How to reboot the Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelet: from a simple reboot to a complete reset

The Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets have become an integral part of the daily lives of millions of users, but even the most reliable gadgets sometimes fail. Screen getting stuck, sync errors with the Mi Fitness app or a sudden shutdown are all signals that the device needs to be rebooted. Unlike smartphones, where it is enough to press the power button, the Mi Band has its own nuances, especially if it comes to different generations of the bracelet, from the Mi Band 3 to the Mi Band 8.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to reboot, including soft reboot (without data loss), hard reset (with factory reset), and hardware methods for cases where the bracelet does not fully respond. Particular attention will be paid to typical user errors that can lead to loss of training data or disruption of sync with your Xiaomi account. If your Mi Band stopped responding to touch or does not turn on after updating the firmware, here you will find a solution.

1.When do you need a Xiaomi Mi Band reboot?

Not every failure requires an immediate reboot, sometimes it is enough to reconnect the bracelet to your smartphone or update the app, but there are signs that clearly indicate the need for a reboot:

• 📵 The bracelet doesn’t sync with Mi Fitness or Zepp Life for more than 10 minutes, despite having a stable Bluetooth connection.
• 🖥️ The screen hovers on the Mi logo or displays artifacts (strips, flickering).
• 🔋 Notifications do not come, although in the settings all is included, and the smartphone is in the range.
• ⚡ The bracelet discharges in a few hours without active use (hardware failure is possible).
• 🔄 After the software update, lags appeared or functions disappeared (for example, measurement) SpO₂).

It is important to distinguish software failures from hardware malfunctions if the bracelet does not respond to charging (no indication when connecting to the device). USB), It doesn't vibrate or heat up -- the problem could be the battery or the power controller, and then rebooting won't help, and you'll need a diagnosis at a service center.

⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Band gives an error Disconnected in the application after rebooting, check if the Bluetooth settings on the smartphone have reset. Android/iOS "forgets the "adjoint device.

2. Soft reboot (without data loss)

This is the safest way to restart, and does not affect user data (steps, training, settings) and is suitable for eliminating minor lags or temporary synchronization errors.

Method 1: Through the bracelet menu (for Mi Band 4-8)

If the screen responds to touch, follow the following steps:

1. Swipe your finger up the screen from the bottom edge to open the menu.
2. Find the icon. ⚙️ Settings (or 🔧 More in older versions of the software).
3. Scroll down and select Reboot (or Reboot).
4. Confirm the action by touching the tick ✓.

The bracelet will turn off and automatically turn on in 10-15 seconds. After rebooting, check the sync with the application.

Method 2: Button combination (for Mi Band 3 and older)

On models without a touch screen (for example, Mi Band 3) or when the interface freezes, use a hardware combination:

1. Press and hold the touch button under the screen for 10-15 seconds.
2. When the screen goes out, release the button.
3. Wait for the automatic reboot (usually takes up to 20 seconds).

If the bracelet doesn't respond, try plugging it into the charger and repeating the procedure. Sometimes, the battery is dead and blocks the reboot.

Check the level of charge (minimum 20%)

Disable the bracelet from the Mi Fitness app

Make sure there are no sources of interference (microwaves, other Bluetooth devices)

Remember your current settings (if you plan to reset)-->

3. Hard reset to factory settings

This method removes all data from the bracelet, including:

• 📊 Steps, sleep and workout statistics (if not synced with your account).
• ⚙️ Individual settings (alarm clocks, notifications, screen order).
• 🔒 Link to Xiaomi account (re-pairing required).

Hard reset is recommended only in extreme cases:

• 🔄 After a failed firmware update.
• 📱 When selling or transferring the bracelet to another user.
• 🚨 If a soft reboot does not fix the problem (for example, the bracelet does not turn on).

Instructions for Mi Band 4-8

1. Open the bracelet menu by swiping up the screen.
2. Go to Settings. → Resetting (or Factory Reset).
3. Confirm the action by selecting ✓ Yes.
4. Wait until the process is complete (the bracelet will reboot automatically).

Instructions for Mi Band 1-3

On older models, the reset is performed through the Mi Fit application:

1. Open the app and go to the bracelet profile.
2. Select Disable Device (or Unpair).
3. Confirm the junction and wait for the reset.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet doesn't turn on after reset, plug it into a charge for 30 minutes.

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Before resetting, check if the data is synced to the cloud. To do this, open the Mi Fitness app, go to the bracelet profile and click Sync, which will keep the activity history even after the complete reset.

4. Hardware reboot (if the bracelet does not respond)

If the Mi Band is completely silent — it doesn't turn on, vibrate, or respond to charging — you'll have to use "hidden" hardware reset methods, which work at the controller level and can bring the bracelet back to life even after a major firmware failure.

Method 1: Connecting to charging + hold-up

This method is suitable for models with a physical button (Mi Band 1-5):

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger (USB dock).
2. Hold the touch button for 15-20 seconds.
3. Release the button when the Mi logo appears on the screen.

Method 2: Forced Rebutt for Mi Band 6-8

On newer models without physical buttons, use a combination of touches:

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger.
2. Touch the screen and hold your finger in the center for 20-30 seconds.
3. If the screen remains black, repeat the action by simultaneously touching two fingers (left and right edges of the screen).

If these methods didn't work, the problem could be a damaged firmware or hardware failure, in which case only flashing through Mi Fit or contacting the service will help.

5.Reboot via Mi Fitness (Zepp Life)

Modern versions of the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) allow you to control the bracelet remotely, including rebooting, a method that is convenient if physical access to the device is limited (for example, a bracelet on the arm of a sleeping child).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Mi Fitness app and go to your bracelet profile.
2. Slap the icon. ⚙️ Settings of the device.
3. Scroll down and select Reboot (or Reboot).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Notes:

• 📱 The bracelet must be connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
• 🔋 The charge level of the bracelet must be at least 10%.
• 🔄 After restarting, data synchronization may be required.

If the Reboot option is not on the menu, upgrade to the latest version or check the compatibility of your bracelet model.

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Remote rebooting via an app is the safest method, as it eliminates the risk of mechanical damage (such as holding a button), but it only works with a stable Bluetooth connection.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

The wrong actions when rebooting can make the problem worse, and here are the typical user errors and ways to prevent them:

• ❌ Interrupting the reset process - if you remove the bracelet from the dock or turn off Bluetooth during the reboot, the firmware may damage.Solution: wait for the procedure to be completed fully (the screen should catch fire or the Mi logo will appear).
• ❌ Using a non-original charger – cheap cables may not provide stable power, which leads to failures.Solution: only use Xiaomi branded accessories.
• ❌ Reset without backing up data — after a hard reset, all unsynchronized information will be lost. Solution: Before reset, open Mi Fitness and press Sync.
• ❌ Ignoring firmware updates – outdated software often causes freezes. Solution: regularly check for updates in the bracelet menu or app.

Another common problem is that the bracelet is not detected by the app after the reboot.

1. Remove the device from the list of conjugated in the Bluetooth settings of the smartphone.
2. Reboot your smartphone.
3. Start Mi Fitness and add the bracelet again.

7. Flashing as a last resort

If all the reboot methods didn’t work and the bracelet still doesn’t work properly, the last option is forced flashing, which requires a PC connection and the use of specialized utilities such as Mi Band Tools or Gadgetbridge.

When you need a flashing:

• 🔄 The bracelet is loaded only to the Mi logo and switched off.
• 📵 The app doesn't see the device, although it's on and charged.
• 🚨 Error 32 or Failed to Update).

Instructions:

1. Download the latest firmware version for your model from the official Xiaomi website or a trusted source (e.g. xda-developers.com).
2. Install the Mi Band Tools utility on your PC and connect the bracelet via Bluetooth.
3. In the program, select Firmware Update and specify the path to the downloaded file.
4. Wait until the process is complete (don’t turn off the bracelet!).

⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can turn the bracelet into a brick. Use only files designed for your model (Mi Band 6 is not compatible with firmware from Mi Band 7!).

If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact the service center. The cost of flashing in official Xiaomi centers usually does not exceed 500-1000 rubles.

8. Failure prevention: how to avoid frequent reboots

To ensure that the Mi Band is stable, follow these guidelines:

• 🔋 Charging: Do not allow the bracelet to be fully discharged (connect to charging at 20.
• 📱 Synchronization: Update your data regularly in Mi Fitness (at least once every 2-3 days).
• 🔄 Updates: Install the latest firmware versions, but not on the first day of release (wait for feedback from other users).
• 🌡️ Operating conditions: Avoid overheating (do not leave the bracelet in direct sunlight) and moisture (even if the model is waterproof).
• 🛡️ Interference protection: Do not use the bracelet near powerful electromagnetic radiation sources (microwaves, radio transmitters).

The average lifespan of the Xiaomi Mi Band, when properly operated, is 2-3 years. If the bracelet fails more than once a month, this may indicate battery wear or software conflicts, in which case consider replacing it with a new model.

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Regularly syncing data to the Mi Fitness cloud not only keeps you active, but also reduces the risk of information loss when crashes.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions