Xiaomi Mi Band 3 remains one of the most popular fitness bracelets even years after its release β its reliability and functionality have been appreciated by millions of users. However, over time, the device can begin to βglutβ: do not sync with a smartphone, show incorrect data or completely stop responding to touch. In 90% of cases, reset to factory settings solves these problems. But how to do it correctly, so as not to turn the bracelet into a βbrickβ?
In this article, we have 5 proven reset methods (including emergency ones), a breakdown of common errors and answers to the questions users ask most often, and we have taken into account all the nuances from resetting via the Mi Fit app to manually zeroing if the bracelet is not turned on, and also an error code table and interactive widgets that will help avoid common problems.
1.When do I need to reset Mi Band 3 settings?
Resetting the bracelet is not βjust in caseβ, but for specific symptoms, and here are the main signs that the device needs a βhard rebootβ:
- π The bracelet does not sync with the smartphone (the error βfailed to connectβ in Mi Fit).
- π± The screen does not respond to touch or βhangβ on the Mi logo.
- π Fast battery discharge (from 100% to 0% in a few hours) for no apparent reason.
- π Incorrect data showing: steps are considered "on their own", pulse shows 220 beats per minute at rest.
- π Forgot the screen unlock password (if installed).
If the bracelet is just βbrakingβ, try to reset it first (hold the button 10 seconds to vibration). Reset is a last resort, since after it you will have to reconfigure the device and synchronize the data.
β οΈ Note: After reset, all user settings (alarm clocks, notifications, activity profiles) will be deleted. Steps and sleep data for the last 7 days will be stored in the bracelet memory, but you will need to re-sync them with Mi Fit.
2. Method 1: Reset via the Mi Fit application (the safest)
If the bracelet is connected to your smartphone and responds to touch, use the official application, which is guaranteed to not damage the firmware and retains the ability to recover data.
Instructions:
- Open Mi Fit on your smartphone and go to Profile β Mi Smart Band 3.
- Scroll down and select Untie the device.
- Confirm the action - the bracelet will automatically reset to the factory settings.
- After resetting, reboot the bracelet (hold the 5 seconds button) and reconnect it via Add the device to Mi Fit.
If you don't have the option to untie the device, upgrade to the latest version of the app. In older versions of Mi Fit (up to 4.6.0), this section may not be available.
Update the Mi Fit app to the latest version
Make sure the bracelet is at least 50% charged.
Turn off VPN or proxy on your smartphone (they can block sync)
Take screenshots of current settings (alarm clocks, notifications) for quick recovery-->
Method 2: Hard reset through a button (if the bracelet does not respond)
If the Mi Band 3 screen is frozen or doesn't respond to touch, a hardware reset will help. You don't need to connect to a smartphone, just the button on the bracelet body.
Step-by-step:
- Remove the bracelet from your hand and place it on a flat surface.
- Find the physical button on the back (under the strap).
- Press and hold the button for 15-20 seconds until you feel three short vibrations in a row.
- Release the button and the bracelet will reboot and show the Mi logo.
If the screen is black after reset, plug the bracelet into charging for 10 to 15 minutes, then repeat the procedure, and the battery may have run out to a level where the device cannot complete the reset.
β οΈ Warning: Don't confuse hard reset with normal reset! With less than 10 seconds of button retention, the bracelet will simply restart without resetting the settings.
What to do if the button does not respond?
Method 3: Reset via ADB (for advanced users)
This method will come in handy if the bracelet connects to the smartphone, but the standard reset via Mi Fit does not work (for example, due to a synchronization error). ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
Instructions:
- Install. ADB-PC-driver.
- Turn on the developer mode on the bracelet: Go to Settings β About the bracelet. Tap 10 times on the firmware version line until the notification βYou became a developerβ appears.
ADB
adb shell am start -n com.xiaomi.hm.health/com.xiaomi.hm.health.activity.ResetDeviceActivityOnce the command is executed, the bracelet will automatically reset and reset, which works on the firmware of Mi Band 3 version 1.5.0.0 and higher.
| Firmware version | Support ADB-discharge | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0.0β1.2.0.0 | β No. | Use a button reset or Mi Fit. |
| 1.3.0.0β1.4.0.0 | β οΈ Partially. | You may need to have a manual Bluetooth connection. |
| 1.5.0.0 and higher | β Yes. | It works without any additional action. |
5. Method 4: Reset if the unlock password is forgotten
If you set a password on the Mi Band 3 screen and forgot it, the standard reset methods wonβt work β the bracelet will require you to enter the code even after you reboot, in which case forced reset via the configuration file will help.
Algorithm of action:
- Connect the bracelet to charging and wait until the charge indicator appears on the screen.
- Turn it off from charging and immediately hold the 30 seconds button (until double vibration).
- The bracelet will go into recovery mode - the inscription "Reset" will appear on the screen.
- Confirm the reset by pressing the button again.
This method deletes all data, including the password, but keeps the firmware running. If the bracelet does not turn on after reset, try connecting it to charge for 1-2 hours - perhaps the battery has run out to a critical level.
π‘
If you often forget passwords, turn off screen lock in Mi Fit settings (Security section) β Lock the screen. Or use a simple one. PIN-code (e.g. 1234) that is easy to remember.
6. Method 5: Resetting through third-party utilities (at your own risk)
You can find utilities like Mi Band 3 Tools or Notify & Fitness for Mi Band that promise a one-click βmagicβ reset, but you canβt use them for three reasons:
- π‘οΈ Risk of firmware damage β informal tools can record incorrect data in the memory of the bracelet.
- π Data Leakage β Some Utilities Require Access to Xiaomi Account, Which Is Unsafe.
- π΅ Device lock β Xiaomi can block the bracelet for using uncertified software.
If you still decide to use a third-party utility, first:
- Create a backup of the data through Mi Fit.
- Disable the bracelet from your Xiaomi account (in the app settings).
- Use only open source software (e.g. Mi Band 3 Tools on GitHub).
β οΈ Warning: After using unofficial utilities, the bracelet may lose its warranty.If the device is warranty, contact the Xiaomi service center for a reset.
7.Typical errors in resetting and how to avoid them
Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The bracelet does not drop through the button. | Weak battery charge | Charge the device to at least 30% and try again. |
| After reset, the screen flashes and turns off. | Firmware damaged. | Fly the bracelet through Mi Fit or service center. |
| Mi Fit doesn't see bracelet after resetting | Bluetooth conflict | Reboot your smartphone and bracelet, then repeat the pairing. |
| The bracelet hangs on the Mi logo | Incompatible version of the firmware | Update the firmware through Mi Fit or reset again. |
If none of these methods worked, check the bracelet for physical damage (moisture, falls, bloated battery).
π‘
Always check the battery before reset! A bracelet with a charge level below 20% may not complete the procedure, which will damage the firmware.