How to reset Xiaomi watch to factory settings: all ways + error solving

Xiaomi smartwatches are some of the most popular gadgets in the wearables market, but even they sometimes require a complete reset. You may have encountered glitches after updating your firmware, want to sell the device or just return it to a “clean” state. In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for the Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch and Smart Band lines, including hidden methods for recovery after “bricking”.

It’s important to understand that the procedure differs depending on the model and firmware version. For example, the Mi Band 7 resets differently than the Xiaomi Watch S3, and for devices on Zepp OS (such as the Watch 2 Pro) additional steps will be required. We will also consider what to do if the watch does not respond to the reset, how to avoid data loss and what settings should be saved in advance.

If you've never done this before, don't worry. We've detailed each step with illustrations (in text format) and warnings of possible errors, and for experienced users, we've added unique hardware reset methods through charging contacts that are not described in the official documentation.

1.When you need to reset your Xiaomi watch: 5 good reasons

Factory resets are a last resort, but sometimes they're not necessary. Here are the typical situations where the procedure is justified:

• 🔄 The watch slows down or spontaneously restarts after a firmware update. This is a common problem for the Mi Band. 6/7 When you upgrade to new versions of Mi Fitness.
• 📱 Cannot connect the watch to the new smartphone due to data conflict (for example, after changing the account Xiaomi).
• 💰 Preparation for sale or transfer: Reset removes all personal information: steps, sleep data, payment cards (for models with a single device). NFC).
• 🔧 Sync errors with the Zepp Life or Mi Fitness app when data stops updating.
• 🚨 Watch "burst" after a failed firmware or software failure (screen does not turn on, no reaction to buttons).

Before you start, check if a more gentle method will help: reboot the device (press the button for 10-15 seconds) or reinstall the mobile application.

⚠️ Attention: On models with Zepp OS (For example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro reset via the application can lead to loss of training data stored only in the memory of the watch.

2.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

The unpleasant surprise after a reset is the loss of important data. To avoid this, follow a few simple steps:

1. Sync your data with the cloud. Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app, go to your device profile and wait for the sync to complete. The "Data Updated" notification should appear on the screen.
2. Save the settings. Record or take a picture of the current settings: dial order, brightness, timeouts, which will save you time after reset.
3. Delete payment cards (for models with NFC). In the app, go to Device Management → Contactless payments and untie bank cards.
4. Check the battery power. The level should be at least 50%. On some models (for example, the Mi Band 8), the reset can be interrupted when the charge is low.

If you are using the Xiaomi Watch S3 or other Wear OS watch, export your data via Google Account:

Settings → System → Backup → Enable backup in Google Drive

Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app is open

Data synchronized with the cloud

Screen settings (dials, brightness) are saved

Deleted payment cards (if there is an NFC)

Battery charge ≥50%-->

Method 1: Reset via mobile application (the safest)

This is the official method recommended by Xiaomi, and works for most models, including the Mi Band 3-8, Smart Band Pro and Xiaomi Watch S2/S3.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Mi Fitness app (for older models) or Zepp Life app (for newer models).
2. Go to your device profile (shoot it on the home screen).
3. Select Device Settings (or Device Management in Zepp Life).
4. Scroll down and find Reset to factory settings (in some versions – Untie the device).
5. Confirm the action. The watch will reboot and the Xiaomi logo will appear on the screen.

For a Zepp OS watch (like the Watch 2 Pro), the path is a bit different:

Zepp Life → Profile → Settings → System → Resetting settings

⚠️ Warning: If the watch doesn’t appear on the list of available devices to connect after reset, try rebooting Bluetooth on your smartphone or installing the Mi Band Master app (an alternative client for the Mi Band).

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If the reset through the application does not work, try untie the watch from the Xiaomi account in the settings of the smartphone: Settings → Accounts → Xiaomi → Devices.

Method 2: Hardware reset via a button (for "hang" watches)

If the watch doesn't respond to touch or connect to the phone, you can do a manual reset, which works for most models, but requires care.

Instructions for Mi Band 3-8 and Smart Band Pro:

For the Xiaomi Watch S2/S3 and other physical button watches:

1. Press both buttons (if there are two) or one button (if there is one) for 20-30 seconds.

If there is no reset button (as on some versions of the Mi Band 8), try an alternative method:

Connect the watch to charge → Press the touch button for 30 seconds → Wait for vibration

5. Method 3: Reset via charging contacts (hidden method)

This is a way to restore a brick clock that doesn't turn on or respond to buttons, and it works by closing certain contacts on the charger.

You will need: charging cable, paperclip or tweezers, power source (USB-port).

Step-by-step:

1. Carefully close the second and fourth pins (counting from left to right) with a clip for 5-7 seconds. For the Mi Band 6, these are GND and CLK contacts.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect closure of contacts can damage the clock fee! If you are not sure about the location of contacts, you should contact the service center. For Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro this method is not recommended - use the official reset via Zepp Life.

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Resetting through charging contacts is the only way to bring a watch with damaged firmware back to life, but it requires precision. If the clock doesn't turn on after the procedure, try repeating it with another power source (for example, charging from a smartphone instead of a PC).

6.What to do after resetting: setting from scratch

Once it's reset successfully, it's going back to factory status, and now it needs to be reconnected and reconfigured.

• 📱 Reconnect the watch to your smartphone: Open the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life. Click Add Device. Select the watch model from the list. Follow the instructions on the screen (may require scanning). QR-code).

Reset the settings.

• Screen Brightness: Settings → Display → Brightness.
• Dials: Settings → Dials → Select from the gallery.
• Notifications: Settings → Notifications → Select applications.
• 🔄 Update the firmware (if available). After the reset, the watch may suggest installing the current version of the software.