How to reset Xiaomi Mi Band 4 to factory settings without a phone: 3 proven methods

Owners of the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet sooner or later face the need to return the device to the factory settings. The reasons can be different: selling the gadget, fixing software failures, preparing to transfer to another user or just wanting to start with a clean slate. But what if you do not have a smartphone with the Mi Fit app at hand? It turns out that you can reset the Mi Band 4 without a phone - and we will tell you how to do it correctly.

Many users mistakenly believe that without the application, reset is impossible. In fact, the manufacturer has provided several alternative methods, including hardware button combinations and hidden menus. The main thing is to know the exact sequence of actions and take into account the nuances that are often not mentioned in standard instructions. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods, discuss in detail at each stage and warn against typical errors that can turn a simple procedure into a headache.

This is especially true for those who have purchased the bracelet from their hands and want to delete the previous owner’s data, or for travelers who do not have access to a familiar smartphone. It is equally important to understand that a full reset removes all settings, including account binding, activity history and personal data, so before starting the procedure, it is worth weighing the pros and cons.

Why You Should Reset Mi Band 4 Without Your Phone

There are more cases where you want to return the bracelet to factory settings without using a smartphone than you might think.

• 📱 Loss or breakage of the smartphone to which the bracelet was tied. Without the phone, you can not log into the Mi Fit app, but you still need to reset the gadget.
• 🔄 Buying a used device: the previous owner could not untie the bracelet from his account, and now the new user can not configure it.
• 🐌 Firmware hangs or glitches. Sometimes the Mi Band 4 starts to slow down, not sync, or show incorrect data.
• 🔒 Forgotten password from Xiaomi account.If you don't remember the login details but want to use the bracelet, reset is the only way out.
• 📦 Preparing for sale or transfer: In order for the new owner to link the device to his account, you need to delete all the old data.

It is important to understand that a phone-free reset does not always remove the binding to the Xiaomi account at the company server level. In some cases, additional authorization through the application may be required after the procedure, but the bracelet itself will return to the “out of the box” state, and you can reconfigure it.

Another nuance: if the bracelet is blocked (for example, after several unsuccessful attempts to enter) PIN-Resetting the code will help unlock it without having to remember the password.

Method 1: Hardware reset through a bracelet button

The most reliable way to bring the Mi Band 4 back to factory settings without a phone is to use a hidden combination of taps on the device button itself, which works regardless of the firmware version and does not require a connection to the application.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Remove the bracelet from your hand and place it on a flat surface with the screen up.
2. Find the touch button under the screen (it is one, so it is impossible to make a mistake).
3. Press the button and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears on the screen.
4. Once the logo is gone, release the button, and the bracelet will begin the reset process, signaled by vibration and a flashing screen.
5. Wait for the reboot (usually 20-30 seconds) and the device will be ready for the new setup.

Make sure that the battery is > 20%

Place the bracelet on a soft surface so as not to scratch the screen

Remember or write down your current settings if you plan to restore them later.

Do not interrupt the process until the full reboot is complete.-->

⚠️

Note: If the bracelet simply turns on or off after holding the button but does not reset, try repeating the procedure by holding the button longer (up to 20 seconds). PIN-code – in this case, you need to remove it first (if you remember the combination).

This method is suitable for most firmware versions, but if your Mi Band 4 has been updated to the latest version, an alternative method may be required (see the next section).

Method 2: Reset via hidden settings menu

If the hardware reset didn’t work or your bracelet runs on custom firmware (like the Mi Band 4 Custom Firmware), you can try to return factory settings through a hidden engineering menu.

Step instructions:

1. Activate the bracelet screen by pressing a button.
2. Scroll down to Settings (cog icon) and select it.
3. Scroll through the list to the end and find the About item (or About in English firmware).
4. Slap it 5 times in a row with an interval of no more than 2 seconds, after which a hidden menu should appear.
5. In the engineering menu, find Reset or Factory Reset (can be called differently depending on the firmware version).
6. Confirm the reset by selecting Yes or OK.

If the hidden menu does not open, try the following options:

• 🔄 Reboot the bracelet (hold the button for 5 seconds until it turns off, then turn it on again).
• 📱 Check if the device has a child firmware (for example, Mi Band 4 Kids) where some functions are blocked.
• 🔋 Make sure the battery is sufficiently charged (at least 30%), otherwise the reset may be interrupted.

⚠️

Note: In some custom firmware, the reset point may be called otherwise, for example, Wipe Data or Erase All. Be careful - choosing the wrong parameter can lead to unexpected consequences, for example, to delete only part of the data without a complete reset.

Method 3: Reset via charging connection (alternative method)

A little-known but working method is to initiate a reset via a charger, which is suitable if the bracelet does not respond to the press of a button or the screen does not turn on, the bottom line is that, with a certain sequence of actions during charging, the Mi Band 4 goes into recovery mode.

How to do this:

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger (use the original cable or certified analogue).
2. As soon as the charging indicator appears on the screen (usually after 2-3 seconds), turn off the cable.
3. Press the touch button immediately and hold it for 10-12 seconds.
4. Without releasing the button, reconnect the bracelet to charging.
5. Hold the button for another 5 seconds, then let go. The bracelet should vibrate and start the reset process.

This method doesn’t work on all firmware versions, but it does help in 70% of cases when other methods don’t work. If the bracelet just keeps charging after manipulation, repeat the procedure by holding the button longer (up to 15 seconds).

⚠️

Warning: Do not use non-original high-current chargers - this can damage the battery.It is optimal to use a charge from a Xiaomi smartphone with an output current of no more than 1A.

💡

If the bracelet doesn't respond to charging, try clearing the contacts on the back of the device with an alcohol wipe.Oxidation or dirt can interfere with normal connection.

What to do if the reset failed: common mistakes and decisions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, the reset process sometimes stops or doesn’t start at all.

If none of the methods worked, it is possible that your bracelet has a hardware lock (for example, after a failed firmware), in which case only flashing through Mi Fit or contacting a service center will help.

Another thing is, once reset, the bracelet may not immediately appear on the list of available devices when you try to connect.

• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (hold the button for 5 seconds).
• 📱 Restart the Mi Fit app on your phone.
• 🔍 Make sure that Bluetooth is on and the bracelet is near the phone.

💡

If the bracelet does not connect to the new phone after reset, check if there is any link to the old account. To do this, log into Mi Fit on the old device and manually delete Mi Band 4 from the list of devices.

How to prepare the bracelet for resetting: important recommendations

Before you start resetting, you should follow a few simple steps to avoid unpleasant surprises:

1. Check the charge level.

The reset process requires energy, and if the battery is less than 20% dead, the device can shut down at the most inopportune moment, which can damage the firmware and turn the bracelet into a brick. Charge the gadget to at least 50% before the procedure.

2. Take it off. PIN-code (if you remember)

If the bracelet has a lock code, the reset may fail or end in an error. PIN:

1. Go to Settings → Lock the screen.
2. Enter the current one. PIN.
3. Select Unlock the lock.

3. Save important data

The discharge removes:

• 📊 A History of Steps, Sleep and Exercise.
• ⚙️ All settings (alarm clocks, notifications, activity profiles).
• 🔑 Reference to Xiaomi account (sometimes re-authorization is required).

If you have access to your phone, sync your data with Mi Fit before resetting. Otherwise, the information will be lost irretrievably.

4. Prepare the charger

Even if the battery is charged, keep a charging cable on hand. In rare cases, the reset may be delayed and the bracelet will run out in the process.

💡

If you drop the bracelet before selling, take a screenshot with the information about the firmware version (in the About menu) to help the new owner verify the originality of the software.

What to do after resetting: set up Mi Band 4 from scratch

Once you've successfully returned to the factory settings, the bracelet will be in a "new-as-you-go" state, and now it needs to be reconfigured.

1. Connect to the telephone

Download the Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life for newer versions) and follow the instructions:

1. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
2. Click Add Device and select Mi Smart Band 4.
3. Allow access to notifications and geodata (optional).
4. Follow the hints on the screen to pair over Bluetooth.

2.Initial setting

After connecting the bracelet will offer to configure:

• 🕒 Time zone and time format.
• 🔔 Alarm clocks and reminders.
• 🏃‍♂️ Step and activity targets.
• 🔒 PIN-code (recommended to be installed for security).

3. Firmware update

After reset, check for updates:

1. Open the Mi Fit section Profile → Mi Smart Band 4 → Firmware update.
2. If a new version is available, download and install it.
3. Do not interrupt the upgrade process – this can put the bracelet out of order.

⚠️

Note: If the bracelet is not determined by the application after reset, try: 🔄 Reboot the bracelet and phone. 📱 Remove Mi Fit and Reinstall. 🔗 Turn off and turn on Bluetooth again.

If you plan to use the bracelet without a phone (for example, only as a watch or pedometer), after reset, it will work offline, but some of the features (notifications, data synchronization) will not be available.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi Band 4