The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet has become one of the most popular wearables thanks to its combination of functionality and affordable price. However, even such reliable technology sometimes fails: the screen stops responding to touch, data is synchronized with errors, or the gadget simply freezes after updating the firmware. In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by a simple reboot - but how to do it correctly if the bracelet body does not have physical buttons?
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways Mi Band 4 can be rebooted, from a standard menu reset to a forced reboot with a full screen failure, and how to distinguish a soft restart (without loss of data) from a hard reset (with a return to factory settings), and when to use it, and focus on the hidden combination to recover from a failed firmware update that few people know about.
When you need to reboot Mi Band 4: signs of malfunction
Before you start resetting, make sure the problem does require a reset. Here are the typical symptoms for which a bracelet restart is warranted:
- 📵 The screen does not respond to touch or shows a “dead” picture (for example, frozen time).
- 🔄 Step, pulse or sleep data not synced with Mi Fit app for more than a day.
- 🔋 The bracelet discharges quickly (less than 12 hours) or does not charge at all.
- 📲 Notifications from the phone do not come, although in the settings everything is included.
- 🔄 After the firmware update, artifacts appeared on the screen or errors in the work.
If the bracelet is completely discharged and does not turn on after recharging, first check the cable and power supply. Mi Band 4 can "fall into a coma" in a deep discharge - in this case, you will need a forced reboot with a connection to the charge.
Method 1: Soft reboot through the bracelet menu
This is the safest method that does not delete user data (steps, training, alarm settings) is suitable if the screen of the bracelet is working, but the device is unstable.
Instructions:
- Swipe your finger across the Mi Band 4 screen to the left until you see the item Still (or More in English firmware).
- Then, put it in the right place, and then select the settings.
- Scroll down to Reboot and confirm the selection.
The bracelet will turn off and re-energize in 10-15 seconds. If the Reboot option is missing, your firmware does not support a soft restart, move on to the next method.
Sync data with Mi Fit| Battery Charge > 20%| Disconnect Bluetooth bracelet | Close the Mi Fit app on your phone
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Method 2: Forced button reboot (hidden method)
Few people know, but the Mi Band 4 has a hidden hardware button for forced reset, which is located under the touch screen and activates when you press it, and it works even if the screen doesn't respond to touch.
How to do this:
- Remove the bracelet from your hand and place it on a flat surface with the screen up.
- Find a small indentation on the case next to the charging connector (from the screen side).
- Take a paper clip or toothpick and gently press into the recess for 5-7 seconds until you feel a slight vibration.
- Release the button and the bracelet will start to reboot (the Mi logo will appear).
⚠️ Note: Do not use metal objects (needles, pins) to avoid damaging the sensor.
This method simulates a hard reset, but does not delete user data. If problems persist after the reboot, try resetting to factory settings (see Method 4).
What to do if the button does not work?
Method 3: Reboot via the Mi Fit app
If the bracelet is synchronized with the phone but is not working properly, you can initialize the reboot through the official application, which is suitable for eliminating software failures without physically affecting the device.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Mi Fit app on your phone.
- Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 4.
- Tap the three-point menu (⋮) top-right.
- Select Reboot Device (Reboot Device).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
The bracelet will reboot within 20-30 seconds. If the Reboot device is missing, upgrade the Mi Fit app to the latest version or use an alternative method.
| Rebooting method | Need a work screen? | Are the data stored? | Implementation time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through the wristband menu | Yes. | Yes. | 10-15 sec. |
| Hidden button | No. | Yes. | 5-10 seconds |
| Through Mi Fit. | Yeah (synchronization) | Yes. | 20-30 sec. |
| Reset to factory | No. | No. | 1-2 minutes |
Method 4: Hard reset to factory settings
If the bracelet is completely locked (no touch response, no sync, firmware errors), a complete reset may be required.This method removes all data from the device, including:
- 📊 Statistics of steps, sleep and training.
- ⏰ Settings of alarm clocks and notifications.
- 🔒 Paired devices (will have to be reconnected).
How to perform the reset:
- Connect the bracelet to the charger (even if it is not discharged).
- Find the hidden button (see Method 2) and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears on the screen.
- Release the button and the bracelet will start the reset process (vibration + flashing screen).
- After the reboot, connect the Mi Band 4 to the Mi Fit app as a new device.
⚠️ Warning: After a hard reset, the bracelet may require a firmware update. Make sure the phone has the latest version of the Mi Fit installed, or the sync will not end.
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Before resetting to factory settings, take screenshots of statistics in the Mi Fit app - this will help restore data about training after connecting.
Method 5: Recovery after a failed firmware update
If the bracelet is “bricked” after the update (does not turn on, shows a white screen or an Update failed error), emergency recovery mode will help.
Algorithm of action:
- Connect the Mi Band 4 to the charger.
- Hold the hidden button (see Method 2) for 20–25 seconds until the screen goes out and flashes red.
- Release the button - the bracelet will go into recovery mode (the Recovery inscription will appear on the screen).
- Wait for the automatic reboot (1-2 minutes). If the screen remains red, repeat steps 2-3.
After successful recovery, connect the bracelet to Mi Fit and wait for the prompt to update the firmware. Do not interrupt the process - this can lead to repeated failure.
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If the bracelet does not respond to a hidden button in recovery mode, try using another power supply (such as from a smartphone).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When rebooting the Xiaomi Mi Band 4, users often make mistakes that make the problem worse.
- 🔌 Turn off charging during reset – this can cause firmware damage.
- 📱 Remove the Mi Fit app during synchronization – data will be lost irretrievably.
- 🔧 Disassembling the body of the bracelet to access the button - this cancels the warranty.
- 🔋 Try to reload a discharged bracelet (less than 5% charge).
If after all the manipulations the bracelet does not turn on, check:
- 🔌 Charging cable for damage (try another cable).
- 📱 Phone compatibility with Mi Fit app (requires Android 5.0)+ or iOS 10.0+).
- 🔄 Availability of firmware updates in the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 4 → Firmware update.