Xiaomi Mi Band 4 remains one of the most popular fitness bracelets even years after its release. Its main advantage is flexible customization, including the ability to set third-party dials. However, not all users are happy with the result: some themes slow down the device, others eat up the battery, and others just don’t like visually. In this situation, it makes sense to return the factory dial — but how to do this if the menu of the bracelet is not an obvious option?
In this article, we’ll look at three working ways to bring back a standard theme to Mi Band 4: through the official Mi Fit app, through resetting settings, and manually through firmware files. Each method is suitable for different situations, from simply returning to factory settings to recovering from a failed upgrade, and you’ll learn why the bracelet can “forget” a standard dial and how to avoid it.
Important: The instructions are valid for all versions of the Mi Band 4 firmware (including Chinese and global), but may differ for Mi Band 5/6/7 models.
Why a standard theme disappears and when it needs to be restored
The factory dial on the Mi Band 4 can go missing for several reasons, most often after:
- 🔄 Firmware updates – Newer versions of the software sometimes reset user settings, including themes.
- 📱 Reinstall the Mi Fit application – when you first connect the bracelet can “forget” previous dials.
Return the standard theme in the following cases:
- ⏳ The bracelet began to slow down or discharge quickly after installing a new dial.
- 🎨 Current theme is displayed incorrectly (artifacts, missing elements).
- 🔒 You want to sell or transfer the bracelet to another user.
- 🛡️ After updating the firmware appeared interface glitches.
If the problem is not the dial, but the bracelet itself (for example, the sensor is not working or data is not synchronized), first check the battery status and connection quality with the phone.
Method 1: Recover a standard theme through the Mi Fit app
The easiest way to return a factory dial is to use an official app, which works if:
- ⚠️ You have not installed firmware from third-party developers (e.g. Amazfit).
Instructions:
- Open the Mi Fit app on your phone and connect to the bracelet.
- Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 4 → Dials.
- Scroll down the list of available themes – the standard dial is usually in the Basic or Recommended category.
- Select a factory theme (it can be called Classic, Default or Mi Band 4) and click Install.
- Wait for the synchronization – the bracelet will reboot, and the theme will apply.
If the standard dial is not on the list, try:
- 🔍 Update the Mi Fit app to the latest version.
☑️ Preparation for the restoration of the topic
⚠️ Note: If you have previously installed custom firmware (for example, through Notify & Fitness), the standard theme may not appear in Mi Fit.
Method 2: Resetting the bracelet to factory settings
If the standard theme is not restored through the application or the bracelet is unstable, a complete reset will help. This method deletes all user data, including dials, notification settings and activity history. After reset, the bracelet will return to the factory firmware and the default theme, but all data will be lost (except those stored in Mi Fit).
How to Reset Mi Band 4:
- On the bracelet, go to Settings → Additional → Reset (scroll down to the end of the menu).
- Confirm the action by clicking on the tick (✓). The bracelet vibrates and resets.
- After restarting, connect the bracelet to the Mi Fit again (Profile → Add device).
If the sensor bracelet does not respond or the menu is not available, perform a hardware reset:
- Disconnect the bracelet capsule from the strap.
- Connect it to the charger.
- Press the touch button for 20-30 seconds until you feel the vibration and see the Mi logo.
- Release the button and the bracelet will reset and reset.
| Resetting method | When to use | Is the data preserved? |
|---|---|---|
| Through the wristband menu | If the sensor is working, but you need to return the factory settings | ❌ No (except for the data in Mi Fit) |
| Hardware reset (button + charging) | If the bracelet freezes or does not respond to touch | ❌ No. |
| Disconnection in Mi Fit → Reconnection | If the topic is lost after the update of the application | ✅ Yes (unless you do a full reset) |
⚠️ Warning: After resetting, the bracelet may request a firmware update.If you want to avoid automatic custom themes installation, reject the update in Mi Fit and manually select a standard dial.
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If the bracelet does not connect to the phone after reset, remove it from the list of Bluetooth devices in the smartphone settings and repeat pairing.
Method 3: Manually installing a standard theme through firmware files
This method is suitable for experienced users who have:
- 🔧 There is no standard dial in Mi Fit.
- 📦 The bracelet works on custom firmware (for example, Amazfit).
- 🛠️ You need to return a specific version of the factory theme (for example, after a failed update).
For manual installation, you will need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows or macOS.
- 📂 Standard theme file (can be extracted from official firmware).
- 🔌 A bracelet firmware program (e.g. Mi Band 4 Tools or Gadgetbridge).
Step-by-step:
- Download the official firmware for Mi Band 4 from Miui SU or 4PDA (look for files with the.fw or.bin extension).
- Remove the theme file from the archive (usually called the file). watchface_*.bin).
- Connect the bracelet to your computer via Bluetooth (use Gadgetbridge or nRF Connect).
- Upload the theme file to the memory of the bracelet using the flasher program.
- Reset the bracelet (press the button for 10 seconds).
If you are not sure about your actions, you should use the reset or ask for help on thematic forums. Wrong firmware can cause the bracelet to fail.
Where to download official theme files?
What to do if a standard theme is not set
Sometimes even after resetting or manually installing the bracelet refuses to show the factory dial.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| After the reset, a random topic is not a standard one. | In the memory of the bracelet remained fragments of custom dials | Perform a hardware reset (button + charging) and reconnect |
| Mi Fit does not have a "Digital" section | Outdated version of the application or regional restrictions | Update Mi Fit or install Mi Fitness (for Chinese versions of the bracelet) |
| The bracelet hangs when installing the theme | Conflict with custom firmware or damaged files | Write the bracelet with official firmware through Mi Band 4 Tools |
| Standard theme is displayed with artifacts | Screen damage or incompatibility of firmware version | Check the bracelet for physical damage or roll back the firmware |
If none of the methods worked, there may be a problem with the hardware of the bracelet, for example, a memory malfunction can cause themes to fail when loading.
- 🔧 Contact the Xiaomi service center (if the bracelet is guaranteed).
- 🛒 Buying a new Mi Band – the cost of repair is often comparable to the price of a new device.
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If the bracelet is unstable after reset (reboots itself, does not hold a charge), the problem may be in the battery.
How to avoid problems with topics in the future
To avoid having to re-establish a standard theme, follow these guidelines:
- 🔍 Check the compatibility of the dials before installing. Not all themes from the Internet are optimized for the Mi Band 4.
- 📥 Update the firmware only through the official Mi Fit app.
- 🔋 Watch the battery charge – a deep discharge can lead to failures.
- 📂 Backup your data in Mi Fit before experimenting with themes.
If you like to customize the bracelet, use proven sources of themes:
- 🌐 Official dial store in Mi Fit.
- 🛡️ Forums 4PDA (Mi Band 4 section).
- 🎨 Amazfit Watchfaces (Mi Band 4 support via Notify & Fitness).
Remember, the simpler theme, the more stable the bracelet works, and animated dials with more elements discharge the battery faster and can cause lags.