How to reset Xiaomi Mi Band 3 to factory settings: 3 working ways

Why would you want to reset the Mi Band 3?

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet, despite its reliability, sometimes requires a complete system restart, which can be due to software failures after a firmware update, improper synchronization with the phone or screen freeze, for example, if the bracelet stopped displaying notifications, does not synchronize steps or permanently disconnects, resetting is often the only solution.

Another common situation is that the device is transferred to a new owner, in which case the reset will delete all personal data: activity history, alarm settings, tied accounts, and it is important to understand that after the procedure, the bracelet will return to its original parameters, as after the purchase, and it will have to be reconfigured again.

Finally, resetting helps with incompatibility with a new smartphone or after a failed firmware. If you install custom firmware and the device becomes unstable, returning to factory settings can bring it back to life. However, remember: this is an extreme measure, and before using it, you should try more gentle methods - reboot or update through the official application.

The safest and easiest method is to use the official Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life for newer versions), which is suitable if the bracelet is connected to the phone and responds to commands.

  1. Open the Mi Fit app on your smartphone.
  2. Go to the Profile section β†’ Mi Smart Band 3.
  3. Scroll down and select Untie the device.
  4. Confirm the action - the bracelet will automatically perform the reset.

If there is no item Untie the device, try an alternative way:

  • πŸ”„ Go to the bracelet settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Resetting settings.
  • πŸ“± Make sure Bluetooth is on and the bracelet is connected.
  • βš™οΈ Confirm the reset - the process will take 10-20 seconds.

Bracelet charge > 50%|Synchronization with the phone is complete|Bluetooth on|Mi Fit app updated-->

Once reset, the bracelet will automatically reboot and be ready to reset, you just have to re-attach it to your account. If this method doesn't work (for example, the app can't see the device), move on to the next method.

πŸ’‘

Before reset, export your steps and sleep data to Mi Fit β†’ Profile β†’ Settings β†’ Data Export. This will save your statistics in the cloud.

Method 2: Hardware reset through the button of the bracelet

If the Mi Band 3 doesn't respond to the app or freezes, you can do a hard reset right off the device, and you don't need the phone, you just need the bracelet, and it's important that this method deletes all the data without any recovery, including your training history and screen settings.

Instructions:

  1. Remove the bracelet from your hand and place it on a flat surface.
  2. Find a physical button on the case (under the touch screen).
  3. Press the button for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears on the screen.
  4. Release the button and the bracelet will start the reset process (vibration and flashing screen).

If the screen is not responding, try to connect the bracelet to charging for 5-10 minutes, then repeat the procedure. Sometimes the discharged battery blocks the reset. After a successful reboot, the device will be ready for a new binding.

What to do if the button does not work?
If the physical button is not responding, there may be moisture or mechanical wear. In this case, try: 1. Dry the bracelet in rice for 24 hours (do not use a hair dryer!). 2. Carefully tap the button area with the blunt side of the pencil - sometimes the contacts "stick." 3. Contact the service center if the warranty is still valid.

⚠️ Warning: Do not confuse hardware reset with a conventional reset. If you press the button for less than 5 seconds, the bracelet will simply turn off, but the settings will remain.

Method 3: Firmware reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if the first two methods did not work, or you want to install a clean firmware after a failed update.

  • πŸ’» Computer with Windows/macOS.
  • πŸ”Œ Cable for connecting the bracelet (usually included).
  • πŸ“₯ Firmware file for Mi Band 3 (download from the official Xiaomi website or forum) 4PDA).
  • πŸ› οΈ Programme MiBand3Tools or Gadgetbridge.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install MiBand3Tools with GitHub.
  2. Connect the bracelet to your computer via cable (it should be defined as a removable disk).
  3. Start the program and select Flash firmware.
  4. Specify the path to the firmware file (.fw or.bin format).
  5. Wait until the process is complete (the bracelet will reboot several times).

This requires technical skills, and if you've never been through a device, you should go to a service center, and if you don't have the right firmware, it can permanently disable the bracelet.

Resetting methodDifficultyPhone required.Deletes the data.Implementation time
Through Mi Fit.⭐ (simple)Yes.Yes.1-2 minutes
Hardware (button)⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road)No.Yes.10–30 seconds
Through the firmware⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)No.Yes.5-15 minutes
Reset via Gadgetbridge⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road)Yes (PC)Yes.3-10 minutes

Through the Mi Fit | button on the bracelet | Through the firmware |Nobody has tried-->

What to do after resetting the settings?

After a successful reset, the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 will return to factory settings.

  1. Link the bracelet to your account: Open Mi Fit β†’ Add a device. Select Mi Smart Band 3 from the list. Follow the instructions on the screen (you need to scan). QR-bracelet).
  2. Set up the basic parameters: πŸ•’ Time and date (synced automatically). πŸ”” Notifications (enable alerts for calls, SMS, messenger). πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈ Activity goals (steps, calories, sleep).
  3. Update your firmware (if new version is available): Go to Device Profile β†’ Software Update. Make sure your battery is > 60%.

If the bracelet does not connect to the phone after reset, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot your smartphone and bracelet.
  • πŸ“± Remove the bracelet from the list of Bluetooth devices in the phone settings.
  • πŸ”§ Update the Mi Fit app to the latest version.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet is not turned on or detected by a computer after reset, this may indicate a hardware malfunction.Do not try to disassemble the device yourself - contact the Xiaomi service center.

Common mistakes and their solutions

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

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The bracelet is not turned on after resetting.Battery dischargedPut on charging for 1-2 hours
Data is not synchronizedFailure in the Mi Fit appReinstall the app, clear the cache
The screen blinks and doesn't respondDamaged firmware.Perform a reset via firmware (method 3)
No notifications coming.Permits for Mi Fit are disabledCheck the notification settings on your phone

If the bracelet is stuck on the Mi logo after the reset, it could mean that the firmware is damaged.

  1. Connect the bracelet to the charger.
  2. Hold the button for 20-30 seconds (sometimes it takes several attempts).
  3. If it doesn’t work, re-sweep the device (see Method 3).

Another common mistake is that the bracelet plugs in, but it doesn't display time, because it's synchronized.

  • πŸ”„ Reset the bracelet (hold the button for 5 seconds).
  • πŸ“‘ Turn Bluetooth on/off on your phone.
  • ⏳ Wait for automatic synchronization (can take up to 5 minutes).

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet doesn't respond to either of the reset methods, check it on another phone - perhaps the problem is with the smartphone, not the Mi Band 3.

How can we avoid problems in the future?

To avoid having to reset your settings often, follow these recommendations:

  • πŸ”‹ Keep an eye on the charge level – do not allow full discharge (below 5%) This can cause a memory failure of the bracelet.
  • πŸ“² Regularly update your firmware through Mi Fit. Updates fix bugs and improve stability.
  • 🚫 Do not install unofficial firmware unless you are sure of its security. This can lead to the "bricking" of the device.
  • πŸ’¦ Avoid getting moisture into the charging socket. After swimming or shower, dry the bracelet.
  • πŸ”„ Reboot the bracelet once a month (hold the 5 seconds button.

It is also useful to back up data in Mi Fit:

  1. Open the application β†’ Profile β†’ Settings β†’ Export data.
  2. Save the file to the cloud or computer.

If you're actively using a workout bracelet, sync your data daily, and this will prevent you from losing your statistics when you crash. And remember, the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is not designed for extreme conditions -- avoid shocks, high temperatures, and chemical exposures.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band 3 reset

Can data be recovered after resetting?
No, factory reset completely removes all the data from the bracelet, including activity history, alarm settings, and tied accounts. However, if you previously synced the bracelet with Mi Fit, some of the data (steps, sleep) could be saved in the cloud. To check: Open Mi Fit β†’ Profile β†’ My achievements. Look up the statistics from the past days β€” if there are, the data is restored. If there are no statistics, it can not be restored.
The bracelet doesn't find GPS after it's dropped.
Xiaomi Mi Band 3 doesn’t have a built-in GPS β€” It uses data from its smartphone to track its routes, if the geolocation function has stopped working after the reset: πŸ“± Check if it's on. GPS phone-on. πŸ”„ Reboot your smartphone and bracelet. πŸ“‹ In Mi Fit go to Bracelet Settings β†’ Permits and enable access to geodata. If the problem persists, upgrade the Mi Fit app to the latest version.
The reset doesn't work, the bracelet still bugs. What do we do?
If problems persist after reset (hangs, incorrect display, lack of synchronization), it is possible that the hardware malfunction. Try: Swipe the bracelet again (see Method 3). Check on another phone - perhaps the problem in the smartphone. Contact the service center if the warranty is still valid.Typical hardware malfunctions Mi Band 3: πŸ”‹ Bloated battery (bracelet does not hold charge). πŸ’§ Moisture falling under the screen (divorces appear). πŸ•³οΈ Damage to the charging connector (not charged) In these cases, resetting will not help - repair or replacement is required.
Can I drop my bracelet without my phone?
Yes, use a hardware reset button (see Method 2). This method works without connecting to your smartphone and does not require any installed applications. However, after resetting the bracelet to set up the bracelet, you will still need a phone (for account binding and synchronization). If you do not have access to the phone, but just need to restart the bracelet (without resetting), hold the button for 5 seconds, the device will turn off and reconnect.
After the bracelet is dropped, it shows Chinese characters. How do you fix it?
This happens if the bracelet automatically selected the Chinese region after reset. To return Russian: Connect the bracelet to Mi Fit. Go to Bracelet Settings β†’ Language. Select Russian (or English if Russian is not on the list). Synchronize the data - the bracelet will reboot with the correct language. If the settings do not have Russian, update the bracelet firmware via Mi Fit.