The Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets have become an integral part of the daily lives of millions of users, but even the most reliable device sometimes requires a reboot. Resetting to factory settings may be necessary when selling the bracelet, fixing software failures, preparing for firmware or if the gadget has ceased to sync with the smartphone. However, the procedure has nuances depending on the model (Mi Band 3/4/5/6/7/8) and the firmware version.
In this article, we will examine all official and alternative reset methods, including software reset via the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit), hardware button reset, and forced resets for βhangβ devices. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden functions of the engineering menu that allow you to restore the performance of the bracelet even when you lock the screen or lose communication with the phone. If your Mi Band is malfunctioning, does not sync, or it is just time to transfer it to a new owner, read further.
When do I need to reset Mi Band settings?
Resetting the bracelet to factory settings is a radical solution, which is resorted to in several cases:
- π Preparing for sale or transfer β deletion of personal data (steps, pulse, sleep history) and binding to your Xiaomi account.
- π Fixing software failures: The bracelet doesnβt sync, constantly reboots, or shows incorrect data.
- π Screen locking: if forgotten PIN-code (on models with protection) or sensor has stopped responding.
- π± Smartphone Change: Linking to a new device sometimes requires a complete reset of the old bracelet.
- π§ Firmware Preparation: Before installing custom firmware (e.g. Amazfit or Notify & Fitness).
It is important to understand that the reset removes all user data from the wristband: activity history, alarm clocks, notification settings and even dream data from the past 30 days (if not stored in the cloud).
β οΈ Attention: On Mi Band models 7/8 Reset via the application may require confirmation of SMS or email if the bracelet is linked to a Xiaomi account with two-factor authentication. Make sure you have access to your mail or phone in advance!
Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance
Before resetting your settings, follow a few critical steps:
- Sync your data with the Mi Fitness cloud. Open the app, wait for full sync (the cloud icon at the top of the screen should disappear), which will save your account activity history.
- Take screenshots of the screens with the bracelet settings (alarm clocks, notifications, training profiles) - after resetting them you will have to adjust again.
- Check the battery. The level should be at least 50% - reset when the battery is discharged can lead to "bricking" of the device.
- Untie the bracelet from third-party apps (like Google Fit or Apple Health) if they were connected.
For Mi Band models 7/8 s NFC-module is additionally recommended:
- π³ Remove Bank Cards (Mi Fitness) β Profile β Mi Pay).
- π Reset transport cards (if used to pay for travel).
βοΈ Checklist before reset
If you are planning to sell the bracelet, make sure to check after the reset that:
- π± There is no link to your account on the bracelet screen (should appear) QR-code).
- π In the Mi Fitness app, the device is displayed as "not connected".
Method 1: Reset via Mi Fitness (official method)
The safest and most recommended way is to use a proprietary app, and the instructions are relevant for all models starting with the Mi Band 3:
- Open the Mi Fitness app on your smartphone.
- Go to the Profile section β My devices and choose your bracelet.
- Slap the icon. βοΈ (settings) in upper right corner.
- Scroll down and select Disable Device (or Delete Device in older versions of the app).
- Confirm the action - the bracelet will begin the reset process (the progress bar will appear on the screen).
On the Mi Band 7/8 models, you may need to:
- π± Confirmation through SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
- π Re-binding the bracelet to the account (if the reset is not made before the sale).
The reset time takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes, and when it's done, it will reset and show you. QR-If this does not happen, try a forced reset (method 3).
β οΈ Note: Some Mi Band 6 firmware may still have an account binding after being reset via the app, in which case use hardware reset (method 2) or engineering menu (method 4).
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If the bracelet does not turn on after reset, connect it to charging for 10-15 minutes. Sometimes the reset discharges the battery to a critical level.
Method 2: Hardware button reset (for all models)
If the bracelet does not respond to the app or you have forgotten the password from your Xiaomi account, use the physical reset button.
For the Mi Band 3/4/5:
- Remove the bracelet from your hand and place it on a flat surface.
- Find a touch button on the back of the case (under the Mi logo).
- Connect the bracelet to the charger.
- Press the touch button for 10-15 seconds until you feel the vibration and see the Mi logo on the screen.
For the Mi Band 6/7/8:
- Connect the bracelet to the charger.
- Press the touch screen (in any part) for 20-30 seconds.
- Wait for the double vibration and the Reset inscription to appear.
- Release the screen and the bracelet will begin the reset process.
After the hardware reset, the bracelet:
- π Reboot and show. QR-rebound.
- π± Requires reconnection via Mi Fitness.
- β οΈ Can reset to firmware by default (on some models this leads to loss of support for the Russian language).
| Model bracelet | Reset button | Retention time | Sign of successful discharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 3/4 | Physical button under the logo | 10-15 sec. | Vibration + Mi logo |
| Mi Band 5 | Touch button on the body | 15-20 sec. | Double vibration. |
| Mi Band 6 | Any part of the screen | 20-30 sec. | Inscription Reset |
| Mi Band 7/8 | Touch screen | 25-35 sec. | QR-code + sound-sign |
What if the bracelet does not respond to the button holding?
Method 3: Forced reset for "hung" bracelets
If the bracelet is completely frozen (does not respond to charging, buttons or touching), try the forced reboot procedure, which works even when the firmware is damaged or the battery is discharged (if at least 5% of the charge remains):
- Connect the bracelet to the charger and wait for the charging indicator to appear (if it does not appear, try another ROM).
- Turn off charging and immediately press the touch button (or the screen for the Mi Band 6/7/8).
- Without releasing the button, plug the charger back in and hold for another 15-20 seconds.
- If the bracelet vibrated and showed the logo, the reset was successful. If not, repeat steps 2-3 to 5 times.
This method works in 80% of cases even when:
- π The bracelet is not turned on after discharging to zero.
- π₯οΈ The screen shows Bootloop (cyclic reboot).
- π Not defined by the Mi Fitness app.
β οΈ Warning: Forced reset on Mi Band 7/8 s NFC If the bracelet was used for contactless payments, after the reset, you will need to re-assign the cards through the issuing bank.
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Forced reset is the last chance to bring the bracelet back to life without repair. If the method does not work, there is a likely hardware malfunction (for example, a drop in the screen plume or a failure of the power controller).
Method 4: Reset via the Engineering Menu (for advanced users)
If standard methods don't work, you can use a hidden engineering menu, which is suitable for the Mi Band 5/6/7/8 and allows you to:
- π§ Reset settings without linking to the account.
- π View technical information (firmware version, IMEI).
- π Restore the bracelet after a failed update.
Instructions for entering the engineering menu:
- Turn off the bracelet from charging and wait for full discharge (if it is still turned on - turn it off manually).
- Connect to charging and immediately start touching the screen at 1 second intervals (as if you were typing in) PIN-code).
- After 5-7 touches, a menu with the words Engineer Mode should appear.
- In the menu, select Reset or Factory Reset (navigation - swipes up / down, the choice is tap).
The engineering menu also has options:
- π‘ BLE Test - testing of Bluetooth module.
- π Battery Info - battery data (real wear, charging cycles).
- π Vibration Test - Vibration Motor Test.
Careful: do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose! Incorrect settings can lead to a complete loss of functionality of the bracelet.
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If, after resetting through the engineering menu, the bracelet stopped detecting steps or pulse, perform the calibration of the sensors: Settings β Additional β Calibration of the sensors (in the Mi Fitness application).
What to do after resetting: setting up the bracelet from scratch
After a successful reset, the bracelet will return to the factory settings.
- Account binding: π± Open Mi Fitness and tap Add the device. π Put the camera on QR-bracelet. π Enter Xiaomi account details (if required).
- Firmware update: π Go to the Device Profile β Update of the PO. π₯ Download the latest version (it is recommended to use Wi-Fi).
Data recovery:
- π If the cloud was synchronized before the reset, the activity history will be automatically restored.
- β° Alarms and notification settings will have to be reconfigured.
On models with NFC (Mi Band 7/8) additionally:
- π³ Reconnect your bank cards via Mi Fitness β Mi Pay.
- π Set up transport cards (if supported in your area).
If the bracelet is not synchronized with the phone after reset:
- π± Reboot your smartphone.
- π Turn Bluetooth on/off.
- π Remove the bracelet from the list of conjugate devices in the phone settings.
- π§ Update the Mi Fitness app to the latest version.