Why would you want to reset Mi Band 3 without an app?
The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet, released in 2018, is still popular with users due to its reliability and functionality. However, over time, the device may start to work incorrectly: slow down when synchronizing, show incorrect data about steps or pulse, or stop connecting to the smartphone altogether, in which cases a full reset to factory settings is often the only solution.
But what if you don't have a phone with Mi Fit or Zepp Life installed? You may be selling a bracelet, losing access to your Xiaomi account, or the device simply doesn't recognize the app. Fortunately, there are several ways to perform a hard reset of the Mi Band 3 without using a smartphone. In this article, we'll go through all the working methods, their features and possible risks.
It's important to understand that resetting will delete all user data: activity history, alarm settings, sleep and heart rate data, but it can also solve connection problems, screen getting stuck, or sync errors. If you're ready for that, get started!
Preparation for resetting: what you need to know in advance
Before you start resetting, make sure your Mi Band 3 meets a few basic requirements:
- 🔋 Battery level at least 30%, and low charge can interrupt the process, which will lead to complete failure of the device.
- 🔌 At hand must be original or quality USB-The cheap ones may not provide stable power.
- ⏳ Set aside 5-10 minutes for the process. Don't interrupt the reset, even if it seems that the bracelet is frozen».
- 📱 If possible, take screenshots of current settings (alarm clocks, notifications) - after resetting them will have to adjust again.
Also look at the firmware version of your Mi Band 3. Devices with firmware 1.0.9.14 and later support alternative reset methods, whereas on older versions only the "hardware" way through the button can work. You can't check the firmware version without a phone, but if the bracelet was previously updated through Mi Fit, chances are you have the current version.
⚠️ Note: If your Mi Band 3 was linked to a Xiaomi account with Device Protection enabled, you may need to enter your username and password from that account after reset!
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If you don’t remember the Xiaomi account details, try to restore access via account.xiaomi.com before you reset.
Method 1: Hard reset through the button of the bracelet (works on all firmware)
This is the most reliable method, which is guaranteed to work even on the Mi Band 3 with outdated firmware, and the essence is to hold the touch button of the bracelet in a special combination, which causes a forced reboot and reset.
Instructions:
- Remove the bracelet from your hand and place it on a flat surface with the screen up.
- Find the touch button under the screen (it is one that responds to touch).
- Press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears on the screen.
- Without releasing the button, wait for the vibration of the bracelet (usually 3-5 seconds after the logo appears).
- After the vibration, release the button, and the bracelet will begin the reset process, which is signaled by a flashing screen.
- Wait for a full reboot (about 1-2 minutes) and the bracelet will be ready for a new setup.
If the screen is out and the bracelet does not respond to touch for more than 5 minutes, then the reset was successful, but the device is dead. Connect it to charging for 20-30 minutes, then try again to turn on.
Make sure the charge is >30%
Remove the bracelet from your hand
Find the touch button under the screen
Prepare to hold the button for 15+ seconds
Wait for the vibration and flashing of the screen-->
⚠️ Note: Some Mi Band 3 firmware may require holding the button for up to 20 seconds before the logo appears. If nothing happens, try repeating the process by pre-connecting the bracelet to charge.
Method 2: Reset via the bracelet menu (for firmware newer than 1.0.9.14 only)
If your Mi Band 3 has been updated in recent years, it’s likely to have a hidden reset menu available, which is less aggressive than hard-button resets, and avoids potential firmware issues.
How to open the hidden menu:
- Wake up the bracelet by touching the touch button.
- Scroll the menu to the right until you reach the item Still (or More on English firmware).
- Slip on this item, then scroll down to Settings.
- Inside the settings, find Reset or Restore.
- Confirm the action by touching the tick or OK button.
After that, the bracelet will reboot and return to factory settings, which requires no charging connection and takes less time than hard reset, but on older firmware, the Reset point may not be available.
What to do if there is no "Reset" item in the menu?
Method 3: Resetting via charger (alternative method)
A little-known but effective way to reset the Mi Band 3 is to use a charging cable in combination with a button hold, which is useful if the bracelet does not respond to touch or the screen does not turn on.
Step-by-step:
- Connect the bracelet to the charger (can be used) USB-computer port).
- As soon as the charging indicator (battery) appears on the screen, hold the touch button for 20-25 seconds.
- Release the button when the bracelet vibrates and the screen blinks. This is a signal to start resetting.
- Wait for a full reboot (can take up to 3 minutes).
This method is especially relevant if the Mi Band 3 is getting stuck on the Mi logo or does not respond to touch. charging provides stable power during the process, which reduces the risk of failure.
| Resetting method | Suitable for firmware | Implementation time | Risk of failure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through the button | Anybody. | 1-2 minutes | Low. |
| Through the menu | 1.0.9.14 and later | 30-60 seconds | Very low. |
| Through charging. | Anybody. | 2-3 minutes | Medium (if the cable is faulty) |
What to do if the reset did not help: diagnosis of problems
In rare cases, even after a successful reset, the Mi Band 3 may continue to malfunction.
- 🔄 The bracelet reboots cyclically: This may indicate a damaged firmware. Try updating the software via Mi Fit (you'll need a phone). If that's not possible, contact the service center.
- 🔌 Not turned on after reset: Connect the bracelet to charge for 1-2 hours. If the charging indicator does not appear, check the cable or try another charger.
- 📱 Unconnected: Remove the bracelet from the device list in Mi Fit, then re-assign. If it requests a password from your Xiaomi account, restore access.
- 🔋 Fast discharge after reset: Reset can reset battery calibration. completely discharge bracelet, then charge to 100% without interruption.
If neither method worked, it may be a hardware malfunction, such as a damaged battery or power controller that can cause similar symptoms, and we recommend that you contact a Xiaomi authorized service center.
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If after resetting Mi Band 3 requires a password from the Xiaomi account, but you do not remember it - restore access through the official website.
How to avoid problems after resetting: tips for setting up
After a successful reset, the Mi Band 3 will return to factory settings. To avoid repeated failures, follow these guidelines:
- 📲 Update the firmware: Connect the bracelet to Mi Fit and install the latest version of the software. This will fix known bugs and improve stability.
- ⚙️ Set up notifications selectively: Excessive notifications can lead to freezes. Leave only important (calls, SMS, messengers).
- 🔄 Sync data regularly: This will prevent loss of activity history in future resets.
- 🔋 Calibrate the battery: Every 2-3 months, completely discharge and charge the bracelet to 100% for the correct display of the charge level.
Also note the compatibility of the smartphone. Mi Band 3 works optimally with devices on Android 6.0+ or iOS 10.0+. On older versions of the OS, there may be problems with synchronization.
If the bracelet stopped vibrating when notified after reset, check the settings in the Mi Fit app under Notifications. Often, the vibration turns off by default after reset.