Xiaomi Mi Band 4
factory-setting
Mi Fit
Zepp Life
Many users mistakenly believe that without the application, reset is impossible, but the manufacturer has provided several alternative ways. The main thing is to know the sequence of actions and nuances that will help to avoid errors. In this article, you will find 3 proven methods of reset, including hidden features that are not written in the official instructions, and we will also discuss what to do if the bracelet does not respond to commands, and how to restore its performance after reset.
Before you start, make sure your Mi Band 4 is at least 30% charged, the minimum required to successfully reset. If the charge is lower, plug the bracelet into the charger for 10-15 minutes. Also make sure that there are no physical damages (cracks on the screen or in the case) that could interfere with the procedure.
Why You Should Reset Mi Band 4 Without a Phone
Situations where a bracelet reset is a necessity are more common than you might think, and here are the most common reasons why users are looking for ways to return the device to factory settings without a smartphone:
- 📱 Loss or breakage of the phone to which the bracelet was tied. Without the original device, synchronization through the application is impossible.
- 🔄 The bracelet "hangs" on the Mi logo or stops responding to touches of the screen, often after a failed firmware update.
- 🔒 The device is locked after multiple incorrect input PIN-code (if the function has been activated).
- 📦 Buying a used bracelet that's not detached from the previous owner, and without resetting it can't be linked to the new account.
- 🔋 Failures in the operation of sensors (pulsemeter, pedometer) or constant synchronization errors.
Interestingly, in some cases, resetting helps even when the bracelet stops detecting the charger — this is due to firmware errors that are eliminated by returning to factory settings. However, it is important to understand that resetting is not a panacea: if the problem is caused by a hardware malfunction (for example, detachment of the screen plume), then software manipulation will not help.
Another thing is that once you reset, all the data from the bracelet (steps, sleep history, exercise) will be deleted, and if you want to keep the statistics, try first syncing it to your phone through the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app, if possible.
Method 1: Reset via the bracelet menu (the easiest way)
If your Mi Band 4 is turned on and reacts to touch, the most reliable way to reset is through the built-in menu, which requires no additional devices and works 90% of the time.
- Check that the bracelet is on. If the screen is out, press the touch button below the display to wake the device.
- Scroll down the menu, swiping your finger across the screen until you find the Settings item (the gear icon).
- In the settings menu, select Additional (or More if English is the language).
- Scroll down to Reset or Factory Reset.
- Confirm the action by selecting Yes. The bracelet will reset and begin the reset procedure.
The whole process takes no more than 1-2 minutes. After you reboot, you will see the welcome screen, like when you first turn on, and now the bracelet is ready for a new tether to the phone.
Bracelet charged at least 30%
The screen responds to touch.
No physical damage to the body.
You are sure that you want to delete all data-->
If the Reset item is not on the menu, it may mean that your bracelet has outdated firmware installed, in which case try updating it through the Mi Fit app (if the phone is available) or use one of the alternative methods described below.
⚠️ Warning: Some versions of the firmware may call the reset point Unpair. It's not the same as a full reset! Choosing this item will only cut off communication with the phone, but it won't delete all data.
Method 2: Hardware reset with a button (if the screen is not working)
If the Mi Band 4 touch screen doesn't respond to touch or the bracelet freezes on the logo, you can use a hardware reset via a physical button, which works even when the software menu is not available. Here's how to do it:
- Remove the bracelet from your hand and place it on a flat surface with the screen up.
- Find a small physical button on the case (it is located under the touch key, next to the charging connector).
- Take a paper clip or other thin object and gently press the button 5 times in a row at 1 second intervals.
- After the fifth press, hold the button clamped for 10-15 seconds until the bracelet vibrates.
- Release the button. The bracelet should reset and start the reset procedure.
This technique simulates a forced reset followed by reset, and if the screen is black after vibration, repeat the procedure again, holding the button for longer (up to 20 seconds), and note that too frequent pressing can lead to a button locking, in which case, allow the bracelet to “rest” for 1-2 minutes.
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If you don't have a paper clip, you can use a toothpick or a plastic card corner, and the key is not to damage the bracelet body.
Hardware reset is a "heavy artillery" that helps in most cases when software methods are powerless, but it also has a drawback: if the problem is caused by damage to the internal memory of the bracelet, the reset may not work, and the device will remain inoperable.
| Resetting method | Phone required. | It works when you're hanging. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through the wristband menu | ❌ No. | ❌ No (workscreen required) | ⭐⭐ (simple) |
| Hardware button reset | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐ (middle-class) |
| Through the charger | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (partially) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) |
Method 3: Reset via charger (hidden mode)
Few people know, but the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 has a hidden recovery mode that activates when a certain sequence of actions with the charger is activated, and this method is useful if the bracelet does not respond to either the screen or the button.
- Connect the bracelet to the charger (use the original cable!) Make sure the contacts are clean and the bracelet starts charging (the indicator lights up).
- As soon as the charge indicator appears on the screen (usually after 5-10 seconds), turn off the bracelet from charging.
- Press the touch button below the screen immediately and hold it until the bracelet vibrates (usually 10-15 seconds).
- After vibration, release the button. The bracelet should reset and enter recovery mode.
- In this mode, the screen can display the words Recovery or just blink. Wait for the automatic reboot (about 1 minute).
This method works because when you connect to charging, the bracelet goes into a special diagnostic mode that allows you to reset settings without access to the main menu. However, it does not always work the first time - you may need to repeat steps 2-3 times.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the reset process by turning off the bracelet from charging during vibration or reset.This can cause firmware damage and the device to be completely inoperable.
If the bracelet fails to reset after several attempts, this may indicate serious firmware problems, in which case the only option is to flash the device manually through the computer (we will discuss this in the next section).
What if the bracelet does not vibrate when holding the button?
What to do if none of the methods worked: firmware through PC
If all of these methods fail, the problem is probably the broken firmware of the bracelet, and if you do that, you can only use manual flashing through the computer.
- 💻 Computer with Windows (7 and higher).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable for Mi Band 4 (or adapter for PC connection).
- 📁 Firmware for your version of the bracelet (you can download on the forums) 4PDA Xiaomi Community).
- 🛠️ Firmware (e.g. Mi Band 4 Tool or Nrf Connect).
The process of firmware through the PC is quite complex and requires care.
- Download and install a firmware program (e.g. Mi Band 4 Tool).
- Connect the bracelet to your computer via an adapter (if you use a non-original cable, check compatibility!).
- Run the program and select the firmware file (usually with the.fw or.bin extension).
- Press Start Flash and wait until the process is over (don’t turn off the bracelet!).
- After successful firmware, the bracelet will automatically reboot.
If you've never flashed a device before, you'd better seek help from a specialist or look for detailed video instructions for your model. The wrong firmware can finally "kill" the bracelet.
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PC firmware is a last resort, only use it if all other reset methods have failed and you are confident in your actions.
How to Restore the Bracelet After Resetting: The First Steps
After a successful reset, the Mi Band 4 will return to factory settings, and it will need to be reconfigured.
- Install the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app on your smartphone (available for Android and iOS).
- Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi/Zepp account.
- Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and allow the app to access geodata (this is necessary to search for devices).
- In the app, select Add Device and follow the instructions on the screen.
- When the bracelet is detected, confirm pairing on both devices.
Once you've tied, remember to update your bracelet firmware to the latest version, which will help you avoid future bugs, and you should also adjust the basic settings:
- 🕒 Time zone and time format.
- 🔔 Notifications (select the applications you want to receive alerts from).
- 🏃♂️ Step and sleep goals.
- 🔒 PIN-code (if you want to protect the bracelet from unauthorized access).
If the bracelet is slower or slows down after reset, it may be due to outdated firmware, upgrade it through the app, and the performance should normalize.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you reset the Xiaomi Mi Band 4, users often make mistakes that can lead to even bigger problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- 🔋 Reset with low battery charge. If the bracelet runs out during the procedure, it can damage the firmware. Always check that the charge is at least 30%.
- 🛑 Interrupting the process. Do not turn off the bracelet from charging or press buttons during reset. This can lead to "bricking" (complete inoperability).
- 📱 Use of unoriginal cables, cheap chargers may not provide stable power, which will cause a failure.
- 🔄 Repeated attempts to reset in a row. If the method did not work the first time, give the bracelet a rest for 1-2 minutes before trying again.
Another common mistake is to try to reset the bracelet through the Mi Fit app when it is untethered from the phone, in which case the app simply won't see the device and it won't be possible to reset. Always use the methods described in this article if you don't have the original smartphone on hand.
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet stops turning on after reset or the screen remains black, don't try to disassemble it yourself. There is no removable battery inside the Mi Band 4, and any careless intervention will lead to permanent failure.