Reset Xiaomi Mi Band 3: all ways and solutions to problems

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet remains a popular gadget even years after its release, with its reliability and functionality appreciated by millions of users. However, over time, the device may start to work incorrectly: slow down, not sync with a smartphone, show incorrect data or stop responding to touch altogether, in which cases, resetting to factory settings often becomes the only effective solution.

But how to reset properly so as not to lose important data or turn the bracelet into a brick? In this article, we will examine all official and alternative methods, from standard reset via the Mi Fit app to hard reboot with a physical button, and learn what to do if the bracelet does not respond to reset due to a discharged battery or software failure, and how to avoid typical recovery errors.

When do I need to reset Mi Band 3?

Resetting the bracelet to factory condition is not just in case, but only for specific problems, and here are the most common situations where the procedure is justified:

• 🔄 The bracelet is not synchronized with the smartphone (the connection indicator in Mi Fit constantly rotates).
• 📉 The screen is getting stuck on the Mi logo or does not respond to touch.
• 🔋 The battery discharges in a few hours (provided that previously held the charge longer).
• 🔒 You forgot the password from the bracelet (if it was set).
• 📱 Step, pulse, or sleep data are not updated or shown incorrectly.
• 🛠️ Before selling or transferring the bracelet to another user.

It’s important to understand that resetting is a last resort. If the problem is related to, for example, an unstable Bluetooth on a smartphone or an outdated version of the Mi Fit app, first try simpler solutions: reboot your phone, update the software, check the permissions for the application. Reset will delete all local data on the bracelet (but not on Xiaomi servers if the device was tied to the account).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Band 3 bracelet was bought hand-held and previously tied to someone else's Xiaomi account, a reset via the menu will not help.

Method 1: Reset via Mi Fit (recommended method)

The safest and easiest way is to use the official Mi Fit app, which is suitable if the bracelet is connected to a smartphone and responds to commands, and the instructions are relevant for the latest versions of the app (2023-2026).

Step-by-step procedure:

1. Open the Mi Fit app on your smartphone and make sure the bracelet is plugged in (the Mi Band 3 charge level should be displayed at the top of the screen).
2. Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 3 (or click on the bracelet icon on the home screen).
3. Scroll down and select Disable Device (in some versions, Delete Device).
4. Confirm the action. The bracelet will be untied from the account, and all settings will be reset.
5. To reset the bracelet completely, press the touch button for 10-15 seconds until the vibration and Mi logo appear.

After that, you can re-assign Mi Band 3 to your account via Mi Fit. All data (steps, sleep, training) will be downloaded from Xiaomi servers if synchronization was previously enabled.

⚠️ Note: If the bracelet is not activated or determined by the application after untie, try an alternative reset method (see next section.

Method 2: Hard reset through a physical button

If the Mi Band 3 bracelet doesn’t respond to touch, doesn’t connect to your phone, or is getting stuck on the boot screen, hardware reset will help.This method works even without the Mi Fit app, but requires precise execution of instructions.

How to make a hard reset:

1. Remove the bracelet from your hand and place it on a flat surface (for example, on a table).
2. Find the touch button below the screen (which is also used to return to the menu).
3. Press the button for 20-30 seconds until the screen goes out and then the Mi logo with vibration appears.
4. Release the button. The bracelet will reset and return to factory settings.

If the screen is black after reset or if an E1 error occurs, it may indicate a battery is dead or firmware is damaged.

• 🔌 Connect the bracelet to charge for 30-60 minutes (even if the indicator is not lit).
• 🔄 Repeat the discharge procedure.
• 📱 If the error persists, try to tie the bracelet to another smartphone with Mi Fit.

Method 3: Reset via Zepp Life (Mi Fit alternative) In 2020, Xiaomi began the transition from Mi Fit to Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit).If your Mi Band 3 is tied to Zepp Life, the reset procedure is slightly different. Instructions for Zepp Life: Open the app and go to Profile section → Select Mi Smart Band 3 and click on the icon. ⚙️ («Settings. Scroll down and tap Delete device. Confirm removal. Bracelet untie and reset. Then you can re-add the device via Add device → Bracelets. → Mi Band 3. Please note that the Zepp Life interface may vary by region (e.g., some menu items are translated differently in the Chinese version). Appendix Path to Reset Features Mi Fit Profile → Mi Band 3 → Disable Device Supports older versions of the bracelet, but may not update Zepp Life Profile → My devices. → ⚙️ → Delete the device More modern interface, but possible bugs with Mi Band 3 Notify & Fitness → Mi Band 3 → Reset Works without Xiaomi account, but requires manual setup 💡If the bracelet is not detected in either Mi Fit or Zepp Life after reset, try clearing the cache of apps on your smartphone or reinstall them.

What if the reset didn't help?

In rare cases, even after resetting, the Mi Band 3 bracelet continues to malfunction.

• 🔋 Full battery discharge (bracelet does not turn on even after charging).
• 🛠️ Firmware damage (for example, after an interrupted update).
• 💧 The water is under the hull (despite the stated IP68, contact may oxidize).
• 📱 Incompatibility with the new version Android/iOS (for example, on Android 14 Possible problems with Bluetooth).

Solutions for each case:

• 🔌 Battery discharge: Connect the bracelet to charge for 2-3 hours, even if the indicator is not on. Use the original cable. If it does not help, check the contacts for contamination.
• 🔄 Firmware failure: Try updating the bracelet through Mi Fit (Update section). If the update does not start, you will need to flash through the flashbox. ADB (see next section).
• 💧 Moisture: Disassemble the bracelet (gently tanning the back cover), dry the board with a hairdryer at a minimum temperature or place in rice for 24 hours.
• 📱 Incompatibility: Install the older version of Mi Fit (e.g. 4.6.0) or use a second phone with Android 9–11.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet turns on after charging but turns off immediately, this is a sign of a faulty battery. In this case, the reset will not help, you will need to replace the battery (cost) ~500-800 rubles in service centers).

Reflashing Mi Band 3 via ADB (for power users)

If a standard reset doesn’t solve the problem and the bracelet isn’t updated through the Mi Fit, you can try manually reflashing it, a technique that requires ADB skills and is only suitable for users willing to risk bricking the device.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows or macOS.
• 📱 Smartphone with Android and enabled debugging USB.
• 🔗 Mi Band 3 Tools (for example, here).
• 🔋 Charged bracelet (at least 50%).

Instructions:

1. Install ADB and drivers for your smartphone.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and start the command: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified.
3. Download the firmware for Mi Band 3 (for example, 1.1.0.74 is one of the most stable versions).
4. Run Mi Band 3 Tools and follow the firmware instructions.

⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can permanently disable the bracelet. If you are not sure of your actions, you should contact the service center.

💡

Flashing through ADB is a last resort, and in 90% of cases, a standard reset or upgrade through Mi Fit helps.

How to recover data after resetting?

Once reset, all local data on the bracelet (steps, pulse, training) will be deleted, but if the device was linked to a Xiaomi account, some of the information can be restored:

• 📊 Statistics for the last 30 days are stored on Xiaomi servers and will be downloaded automatically when re-associated.
• ⚡ Settings alarm clocks and notifications will have to configuring again.
• 🏃 Training data over 30 days may be lost if no backup is available.

To minimize losses:

1. Before reset, synchronize the data in Mi Fit (open the application and wait for the statistics update).
2. Export your story to Google Fit or Apple Health (there is Sync with other services in the Mi Fit settings).
3. Take screenshots of important screens (such as step records or sleep).

If the bracelet is sold or transferred to another person, be sure to untie it from your Mi Fit account (Profile) → Mi Band 3 → Disable the device, otherwise the new owner will not be able to tie it down.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band 3 reset