Why would you want to reset the Mi Band 3?
The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet, despite its reliability, sometimes requires a complete reset to factory settings. This is true in several cases: the device began to brake after firmware, stopped syncing with the Mi Fit application, or you are preparing to transfer it to a new owner. Reset removes all the data from the bracelet — from steps and pulse to alarms and notifications, returning it to the “out of the box” state.
It’s important to understand that hard reset and app reset are two different processes: One erases all settings directly on the device, the other synchronizes changes to the phone. In some cases (like when the bracelet freezes), hardware reset becomes the only working solution. But there are nuances: once reset, you may need to re-assign to your Xiaomi account, and some functions (like contactless payment) will be disabled until the new setup.
If you are faced with a Failed to connect Mi Fit error or the bracelet vibrates constantly for no reason, resetting often helps to return to work. However, before the procedure, you should try more gentle methods: rebooting the bracelet or reinstalling the application on your smartphone.
Method 1: Reset via Mi Fit (soft)
The safest method is to use the official app, which is suitable if the bracelet is stable and connects to the phone, but does not work correctly, and the instructions are relevant for the latest versions of Mi Fit (5.0 and later) on Android and iOS.
Open the app and go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 3. Scroll down to Untie the device (in some versions – Remove the bracelet). The system will prompt you to confirm the action and warn you that all data will be deleted. Once confirmed, the bracelet will automatically reset and disconnect from the account. You only have to re-attach it through Add the device.
- ✅ Suitable for eliminating synchronization errors
- ✅ Stores data history in the Xiaomi cloud (if synchronization was enabled)
- ⚠️ It won’t help if the bracelet doesn’t connect to the phone.
⚠️ Note: If you have two-factor authentication enabled in your Xiaomi account, you may need to re-enter the confirmation code when you re-attach the bracelet.
Open the Mi Fit app
Go to Bracelet Profile (Mi Smart Band 3)
Press "Untie the device"
Confirm the action and wait for completion
Reset the bracelet (clamb the button for 10 seconds)-->
Method 2: Hardware reset (hard) through a button
When the Mi Band 3 bracelet is frozen, does not respond to touch or does not connect to the phone, only a physical reset will help. You do not need any applications, only the device itself. Find the touch button on the bracelet body (also known as the touchpad below the screen) and do the following:
- Press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears on the screen.
- Release the button and wait for the reboot (the bracelet vibrates and will show a welcome message).
- If the screen does not respond, repeat the procedure by holding the button for up to 20 seconds.
After a hard reset, the bracelet will return to factory settings, but will remain tied to your Xiaomi account. To completely untie it, you will have to use Mi Fit (method 1) or the web version of the account on account.xiaomi.com.
| Problem. | Will the hardware reset help? | Alternative solution |
|---|---|---|
| The bracelet is off. | Yes (if the battery is charged) | Put on charging for 30+ minutes |
| The screen doesn't respond to touch. | Yes. | Update the firmware through Mi Fit |
| Data is not synchronized | No. | Reinstall Mi Fit or change phone |
| Persistent vibration without cause | Yes. | Check the notification settings |
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet does not turn on after reset, check the contacts of the charging cable for oxidation. Mi Band 3 is sensitive to contamination on the "pins" and may not charge due to this.
Once a month, optimise
Just before the sale.
Never dropped it.
When mistakes occur-->
Method 3: Reset via the web version of the Xiaomi account
A little-known but effective method is to untie the bracelet via a browser, which is useful if you don't have access to the phone that was tied to the Mi Band 3, or the Mi Fit app can't see the device. Go to account.xiaomi.com and follow these steps:
- Sign in to your account (the same one to which the bracelet is attached).
- Go to the Devices section → Mi Smart Band 3.
- Click Remove the device and confirm the action.
After that, the bracelet will be untied from the account, but the settings on it will remain. To completely reset it, perform a hardware reset (mode 2), This method is especially relevant when preparing the bracelet for sale, the new owner will be able to link it to his account without problems.
What if the bracelet is not displayed in the list of devices?
What to do after resetting: setting up from scratch
After any type of reset, the Mi Band 3 bracelet will look like a new one.
- Charge the device to at least 50% (reset consumes charge).
- Install or update the Mi Fit app to the latest version.
- Sign in to your Xiaomi account (or create a new one if you transfer the bracelet to another person).
- Add the device through Profile → Add the device → Mi Smart Band 3
When you first set up the system will offer to update the firmware of the bracelet - it is not recommended to refuse, since older versions of the software may contain synchronization errors.
- 🔔 Notifications (select applications from which notifications will be duplicated on the bracelet).
- ⏰ Alarm clocks (you can set the vibration or beep through the phone).
- 🏃♂️ Activity goals (steps, calories, sleep time).
- 🔒 Unlocking your phone (if supported by your smartphone model).
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If the bracelet doesn't find a phone to sync after reset, try turning off Bluetooth on your smartphone for 10 seconds, then turn it on again, sometimes helping to reset the connection cache.
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even after a successful reset, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The bracelet does not connect to the Mi Fit | An outdated version of the application or firmware | Update Mi Fit in Google Play/App Store and bracelet firmware |
| After reset, the screen flashes and turns off. | Battery discharged | Put on a charge for 1-2 hours, then repeat the reset. |
| The touch of the screen doesn't work. | Sensor or firmware damaged | Perform a hard reset (mode 2) or contact the service |
| The bracelet vibrates every 5 minutes. | Failure in notification settings | Turn off all notifications in Mi Fit and reboot the bracelet |
If none of the methods worked, check the bracelet for physical damage. Mi Band 3 is sensitive to impact and moisture (despite the stated IP68). For example, if the screen stopped working after a fall, the reset will not help - you will need to replace the display.
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Before selling the bracelet, be sure to perform a hard reset (method 2) and untie it from the account via the web version. This will protect your data and allow the new owner to connect the device without any problems.
How to avoid frequent reset: prevention of problems
To avoid having to reset Mi Band 3 regularly, follow the following simple rules:
- 📱 Regularly update the firmware of the bracelet through Mi Fit (once every 1-2 months).
- 🔋 Do not allow full discharge of the battery - charge at the level of 20-30%.
- 🚿 Avoid soapy water or shampoo (despite water protection, chemicals can damage seals).
- 📵 Periodically “forget” the bracelet in the Bluetooth settings of the phone and connect again – this resets the cache of the connection.
It's also important to limit the number of synchronized notifications, and the more apps that send alerts to the bracelet, the higher the risk of crashes, and the optimal way to leave only messengers and calls.
If you are actively using the contactless payment feature (available in some regions), avoid resetting without first disabling the card in Mi Fit. Otherwise, you may need to re-attach the bank card.