How to completely reset Xiaomi smartwatch: from Mi Band to Watch S3

Xiaomi smartwatches are some of the most popular wearables on the market, but even they sometimes require a complete reset. Maybe you sell the device, it started to glittle after the upgrade, or just want to start with a clean slate. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways of resetting for models from Mi Band 3 to Xiaomi Watch S3, including hidden features and nuances of recovery after reset.

It’s important to understand that resets delete all user data: steps, training, screen settings, and even tied accounts. However, some models (such as the Watch 2 Pro) allow you to save some information in the Mi Fit or Zepp Life cloud. We will show you how to minimize losses and avoid the typical errors that can turn a watch into a brick.

If your Xiaomi watch doesn’t respond to the sensor, doesn’t sync with your smartphone, or shows a “Too many attempts” error, don’t rush to bring it to the service. In 80% of cases, the correct reset solves the problem. And for models with wearOS (for example, Xiaomi Watch S1) there are separate instructions that we also touch on.

1.When do you need to reset Xiaomi smartwatches?

Factory reset is a last resort, but sometimes it is necessary. Here are 5 signals that it is time to act:

• 🔄 Xiaomi watches are constantly rebooted or turned off on their own (especially after a firmware update).
• 📱 Application Mi Fit/Zepp Life doesn't see the device, though Bluetooth is on.
• 🔒 The message appears on the screen: "Device locked" or "Too many attempts" (typo after unsuccessful attempts to enter). PIN).
• 📉 The battery sits down in a few hours, although it used to hold 5-7 days (reset can reset "broken" energy saving settings).
• 💰 You sell or transfer the watch to another person – without resetting the new owner will not be able to tie it.

There are also false reasons for resetting, which are often confused with serious problems:

• ❌ The watch doesn’t sync step data – it’s usually an issue with the app, not the device.
• ❌ The screen does not respond to touch after bathing - most likely water hit (you need to dry).
• ❌ No notifications come – check the settings in Mi Fit and permissions for the app on your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi watch is released before 2019 (such as the Mi Band 2 or Amazfit Bip), the reset via the app may not work due to outdated firmware.In this case, use a hardware reset (see Section 3).

2.Reset via Mi Fit or Zepp Life app

The safest and most recommended way is to reset directly from the official app, which is suitable for all modern models (starting with the Mi Band 4 and later) and saves some of the data in the cloud.

1. Open the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app (depending on the watch model).
2. Go to the Profile section → My devices and choose your watch.
3. Scroll down and find the item Untie the device or Reset settings.
4. Confirm the action – the system will prompt you to create a backup (if the function is supported).
5. Wait for the process to be completed (the clock will reboot) and follow the instructions on the screen to re-tether.

For wearOS models (Xiaomi Watch S1, Watch 2 Pro) the path is different:

1. In the Wear OS application on your smartphone, select Settings → Reset settings.
2. Confirm the reset on the watch itself (you will need to enter a PIN if it is installed).

Disconnect the watch from other devices (if tied to multiple smartphones)

Check the level of charge (minimum 50%)

Record or photograph the current screen settings (brightness, dial)

Ensure a stable Internet connection (to synchronize your backup)-->

What if the Reset button is inactive? This is a common problem with Mi Band 5/6 users.

• Update the Mi Fit app to the latest version.
• Check if the power saving mode on the smartphone is turned on (it can block background processes).
• Reconnect the clock: Settings → Bluetooth → Forget the device, then re-attach.

Hardware reset (through buttons)

If Xiaomi watches don’t respond to the sensor, aren’t turned on or are not detected by the app, hard resetting through physical buttons will help – a technique that works for most models, but on Xiaomi Watch S3 and later, it can lead to bootloader locking if you don’t follow the sequence.

The instructions differ depending on the model:

It's important! AMOLED-Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Watch S3) After the reset, you might see "Fastboot mode:

1. Connect the watch to charge.
2. Hold the power button for 10 seconds until the reboot begins.
3. If the screen is black, use the ADB method (see section 5).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Watch S3 and Watch 2 Pro hardware reset without first disconnecting from the Mi Account can result in the blocking of "This device is locked.

4.Dumping via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods have failed and Xiaomi watches are defined by the computer as Android ADB devices, you can try resetting via the command line.This method is suitable for wearOS models (Xiaomi Watch S1, Watch 2 Pro) and some versions of the Mi Band 7 Pro.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-TypeC Cable (for Watch) or Charging Dock with Support ADB.
• 📥 Installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB (You can download from the official Android website).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the watch to your computer and make sure it is identified in Device Manager.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) and type: adb devices If the device is displayed, move to the next step. If not, install the drivers.
3. Reset command: Adb shell am start -a android.settings.RESET_SETTINGS For wearOS, use: adb reboot recovery Then select Wipe from the recovery menu data/factory reset.

Frequent errors in ADB resetting:

• 🚫 "Device unauthorized – you must allow debugging USB on the clock (in the settings of the developer).
• 🚫 "No devices found – check the cable or reinstall the drivers.
• 🚫 Watches reboot but don’t reset – try the adb shell recovery command --wipe_data.

5. Recovery after reset: what to do next?

After resetting, Xiaomi’s watch will return to factory status, but that doesn’t mean all data is lost forever.Here are 3 steps to recover:

1. Re-link to your account: Open Mi Fit/Zepp Life and click Add device. Select watch model and follow the instructions (may need to scan) QR-If the clock requires PIN, But you didn't install it, try it. 0000 or 1234.
2. Data recovery: If cloud sync was enabled before reset, steps and training data will be automatically restored, and screen dials and settings will have to be reconfigured (they are not saved by the backup).

Firmware update:

• After reset, check for updates in Settings → About device → Software update.
• On the Mi Band 7 and later updates come automatically, but you can run the check manually.

Post-reset problems and their solutions:

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: After reset, the watch can discharge faster first 2-3 This is normal (re-indexing data).
• 📶 Not Bluetooth Connected: Remove the Watch from the List of Associated Devices on Your Smartphone and Re-Tie.
• 🔒 Demands old. PIN: If you forgot. PIN, If the clock is locked, try to reset it again. ADB (see section 4).

💡

If Xiaomi watches don’t sync their sleep data after reset, check the resolution settings in the Mi Fit app: Settings → Apps → Mi Fit → Permissions → Physical activity (should be enabled).

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting Xiaomi watches. TOP-5 Failures and how not to repeat them:

• ❌ Low charge reset: If the battery is under 20%, the watch may turn off during the process and turn into a "brick." Always charge to 50%+.
• ❌ Interrupting process: If you take the watch out of charge or press a button during reset, the firmware may be damaged. 2-5 minute).
• ❌ Using unofficial firmware: Forums often advise you to stitch your watch through Fastboot, but it’s risky – Xiaomi can lock the device for “unauthorized interference".
• ❌ Reset without decoupling from the account: On models with wearOS (Watch) S1, Watch 2 Pro) this leads to a lock "This device is linked to a Mi Account." First untie the watch in Mi Fit!
• ❌ Ignoring Backup: Zepp Life has a Backup feature, but you need to turn it on before resetting – it will be too late.

How do you know if the reset has been successful?

• ✅ The clock is reset and shows a welcome screen (language selection).
• ✅ In the Mi Fit app, the device is displayed as "unattached".
• ✅ All user data (steps, training, dials) reset.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the watch Xiaomi Watch S3 Watch 2 Pro shows error: Custom binary blocked by FRP", This means that the Factory Reset Protection has worked, and the solution is to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

7. Alternative methods: when nothing helps

If none of these methods work, there are 3 radical methods (use them at your own risk!):

• 🔧 Fastboot Firmware: Suitable for Xiaomi Watch S1/S2 Require: Download the official firmware from the site Xiaomi Firmware. Connect the watch to the PC in Fastboot mode (hold the power button when you connect). USB). Run command: fastboot flash all [name file firmware].zip

Risk: The wrong firmware can kill the device.

Disassembly and closure of contacts:

There's a secret way for the Mi Band 3/4: disassemble the body and close the battery contacts for 10 seconds.

Calling the service:

If the watch is locked after reset ("This device is locked"), the official Xiaomi service can unlock it by serial number (you need a check or box).

When should I give up and buy a new watch?

• If the screen is black after reset, and the computer does not see the device even in Fastboot.
• If the watch requires an account of the previous owner, it is impossible to contact him.
• If the cost of repair exceeds 50% of the price of new watches.

On wearOS models, after 5 failed attempts, the clock will be permanently locked.