Fit.

Important: after a hard reset, the bracelet may require a firmware update. Do not interrupt the process, even if it takes more than 10 minutes - this can lead to the "bricking" of the device.

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Before you reset completely, try syncing your data with Mi Fit, which will save at least some of the data in the cloud.

Method 5: Reboot through ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not help, and the bracelet is defined by the computer as USB-The device can be rebooted through ADB (Android Debug Bridge is suitable for experienced users and requires:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 🔌 Cable to connect the bracelet (usually used charging cable with a USB-transitioner).
• 🛠️ Command line knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Connect the bracelet to the computer and wait for the drivers to install.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (the serial number will appear).
3. Run the reboot command: adb reboot
4. If the bracelet doesn't respond, try a hard reset: adb reboot bootloader

This is a risky method, because if you get the wrong instructions, you can damage the firmware, and you can only use it if other methods don't work, and you understand the consequences.

Table: Comparison of resetting methods

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The wrong actions in rebooting can make the problem worse, and here are the typical user errors and their consequences:

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet has started to update after reset, do not disconnect it from charging, even if the process takes more than 20 minutes.

• 🔌 Disconnecting from charging during reset, which can interrupt the process and "brick" the bracelet.
• 🔄 Repeated attempts to reboot hard in a row. If the bracelet doesn't respond to the first long press, wait. 1-2 minutes before trying again.
• 📱 Use of unofficial firmware. After reset, the bracelet may require an update - install the software only through Mi Fit.
• 🔋 Rebooting at low charge (less than 20%) can cause discharge in the process and re-hang.

If after all the manipulations the bracelet does not turn on, check:

• 🔌 Charging cable fault (try charging another bracelet or phone).
• 🔋 Cleanliness of contacts on the bracelet (clean alcohol from oxidation).
• 📦 Integrity of the body (infection of moisture or mechanical damage).

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If the bracelet after reset requires authorization, but does not accept the password from the Xiaomi account, try resetting the password on the Xiaomi site or using a backup email.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions