Reset Xiaomi Mi Band 3: all methods in one instruction

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 can start to malfunction: do not sync with the phone, show incorrect data or stop responding to touch altogether, in 90% of cases, resetting to factory settings helps - a procedure that returns the bracelet to its original state, as after purchase.

But how to reset properly so that you don't damage your device? In this article, we'll look at all the methods available, from standard reset via the Mi Fit app to forced reset when you freeze, and you'll also learn what to do if the bracelet doesn't respond to commands, and how to avoid losing important data.

Important: Resetting removes all information from the bracelet, including activity history, alarm settings and notifications. Backup via the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app (formerly Mi Fit) is recommended to be done in advance.

1.When you need to reset your settings on Mi Band 3

Resetting the bracelet is not necessary when the first problem occurs, but only when other methods fail, and here are the key signs that the device needs a “hard reboot”:

• 🔄 Bracelet does not sync with the phone despite multiple attempts to connect.
• 📵 The screen does not respond to touch or shows artifacts (strips, flickering).
• ⚠️ After updating the firmware, errors appeared: time is lost, notifications do not work, the counting of steps disappears.
• 🔋 Battery discharges quickly (less than 2 days of operation) for no apparent reason.
• 📱 Application Mi Fit/Zepp Life gives an error "The device is not responding".

If the bracelet just freezes (it doesn’t respond to the button, but the screen is on), try a soft reboot first: plug it into charging for 10-15 minutes, then turn it off and check it, which solves the problem in 60% of cases without completely resetting.

Critical information: Resetting your settings to Mi Band 3 doesn’t delete the data from the Mi Fit/Zepp Life app — it’s stored in the cloud, but local settings (alarm clocks, activity targets) will have to be reset.

2. Method 1: Reset via Mi Fit/Zepp Life

The safest and most recommended method is to use an official app, which is suitable if the bracelet is turned on, responsive to touch and synced with the phone.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app on your phone.
2. Go to the Profile section → My devices. → Mi Smart Band 3.
3. Scroll down and select Disable Device (in Zepp Life – Delete Device).
4. Confirm the action, the bracelet will be untied from the account.
5. Return to the main menu of the application and click Add device.
6. Select Mi Band 3 and follow the instructions on the screen to re-bind.

This method actually does a software reset, returning the bracelet to the factory settings, and once you re-bind, you have to reconfigure:

• 🔔 Notifications (SMS, Calls, messengers).
• ⏰ Alarm clocks and reminders.
• 🎯 Step and activity targets.

Synchronize data with the cloud|Remember the current alarm clock settings|Make sure the bracelet is charged (>20%)|Turn off Bluetooth on other devices-->

If the bracelet is not determined by the app after untie, try restarting Bluetooth on your phone or reinstalling Mi Fit/Zepp Life.

Method 2: Hardware reset via a bracelet button

If the bracelet is not synced to the phone or the app can't see the device, a hardware reset via a physical button will help, which works even when the screen is getting stuck.

How to do this:

1. Remove the bracelet capsule from the strap.
2. Find the touch button on the back (under the charging contacts).
3. Connect the bracelet to charge (optional, but recommended for stability).
4. Press the button for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears on the screen.
5. Release the button. The bracelet will reset and return to factory settings.

Once reset, the screen will show a welcome message in Chinese (or English), which means that the procedure was successful, and now you have to re-attach the bracelet through the app.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use sharp objects to press a button - this can damage the sensor.Push with your nail or plastic card.

Method 3: Reset via the bracelet menu (hidden option)

Few people know, but Mi Band 3 has a hidden reset menu that can be called without an app, which is useful if the phone is not available but the bracelet works.

Instructions:

1. On the main screen of the bracelet, swipe to the right to open the menu.
2. Scroll down to Settings (cog icon).
3. Inside the settings, find Additional (or More on English firmware).
4. Select Reset (or Reset) settings.
5. Confirm the action by clicking the tick.

The bracelet will reset and all settings will be reset, and this method does not remove the firmware, so after the reset, the software version will remain the same.

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If the menu does not contain the option "Reset settings", update the bracelet firmware through the Mi Fit application. On older versions of the software, this option may not be available.

5.Reset after a failed firmware update

One of the most common problems is the "brick" of the bracelet after an interrupted update. If the screen shows the Mi logo and does not respond to the button, try an emergency reset:

Algorithm of action:

• 🔌 Connect the bracelet to charge and leave for 1-2 hours (even if the indicator does not burn).
• 🔄 Hold the button for 20-30 seconds until vibration or reset.
• 📱 If the bracelet does not respond, connect it to the phone via Mi Fit and try to update the firmware again.

If these steps didn't work, there might have been a hardware breakdown, and then there are two options:

1. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (if warranty is valid).
2. Buy a new bracelet capsule (cost) ~1 500–2 000 ₽) and move the strap.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to disassemble the bracelet yourself - the body of the Mi Band 3 is sealed, and when opened, you risk damaging the board or display.

Table: Comparison of discharge methods

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users make the same mistakes when resetting the Mi Band 3, which leads to additional problems.

• 🚫 Resetting settings during firmware updates can turn the bracelet into a brick".
• 🚫 Use unofficial firmware – they often contain errors and block access to standard features.
• 🚫 Pressing the reset button with sharp objects damages the sensor.
• 🚫 Interrupt the reset process (e.g., disconnect from charging until the reset is complete).

To minimize the risks, follow these tips:

• ✅ Before reset, synchronize the data with the application.
• ✅ Use the original charging cable – cheap analogues can damage contacts.
• ✅ If the bracelet is wet, dry it before resetting (humidity can cause short circuiting).

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If the bracelet does not turn on after reset, check the charging: connect to another power source (USB-port 5V/1A) and wait 30–60 minute.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions