The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet is one of the most popular wearables, but even with it, there are sometimes problems: interface glitches, synchronization errors or the need to transfer the gadget to a new owner. In such cases, resetting to factory settings becomes the only solution, but many users are afraid to perform this procedure for fear of losing data or permanently disabling the bracelet.
In fact, hard reset for the Mi Band 5 is the standard procedure provided by the manufacturer. It does not require special skills, but has its own nuances depending on the situation: whether the bracelet works, whether it connects to the phone, whether it responds to touch. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways of resetting, including hidden functions and recovery from failed attempts.
If you’ve never dropped a smartwatch or fitness bracelet before, don’t worry: the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is designed so that even a beginner can return it to its original state. The main thing is to follow the instructions and not miss important steps.
When do I need to reset Mi Band 5 to factory settings?
Don't rush to drop the bracelet when you have a problem, sometimes you just need to reboot it or update the firmware through the Mi Fit/Zepp Life app, but there are situations where a complete reset becomes necessary:
- 🔄 The bracelet strongly brakes, does not respond to touch or spontaneously reboots.
- 🔒 You forgot. PIN-screen unlock code (if installed).
- 📱 Mi Band 5 doesn’t sync with smartphone despite app reinstalling.
- 🛒 You sell or transfer the bracelet to another person and want to delete all personal data.
- 🔧 After a failed firmware update, the bracelet stopped turning on or is not working correctly.
- 🔋 The battery is discharged too quickly and standard calibration methods are not helpful.
It’s important to understand that resetting removes all user data from the wristband: steps, pulse, alarm settings, notifications, and even a Xiaomi account. However, the information in the Mi Fit/Zepp Life app on the phone will remain intact – unless you manually delete it.
If the problem is data synchronization, try first untie the bracelet in the application and re-tire it, which often resolves data exchange issues without completely resetting.
Method 1: Reset via the bracelet settings menu
It is the easiest and safest method, but it only works if the Mi Band 5 is turned on, touch-responsive, and not blocked. PIN-This is suitable for most situations where the bracelet is functional but requires it to be returned to its original state.
To perform the reset, follow the step-by-step instructions:
- Swipe your finger across the bracelet screen to the left or right to open the main menu.
- Find the icon. ⚙️ Settings (usually last on the list) and tap it.
- Scroll down to Reset (or Reset in English firmware) and select it.
- Confirm the action by clicking the tick ✓ or the Yes button.
The bracelet will start the reset process, which will take about 10 to 20 seconds, and then it will automatically reboot and show the welcome screen, as after purchase, and now it can be linked to a new account or reconfigured to suit your needs.
Make sure that the battery charge is > 50%
Untie the bracelet from the account in Mi Fit/Zepp Life
Save important data (export history to PDF)
Charger at hand in case of discharge-->
If you don't have Reset, you may have an outdated firmware version, upgrade it through Mi Fit or Zepp Life, and then try again.
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If the bracelet does not respond to touch, try to wipe the screen with a dry wipe – sometimes the cause is fat or moisture on the sensor.
Method 2: Reset with a button (if the bracelet is not turned on)
If the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 doesn’t respond to touch, is stuck on the logo or doesn’t turn on at all, you can perform a hardware reset through a hidden button, which works even with a fully discharged battery, if the bracelet somehow gives signs of life (vibrates, flashes the screen).
Note: this method is not suitable if the bracelet is physically broken (for example, after falling or water hits).
Instructions for resetting through the button:
- Remove the bracelet capsule from the strap, and then pull it in the direction opposite to the latch.
- On the back of the capsule, find a small hole labeled Reset (near the charging contacts).
- Take a paper clip, needle or other thin object and gently press this hole for 5-10 seconds.
- Release the button and wait until the bracelet vibrates or the Mi logo appears.
If the reset is successful, the bracelet will reset and show the welcome screen.
- 🔋 Check if the charge is enough (plug in for 10-15 minutes).
- 🔌 Try pressing the Reset button when the charger is connected.
- 🛠️ If the bracelet does not show signs of life, the board or battery may be faulty.
What to do if the Reset button doesn’t work?
Method 3: Reset via Mi Fit or Zepp Life
If the bracelet works but you can’t find the reset item on the menu (for example, due to an unofficial firmware), you can perform a software reset via an official application.This method is also useful if you want to save data before reset, since the application allows you to export your activity history.
Instructions for Mi Fit (similar to Zepp Life):
- Open the Mi Fit app on your smartphone and go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 5.
- Put three points on it. ⋮ in the upper right corner and select Untie the device.
- Confirm the junction. After that, the bracelet will automatically reset to the factory settings.
- If you need a full reset, go to Settings → Additional → Reset bracelet (the item may be missing in some versions of the application).
Important: after untie the bracelet in the application, all data from it will be deleted, but the history in Mi Fit will remain. If you plan to sell the bracelet, we recommend you also log out of your Xiaomi account in the phone settings so that the new owner does not get access to your data.
| Resetting method | When to apply | Is the data stored in Mi Fit? | Is PIN required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through the wristband menu | The bracelet works, responds to touch. | Yes. | No. |
| Reset button | The bracelet is not switched on or got stuck | Yes. | No. |
| Through Mi Fit/Zepp Life | You need to save data before resetting. | Yes. | Yes (if installed) |
| Flip-flashing | The bracelet does not respond to other methods | No (unless you back up) | No. |
Method 4: Flashing the bracelet (extreme case)
If none of the above methods work, you have to manually reflash the bracelet, which takes more time and skill, but it often saves you when the Mi Band 5 has turned into a brick after a failed upgrade or crash.
Warning: The wrong firmware can permanently disable the bracelet, and use this method only if other options are exhausted.
You'll need to flash it back:
Step-by-step:
- Download and install MiBand5Tools (or Gadgetbridge for alternative firmware).
- Connect the bracelet to your computer via the charger (you need the original cable!).
- Start the program and select the Flash Firmware function.
- Specify the path to the firmware file (usually with the.fw or.bin extension).
- Wait until the process is over (the bracelet will be rebooted several times).
Once the firmware is successfully installed, the bracelet will return to factory condition, and if the process is interrupted, try repeating it or contact the service center.
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Flashing is a last resort, and in 90% of cases, standard reset methods (via menus or the Reset button) help.
What to do after the Mi Band 5 is dropped?
Once reset successfully, the bracelet will be like a new one, with standard settings and no binding to the account, and to use all the features again, you need to follow a few steps:
- Account binding: Open Mi Fit or Zepp Life. Go to Profile → Add Device. Select Mi Smart Band 5 and follow the on-screen instructions.
Set-up of notifications
Firmware update
Bracelet settings → Software update
Sensor calibration
If the bracelet is not synchronized with the phone after reset:
- 📱 Reinstall the Mi app Fit/Zepp Life.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
- 📶 Make sure your phone is on Bluetooth and Geodata.
- 🔋 Check if the bracelet is discharged during the setup.
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If the bracelet shows the wrong time after reset, synchronize it manually: Bracelet settings → Additional → Time synchronization.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users have trouble resetting Xiaomi Mi Band 5 because they miss important details. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet is discharged below 20%, the reset may be interrupted and the device will stop turning on!
Error 1: The bracelet is not reset through the menu because it is locked PIN-code.
Solution: Use the method with the Reset button or reflash the bracelet.
Error 2: After resetting, the bracelet does not find the phone to sync.
Decision:
- Turn off and turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone again.
- Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugate devices in the phone settings.
- Reinstall the Mi Fit app.
Mistake 3: The bracelet stuck on the logo after being reset.
Decision:
- Connect it to charging and wait 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat the reset via the Reset button.
- If it doesn’t work, try the bracelet.
Error 4: The data in the Mi Fit app is missing after being reset.
Solution: This is normal — the reset only deletes data from the bracelet.The history in the application is stored on Xiaomi servers and will be restored after re-synchronization.
⚠️ Warning: If you are selling a bracelet, remember to log out of your Xiaomi account on your phone, otherwise the new owner will be able to access your data via Mi Cloud!