Reset Xiaomi smartwatch to factory settings: full instruction 2026

Why would you need to reset your Xiaomi watch?

Xiaomi’s smartwatch is not just an accessory, but a full-fledged gadget with its own operating system, settings and data. Over time, even such a compact device can malfunction: slow down when synchronized, display notifications incorrectly or stop responding to touch altogether. In 80% of these cases, factory resets help – a procedure that returns the watch to its original state, as after purchase.

But it's not always software that's the problem. Sometimes a reset is required when you hand over a watch to a new owner (to remove the link to your old Mi Account), after a failed firmware update, or in preparation for a sale. It's important to understand that a reset is not a panacea, but a tool that you need to use consciously. For example, if the Mi Band 7 watch doesn't hold its charge because of a worn-out battery, no reset will restore its autonomy.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔧 All Reset Methods for Different Xiaomi Watch Models (from Mi Band 3 to Watch 2 Pro)
• ⚠️ What is the difference between a “soft” reset and a “hard” reset and when to use it?
• 📱 How to properly tie the watch to a new smartphone after reset
• 🔄 What to do if the reset does not solve the problem

Before you start, check if a simpler solution will help, such as a Xiaomi Watch. S1 not synced, try rebooting them (hold the power button) 10 seconds) or reinstall the Mi app Fitness/Zepp Life on a smartphone.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Factory reset is an irreversible process that removes all user data from the watch, not just screen settings or alarm clocks, but also:

• 📊 Activity statistics (steps, sleep, exercise) for the entire period of use
• 🎵 Locally saved alarm clock melodies and notifications
• 🔑 Linked accounts (unless you untidy the clock from your Mi Account in advance)
• ⚙️ Individual settings of dials, brightness, vibration

To minimize losses, follow a few simple steps:

1. Sync your data with the cloud. Open the Zepp Life app (or Mi Fitness for older models), go to the profile and make sure all the data is uploaded to the server. This is the only way to save your activity history.
2. Take screenshots of settings, such as taking pictures of current dials, notification order, or training settings, which will speed up re-setting.
3. Untie the clock from your account (if you plan to sell or transfer the device). → My devices. → [Name of the clock] → Untie.

If you’re resetting your watch because of a freeze or error and sync is not possible, try connecting to another smartphone.For example, the Mi Band 8 can be temporarily linked to a friend’s phone via Bluetooth to upload data.

💡

If the watch doesn't respond to touch, but is still on, try plugging it into a 30 minute charge, and sometimes a battery that's dead blocks access to the reset menu.

Xiaomi Watch Resetting Methods: Which One to Choose?

There are three main methods of resetting Xiaomi smartwatches, and their availability depends on the model and condition of the device.

If your watch model supports several methods, we recommend starting with a reset via the menu - this is the safest option. Hardware reset should only be used in extreme cases, as it can interrupt the firmware update (if it was in the background) and lead to the "bricking" of the device.

Step-by-step: reset via the settings menu

This method is suitable for most modern touch screen models: Mi Band 5/6/7/8, Xiaomi Watch S1/S2/S3, Redmi Watch 3/4 The main condition is that the watch must be turned on and react to touch.

Make sure your watch is at least 50 times charged%|Synchronize data with the application|Remember or take pictures of your current settings|Unlock the watch from the Mi Account (if necessary)

-->

1. Open the settings menu: Swipe down on the main screen of the watch. → right (for Mi Band) or click on the Settings icon (for Xiaomi Watch).
2. Find the System section: In the menu, scroll down to System or About Phone (the name may vary depending on the firmware).
3. Select “Settings Reset”: In the system section, find the Factory Reset or Recovery and Reset option. On some models (Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro), this item may be hidden under Additional.
4. Confirm action: The watch will be asked to confirm the reset. Usually you need to press Yes or OK, and then type in PIN-code (if installed).
5. Wait until it's done: It takes 1-3 minutes. The clock will reset and you'll see a welcome screen, just like when you first turn on.

If the Xiaomi watch doesn’t turn on or hangs on the logo after reset, don’t panic.Plug it in to charge for 10-15 minutes – sometimes after reset, you need to recharge for the first run.

💡

On the Mi Band 8 and Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro models, you may need to re-assign to your Mi Account via the Zepp Life app after a reset. Without this, some features (such as Mi Pay) will not be available.

Resetting via the application: when and how to use

This method is useful in three cases:

1. You want to save data before resetting (the app will suggest syncing it to the cloud).
2. The watch does not respond to touch, but connects to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
3. You plan to transfer the watch to another person and you need to untie it from your account.

The instructions are relevant for the Zepp Life (for new models) and Mi Fitness (for Mi Band) apps. 3/4/5):

1. Open the app and go to the section with your watch. Click on the device icon at the top of the screen.
2. Select “Device Settings” (or Device Management in Mi Fitness).
3. Find the Reset option: In Zepp Life, the path will be: Settings → Additionally. → Reset to factory settings. in Mi Fitness: Settings → Recovery and discharge.
4. Confirm the action on your phone and wait until the process is complete. The clock will reboot automatically.

If after resetting through the application, the watch does not appear in the list of available devices for connection, follow the following steps:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone (turn it off and on in the settings).
• 📱 Remove the watch from the list of associated devices in the Bluetooth phone settings.
• ⚡ Restart the clock (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).

💡

If you are resetting your Xiaomi Watch S3 For sale, after resetting through the application, perform a hardware reset (see the next section). This is guaranteed to delete all data, including the application cache.

Hardware reset: if the clock does not react

This is the most radical method that should be used only if:

• 🚫 The watch does not turn on or hang on the logo Xiaomi/Mi.
• 🔧 The touch screen does not respond to touch and you can’t open the menu.
• 🔄 Previous Resetting Methods Have Not Worked.

The procedure differs depending on the model:

For the Mi Band. 3/4/5/6/7/8 (physical):

1. Place the watch on the charger.
2. Press and hold the touch button under the screen for 20-30 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the button. The watch will reset and reset to factory settings.

For Xiaomi Watch, Redmi Watch (with a physical button):

1. Hold the power button for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out and the logo blinks.
2. Release the button. In a few seconds, the clock will be on in recovery mode.
3. If you see a menu in English/Chinese, select Wipe data or Reset (use the navigation button).

For the Mi Band 2 and other models without a screen:

1. Remove the capsule from the bracelet.
2. Press the touch button under the indicator 5 times in a row at an interval of 1 second.
3. After vibration, hold the button for another 10 seconds until you feel a double vibration.

After a hardware reset, the watch may be unstable for the first few minutes — that's OK. Give it time to initialize (up to 5 minutes), then perform the initial setup through the app.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, hardware reset erases all firmware, not just user data. After that, the watch may require flashing through the PC using official Xiaomi tools.

What to do after resetting: setup and synchronization

After a successful reset, Xiaomi will return to the “out of the box” state.

1. Link your watch to your account: Open the Zepp Life or Mi Fitness app, click Add Device and follow the instructions. QR-clock-code.
2. Update the firmware: Go to Profile → My device. → Update: Install all available updates – this will fix possible bugs and improve stability.
3. Reset settings: If you took screenshots or recorded settings before reset, reconfigure dials, notifications and workout settings. In the Zepp Life app, you can recover some data from the cloud (if sync was done before reset).
4. Check battery life: After reset, monitor battery consumption on the first day. If the watch runs out too fast, calibrate the battery: discharge it to 0%, then charge it to 100% without interruption.

If you have problems after reset (for example, the Mi Band 7 watch doesn’t sync with the weather or steps), try:

• 🔄 Reinstall the Zepp app Life/Mi Fitness.
• 📱 Reset network settings on your smartphone (Settings) → System system → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth).
• ⚡ Turn off battery savings for the watch application in phone settings.

On models of Xiaomi Watch S3 and Watch 2 Pro may need to reset Mi Pay and other payment services after resetting. → Payments and follow the instructions on the screen.

Frequent post-reset problems and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, users often experience problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If your problem isn’t listed in the table, try the following generic steps:

1. Check compatibility: Make sure your smartphone and app version support your watch model. Mi Band 3 doesn't work with Zepp Life - only Mi Fitness.
2. Change region: In the application settings (Profile) → Region: Select China or the United States – sometimes this solves synchronization problems.
3. Use another smartphone: Try linking your watch to another phone (like Android 10)+), to eliminate problems with your device.

⚠️ Note: If after reset, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro requires input PIN-If you don't have a code you've installed, it might be because you activated Mi Account protection, so you need to enter the account information you previously linked to, and you can only unlock the device through the service center without that information.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions