Reset Xiaomi Mi Band 3 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 remains one of the most popular fitness bracelets even years after its release, but over time, the device can start to work unstable: slow down, display data incorrectly or stop syncing with the smartphone altogether, in which cases, resetting to factory settings often becomes the only solution.

But how do you do this to avoid turning the bracelet into a brick? In this article, we’ll look at three official reset methods (via the app, button, and key combination), explain possible errors, and give you recommendations for recovering data after a reset, and you’ll also learn why a reset via the Mi Fit app might not work on Android 12+ and how to get around it.

Why would you want to reset the Mi Band 3?

Factory reset is a last resort, but sometimes it's necessary. Here are the most common reasons:

• 🔄 The bracelet is stuck on the logo or cyclically rebooted after a firmware update.
• 📱 Mi Band 3 doesn’t sync with Mi Fit or Zepp Life app despite reinstalling software.
• 🔋 Battery discharges quickly (less than 2 days of operation), although it previously held the charge longer.
• 📊 Step, pulse, or sleep data are not displayed correctly (e.g., 0 steps while walking actively).
• 🔒 Bracelet blocked after failed change attempt PIN-code.

It’s important to understand that the reset removes all user data from the device: activity history, alarms, notification settings, and even linking to a Xiaomi account. However, the physical activity stored in the Mi Fit cloud will remain intact — unless you delete your account.

⚠️ Note: If the bracelet was purchased from hand and tied to someone else’s Xiaomi account, resetting will not help untie it.

Method 1: Reset via Mi Fit or Zepp Life

The safest and most recommended method is to use an official app, which is suitable if the bracelet is switched on and connected to the smartphone, but it does not work stable.

The instructions are relevant for both versions of the application (Mi Fit and Zepp Life), since the interface is almost identical:

1. Open the application and go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 3.
2. Scroll down and select Disable Device (in Zepp Life – Delete Device).
3. Confirm the action, the bracelet will be untied from the account.
4. Return to the main menu of the application and click Add device.
5. Select the Mi Band 3 from the list and follow the binding instructions. At the setup stage, the system will suggest resetting the bracelet to the factory settings, agree.

After that, the device will restart, and you can configure it from scratch. The whole process takes no more than 5 minutes.

Make sure the bracelet is at least 50% charged.

Disable VPN or proxy on your smartphone

Update the Mi Fit/Zepp Life app to the latest version

Remember or take pictures of the current bracelet settings (alarm clocks, notifications)

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Method 2: Hardware reset through the button of the bracelet

If the bracelet does not connect to the phone or the app does not see the device, you can reset directly to the Mi Band 3 itself.

Algorithm of action:

1. Place the bracelet on charge (not necessarily, but recommended for process stability).
2. Press and hold the button under the screen for 10-15 seconds.
3. The screen will go out, then the Mi logo will appear – this is a signal that the reset has begun.
4. Release the button and wait for the reboot (usually takes 20-30 seconds).

After rebooting, the bracelet will be in a “out of the box” state, you only need to link it to your account through the application.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet doesn't respond after holding the button, it may be completely discharged. Charge it for at least 10-15 minutes, then try again. Also check that the charging contacts are not oxidized - this is a common reason for the "responsiveness" of the device.

Method 3: Reset via key combination (hidden menu)

A little-known but effective method is to use the service menu, which is available on all Mi Band 3 devices, which is useful if the standard reset failed or the bracelet is locked.

To activate the hidden menu:

1. Turn off the bracelet from charging (if it was connected).
2. Press the button under the screen 5 times in a row with an interval of less than 1 second.
3. At the 6th click, hold the button for 3-5 seconds until the icon menu appears.
4. Use single taps to switch between points. Find the Reset icon (usually an exclamation point pin pin pin pin pin pin).
5. Hold the button for 2-3 seconds to confirm the reset.

The bracelet will reset and all settings will be reset, and this method works even on devices with damaged firmware when other methods are powerless.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, the Mi Band 3 will need to re-assign it to your account and set it up.

1. Account binding: 📱 Open Mi Fit or Zepp Life and click Add Device. Select Mi Band 3 from the list. Bring the bracelet to your phone for automatic Bluetooth sync.
2. Data recovery: 📊 Your activity history (steps, sleep, pulse) will be restored from the Mi Fit cloud if you used the same account. ⏰ Alarms and notification settings will have to be reconfigured.

Firmware update:

• 🔄 After binding, check for updates in the Device Profile section. → Firmware update.

If the bracelet is unstable again after reset, it may be a problem with outdated firmware or a conflict with the Android/iOS version. For example, Android 12+ smartphones sometimes require manually allowing Mi Fit to access geolocation and notifications, otherwise synchronization will fail.

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If after resetting the bracelet does not find satellites to determine the location, go to the settings of the phone → Applications → Mi Fit → Permissions and enable access to geodata.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users often face problems, and consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

• ❌ Bracelet not reset via app: The problem may be in the app's cache.Try: Clear the Mi Fit cache in phone settings (Settings) → Annexes → Mi Fit → Memory. → Clear the cache. Reinstall the app. Use another smartphone to reset.

After discharge, the bracelet shall not be switched on:

The battery is probably dead. Connect it to charging for 1-2 hours, even if the indicator is not on. If this does not help, check the cable and power supply (use the original adapter on 5V/1A).

The bracelet dropped, but does not connect to the phone:

Make sure that:

• Bluetooth on the phone is on.
• The phone has power saving mode turned off (it can block the background work of Mi Fit).
• You are using the latest version of the app.

If none of these methods helped, it may be a hardware problem (for example, damaged memory bracelet), in which case we recommend to contact the service center Xiaomi.

💡

Before reset, always check the charge of the bracelet - the discharged device can "brick" during the reset and require repair.

How to avoid resetting in the future: prevention of failures

To avoid having to reset Mi Band 3 regularly, follow these guidelines:

• 🔄 Update your firmware regularly through the app. New versions fix bugs and improve stability.
• 📴 Do not interrupt sync with your phone (e.g., do not turn off Bluetooth while transmitting data).
• 🔋 Avoid full discharge. Charge the bracelet at battery level below 20%.
• 🛡️ Do not install third-party firmware (such as Amazfit or custom modifications). This often leads to unstable work.
• 📱 Use the original application (Mi Fit or Zepp Life) Third-party programs (such as Notify & Fitness) may conflict with the bracelet.

Also, remember that the Mi Band 3 is not designed for extreme conditions.

• 🌡️ Overheating (for example, leaving the bracelet in direct sunlight in the car).
• 💦 Immersion in water deeper than 1 meter (despite the claimed water resistance of 5 meters) ATM).
• 🧲 Exposure to strong magnetic fields (e.g., near speakers or induction plates).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band 3 reset