How to Sweat Xiaomi Mi Band 3: Official and Alternative Ways

Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is one of the most popular fitness trackers, but over time, its firmware becomes outdated, bugs appear or you want to install a custom version with advanced features. The firmware of the bracelet can solve synchronization problems, add new dials or even unlock hidden features.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of firmware, from official updates through Mi Fit to installing alternative firmware like Amazfit Mod or Notify & Fitness. Describe step-by-step instructions, necessary tools and critical points that 90% of users miss when first running the firmware. Also answer frequent questions: what to do if the bracelet does not turn on after the update, how to roll back to the old version and whether to sew the device over 3 years old.

Preparation for firmware: what you need to know before starting

Mi Band 3 is not as simple a procedure as upgrading your smartphone. There is no Update button in the settings, and any failure can turn the bracelet into a useless piece of plastic.

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 50%. When discharged during firmware, the device may fail.
• 📱 Smartphone – with Mi Fit installed (version not lower than 4.6.0) or alternative software for custom firmware.
• 🖥️ Computer – if you plan to run through ADB MiFlash, you will need Windows. 10/11 driver-driven.
• 📁 Data backup – sync all data with your Xiaomi account, as they can be reset once you have firmware.

The official updates for the Mi Band 3 were released until 2021, when support was discontinued.

• ✅ The latest official versions are 1.5.0.86 (global) and 1.6.0.14 (Chinese).
• ⚠️ Newer than these versions of firmware are custom, with potential risks to stability.
• 🔧 To install alternative firmware, you will need to unlock the bootloader (bootloader).

⚠️ Note: If your Mi Band 3 was purchased in China, it may have a regional lock, and the firmware of the global version on such a device will lead to loss of functionality (for example, notifications or pedometer will be refused).

Method 1: Officially Update with Mi Fit

The safest method is to upgrade through the Mi Fit app, which is suitable for users who do not want to risk the stability of the bracelet and are happy with the standard functionality, the process takes no more than 10 minutes, but requires several conditions:

1. Connect the bracelet to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
2. Open Mi Fit and go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Firmware Update.

If the update button is not active, check:

• 🌍 Account Region – Mi Fit must have the same region as the bracelet (e.g., Russia for the global version).

⚠️ Note: If during the official update bracelet turned off or the message "Error 20003", do not try to repeat the procedure immediately. Wait 1-2 hours - Xiaomi servers can block frequent requests. VPN AdGuard – they can block the connection to the update servers.

💡

Official update via Mi Fit is the only way that does not deprive you of warranty and does not require unlocking the bootloader.

Method 2: Firmware via MiFlash (for power users)

If the official update is not available or you want to install a specific version of the firmware (for example, roll back on the old one), you can use the MiFlash utility, USB-bracelet cable (or adapter for connecting to the FTDI) and command line knowledge.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with MiFlash Tool (Version 2020 or later).
• 🔌 The Firmware Cable - Original USB-cable from Mi Band 3 or homemade adapter based FT232RL.
• 📁 Firmware file in.bin or.zip format (can be downloaded from the XDA Developers).
• 🔧 Drivers for MediaTek (if you use them) FTDI).

Step-by-step:

1. Run MiFlash and select the downloaded firmware in the Select field.

Flash

Wait until the bracelet is completed (reboot automatically).

If MiFlash is 0x80070002 or 0x80004005, check:

• 🔌 Correct cable connection (contacts should fit tightly).
• 🔄 Try another one. USB-port or disconnect other devices.
• 🛠️ Install drivers manually through Device Manager.

Download MiFlash and firmware |Install MediaTek |Prepair the cable for connection |Prepare the bracelet data backup |Deactivate the antivirus (can block the process)

-->

Method 3: Install custom firmware (Amazfit Mod, Notify & Fitness)

Custom firmware opens up new possibilities for Mi Band 3:

• 🎨 Additional dials (including animated dials).
• 📱 Advanced notifications (with Telegram support, VK, WhatsApp).
• 🏃 New training regimes (swimming, cycling, treadmill).
• 🔋 Optimization of energy consumption (before) +2 days of autonomy).

The most popular custom firmware:

How to install Notify & Fitness:

1. Unlock the bootloader: Connect the bracelet to the PC via ADB (instruction below). Follow the command: adb shell "echo 'setprop persist.service.adb.enable 1' > /data/local.prop" Reboot the bracelet.
2. Download the firmware from GitHub (select the version for your region).
3. Install with Mi Fit Modded: Replace the original application with a modified one (with support for custom firmware). In the Updates section, select the downloaded.fw file.

Wait for completion

⚠️ Note: Once custom firmware is installed, you can only roll back to the official one via MiFlash. Some features (such as Mi Pay) may stop working. If the bracelet is used for payment, custom firmware is not recommended.

Method 4: Firmware through ADB (for developers)

The method for those who want complete control of the bracelet. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to install firmware, modify system files and even run your own scripts, but this is the riskiest way - one error in the command can bring the device down.

What do you need?

• 🖥️ Computer with Android installed SDK (or ADB).
• 🔌 Bracelet connected through FTDI-Adapter (as in the MiFlash method).
• 📁 Firmware in.img or.zip format (for example, from Notify & Fitness).

Major teams:

# Checking the connection


adb devices




Transition to fastboot mode



adb reboot bootloader




Unlock the bootloader (WARNING: Reset all data!)



fastboot oem unlock




Installation of firmware



fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot reboot

If the bracelet is not turned on after firmware:

• 🔄 Try to press the button for 10-15 seconds (hardware reset).
• 🖥️ Repeat the firmware through MiFlash with Clean All mode selection.
• 🔧 Check the cable contacts – often the problem is a poor connection.

💡

Before you run through ADB, create a dump of the current firmware with the adb pull/system command, which will help restore the bracelet if something goes wrong.

What to do if the firmware failed?

If the Mi Band 3 doesn't turn on, vibrates endlessly, or shows a white screen, don't panic. In 90% of cases, the device can be restored. The key is not to try to re-stitch it without diagnosis.

Symptoms and solutions:

The recovery algorithm:

1. Check the charge – connect the bracelet to charge for 30 minutes (even if it doesn’t respond).
2. Reset settings: For official firmware: press the button on 20 For custom: connect through ADB and execute the adb shell factory_reset.
3. Fold it again: Use MiFlash with the original firmware. If it doesn't work, try another firmware version (e.g. Chinese instead of global).

Contact the service.

⚠️ Note: If the bracelet after a failed firmware is determined by the computer as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, which means that the bootloader is damaged, and you can only restore it with a service cable. EDL And specialized software like QFil, and if you try it yourself without experience, it will completely fail.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band firmware 3