Reset Xiaomi Mi Band 4 without a phone: a complete guide with photos and nuances

Why resetting without a phone is not always an obvious task

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet has become one of the most popular gadgets for tracking activity due to the combination of price and functionality. However, many users face a situation when you need to return the device to the factory settings, but there is no smartphone with the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app at hand. The reasons can be different: the bracelet freezes after the update, you sell it and want to delete personal data, or simply lost access to your associated account.

The manufacturer doesn’t advertise the possibility of resetting without the phone, because the official way involves using a mobile application. But in Mi Band 4 there are hidden combinations and hardware methods that allow you to bypass this limitation. The main thing is to understand that resetting through a physical button or charger does not work on all versions of the firmware, especially if the bracelet was updated after 2021. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including those that Xiaomi does not document.

Method 1: Hardware reset through the button of the bracelet

This is the most reliable method that works on most versions of the Mi Band 4, including models with firmware up to 1.0.9.54. The essence is to hold a single physical button of the bracelet for a certain time. Importantly, before starting the procedure, make sure that the battery is at least 20%, otherwise the bracelet may turn off in the process.

Step instructions:

• 🔋 Disconnect the bracelet from the charger (if it was connected).
• 📱 Make sure there are no Bluetooth-connected devices nearby (turn off Bluetooth on your phone if it’s nearby).
• 🔘 Press and hold the physical button under the Mi Band 4 screen for 10-15 seconds.
• 🔄 The screen should go out, then the Mi logo and the words Reset or Erasing will appear.
• ✅ After rebooting, the bracelet will be reset to factory settings.

If the screen doesn't respond or if a Power off message appears instead of a reset, your firmware version is blocking this method, then move on to the next method.

Charge the bracelet to at least 20% |

Turn off Bluetooth on all devices within a 5-meter radius |

Make sure there are no active notifications on the bracelet |

Prepare a timer for 15 seconds-->

Method 2: Reset via charger (method "5 presses")

This is less well known, but it's effective for firmware bracelets 1.0.7.xxx-1.0.9.xx. It's based on the Mi Band 4 power controller, which activates the recovery mode when you do a certain sequence of things. Importantly, just use the original charger or certified analogue, cheap substitutes may not work.

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger (not to the charger) USB-hub!).
2. Wait for the charging indicator (battery icon) to appear on the screen.
3. Turn off the bracelet from charging.
4. Press the physical button 5 times in a row with an interval of no more than 1 second between clicks.
5. After the fifth press, hold the button for another 3 seconds.
6. If the method works, the screen will go out, then the Mi logo and the reset process will appear.

This may not work the first time — try repeating the sequence 2-3 times. If the bracelet just turns on or off, then your firmware does not support this method.

Through the Mi Fit| app

Through a physical button |

Through the charger |

Never dropped one.|Another way.-->

Method 3: Hidden Menu of Engineering Settings

The Mi Band 4 has a hidden test and diagnostic menu that can be used to reset, which requires precise action because the menu is undocumented and gesture-controlled, suitable for firmware 1.0.8.xx and later.

How to open the engineering menu:

1. Go to the main screen of the bracelet (press the button once).
2. Swipe your finger right-left-right-left-right (like the Morse code for the letter "U").
3. If the menu opens, you will see a list of items in English.
4. Find Reset or Factory Reset (may be 3-5 positions).
5. Then, click the button and confirm the reset (if required).

⚠️ Note: There are items in the engineering menu that may disrupt the bracelet (e.g. Erase Flash or Test Mode) and do not change other settings unless you are sure of their purpose!

Compatibility table for reset methods with firmware versions

Not all methods work on all versions of Mi Band 4 software. Below is a compatibility table based on user tests and forum data (e.g., 4PDA and XDA Developers). If you don't know your firmware version, try all methods in order.

If none of these methods worked, it’s possible that your bracelet has a regional lock (like the Chinese version with firmware for the CN market), which can help by flashing through Mi Fit on a phone with a Chinese account or using tools like the Mi Bandage.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even if you follow instructions correctly, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔄 The bracelet got stuck on the Mi logo after reset: This means the process has interrupted. connect the bracelet to charging and wait for full charging (at least 1 hour), then repeat the reset.

⚠️ Note: If you reset the bracelet before selling, make sure that the Find Device feature is disabled in the Mi Fit app. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to link the bracelet to his account!

💡

If the bracelet doesn't respond to the reset, try to wake it up by holding it under a bright lamp (like a smartphone flashlight) for 10 seconds, sometimes because of the light sensor.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, you have two options:

1. PC flashing. This will require: a firmware cable (such as a USB-TTL adapter), Mi Band 4 Tools or Flash Tool, a firmware file for your model (can be found on 4PDA).

Xiaomi

can perform the reset using service tools, but this is a paid service (cost - from 500 to 1500 rubles depending on the region).

Flashing is a risky method that can lead to a breeze (completely inoperable) of the bracelet if you do something wrong. If you are not sure about your skills, you better use the second option.

For those who are willing to take the risk, here is a quick flashing instruction:

1. Download the firmware archive and unpack it.


2. Connect the bracelet to the adapter (contacts: GND, TX, RX, VCC).




3. Run the Mi Band 4 Tools program and select the firmware file.




4.Push "Start Flash" and wait until the bracelet is completed (don't turn off!).




5.After the reset, the bracelet will be dropped.

💡

If you're a security bracelet, you should go to the service center to make sure you don't lose your right to free repairs.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions