Connecting Xiaomi Mi Band 3 to your phone after resetting: the full guide

Resetting the settings on Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is a common measure when selling a bracelet, crashing or switching to a new smartphone. However, after this procedure, many people face the problem: the gadget is no longer determined by the phone, does not sync with the Mi Fit application or permanently disconnects. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step connection algorithm, typical errors and ways to fix them, from compatibility checks to manual Bluetooth settings.

The Mi Band 3 (codenamed XMSH08HM) is that it returns to factory settings after reset, including the communication protocol, which means that even if the bracelet used to work with your phone, it may now require re-authorization in your Mi Account or firmware update, and we've taken into account all the nuances from choosing the right version of the application to handling errors like "Disabled Connection" or "Device Not Found."

Why does Mi Band 3 not connect after resetting?

The main reason is the data conflict between the wristband and the phone. After resetting, the Mi Band 3 erases all paired Bluetooth keys, but the smartphone can store them in cache, resulting in devices not seeing each other, although they are physically connected.

• 📱 Mi Fit: The app does not support the bracelet communication protocol after resetting.
• 🔄 Residual settings in the phone – in the Bluetooth menu can remain a “dead” record of the bracelet.
• 🔋 Low battery power – at levels below 20%, the Mi Band 3 limits synchronization functions.
• 🛡️ Blocking permits — Android/iOS May prevent Mi Fit from accessing geodata or contacts.

Less commonly, the problem is hardware malfunctions, such as damage to the Bluetooth bracelet module after falling or getting moisture. If none of the methods below helps, check the gadget on another phone.

Preparing the phone before connecting

Before connecting devices, clear the Bluetooth cache and delete the old Mi Fit data, which will prevent conflicts when you re-synchronize.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Xiaomi Mi Band 3 with iPhone, pre-disable the Automatic Bluetooth Connection feature in iOS settings.

Instructions for Android:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Mi Fit → Storage → Clear cache.
2. Go to Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth.
3. Find Mi Band 3 (may appear as XMSH08HM) and click “Forget the device”.
4. Reboot the phone.

For the iPhone:

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Slip the icon “i” next to the Mi Band 3 and select “Forget this device”.
3. Remove the Mi Fit app and install it again from the App Store.

Step-by-step instructions for connecting Mi Band 3

Follow the algorithm in strict order. If there is a mistake at some point, don't move on, fix the problem first.

1. Make sure the Mi Band 3 is above 50% charge level. Connect it to the charger for 10-15 minutes, even if the indicator shows residual charge. At low battery level, the bracelet can interrupt synchronization.
2. Install Mi Fit Download the latest version of the application: 🤖 Mi Fit for Android (version 4.6.0 and higher). 🍎 Mi Fit for iOS (version 4.7.0 and higher).

⚠️ Note: On Android, also check that the app settings allow for “Geodata,” “Contacts,” and “Notifications.” Without these permissions, sync will be incomplete.

Registration/entry to Mi-account

Open Mi Fit and log in to the same account you used before. If you don't have an account, register a new one (preferably via your phone number). The bracelet is tied to your account, not your phone, and if you change your smartphone, just log in to the same profile.

Addition of a device

In the main menu of Mi Fit, click "Profile" → Add a device. Select "Bracelet" then "Mi Smart Band 3." QR-code.

Synchronization by Bluetooth

On the bracelet, swipe up until the menu appears, then select "Plug" (phone icon). If the screen doesn't respond, press the physical button below the display. The phone should detect the Mi Band 3 within 30 seconds.

Confirmation of connection

You'll see a pairing request on your phone, confirm it. In Mi Fit, press "Done" when the bracelet vibrates. If the process is stalled in Connect., restart the Bluetooth on your phone.

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If the bracelet is not detected, try turning on Developer Mode on your phone and turning off Responsive Bluetooth (on Android 12+).

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if you do the instructions correctly, you can have failures, and here's a table of typical problems and ways to fix them.

If the error is not listed in the table, try resetting the bracelet again and repeating the procedure from another phone, which will help determine whether the problem is in the gadget or in your smartphone.

Update the firmware after connecting

After successful synchronization, be sure to check the firmware's relevance. Outdated software can cause sensor or notification malfunctions.

1. Open the Mi Fit and go to the section of your bracelet.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Firmware Update”.
3. If a new version is available, click “Update” and wait until it is completed (the bracelet will reboot automatically).

Important: during the upgrade, do not turn off Bluetooth or close the Mi Fit. The process takes 5-10 minutes. If the update is interrupted, the bracelet may stop turning on.

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After updating the firmware, reset the bracelet settings again (via Mi Fit → Device Settings → Reset) to prevent conflicts between old and new data.

Configure notifications and additional functions

By default, after connecting, the Mi Band 3 shows only basic data (time, steps, pulse) to activate notifications and other functions:

• 📱 Notifications: In Mi Fit, go to “Device Profile” → Notifications and turn on the switches for calls, SMS and applications (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram).
• 🏃 Sleep Tracking: Activate in “Settings” → Sleep mode" and specify the time of rest / rise.
• 🔒 Unlocking Phone: On Android, Enable “Unlocking Bracelet” in Security Settings.
• 🌡️ Weather: B “Device profile” → Weather" select your city to display the forecast on the bracelet screen.

For iPhones, some features (such as unlocking your phone) may be limited due to Apple’s policies, in which case use alternative apps like Notify for Mi Band (available on the App Store).

What do you do if nothing helps?

If the bracelet does not connect, check the following points:

1. Phone compatibility: Mi Band 3 officially supports Android 4.4+ and iOS 9.0+. On older versions, errors may occur.
2. Hardware damage: Check the bracelet for cracks, battery bloating, or contact corrosion. If the gadget falls or gets wet, you may need repairs.
3. Conflict with other devices: Disconnect other wearable gadgets (earphones, smart watches) from your phone – they can block the Bluetooth channel.
4. Regional restrictions: In some countries (e.g. China) Mi Band requires a special version of Mi Fit (e.g. Zepp Life). Play/App Store.

If the problem is not resolved, contact Xiaomi Support via the official website or chat in Mi Fit.

• Phone model and OS version.
• The Mi Fit version of the app.
• Error logs (if they appear on the screen)

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Mi Band 3