The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains a popular gadget even years after its release, but sometimes users face the need to return it to factory settings. The reasons can be different: selling the device, fixing software failures or preparing to transfer to another person. The main problem is a standard reset through the Mi Fit application requires a connected smartphone that may not be at hand.
In this article, we will look at all possible ways to reset the Mi Band 4 without a phone, including hardware methods, hidden button combinations, and alternative approaches. It is important to understand that the procedure is different from similar actions on newer models (for example, the Mi Band 5/6/7), where the algorithm can be simplified. Here you will need accuracy and patience - some methods require repeated attempts.
Why You May Need to Reset Without a Phone
Situations when the smartphone is not available, but you need to return the bracelet to the factory settings, many:
- 📱 Loss or breakdown of the smartphone to which the bracelet was tied. Without the original phone, it is impossible to restore access through Mi Fit.
- 🔄 Transferring the bracelet to another user, and the new owner will not be able to connect the gadget to his account until the old data is erased.
- 🐞 Software failures: the bracelet has stopped synchronizing, does not respond to touches, or shows incorrect data (for example, endless charging).
- 🔒 Forgotten PIN-If you have the code, you can't unlock the device in the standard way without the phone.
Also, a phone-free reset is relevant for those who buy the Mi Band 4 hand-held and want to make sure the previous owner hasn't left their data. Unlike newer models where the reset is integrated into the settings menu, the process is less obvious here.
Method 1: Hardware reset via touch button
This is the most reliable way, and it works even in severe software failures: you don't need a phone, but you need a charger (preferably the original one).
- Connect the bracelet to charge. Make sure the charging indicator is on fire (this confirms that the device is receiving power).
- Press and hold the touch button (the area under the screen) for 10-15 seconds.
- Without releasing the button, unplug the bracelet from charging. Continue holding the button for another 5-7 seconds.
- The screen should blink and go out, and that's a good reset signal. If nothing happens, try again.
⚠️ Attention: Some users confuse this method with the usual turning off of the bracelet. If the screen just went out and no longer responds to touch, it is not a reset, but a power outage.
Charge the bracelet at least 20% |
Use the original cable |
Check the cleanliness of the contacts on the bracelet and charger |
Perform the procedure on a flat surface to avoid falling
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Method 2: Hidden menu reset (for firmware up to 1.0.9.56)
Older versions of the Mi Band 4 firmware had a hidden engineering menu that allowed you to reset without a phone, which doesn't work on all devices, but it's worth a try:
- Go to the main menu of the bracelet, swiping your finger up the screen.
- Find the Settings → About bracelet (or About in English version).
- Slap the firmware number 5-7 times in a row at intervals of no more than 1 second. If the menu is activated, you will see additional items.
- In the menu, select Reset Band or Factory Reset.
🔍 How do you know if the menu is available? If you don't click on the firmware version multiple times, your firmware doesn't support this method.
What to do if the hidden menu is not opened?
Method 3: Reset via Mi Band 4 Tools (for PC)
If you have a computer but no phone, you can use a third-party utility, Mi Band 4 Tools, which requires additional hardware, a Bluetooth adapter 4.0+, and a little technical skills.
- Download the utility from the official Gadgetbridge repository (it supports Mi Band 4).
- Connect the bracelet to your PC via Bluetooth. In some cases, you may need to disable pairing with other devices.
- In the utility, select your bracelet and find the Factory Reset or Unpair Device option.
- Confirm the action and wait for the bracelet to reboot.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party utilities may result in a loss of warranty if the bracelet is still on it.In addition, not all versions of the utilities work consistently with the Mi Band 4 - check the reviews on the forums before using it (for example, check the reviews on the forums, 4PDA).
| Resetting method | Equipment required | Implementation time | Level of difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware discharge | Charger | 1-2 minutes | Light. |
| Hidden menu | No. | 3-5 minutes | Medium. |
| Utility for PC | Computer, Bluetooth 4.0+ | 10-15 minutes | Difficult. |
What to do if none of the methods worked
If all of the above methods did not work, the problem may lie in:
- 🔋 Battery discharged, minimum charge to reset is 15-20%, connect the bracelet to charge for 30 minutes and try again.
- 🛠️ Hardware malfunction: If the bracelet doesn't respond to touch or doesn't turn on, the sensor or board may be damaged.
- 📲 Some of the early versions of Mi Band 4 software had bugs that blocked resets, so the solution is to update the firmware through someone else's phone.
Critical information: If the bracelet was tied to a Xiaomi account with two-factor authentication, after the reset, you may need to reconfirm ownership via email or SMS. Without access to the original account, it will be impossible to unlock the device.
💡
If the bracelet does not respond to touch, but vibrates when connected to charging, try to reset it in a dark room - sometimes bright light interferes with the correct operation of the sensor.
How to check that the reset has been successful
After performing any of the methods, you need to make sure that the bracelet is actually back to the factory settings.
- ✅ Welcome screen asking to connect to Mi Fit app.
- ✅ Lack of stored data on steps, sleep and training.
- ✅ The ability to tie the bracelet to a new Xiaomi account.
- ✅ Reset all personal settings (alarm clocks, notifications, dials).
If after reset, the bracelet still shows old data or requires input PIN-In rare cases, multiple resets (2-3 times in a row) may be required to completely clean the device's memory.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users make the same mistakes when trying to reset the Mi Band 4, and here are the most common ones:
- ⏱️ Not enough button retention time. You need to hold the sensor for a hardware reset for at least 10 seconds -- many people let it go sooner.
- 🔌 Use of a non-original charger, and cheap cables may not provide stable power, which interrupts the reset.
- 📵 Attempt to reset when the battery is discharged. If the charge is below 15%, the device may shut down during the process.
- 🔄 Ignoring vibration. The bracelet vibrates when successfully dropped -- if there was no vibration, repeat the procedure.
💡 Tip: If the bracelet does not respond to touch, but vibrates when connected to charging, try resetting in a dark room - sometimes bright light interferes with the correct operation of the sensor.
💡
Hardware reset via button retention is the most versatile method, but requires precise observance of time and sequence of actions.