Reset Xiaomi Mi Band 3 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Why You Should Reset Mi Band 3 and When to Do It

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet, despite its reliability, sometimes starts to malfunction: it stops syncing with the phone, incorrectly displays step or pulse data, hangs on the logo when turned on. In 80% of these cases, a complete reset to factory settings helps - a procedure that returns the device to its original state, as after purchase.

But don't rush to drop the bracelet when you have the first problem. First, check the basics: whether the battery is charged (at least 20%), whether the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app on the phone is updated, whether Bluetooth is on, if the bracelet after firmware has stopped responding to touches or shows a "No Connection" error, reset becomes the only working solution.

It is important to understand that after the reset:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ All user settings (alarm clocks, notifications, activity profiles) will be deleted.
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Data history (steps, sleep, pulse) for the last 7 days will remain in the application, but the bracelet will be erased
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Bracelet will untidy from the Xiaomi account โ€“ you will need a re-binding

Method 1: Reset via Mi Fit or Zepp Life

The safest method is to use the official app, which is suitable if the bracelet connects to the phone but does not work correctly, and the instructions are relevant for both versions of the software (Mi Fit and Zepp Life).

Steps for discharge:

  1. Open the application and go to the Profile section โ†’ Mi Smart Band 3.
  2. Scroll down and select Untie the device (in Zepp Life - Delete the device).
  3. Confirm the action - the bracelet will automatically reset and reboot.
  4. After rebooting (the Mi logo will light up), tie the bracelet back again through Add the device.

โ˜‘๏ธ Preparation for discharge through the annex

Done: 0 / 4

If the bracelet does not automatically reset after undocking, remove it from the strap and press the button on the back (near the charging contacts) for 5-7 seconds.

๐Ÿ’ก

Before reset, take screenshots of the main screens of the bracelet (steps, pulse, battery) - this will help to compare the work before and after the procedure.

Method 2: Hardware reset button (if bracelet does not respond)

When the Mi Band 3 is stuck on the logo, not switched on or detected by the phone, hard resetting through a physical button will help, a method that works even with a completely downed firmware, but requires care.

Instructions:

  1. Remove the bracelet from your hand and remove it from the strap.
  2. On the back, find a small button next to the charging contacts.
  3. Take a paper clip or toothpick and press the button once - the bracelet vibrates.
  4. Without releasing the button, connect the bracelet to charging (the cable must be connected to the power source!).
  5. Hold the button for another 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
What to do if the button is not pressed?
If the button is "recessed" or doesn't click, try pressing it through a thin fabric (such as a microfiber).

After a successful reset, the bracelet will reset and show the welcome screen, now it can be tied to the phone as a new device, and if the Mi logo does not appear, repeat the procedure by holding the button longer (20-25 seconds).

โš ๏ธ Warning: Do not use sharp metal objects (needles, knives) to press the button, which can damage the bracelet's board and make it non-repairable.

Method 3: Firmware reset (for power users)

If the first two methods fail, you have to hand-stitch the bracelet, which requires a computer, a cable for the Mi Band 3, and special software.

  • ๐Ÿ”ด It does not turn on even after charging.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Fixed with the Mi logo or download animation
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Not defined by any phone.

You'll need firmware.

  • ๐Ÿ’ป Windows computer 7/10/11 (MacOS method is not suitable for)
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Original cable for Mi Band 3 (not wireless charging!)
  • ๐Ÿ“ Firmware and utility archive MiBand3Tools (You can download it on the forum 4PDA or XDA Developers)

Step-by-step:

  1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder on the desktop.
  2. Connect the bracelet to your computer via cable (the bracelet must be turned off!).
  3. Run the MiBand3Tool.exe file on behalf of the administrator.
  4. In the program window, select Flash Firmware and specify the path to the firmware file (.fw).
  5. Press Start and wait until it is completed (the process will take 3-5 minutes).
Symptoms.Reason.Decision
The bracelet does not turn on after firmwareWrong version of firmwareRepeat the firmware with the correct file (.fw for your model)
"Device not found" errorProblems with drivers or cableInstall the libusb driver, try another one. USB-port
The bracelet is stuck on 99% of the firmwareInterrupted connectionTurn off the bracelet, restart the program and start again.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Firmware of the bracelet with unofficial software can lead to loss of warranty and irreversible breakdowns. Use only verified firmware files from trusted resources.

๐Ÿ“Š What type of discharge you used?
Through the Mi Fit/Zepp Life app
Hardware button.
Firmware through PC
I haven't tried it yet.

What to do after resetting: setup Mi Band 3 from scratch

Once the bracelet is successfully reset, it will return to factory settings, and then it needs to be re-linked to the account and set up.

  1. Account binding: Open Mi Fit or Zepp Life.Click Add Device โ†’ Mi Smart Band 3. Follow the instructions on the screen (scan required) QR-bracelet).

Firmware update:

Once anchored, check for updates in Device Profile โ†’ Firmware Update. Install the latest version to avoid bugs.

Personalization:

Set up notifications, alarms, lock screen and display data through the bracelet settings menu in the app.

If the bracelet is not synchronized with the phone after reset:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Reboot your smartphone.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Turn Bluetooth on/off.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง In your phone settings, forget the Mi Band 3 device and re-attach it.

๐Ÿ’ก

After reset, be sure to update the firmware of the bracelet - this will fix known bugs and improve the stability of the work.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users experience problems when resetting the Mi Band 3 due to carelessness or ignorance of the nuances, and here are the typical mistakes and ways to prevent them:

Mistake.Effects of consequencesHow to avoid
Reset with discharged battery (<10%)The bracelet may turn off during the process and "brick"Charge the bracelet to at least 50% before resetting
Use of informal firmwareLoss of functionality (pulsemeter, pedometer does not work)Download firmware only from verified sources (4PDA, XDA)
Interrupting firmware through the PCThe bracelet stops turning on, repairs are requiredDon't turn it off. USB-cable

Another common problem is that the bracelet does not vibrate or respond to touch after reset.

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ The battery is dead (even if there was a charge before the reset).
  • ๐Ÿ’ง Moisture fell under the screen (if the reset was made in a wet room).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Screen sensitivity settings have been lost.

Decisions:

  1. Put the bracelet on charging for 1-2 hours.
  2. Wipe the screen and body with a dry wipe.
  3. In the Mi Fit app, check the screen settings (Display โ†’ Sensitivity).

When Resetting Doesn't Help: Alternative Solutions

If you have problems after the reset, it may not be a software failure, but a hardware malfunction.

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ The bracelet discharges in 1-2 hours (even after replacing the battery).
  • ๐Ÿ’ง Under the screen, moisture or condensation is visible.
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ The body of the bracelet is deformed or melted (overheating).
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Bluetooth antenna does not catch the signal (bracelet does not find the phone even near the phone).

To diagnose hardware problems:

  1. Check the bracelet on another phone (Android/iOS).
  2. Try charging it from another cable/power supply.
  3. Examine the body for cracks or battery bloating.

If the bracelet is warranty, do not try to disassemble it yourself - this will cancel the warranty obligations. Official Xiaomi service centers in Russia and the CIS accept Mi Band 3 at the addresses listed on the website mi.com.

๐Ÿ’ก

Before visiting the service center, back up your data from the Mi Fit application (Section Profile โ†’ Settings โ†’ Backup).

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi Band 3

Can I drop my bracelet without my phone?
Yes, with a hardware button on the back (method 2 in the article), but you'll still need a phone with Mi Fit or Zepp Life to reset it.
Once reset, the bracelet doesn't connect to the phone.
Try: Reboot your phone and bracelet. Remove the bracelet from the list of paired devices in Bluetooth settings. Update the Mi Fit app to the latest version. Reset the network settings on your phone (Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Reset โ†’ Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth). If it doesn't work, check the bracelet on another phone.
Will the data history (steps, sleep) reset after the reset?
Data from the last 7 days will be stored in the Mi Fit/Zepp Life app, but it will be deleted from the bracelet. History older than 7 days is stored only in the Xiaomi cloud and will not be affected.
Can I flash Mi Band 3 on my iPhone?
No, PC firmware is only possible on Windows. iPhone owners are left with ways to reset through an app or hardware button.
The bracelet after the reset shows Chinese characters. How do you fix it?
This means that the bracelet is stitched with the Chinese version of the software. Solution: Download global firmware for Mi Band 3 (version 1.0.9.54 or later). Sweat the bracelet through MiBand3Tools (instruction in method 3). Select English or Russian when you set up.