Reset Xiaomi Mi Band 4 to factory settings: the full guide

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains a popular gadget even years after its release, thanks to its reliability, long work time and rich functionality. However, over time, users face the need to return the device to its original settings: before selling, after synchronization failures or when transferring the bracelet to another person. Unlike new models (for example, the Mi Band 7 or Smart Band 8), the fourth version has its own reset nuances associated with outdated firmware and the limitations of the Mi Fit application.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to reset β€” through a mobile application, a physical button on the bracelet and alternative methods for cases where standard options do not work. We will also discuss how to properly prepare the gadget for resetting to avoid data loss, and what to do if the bracelet does not turn on or sync after the procedure, special attention is paid to unlocking after errors (for example, code 0x1004) and the nuances of working with different versions of the firmware.

Why would you want to reset the Mi Band 4?

Resetting to factory settings is not just about preparing for sale, but the most common situations where a procedure becomes necessary are:

  • πŸ”„ Transferring the bracelet to another user without resetting, the new owner will not be able to link the device to his Mi Account.
  • 🐌 Slowing down or freezing: Over time, the bracelet may start to slow down due to accumulated data (especially if you do not clear the cache through Mi Fit).
  • πŸ”Œ Synchronization problems: If step, pulse, or sleep data stops being updated in an app, resetting often helps restore communication.
  • πŸ”’ Linking errors. For example, code. 0x1004 (the device is already linked to another account; or 0x1001 (software incompatibility).
  • πŸ“± Changing your smartphone, switching to a new phone sometimes requires you to reconnect the bracelet from a clean slate".

It is important to understand that the reset removes all user data from the wristband: activity history, alarm clocks, screen settings and notifications. However, the information in the Mi Fit app (if it has been synchronized) is stored on Xiaomi servers and will be available after re-assignment.

⚠️ Note: If you drop the bracelet before selling, be sure to untie it from your Mi Fit account. β†’ Profile β†’ My devices, otherwise the new owner won't be able to activate it.

πŸ“Š Why you want to lose Mi Band 4?
I'm getting ready to sell.
The bracelet is glitching.
Not synchronized with the phone.
I'll tell my relative.
Other causes

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid losing important data and linking issues:

  1. Sync the data. Open Mi Fit, wait for full sync (the cloud icon in the upper right corner should disappear) This will save the history of activity on Xiaomi servers.
  2. Take a screenshot of the settings. If you have unique settings set up (like screen order or custom notifications), take a picture of them, and you'll have to reset them once you reset.
  3. Check the battery. Make sure the bracelet has a charge level of at least 50%. Resetting at low charge can lead to firmware errors.
  4. Turn off the screen lock if the bracelet is set up. PIN-Code, disable it in Mi Fit β†’ Settings of the device β†’ Lock the screen, otherwise you may need to enter the old code after the reset.

If you plan to sell or transfer the bracelet, additionally:

  • πŸ“¦ Remove all alarms and reminders in Mi Fit β†’ Notifications.
  • πŸ”• Disable notifications from apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) so that the new owner does not receive your messages.
  • πŸ”„ Update your firmware to the latest version (if available) via Mi Fit β†’ Device profile β†’ Software update: This will make it easier to set up for the next user.

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet doesn’t sync before reset, try resetting it: press the touch button for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.

This is the most reliable and safe method, as it is guaranteed to remove the binding of the bracelet to the account, the instructions are relevant for the latest versions of the Mi Fit (5.6.0 and later):

  1. Open the Mi Fit app and go to Profile β†’ My Devices.
  2. Choose your Mi Band 4 from the list.
  3. Scroll down and click Untie the device (or Remove the device in older versions).
  4. Confirm action. The bracelet will automatically reset and reset.

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

  1. In the main menu Mi Fit tap on the icon of the bracelet.
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Resetting settings.
  3. Confirm the reset on the phone and on the bracelet itself (if necessary).

Once the procedure is complete, the bracelet will be disconnected from the account, and it can be re-associated or transferred to another user. If the 0x1004 error occurs in the process, then the bracelet is still tied to another account - see the section on unlocking.

All data synchronized | Bracelet charged more than 50% | Screen lock disabled | Ready screenshots settings-->

Method 2: Hardware reset through a button on the bracelet

If the Mi Fit app doesn't see the bracelet or you can't log in to your account, use the physical button on the device. This method works even without connecting to your phone, but doesn't untie the bracelet from your Mi Account account - it only resets settings.

Instructions:

  1. Remove the bracelet from your hand and place it on a flat surface with the screen up.
  2. Find the touch button below the screen (which is also used to return to the menu).
  3. Press the button for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and vibration appear on the screen.

If the bracelet does not respond to the button holding:

  • πŸ”‹ Check battery power – at levels below 10%, the hardware reset may not work.
  • πŸ”Œ Connect the bracelet to charging for 5-10 minutes, then try again.
  • 🧲 Make sure the bracelet doesn’t have a magnetic field (such as from a magnet case) – it can block the sensor.

⚠️ Note: After the hardware reset, the bracelet will remain tied to your account. In order for the new owner to be able to use it, you must additionally untie the device via Mi Fit (see Method 1).

What if the bracelet is not turned on after resetting?
If the Mi Band 4 does not respond to a charge or button after a hardware reset, try: 1. Connect the bracelet to charging for 30 to 60 minutes (even if the indicator is not on). 2. Press the touch button 20 to 30 times in a row at 1 second interval - this sometimes "wakes" the device. 3. If nothing helps, the problem may be in the power controller.

Method 3: Alternative Resetting Methods (for experienced users)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., the bracelet is locked after a failed update or shows a 0x1001 error), one of the following methods can be tried: they require more time and technical skills, but often help in desperate situations.

Method 1: Reset via Mi Band Tools (requires root on your phone)

The Mi Band Tools app (unofficial) allows you to control the bracelet at a low level, including forced reset.

  1. Install Mi Band Tools from Uptodown (it is removed from Google Play).
  2. Connect the bracelet to the application and go to Settings β†’ Reset to factory.
  3. Confirm the action. The bracelet will reset.

⚠️ This method may not work on the latest versions of the firmware Mi Band 4 (1.0.9.54 and later) due to the limitations of Xiaomi.

Method 2: Manual firmware update (unlock)

If the bracelet is blocked by error 0x1004 (the device is tied to another account), you can try to reflash it manually:

  1. Download the latest firmware for Mi Band 4 from AmazfitWatchFaces.
  2. Install the Mi Band 4 Tool (Windows) or Gadgetbridge (Android) utility.
  3. Connect the bracelet to the PC via Bluetooth and perform forced firmware.

This is a risky way to make a mistake, and if you make a mistake, you can turn the bracelet into a brick, and only use it if other methods have failed.

Resetting methodPhone required.Untie the account.DifficultyRisk of error
Through Mi Fit.Yes.Yes.Low.Minimum
Hardware (button)No.No.Low.Medium (may not reset the binding)
Mi Band ToolsYeah (with root)Yes.MediumHigh (informal LA)
Hand-held firmwareYes (PC)Yes.Tall.Critical (risk of "bricking")

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet is blocked by error 0x1004, first try to contact the previous owner - he can untie the device through his Mi Account.

What to do after resetting: setup and synchronization

After a successful reset, the bracelet will return to the "out of the box" state.

  1. Account binding: Open Mi Fit and click Add Device. Select Mi Band 4 from the list. Follow the on-screen instructions (you'll need to scan). QR-bracelet).

Set up the main parameters

  • πŸ•’ Set the time and format of the date in Mi Fit β†’ Settings of the device β†’ Time and date.
  • πŸ”” Set up alarms and reminders in Mi Fit β†’ Notifications.
  • πŸ”’ Enable screen lock (optional) in Mi Fit β†’ Screen locking.
  • Data recovery: If you sync the bracelet before reset, the activity history will automatically be pulled from the Xiaomi cloud. To do this: Open Mi Fit β†’ Profile β†’ My achievements. Slip on the activity schedule and wait for the data update.

If the bracelet is not synchronized after resetting:

  • πŸ“± Reboot your smartphone and bracelet.
  • πŸ”„ Remove the bracelet from the list of Bluetooth devices on your phone and reconnect.
  • πŸ“‹ Check that Mi Fit includes notification and geolocation permissions.

If the bracelet shows firmware version 1.0.0.0 after reset or is not determined in Mi Fit, it means that the reset was incorrect. Repeat the procedure through the application or try manual firmware update (see Method 3).

Common mistakes and their solutions

When you reset the Mi Band 4, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
0x1004The bracelet is tied to another accountUntie the previous owner through Mi Fit or reset the firmware manually
0x1001Incompatibility of Mi Fit and firmware versionsUpdate the bracelet application and firmware to the latest versions
The bracelet is not turned on after resetting.Failure of firmware or dischargeConnect to charging for 1-2 hours, if it does not help - re-flash
Mi Fit doesn't see the braceletProblems with Bluetooth or app cacheClear the Mi Fit cache, restart the phone, turn Bluetooth on/off
After the reset, there is no Russian languageReset returned regional settings to factoryIn Mi Fit, change the region to Russia and update the firmware

If none of these things worked, there may be a problem with the hardware of the bracelet.

  • πŸ”‹ The bracelet does not charge (even after a long connection to charging).
  • πŸ“± Not detected by any Bluetooth device.
  • πŸ”„ Cyclical reboot (constantly showing the Mi logo).

In such cases, it is recommended to contact the Xiaomi service center or consider buying a new bracelet (for example, Mi Band 7 or Smart Band 8).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band 4 reset

Can I drop my bracelet without my phone?
Yes, with hardware reset (holding the button for 10-15 seconds), but this method does not untie the bracelet from the Mi Account account - you need a phone with Mi Fit to completely reset the tether.
Why does the bracelet show Chinese characters after resetting?
This means that the reset has returned the regional settings to factory settings (Chinese firmware). To fix: In Mi Fit, change the region to Russia (Profile β†’ Settings β†’ Region). Update the bracelet firmware through Device Profile β†’ Software Update. If the update doesn't help, install Russified firmware through Mi Band Tools.
How to Reset Your Bracelet If You Forgot PIN-lock-in?
There are two options: Reset via Mi Fit: if the bracelet is tied to your account, reset via the application (see Method 1) - this will remove the PIN. Hardware reset: press the button for 10-15 seconds. Attention: this will not remove the binding to the account, but reset all settings, including PIN. If the bracelet is tied to someone else's account, you will need to contact the previous owner to untie.
Can data be recovered after resetting?
Yes, but only if the Mi Fit sync was performed before the reset. Data is stored on Xiaomi servers and automatically tightens when the bracelet is re-linked. If the sync is not done, the activity history will be lost. To check if the data is stored: Open Mi Fit and go to Profile β†’ My achievements. See activity charts from past days. If there are, the data is stored.
What if the bracelet does not vibrate and does not respond to touch after reset?
This can be caused by: firmware failure β€” try to update the software through Mi Fit. Hardware malfunction β€” if the update does not help, perhaps damaged vibratory motor or sensor. Low battery power β€” connect the bracelet to charge for 1-2 hours. If the problem persists, try to reset the bracelet again or contact the service center.