How to reset Xiaomi Mi Band 3: all ways to completely reset settings

Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is one of the most popular fitness bracelets, which is still in use today despite the release of new models. However, over time, the device may start to work incorrectly: brake, not sync with the phone or show incorrect data. In such cases, resetting to factory settings helps. But how to do it correctly, so as not to lose important information?

In this article, we will look at all the possible ways to reset the Mi Band 3, from the standard method through the Mi Fit app to hardware reset with a physical button, and you will also learn what data will be deleted irrevocably and what can be stored in advance, instructions will be suitable for both the original bracelet and its clones.

Why you need to reset your settings on Mi Band 3

Resetting to factory parameters is an extreme measure, which is resorted to in several cases:

  • πŸ”„ Mi Band 3 bracelet stopped syncing with the smartphone, despite the reboot and reinstallation of the application.
  • ⚑ The device strongly brakes, does not respond to touches or spontaneously turns off.
  • πŸ”’ You sell or transfer the bracelet to another person and want to delete all personal data.
  • πŸ“± After the firmware update, errors in the work appeared (for example, time is not shown or steps are not considered).
  • πŸ”‹ The battery is discharged too quickly and standard calibration methods are not helpful.

It is important to understand that resetting is not a panacea, if the problem is related to physical damage (such as moisture or a fall), then software reboot will not help, in such cases, repair or replacement of the device is required.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting, all bracelet settings will be deleted, including Xiaomi account binding, alarms, notifications, and activity data from the past 7 days (unless they were synced with the app).

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset Mi Band 3, take a few important steps to minimize data loss:

  1. Sync your data with Mi Fit or Zepp Life. Open the app, wait for automatic sync, or click on the bracelet icon β†’ Sync the data.
  2. Take screenshots of current settings (alarm clocks, step targets, notifications) to quickly restore them.
  3. Make sure the battery is charged, the charge level must be at least 50%, otherwise the reset may be interrupted.
  4. Untie the bracelet from your account (if you plan to sell). This can be done in the application settings: Profile β†’ Mi Band 3 β†’ Untie the device.

If you are using Mi Band 3 with unofficial firmware (such as Amazfit or custom), note that after reset, the device will return to the stock version.

πŸ“Š Have you ever dropped a fitness bracelet before factory settings?
Yeah, I did.
Yeah, but only through the service center.
No, I never had to.
I don't know how to do that.

The safest and easiest way is to use the official Mi Fit app, which is suitable if the bracelet still responds to commands and connects to the phone.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Mi Fit app on your smartphone.
  2. Go to the Profile section β†’ Mi Band 3.
  3. Scroll down and select Untie the device.
  4. Confirm action. The bracelet will automatically reset and reset.

If there is no item Untie the device, try an alternative way:

  • πŸ“± In the main menu of the application, click on the bracelet icon.
  • πŸ”§ Select Device Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Resetting settings.
  • βœ… Confirm the reset on the smartphone screen.

Once the process is complete, the Mi Band 3 bracelet will reboot and be ready for a new setup, all you have to do is re-assign it to your account.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for discharge via Mi Fit

Done: 0 / 4

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

If the Mi Band 3 doesn't turn on, connect to your phone, or hang on your logo, you'll have to use a physical button, which works even on completely dead devices, but requires you to follow instructions exactly.

Step-by-step:

  1. Remove the bracelet capsule from the strap.
  2. Find a small hole on the back with a Reset button (near the charging contacts).
  3. Take a paper clip, needle or other thin object and press the Reset button for 10-15 seconds.
  4. Release the button. The bracelet should vibrate and reset.

If the screen does not turn on after reset, try:

  • πŸ”Œ Connect the bracelet to charging for 30 minutes, then repeat the reset.
  • πŸ”„ Press the Reset button several times in a row with an interval of 5 seconds.
  • πŸ“± Try to connect the bracelet to another smartphone with the Mi Fit app.

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

What to do if the Reset button doesn’t work?
If the Reset button is not responsive to pressing, it is possible that the contacts have oxidized or the bracelet has physical damage, in which case, try to clean the contacts with alcohol or contact the service center. Self-repair can lead to complete failure of the device.

Method 3: Reset via engineering menu (for power users)

This method is suitable for those who are familiar with the technical settings of the Mi Band 3. It allows you to perform a "soft" reset without completely losing data, but requires accuracy.

Instructions:

  1. Connect the bracelet to the charger.
  2. Press and hold the touch button on the bracelet screen for 20 seconds until the menu appears.
  3. In the engineering menu, select Reset (can be displayed as Factory Reset or Erase All).
  4. Confirm the reset by clicking on the screen.

If the engineering menu doesn’t open, try the combination:

1. Press and hold the touch button for 10 seconds.


2. Without releasing the button, touch the screen 5 times in a row.




3. Release the button, the hidden menu should open.

This method is less reliable than hardware reset, but sometimes helps restore the performance of the bracelet without completely cleaning the memory.

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet doesn't connect to your phone after reset, try changing the region in the Mi Fit settings to China, then return it back. This often solves synchronization problems.

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

After a successful reset, the Mi Band 3 will be like a new bracelet.

  1. Link the device to the account:
  2. Update the firmware (if available):

Reset the settings

  • ⏰ Set alarms, goals by steps, and notifications manually or from a backup.
  • πŸ”” Enable alerts for calls and messages in the Notifications section.

If the bracelet is not determined by the application after reset, try removing the Mi Fit, clearing the cache in the phone settings and installing the app again, and check if Bluetooth and geolocation are enabled (they are necessary to find the device).

Post-dump problemPossible causeDecision
The bracelet is off.Battery discharged or firmware damagedPut it on a 1 to 2 hour charge. If it doesn't work, repeat the hardware reset.
Not connecting to the phone.Conflict with other Bluetooth devicesForget the device in your phone's Bluetooth settings and repeat pairing
Not showing noticesNot configured permissions for Mi FitCheck the permissions in your phone settings: Apps β†’ Mi Fit β†’ Notifications
He doesn't count steps.Uncalibrated accelerometerTake 20–30 steps to automatically calibrate or reset again.

Mi Band 3 Reset Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users experience problems due to improper actions during reset, and these are the most common mistakes:

  • ❌ Interrupting the reset process (e.g., retracting from charging or turning off Bluetooth) can cause the bracelet to "brickle up.
  • ❌ Use of unofficial firmware before resetting, in which case the device may not return the stockware.
  • ❌ Reset discharge on a discharged bracelet (less than 20%) and this can cause firmware failure.
  • ❌ Attempt to reset via third-party apps (e.g. Notify & Fitness) that don't always work correctly with Mi Band 3.

To avoid problems:

  • βœ… Use only official software (Mi Fit or Zepp Life).
  • βœ… Keep an eye on the charge level – it should be at least 50%.
  • βœ… Do not interrupt the process, even if it takes longer than usual (sometimes the reset takes up to 5 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: If after several attempts to reset the bracelet has not worked, do not try to disassemble it yourself. Inside the Mi Band 3 there are no service connectors, and any mechanical impact will lead to failure.

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet does not respond to any of the reset methods, most likely the problem is in the hardware (power controller, memory or display), in which case you only need to contact the service center or buy a new Mi Band.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Mi Band 3 Reset

Can I reset Mi Band 3 without a phone?
Yes, it can be done with a hardware reset (Reset button) or through an engineering menu (if the bracelet is turned on), but you will still need a smartphone with Mi Fit to reset it.
Will the steps and sleep data be reset after resetting?
If the data was synced with the app before the reset, it will be stored in the Xiaomi account.Unsynchronized data for the last 7 days will be lost.
Why does the bracelet show Chinese characters after resetting?
This means that the bracelet has firmware for the Chinese region. To return Russian, update the firmware through Mi Fit, selecting Russia or Global.
Can I cancel the reset if it has already started?
No, the reset process is irreversible. If you interrupt it (for example, pulled from charging), the bracelet may stop turning on, in which case try to repeat the reset or contact the service.
Will this be the right option for the Mi Band 4/5/6?
No, the new models have a different interface and reset methods. For Mi Band 4 and later, use instructions specific to these devices (e.g., reset via Settings β†’ About Device β†’ Reset).