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

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet remains a popular device even years after its release, with its reliability and functionality appreciated by millions of users. However, over time, the gadget may start to work incorrectly: glitches when synchronizing, display data incorrectly or stop responding to commands altogether, in which cases, resetting to factory settings often becomes the only effective solution.

But how to do this properly so as not to turn the bracelet into a brick? In this article, we will examine all the available methods of resetting, from the standard method through the Mi Fit app to the “hard” button reset, and also tell you what to do if after the procedure the device does not turn on or connect to the phone.

Important: Reset removes all user data from the wristband — steps, pulse, alarm settings and notifications. If you want to save your activity history, pre-export it in the app or take screenshots of key screens.

Before you start, check the battery power – if the level is below 20%, recharge the device.This will prevent a sudden shutdown during reset, which can lead to software failures.

1. Reset via the Mi Fit application (recommended method)

The safest and easiest method is to use the official Mi Fit app (or its Zepp Life counterpart for new firmware versions), which is suitable if the bracelet is connected to the phone and responds to commands.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Mi Fit app and make sure that the Mi Band 3 is connected to your phone via Bluetooth.
2. Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 3 (or find your device in the list of connected gadgets).
3. Scroll down and select Unplug device or Delete device (depending on the version of the application).
4. Confirm the action, and the system will suggest resetting the bracelet to the factory.
5. Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 1-2 minutes) and the bracelet will reset automatically.

After resetting, the Mi Band 3 will appear in the app as a new device, and you will need to re-pair and adjust the settings.

Bracelet battery charge > 20%

Bluetooth on your phone is on

Mi Fit app updated to latest version

The bracelet is located next to the phone (within a radius of 1 meter)-->

⚠️ Note: If the app does not have a button to unplug the device, try updating Mi Fit via Google Play or App Store.

2. hardware reset button (if the bracelet does not respond)

If the Mi Band 3 is getting stuck, not turning on or not connecting to the phone, hard resetting through a physical button will help, which works even in severe software failures, but requires precise execution of instructions.

How to make a hardware reset:

1. Remove the bracelet capsule from the strap.
2. Find a small recess on the back with the inscription Reset (near the charging contacts).
3. Take a paper clip or a thin object (like a toothpick) and press the reset button, hold it for 10 to 15 seconds until the Mi logo appears on the screen.
4. Release the button and wait for the reboot (the bracelet vibrates and turns on in factory condition).

If nothing happens after pressing the button:

• 🔋 Check the battery power – it is possible that the bracelet is completely discharged.
• 🔌 Connect it to the charger for 10-15 minutes, then try again.
• 🛠️ Make sure you click on the Reset button, not the charging contacts.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal objects (needles, pins) to press the Reset button - this can damage the contacts.

Resetting through the bracelet menu (alternative method)

If the Mi Band 3 is turned on but not connected to the phone, you can reset directly through the phone's menu, a method less well known, but works on most firmware.

Instructions:

1. On the bracelet screen, swipe up to open the menu.
2. Find the Settings icon (cog) and select it.
3. Scroll down to Reset or Restore (in English firmware - Reset).
4. Confirm the action by clicking the tick or holding the screen (depending on the version of the software).
5. Wait for the reboot - the bracelet will return to factory settings.

If the menu does not have Reset, try another way:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → About the device → POS version.
• 📱 Click on the version number 5-7 times in a row – this can open a hidden reset menu.
• 🔧 In some firmware, reset is available through Settings → Additionally.

⚠️ Note: On custom firmware bracelets (e.g. Notify & Fitness), the path to reset may be different. If you are not sure about the software version, use hardware reset button.

4.What to do after resetting: setting from scratch

After a successful reset, Xiaomi Mi Band 3 will be like new — all data deleted and settings reset. To use the bracelet, follow the following steps:

Step-by-step:

1. Phone interface: Open Mi Fit and click Add Device. Select Mi Smart Band 3 from the list. Follow the instructions on the screen to confirm the pairing on the phone and bracelet (it will show the code to compare).

Firmware update:

After connecting the application will offer to update the software. Agree only if the bracelet is charged more than 50% - interrupting the update can put it out of order.

Personalization:

• Set up notifications (calls, SMS, messengers).
• Set alarms and activity goals.
• Select the dial (if available in your firmware).

If the bracelet does not connect to the phone after reset:

• 📱 Reboot your smartphone and turn on Bluetooth again.
• 🔄 In Mi Fit, remove all previously saved devices and try adding Mi Band 3 again.
• 🔋 Make sure the bracelet is charged (more than 10% charge should be displayed on the screen).

Through the Mi Fit app

Hardware Reset button

Through the wristband menu

I couldn't get rid of it.-->

5. Common Post-Dumping Problems and Their Solutions

Even after a successful reset, users sometimes face difficulties, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Table: Problems and solutions

If none of these things worked, maybe there's a hardware problem, like a bloated battery that can block the reset button, and damaged contacts that can interfere with charging, and you'd better go to a service center.

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Before contacting the service, check the bracelet for physical damage: cracks on the screen, bloating of the body or corrosion on the contacts, this will help specialists to quickly determine the cause of the malfunction.

6.How to avoid resetting in the future: prevention of failures

To avoid having to reset Mi Band 3 regularly, follow these guidelines:

Care tips:

• 🔋 Do not allow full battery discharge – charge the bracelet at 20-30%.
• 💦 Avoid getting moisture on charging contacts (despite moisture protection) IP68, salt water or steam can cause corrosion).
• 📱 Regularly update your firmware through Mi Fit – this fixes bugs and improves stability.
• 🔄 Do not interrupt data synchronization (e.g., turning off Bluetooth or closing the application).

It is also worth monitoring the temperature regime:

• ❄️ Do not leave the bracelet in the cold below. -10°C or in the heat above +45°C.
• 🔥 Do not place it near heat sources (battery, stove).

If you use informal firmware (such as Notify & Fitness), be prepared for more frequent crashes, in which case, be sure to back up your settings through special utilities (such as Mi Band Tools) before resetting.

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Regular firmware updates and careful handling of charging contacts prolong the life of the bracelet and reduce the risk of software failures.

7. Alternative recovery methods (for experienced users)

If standard reset methods don't work, you can try more radical methods, which require some technical skills, but sometimes save the "dead" bracelets.

Ways for Advanced Users:

• 🖥️ PC flashing: With utilities like Mi Band 3 Tools or Gadgetbridge, you can manually install firmware. USB-OTG adapter and special cable for connecting the bracelet to the computer.
• 🔧 Dumping through ADB: If the bracelet connects to the phone but does not respond to commands, you can try sending a reset command via ADB (Adb shell am start is required. adb shell am start -a android.bluetooth.device.action.PAIRING_REQUEST -e android.bluetooth.device.extra.DEVICE"XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX" (substitute XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX on MAC-address).
• 🔄 Firmware like Notify & Fitness or Amazfit can “reanimate” the bracelet, but will deprive it of official support Xiaomi.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect flashing can permanently disable the bracelet. If you are not sure about your actions, you should consult a specialist or use standard reset methods.

For experiments with firmware, we recommend using backup bracelets - so you do not risk losing a working device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi Band 3