Reset Xiaomi Mi Band 5: 3 Proven Ways (2026)

The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular activity-tracking gadgets, despite the release of new models. However, even such a reliable device sometimes requires a complete reset: after firmware failures, synchronization problems or before sale. Unlike the Mi Band 6/7, the fifth version has its own nuances - for example, the lack of a physical reset button and dependence on the firmware version.

In this article, you will find three official reset methods (including hidden ones), a software version compatibility table, and solutions to common errors, from bracelet freezes to loss of communication with the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life), with a special focus on recovering from a failed firmware update when the bracelet stops responding to touch.

When do I need to reset Mi Band 5?

Don't rush to reset the bracelet when the first problem is encountered, many errors are solved by rebooting or reconnecting, but there are situations where a complete reset is inevitable:

• 🔄 Bracelet does not sync with the application for more than a day, despite the reinstallation of Mi Fitness and reboot of the smartphone.
• 🐢 The screen slows down or does not respond to swipes, and touch buttons work repeatedly.
• 📱 After updating the firmware, artifacts appeared on the display (strips, flickering, incorrect display of time).
• 🔒 You sell or transfer the bracelet to another user and want to delete all personal data.
• 🔋 The battery discharges in a few hours without active use (calibration failure is possible).

If your problem doesn’t make it to this list, try alternative solutions first.

• ⚡ Reset the bracelet: connect to charging and wait for the indicator to appear (at least 10 seconds), then turn off.
• 📲 Update the app: in Mi Fitness, check for updates in the Profile section → Settings → About the device.
• 🔌 Change Smartphone to Connect: Sometimes errors are related to Bluetooth conflict on a particular device.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting to factory settings removes all data from the bracelet, including training history, alarm settings and user profile. It is impossible to restore them after resetting - sync the data with the application in advance!

Method 1: Reset via Mi Fitness (recommended)

This is the safest method, as it does not require physical intervention and works even when the screen is locked. The instructions are relevant for the 5.6.0 and later versions of the app (check out Google Play → Mi Fitness → Updates).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Mi Fitness and connect to the bracelet (if it shows as “Offline”, try rebooting Bluetooth on your smartphone).
2. Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 5 → Settings of the device.
3. Scroll down and select Reset to factory settings (older versions of the app may call Restore Factory Settings).
4. Confirm the action on the smartphone screen. The bracelet vibrates and reboots (the process takes up to 2 minutes).

If the reset item is not in the menu, check:

• 📱 Application Version: in Mi Fitness up to 5.0.0 reset is available via Device → Additionally. → Reset.
• 🔗 Bracelet communication: If the Mi Band 5 icon is grey, try reconnecting (forgetting the device in Bluetooth settings and re-pairing).

Make sure the bracelet is at least 50% charged |

Synchronize all data with Mi Fitness|

Disconnect the bracelet from other devices (if connected to multiple smartphones)|

Close background applications using Bluetooth (navigators, music players)

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⚠️ Warning: Once reset, the bracelet will automatically disconnect from all the mated devices. QR-code on the Mi Band 5 screen (appears after rebooting).

Method 2: Hardware reset via charger

This method comes in handy if the bracelet does not respond to touch, does not connect to the application or freezes after a failed update. Unlike the Mi Band 4, there is no physical button in the fifth model, but reset can be initiated through charging contacts.

You'll need:

• 🔌 Original Xiaomi charger (using unoriginal cables can damage contacts!).
• 📏 Flat non-magnetic screwdriver or plastic card (to remove the module from the strap).

Instructions:

1. Remove the bracelet capsule from the strap by pressing the latch on the back side.
2. Connect the bracelet to the charger. Wait for the charging indicator (red or green LED) to appear.
3. Without turning off the charging, press the touch button (the area under the screen) for 10-15 seconds until you feel the vibration.
4. Release the button. The bracelet will reset and start the reset process (the screen will blink, the Mi logo will appear).

If the bracelet does not respond:

• 🔋 Check the charge: at a charge below 5%, the reset may not work. Charge the device for at least 20 minutes.
• 🔌 Try another charger (sometimes the problem is oxidized contacts).
• 🛠️ Carefully clean the contacts of the bracelet and charging with an alcohol napkin (do not use abrasives!).

Method 3: Reset via hidden menu (for power users)

This method is suitable for unlocking the bracelet after multiple failed attempts to enter. PIN-It requires precise execution of the steps, because the wrong actions can lead to a complete loss of functionality of the device.

Algorithm:

1. Connect the bracelet to charging and wait for the indicator to appear (at least 30% charge).
2. Turn off charging and quickly touch the touch button 5 times (the interval between touches is no more than 1 second).
3. After the fifth vibration, hold your finger on the button until the recovery menu appears (about 8-10 seconds).
4. In the menu, select Reset (use swipes up/down to navigate, touch the button to select).

Warnings:

• ⚠️ Do not interrupt the process until the bracelet restarts on its own (this can take up to 3 minutes).
• ⚠️ If the Reset menu does not have Reset, your firmware version does not support this method.

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If the bracelet is not detected in Mi Fitness after reset, remove it from the list of devices in the smartphone’s Bluetooth settings, then restart the phone and repeat pairing.

Recovery after a firmware failure

If the bracelet is stuck on the Mi logo or does not turn on after the update, the cause is often damaged firmware, in which case a standard reset will not help - you will need to flash it through the PC.

This will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (MacOS is not supported).

Step-by-step:

1. Start the MiFit Tool, select the Mi Band 5 model and specify the path to the firmware file (.fw).

If the utility does not see the device:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🛡️ Disable the antivirus (it can block access to ports).
• 🔄 Reinstall libusb drivers (come with MiFit Tool).

⚠️ Note: Incorrectly selected firmware (for example, CN instead of Global, it may result in loss of functionality of some functions (e.g, NFC Check the bracelet region in the Mi Fitness settings before firmware!

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If the bracelet does not turn on even after flashing, the problem may be a hardware malfunction (for example, detached battery contacts), in which case repair is required at the service center.

Frequent errors after reset and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, users face problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If after the reset, call notifications or sleep data are missing:

• 📱 Check the permissions for Mi Fitness in the smartphone settings (Settings) → Annexes → Mi Fitness → Permits).
• 🔔 Include notifications in the app itself: Profile → Mi Smart Band 5 → Notifications.
• 🔄 Reconnect the bracelet to the application (forget the device and hide again).

How to avoid problems in the future

To avoid having to reset your bracelet regularly, follow these guidelines:

• 📲 Update your firmware only through the official Mi Fitness app. Avoid third-party firmware (such as Amazfit or custom builds) if you are not sure they are compatible.
• 🔋 Do not discharge the bracelet "to zero": recharge at a charge level below 10.
• 🌡️ Avoid overheating: Do not leave the bracelet in direct sunlight or near heat sources (e.g., on a car torpedo).
• 💦 Protect yourself from moisture: despite the stated 5 ATM, Do not use the bracelet in hot water (shower, bath) - this can damage the leakage.

To extend the battery life:

• ⚡ Turn off constant heart rate monitoring (if not used): Profile → Mi Band 5 → Monitoring of heart rate → Off.
• 📵 Reduce notification frequency or disable unnecessary apps in the Notifications section.
• 🌙 Activate Do Not Disturb at Night: This Reduces Background Operations.

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If you swim frequently, rinse the bracelet with fresh water after each dive and dry the charging contacts.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions