Xiaomi smartwatches are reliable gadgets, but even they sometimes require a reboot. Screen freeze, phone sync errors, sudden shutdown or crashes after a firmware update are all problems often solved with a simple restart. However, not all users know how to properly reboot a fitness bracelet or smartwatch without risking damaging the device.
In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to reboot for different models, from the Mi Band 3/4/5/6/7 to the Xiaomi Watch S1/S2 and Redmi Watch 2/3. You’ll learn how to make a soft restart through the menu, force the freezer to restart, perform a factory reset and even restore the clock after critical errors.
1.When do you need to reboot Xiaomi smartwatches?
Rebooting is not always the first thing to do when you have a problem with your gadget, sometimes it’s enough to reconnect your watch to your phone or update the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app, but there are situations where a restart is really necessary:
- 🔄 Screen freeze – the watch does not respond to touch, buttons do not work, the screen flickers or shows a single picture.
- 📱 Synchronization problems – data is not updated in the app, notifications are not coming, the clock is not connected to the phone.
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge – if after updating the firmware battery goes down in a few hours.
- 🔄 Cyclical reset – the clock is constantly restarted on its own.
- 📲 Errors after firmware - failures in the operation of sensors, incorrect display of time or lack of response to gestures.
It is important to distinguish between temporary failures (which are solved by rebooting) and hardware failures (require repairs).For example, if the watch does not turn on after a complete discharge or physical damage, a simple reboot will not help.
⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi Watch is S3 or Redmi Watch 4 stopped responding to touches after falling or getting moisture, do not try to reset them repeatedly. This can aggravate the damage to the board.
2. Soft reboot via menu (for working hours)
If the watch reacts to touch but is not operating smoothly, try a standard restart through the system menu first.
Instructions for most models (Mi Band 5/6/7, Xiaomi Watch S2, Redmi Watch 3):
- Scroll down to the Settings (cog icon).
- Select System → Reboot (or Reboot in English firmware).
- Confirm the action by pressing OK or tick.
On the Mi Band 4 and older models, the path may be different:
Settings → Additional → RebootOnce confirmed, the clock will turn off and automatically turn on in 10 to 20 seconds, the entire process takes no more than a minute.
Turn off the watch from charging.
Make sure that the battery level is > 20%
Close the Mi Fitness/Zepp app on your phone
Take a screenshot of the current settings (if you are afraid of resetting)
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3. Forced reset (if the clock is curled)
When the screen is not responsive to touch and the menu is not available, you have to use a hardware reset, and you have physical buttons or touch zones on the watch body.
Methods of forced reboot for different models:
| Model clock | Resetting method | Retention time |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 3/4/5/6/7/8 | Press and hold the touch button under the screen. | 10-15 seconds |
| Xiaomi Watch S1/S2/S3 | Hold the physical button on the right end. | 15-20 seconds |
| Redmi Watch 2/3/4 | Press both buttons (if any) or touch zone + button | 12-18 seconds |
| Xiaomi Watch Color 2 | Hold the power button until vibration. | 8-10 seconds |
If you successfully reset the watch vibrates, the screen goes out, and then the Xiaomi or Mi logo appears. If after 20 seconds of retention nothing happens, try connecting the watch to charging for 5-10 minutes, and then try again.
⚠️ Attention: On models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S3) Long-term power button retention can activate Fastboot mode instead of rebooting. FASTBOOT MODE, Release the button and try again, holding 2-3 seconds less.
What if the watch does not respond to the button holding?
4 Hard Reset to Factory Settings
If a soft reboot doesn’t help and the watch keeps getting glitchy, you’ll have to make a complete reset, which will delete all data from the device (steps, settings, profiles), but often resolves firmware issues.
How to reset Xiaomi watches to factory settings:
- 🔧 Through the menu: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset everything.
- 🔧 In Mi Fitness or Zepp Life, select the device → Settings of the device → Untie the device. It will cause a reset.
- 🔧 Hardware reset: For the Mi Band 5/6/7 — Hold the touch button. 30 For Xiaomi Watch, press the power button. + top button (if any) on 20 seconds.
After a hard reset, the watch will return to a "out of the box" state.
- 📱 Connect them to your phone via Bluetooth.
- 🔄 Update the firmware (if a new version is available).
- ⚙️ Set up notifications, dials and activity profiles.
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Before resetting, check if your data is linked to a Xiaomi or Zepp account. If so, after reconnecting, some information (such as step history) will be automatically restored.
5.Reboot after firmware update
Firmware updates (OTAs) usually go smoothly, but sometimes the watch gets stuck during the installation phase.If the screen shows the progress bar or Xiaomi logo for longer than 30 minutes after the upgrade, a forced restart will be required.
Algorithm of action:
- Turn off the clock from charging (if it was connected).
- Hold the power button (or touch zone) for 25-30 seconds.
- If the watch vibrates but does not turn on, plug it into charging and repeat holding the button.
- After a successful reboot, check the firmware version in Settings → About the device.
If the update is interrupted in the middle and the clock is no longer on at all, try restoring firmware via PC:
1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
2. Connect the watch to your computer via USB- cable (for supported models).
3. Use the Mi Fit Tool or Zepp Firmware Tool for manual firmware.⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the firmware process through the PC! USB-If you're not sure about your skills, turn off your computer while you're writing firmware can turn your watch into a brick.
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After a failed update, never try to flash the watch firmware from another model – this is guaranteed to bring the device down.
6. Solving specific problems after the reboot
Sometimes a reboot solves one problem, but it creates others, and here are the most common scenarios and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The watch doesn't connect to the phone. | Resetting Bluetooth settings | Forget the device in your phone settings and connect again |
| The touch screen is not working. | Calibration failure after update | Calibrate in Settings → Screen |
| Battery discharges fast | Background processes after discharge | Turn off unnecessary notifications and sensors |
| Data is not synchronized | Account conflict | Re-attach the watch to your Xiaomi/Zepp account |
If after the reboot, the Xiaomi Watch S2 or Redmi Watch 3 began to show the wrong time, check:
- 🌍 Time zone in phone and clock settings.
- 🔄 Automatic time synchronization (must be enabled).
- 📱 Permissions for Mi Fitness (location and time access).
7. Hidden reboot features for power users
To diagnose and restore Xiaomi watches, there are service modes that few people know about, and these methods should be used only if the standard methods did not help.
Fastboot mode (for firmware via PC):
- Turn off the clock (hold the power button until vibration).
- Connect them to the PC via USB-cable.
- Hold the power button + top button (if any) for 10 seconds.
- The screen will show the inscription FASTBOOT.
Recovery mode (for resetting and diagnosis):
- Turn off the clock.
- Hold the power button + touch zone for 15 seconds.
- In the recovery menu, select Wipe data for a full reset.
These modes are designed for advanced users and service centers, and improper actions can lead to loss of warranty or device breakdown.