How to reboot Xiaomi watches: all the ways for different models

Xiaomi smartwatches are some of the most popular wearables on the market, but even they sometimes require a forced reboot. Screen freezes, sync errors, slow operation or preparation for sale - the reasons can be different. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reboot for the Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch, Watch S1/S2 and other models, including hidden features and nuances for specific versions of the firmware.

It's important to understand that rebooting and factory resetting are different procedures. The first one just restarts the system (like turning off/on a smartphone), and the second one deletes all data. We're going to focus on a secure reboot that doesn't affect your settings, pedometer or notifications. If the watch doesn't respond completely, there's a section at the end of the article on "resuscitation" of the hanging devices.

Let’s get to the practice: choose a method depending on the model and the situation.

1. Standard reboot via the settings menu

The most obvious and safe method is to use the built-in menu, which is suitable for most models except the Mi Band 1/2 (they do not have such an item), the instructions are universal for the Mi Band 3/4/5/6/7, Xiaomi Watch, Watch S1/S2 and Watch 2 Pro.

How to do this:

1. Swipe your finger from the bottom up on the watch screen to open the main menu.
2. Find the icon. ⚙️ Settings (usually at the end of the list) and tap it.
3. Scroll down to Reboot (in English firmware - Reboot).
4. Confirm the action by pressing ✓ or OK.

The watch will start the reboot process (the screen will go out, the Xiaomi logo will appear), which will take 10–30 seconds. If the device does not turn on after that, move on to the following methods.

Check the battery power (minimum 20%)

Make sure the watch is not connected to the charger

Close the Mi Fitness/Zepp app on your phone

Remember the current time (for synchronization after reboot)-->

2. Forced button reboot (for models with physical button)

If the screen doesn't respond to touch or the menu isn't available, you can use a hardware button.

• 📱 Mi Band 1/2 (single-handed)
• 📱 Mi Band 3/4 (button)
• 📱 Xiaomi Watch S1/S2 (side-button)
• 📱 Watch 2 Pro (round button on the right)

Instructions:

1. Find the physical button on the watch body.
2. Hold it for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
3. Release the button and the watch will start restarting automatically.

⚠️ Attention: On the Mi Band 5/6/7 There's no physical button! For these models, use other methods. Also, don't confuse a reset with a hard reset (it requires holding the button). 20+ seconds and erase all data).

3.Reboot via Mi Fitness or Zepp app

The official Mi Fitness (for Mi Band) and Zepp (for Xiaomi Watch) apps allow you to reboot the watch remotely, which is convenient if you do not want to interact with the device itself or it is in another room.

The following steps are taken for Mi Fitness:

1. Open the app and connect to the watch (it should be within Bluetooth range).
2. Go to the Profile section → My devices.
3. Choose your watch from the list.
4. Put three points on it. ⋮ in the upper right corner and select Reboot the device.

For Zepp, the path is a little different:

1. Run Zepp and wait for synchronization.
2. Click on the icon of the clock at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select Device Settings → Additional → Reboot.

⚠️ Note: If the watch is under 10%, the app may not allow you to reboot. Also make sure that the phone is on Bluetooth and Internet (some models require a check with the Xiaomi server).

Mi Fitness|Zepp|Both programs|Other|I don't use it.-->

4. Hidden method: reboot through the update mode

This method is little known, but it works for most Mi Band 4/5/6/7 and Xiaomi Watch models, it simulates the beginning of a firmware update, but interrupts the process at the reboot stage.

How to do this:

1. Connect the watch to the charger (required!).
2. On your phone, open Mi Fitness or Zepp and go to the firmware update section.
3. Run the update check. When you get an update, confirm the start of the process.
4. Wait until the clock starts to reset (the screen will go out).
5. Immediately disconnect the watch from charging - this will interrupt the update, but the reboot will already be started.

This method can cause firmware error if you interrupt the process too late. Use it only if other methods have not worked!

💡

If after such a reboot the clock has started to update on its own - do not interrupt the process! wait until it is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).

5. Restart the hung clock (if nothing helps)

If the watch is completely dependent: it does not respond to touch, does not reboot the button and is not determined by the application, try a hardware reset. This is an extreme measure, but it often saves even the bricks.

Instructions for Mi Band 3/4/5/6/7:

1. Remove the capsule from the strap.
2. Find charging contacts on the back (usually 5 metal dots).
3. Take a paperclip or toothpick and gently touch the far right contact (it is separated from the rest) for 3-5 seconds.
4. The clock should vibrate and reset.

For the Xiaomi Watch S1/S2 and Watch 2 Pro:

1. Press both side buttons simultaneously for 20 seconds.
2. Release when the screen goes out and the logo appears.

⚠️ Attention: On the Mi Band 1/2 Hardware reset erases all data without recovery! For these models, it is better to use only a button (partition) 2).

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even a simple reboot can go wrong, if you don't take into account the nuances, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

• ⚡ The clock does not turn on after the reboot → Connect to charging for 30 minutes. If the indicator is not on, check the cable or power supply.
• 🔄 Location on the Xiaomi logo → That means a firmware failure. Try updating the software through the app or contact the service.
• ⏳ The restart lasts more than 5 minutes. → The clock may be updated. Wait until it's finished (up to 15 minutes).

If you often experience hangings, check out:

• 🔋 Battery condition (a worn-out battery may cause failures).
• 📲 Firmware version (update via Mi Fitness) → Device profile → Update of the PO).
• 📶 Bluetooth connection quality (remove other connected devices).

💡

If the clock is stuck during data synchronization, don’t interrupt the process! This can lead to loss of unsaved data (steps, pulse, sleep).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions