How to reset Xiaomi Mi Band 3 to factory settings: 4 proven ways

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular gadgets for monitoring activity, despite the release of new models. Over time, the device can start to malfunction: it stops syncing with the smartphone, incorrectly displays pulse data, “hangs” on the logo when you turn on or completely stops responding to touch. In 80% of these cases, a complete reset to factory settings helps – a procedure that returns the bracelet to its original state, as after purchase.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset Mi Band. 3, including the software method through the application Mi Fit/Zepp Life, hardware reset buttons, and forced reset for "brick" devices, especially pay attention to typical user errors that can lead to loss of communication with the bracelet or even its breakage. If you encounter a problem after updating the firmware or the bracelet simply stopped working adequately - this guide will help bring it back to life.

When do I need to reset Xiaomi Mi Band 3?

Resetting the bracelet to factory settings should not be "just in case", but only when there are clear signs of malfunction.

🔄 Bracelet does not sync with the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app for more than a day, despite the smartphone reboot.
📱 The Mi Band 3 screen does not respond to touch or display artifacts (strips, flickering).
🔋 After updating the firmware, the device discharges in a few hours or does not hold a charge.
🚨 The bracelet is getting stuck on the Mi logo and does not turn on further, even after recharging.
📊 Step, pulse, or sleep data are not displayed correctly (e.g., 0 steps while walking actively).

It is important to distinguish between software failures and hardware failures: if the bracelet does not charge at all (even after cleaning the contacts), is physically damaged (cracks on the screen), or is not determined by the computer as USB-The device is not going to help. In such cases, repair or replacement is required.

⚠️ Warning: Reset removes all data from the bracelet, including activity history, alarm settings and tied notifications. It is impossible to recover them after the procedure - sync important information with the application in advance!

📊 What is the problem with Mi Band 3?

Not synchronizing.

Hanging on the logo.

He doesn't respond to touch.

It's discharged fast.

Another problem.

Method 1: Reset via Mi Fit/Zepp Life

The safest and most recommended method is to use an official app, which is suitable if the bracelet is turned on, connected to the smartphone and reacts to touch, the instructions are relevant for both versions of the software: Mi Fit (old interface) and Zepp Life (new branding from Xiaomi).

Step-by-step procedure:

Open the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app on your smartphone.
Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 3 (or Devices) → Mi Band 3 in Zepp Life).
Scroll down and select Unplug the device (in Zepp Life - Delete the device).
Confirm action. The bracelet will be automatically reset and disconnected from the account.
To reconnect, click Add Device and follow the instructions on the screen.

If the item Untie the device is missing or inactive, try:

📲 Update the app to the latest version in Google Play or App Store.
🔄 Reboot the bracelet: Press the touch button for 10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
📶 Turn on/off Bluetooth on your smartphone.

Update Mi Fit/Zepp Life to the latest version

Charge the bracelet by at least 50%

Make sure that Bluetooth is on.

Synchronize data before resetting-->

Method 2: Hard Reset (Hard Reset)

If the bracelet doesn't connect to the phone or freezes but responds to physical actions, reset through a hardware button. This method works even without access to the application.

Instructions:

Remove the bracelet from your hand and place it on a flat surface with the screen up.
Find the touch button below the screen (it is also the only mechanical button on the body).
Hold it for 15-20 seconds until the Mi logo appears on the screen, followed by a vibration.
Release the button. The bracelet will reset and return to factory settings.

Signs of successful discharge:

🔄 The screen will display a welcome message in Chinese/English.
📱 The bracelet will be available for new binding in the application.
⚙️ All user settings (clocks, alarms, notifications) will be reset.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Hard Reset with a normal reboot! With a short press (3-5 seconds), the bracelet simply restarts and the data is saved.

What to do if the button does not respond?

If the touch button doesn’t work, try: 1. Clean the bracelet contacts with an alcohol wipe (the dirt can block the sensor). 2. Connect to charging for 10 minutes – sometimes the discharged device does not respond to presses. 3. Use forced reset (see Method 4) if the bracelet is fully “brick”.

Method 3: Reset via USB (for power users)

This method is suitable if the bracelet does not turn on, does not respond to a button or is in a “bootloop” state. USB-Mi Band 3 cable and computer with drivers installed ADB.

Important: the method requires technical skills, and incorrect actions can permanently disable the bracelet!

Step-by-step:

Connect the bracelet to USB-Make sure it is defined as a device (Mi Band 3 or Unknown Device should appear in Device Manager).
Download the Gadgetbridge utility (an alternative to the official software) or use ADB.
Enter the command to reset: adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MASTER_CLEAR
Wait for the bracelet to reset (it can take up to 5 minutes).

Symptoms.	Reason.	Decision
The computer can't see the bracelet.	There are no ADB drivers	Install USB drivers for Android
Command not executed	Bracelet's not in debugging mode	Try fastboot oem unlock (requires bootloader unlock)
The bracelet hangs after the team	Firmware damaged.	Sweat the bracelet through the Mi Fit Tool (see Method 4)

💡

If the bracelet is not computer-defined, try connecting it to another one. USB-port (preferably 2.0) or use an externally powered hub.

Method 4: Forced Reset for “brick” bracelets

If the Mi Band 3 doesn't turn on completely, doesn't respond to a charge or a button, and the computer doesn't even see it, there's a last chance: forced reset via charging contacts, and this technique works thanks to a hardware controller that resets the firmware in a certain sequence of actions.

You'll need:

🔌 Charging cable from Mi Band 3 (original or compatible).
📌 paperclip.
🔋 power supply (USB-port).

Instructions:

Unplug the bracelet from the strap to access the contacts.
Connect the cable to the USB, but do not insert the bracelet into the connector.
Carefully close the two extreme contacts (left and right) with a clip for 3-5 seconds: ┌───┬───┬───┐ │ ⚡ │ │ ⚡ │ ← close out └───┴───┴───┘
Without letting go of the paperclip, insert the bracelet into the charging connector.
In 5-10 seconds, release the paperclip. The bracelet should vibrate and turn on.

⚠️ Warning: Do not close the central contact - this can cause the power controller to fail! If the bracelet does not turn on after the procedure, the board may be damaged.

💡

Forced Reset is a last resort, only use it if other methods have not worked. After a successful reset, be sure to update the bracelet firmware through the official app!

What do I do after the dump?

After a successful reset, the Mi Band 3 will return to factory settings. To reuse all the features, follow the following steps:

Link the bracelet to your account: Open Mi Fit/Zepp Life. Press Add the device. → Mi Smart Band 3. Follow the instructions on the screen (scanning will be required) QR-bracelet).
Update the firmware: Go to Device Profile → Update the firmware. Install the latest version of the software (this will fix bugs from previous builds).

Set the parameters:

Turn on alerts, alarms and sleep monitoring.
Calibrate the pedometer (take 20 steps with the bracelet for fine-tuning).

If the bracelet is unstable again after reset, check:

📱 Application Version – Outdated Mi Fit versions may conflict with firmware.
🔋 Battery status – if the bracelet discharges in a few hours, a battery replacement may be required.
📶 Interference from other devices – some wireless headphones or smartwatches create Bluetooth conflicts.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make critical mistakes when resetting the Mi Band 3, which leads to even bigger problems.

🔌 Reset on a discharged bracelet. If the charge is below 20%, the device may freeze during the procedure%.
📱 Using unofficial firmware. Software from third-party developers (such as Notify & Fitness) can damage the bracelet controller.
⚡ The most common cause of failure after reset is the wrong contacts in Forced Reset!
🔄 Interruption of the procedure: If the reset is interrupted (e.g., disconnect from the USB), The bracelet may stop turning on.

To minimize the risks:

📌 Follow the instructions strictly by steps, without missing points.
🔍 Before reset, check the status of the bracelet contacts - oxidation or dirt can interfere with the procedure.
📡 Use a stable Internet connection when updating your firmware.

Can data be recovered after resetting?

Unfortunately, no. All data (steps, pulse, sleep) is stored only on the bracelet and in the Mi Fit/Zepp Life cloud. If you don't sync it before resetting, the information will be lost forever. The only exception is if you used third-party backup apps (like Tools & Mi Band), but that doesn't work with all models.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi Band 3

❓ The bracelet dropped itself after the update?

This is a regular situation with critical firmware updates. Just re-attach the bracelet through the app. If it is unstable after the update, try to roll back to the previous version of the software using the Mi Fit Tool (requires unlocking the bootloader).

❓ Once reset, the bracelet doesn't connect to the phone?

Check: Is Bluetooth on your smartphone, is the bracelet connected to another device (like a tablet), is the Mi Fit/Zepp Life app updated, does not block the connection of antivirus or energy saving mode. If nothing helps, reset again and try to tie the bracelet to another smartphone.

❓ Can you reset Mi Band 3 without a phone?

Yes, with hardware reset (Method 2) or Forced Reset (Method 4), but you still need a smartphone with Mi Fit/Zepp Life to reset.

❓ Reset doesn't help - the bracelet still doesn't work?

If none of these methods worked, you may have: Hardware failure (damage to the board, battery or screen); firmware problems (requires flashing through the Mi Fit Tool); Incompatibility with your smartphone (try another device); In such cases, contact the Xiaomi service center or the trusted electronics repairmen.

❓ How often can you reset Mi Band 3?

Technically, as much as you want. However, frequent resets (more often 1 time in 2-3 months) can lead to: Wear of flash memory (limited number of recording cycles); Loss of sensor calibration (stepmeter, pulsemeter). Use reset only for real problems, not for "prevention".