How to unlock the fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band 3: all the ways of 2026

Xiaomi Mi Band 3 It remains one of the most popular fitness bracelets even years after its release, thanks to its reliability, long service times and rich functionality, but many users are faced with the problem of suddenly locking the device after several unsuccessful attempts to enter. PIN-code, synchronization failure or firmware updates, unlike new models (Mi Band) 5/6/7), where unlocking is integrated into the official application, the third version often requires workarounds.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking, from standard reset via Mi Fit to manual intervention through ADB (for advanced users), focusing on the hidden method using the MiBandTools utility, which works even when “dead” synchronization with the phone, and learn how to avoid re-locking and what to do if the bracelet does not respond to touch after unlocking.

Why Mi Band 3 is blocked: the main reasons

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 bracelet can get locked for several reasons, and understanding the root of the problem will help you choose the right unlock method.

• 🔒 Repeated misentry PIN-After 5-10 unsuccessful attempts, the bracelet is blocked for 30 minutes, and then requires a complete reset.
• 📱 Application sync failure – if Mi Fit or Zepp Life can’t connect to the bracelet due to Bluetooth or Xiaomi servers error.
• 🔄 Failed firmware update – interrupted download of a new version of the software can lead to “hang” screen with a request to unlock.
• 🔋 Battery discharge to zero – after a deep discharge, the bracelet sometimes requires re-association to the account.
• 🛡️ Activation of theft protection – if the device was linked to another account and not untied.

It is important to note that the Mi Band 3 does not have a hardware reset button (unlike the Mi Band 4 and later), so all manipulations are software-based. If the bracelet screen is completely black and does not respond to charging, the problem may be a hardware failure - in which case repairs will be required.

⚠️ Note: If the bracelet is blocked after purchase from hand and asks for the entry of the old PIN-In this case, unlocking without the data of the previous owner is impossible - you will need to contact in support with proof of purchase.

Method 1: Unlocking through the official Mi Fit/Zepp Life app

The easiest method is to use the standard tools of the application, which is suitable if the bracelet responds to touch, but asks you to enter. PIN-code or shows a message about blocking.

Steps to unlock:

1. Open the Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life if you use it).
2. Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 3.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Untie the device.
4. Confirm the action - the bracelet will be reset to factory settings.
5. Re-attach Mi Band 3 to your account via Add Device.

If this method does not work, try forced synchronization:

• 📱 In the app, go to Bracelet Settings → Synchronize data.
• 🔄 Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 5 minutes).
• 🔓 After synchronization, the bracelet can be unlocked automatically.

If the application does not see the bracelet or gives an error It was not possible to connect, proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Reset settings through hidden menu (no PIN-code)

Mi Band 3 has a hidden reset menu that can be activated without input. PIN-This method works even if the bracelet screen is locked, but it responds to touch.

Instructions:

1. On the screen of the bracelet, swipe your finger to the left 5 times in a row (until the settings menu appears).
2. Scroll down to More (or additionally in English).
3. Select Factory Reset (Settings Reset).
4. Confirm the action by clicking the tick.

Once reset, the bracelet will reboot and be ready for a new binding. If the menu does not open, try connecting the bracelet to charge for 10-15 minutes - sometimes this "wakes up" the screen.

Charge the bracelet at least 20 times%|Make sure the screen responds to touch|Turn off Bluetooth on your phone (to avoid conflicts)|Have it on hand PIN-Xiaomi account code (required for re-linking)

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⚠️ Note: After resetting through the hidden menu, all data from the bracelet (steps, pulse, notifications) will be deleted. If you have synchronized with Mi Fit, some information can be restored from the cloud.

Method 3: Unlocking through ADB (for advanced users)

If the bracelet doesn’t respond to touch or the app can’t see the device, you can try unlocking through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires root rights on the phone and works only on Android.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB Tools on your phone and enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the adb folder.
3. Enter the commands in turn: adb devices adb shell am start -n com.xiaomi.hm.health/com.xiaomi.hm.health.device.AddDeviceActivity
4. In the Mi Fit application, a window will appear to add a new device - do the Mi Band 3 binding again.

If the bracelet is not detected, try removing the app cache:

adb shell pm clear com.xiaomi.hm.health

This method does not work on all firmware and may require additional manipulation of rights. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to consult a specialist.

Method 4: Flashing through MiBandTools (alternative method)

MiBandTools allows you to manually flash Mi Band 3, bypassing the lock.

• 🔧 The bracelet does not respond to reset via the app.
• 📵 The screen shows the Error 5 or Error 16 error.
• 🔄 Previous ways didn't work.

Instructions:

1. Download MiBandTools (version for Windows/Linux/Mac).
2. Connect the bracelet to your PC via a Bluetooth adapter (CSR 4.0 or later is recommended).
3. Start the utility and execute the commands: mibandtool --device [MAC-bracelet] --auth mibandtool --device [MAC-bracelet] --reboot-to-dfu
4. Download the firmware for Mi Band 3 (For example, from here, and run it through the command: mibandtool. --device [MAC-address] --flash-firmware [filepath]

It can take up to 20 minutes, and after flashing, the bracelet will be reset to the factory settings.

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Before flashing backup your bracelet data via Mi Fit (if possible). To do this, go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Backup.

Method 5: Unlocking through Xiaomi account replacement (if the bracelet is tied to another owner)

If you bought Mi Band 3 with your hands and it requires input PIN-If you have the code of the previous owner, you can't unlock it with standard methods:

1. Contact the seller and ask him to untie the bracelet through his Mi Fit account.
2. Contact Xiaomi with a purchase check (if it is saved) – they can reset the peg manually.

If neither option is available, you can try creating a new Xiaomi account in the same region as the previous owner (for example, if the bracelet was linked to a Chinese account, create a new one on Xiaomi.com with a selection of China region).

⚠️ Warning: Buying an account-linked bracelet can lead to not only locking, but also leaking personal data. Always check the device before buying: ask the seller to reset the settings and untie the bracelet in front of you.

What to do if the bracelet does not respond to unlocking?

If after all the manipulations Mi Band 3 is still locked or not turned on, check the following points:

• 🔋 Charging: Connect the bracelet to the charger for 1-2 hours. Sometimes a deep discharge leads to "hanging».
• 📶 Bluetooth: Make sure your phone is Bluetooth 4.0 enabled+ There is no conflict with other devices.
• 📱 Appendix: Reinstall Mi Fit or Zepp Life by clearing the cache before deleting.
• 🔧 Hardware problems: If the screen does not respond to touch even after charging, the touchpad may be damaged - repairs will be required.

If the bracelet vibrates when connected to charging, but the screen remains black, try pressing and holding the area under the screen (where the touch button is located) for 10-15 seconds, sometimes helping to wake the device.

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If the bracelet does not respond to reset and flashing, but it is charged (hot case, vibration when connected), there is a 90% probability of a firmware problem, in which case only flashing through MiBandTools or contacting the service center will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Mi Band 3