The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet is one of the most popular activity tracking devices, but even it sometimes crashes. Screen getting stuck, synchronization errors, or malfunctioning after a firmware update are typical problems that are solved by a simple reboot, but not everyone knows how to do this correctly, especially if the bracelet does not respond to touch.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to reboot the Mi Band 3, from the standard method with a touch button to forced reset via a charger, and how to distinguish a regular failure from a serious failure and what to do if the bracelet does not turn on after the reboot, instructions are suitable for both the original version and clones (for example, Haylou Solar or Amazfit Bip on the same platform).
Before you get started, make sure the problem does require a reboot. For example, if the bracelet is not synced to your smartphone, first check Bluetooth and permissions in the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app. Reboot is a last resort, but sometimes the only one.
1. Standard reboot via touch button
The easiest and safest way to do this is to use a built-in button on the bracelet screen, which works if the Mi Band 3 reacts to touch but is unstable (e.g., slows down or displays data incorrectly).
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the main menu of the bracelet by swiping up the screen.
- 🔄 Find the Reboot icon** (usually indicated by a circular arrow) or Settings item → Reboot.
If the reboot icon is not available, then your firmware version does not support it, in which case use alternative methods from the following sections.
💡
After you reboot, sync the bracelet with the Mi Fit app to update your steps and heart rate. Sometimes after the reboot, the day's statistics may reset - that's okay.
2. Forced button reboot (if the bracelet is getting stuck)
When the Mi Band 3 is completely frozen and does not respond to touch, a hardware reboot will help, using a physical button under the bracelet capsule to remove the module from the strap.
Step-by-step:
- Take a paperclip or toothpick and press the button once (don't hold it!) the bracelet should vibrate and reset.
If nothing happens after pressing, repeat the action 2-3 times at intervals of 5 seconds. Do not use sharp objects so as not to damage the body.
What to do if the button does not work?
3.Reboot via Mi Fit/Zepp Life app
If the bracelet is synchronized with the smartphone, but it does not work correctly, you can initiate a reboot remotely, this method is suitable for eliminating synchronization errors or failures after updating the firmware.
How to do this:
- 📲 Open the Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life for new versions).
If the app doesn’t have this option, upgrade to the latest version in Google Play or the App Store, and check if the bracelet is connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
4. Complete reset to factory settings
When a standard reboot doesn’t help (e.g., the bracelet is constantly overheating or not turning on), a hard reset is required, which will remove all data from the device, including alarm settings and training history, but often resolve critical errors.
Resetting instructions:
- Hold the touch button on the screen for 15-20 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
If the bracelet does not respond to the hold of the button, try the combination: 5 quick press on the screen, then hold 10 seconds. This is an alternative way to start the recovery mode.
Turn off the bracelet from Bluetooth | Record the current settings (alarm clocks, notifications) | Charge the device at least 50% | Prepare a paper clip for hardware reset-->
5. Reboot via firmware (for power users)
If the bracelet has been frozen after a failed firmware update, manual flashing may be required, a method only suitable for those who are willing to work with firmware files and utilities like Mi Band 3 Tools or ADB.
Instructions:
- 🖥️ Download the latest firmware for Mi Band 3 from Xiaomi’s official website or trusted forums (e.g., download the latest firmware version for Mi Band 3, 4PDA).
- 🔌 Connect the bracelet to the PC via a charger with modified cable (access to the device is required). USB-port).
- 🛠️ Use Mi Band 3 Tools or nRF Connect to download the firmware.
⚠️ Warning: The wrong firmware can permanently disable the bracelet.If you're not sure about your skills, contact the service center.
| Rebooting method | When to use | Is the data preserved? | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touch button | The bracelet slows down but responds to touch | Yes. | ⭐ |
| Hardware button | The bracelet is frozen and does not respond to the screen | Yes. | ⭐⭐ |
| Through the app | Synchronization errors, failures after update | Yes. | ⭐ |
| Hard discharge | Critical errors, bracelet not included | No. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Flip-flashing | Failures after a failed software update | No. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
6.What to do if the bracelet does not turn on after restarting
If Mi Band 3 shows no signs of life after any of the reboots, follow these steps:
- Check charging: Connect the bracelet to the charger for 30-60 minutes. Sometimes a deep discharge blocks the onset.
- Check the contacts: Make sure the bracelet and dock charging contacts are free of oxidation or dirt.
- Try another charger: Sometimes the problem is a faulty cable or adapter.
- Reset your settings via PC: If the bracelet is defined by the computer as a device (in Device Manager), use utilities like Mi Band 3 Tools to force flashing.
⚠️ Note: If the bracelet doesn’t turn on even after charging and resetting, the battery or motherboard may have failed.In this case, self-repair is not advisable – contact Xiaomi’s service center or consider buying a new device (for example, Mi Band 7 or Amazfit). GTS 4).
💡
If the bracelet doesn't respond to charging for more than a day, it's likely the hardware problem, and trying to reflash a dead device can make the breakdown worse.
7.How to avoid frequent disruptions in the future
To ensure that Mi Band 3 works consistently, follow these guidelines:
- 🔋 Keep the battery from running out. Charge the bracelet at a charge level below 20%.
- 📱 Update your firmware regularly through the Mi Fit app, but don’t install beta unless you’re sure it’s stable.
- 🚫 Avoid mechanical damage: Do not drop the bracelet or expose it to high temperatures (such as in a sauna).
- 🔄 Once a month, perform a soft reboot (via menu) to clean the cache.
After updating the firmware to version 1.6.0.14 and higher, the Mi Band 3 introduced an automatic reboot function for critical errors, but it does not always work, so the manual reboot remains relevant.