Reset Xiaomi Mi Band 4 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains a popular device years after its release, with millions of users appreciating its reliability and functionality, but over time, there may be situations where you need to return the bracelet to factory settings, from selling the device to fixing software failures, resetting all personal data, including your tied Mi Account account, activity history and user settings.

The reset procedure seems simple, but it has nuances. For example, not everyone knows that a full reset via the Mi Fit app is different from a hardware reset β€” and in some cases (for example, when the bracelet freezes), the second option becomes the only solution. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including hidden functions that are not written in the official instructions.

You will also learn how to save important data before resetting and what to do if the bracelet does not respond to standard methods, which will be useful for both beginners and experienced users who have encountered atypical Mi Band 4 errors.

When do I need to reset Mi Band 4?

Resetting the bracelet to factory settings is required in several cases β€” and not always due to breakdowns.

  • πŸ”„ Selling or transferring a device: In order for the new owner to link the bracelet to his account, you must delete all data of the previous user.
  • 🐌 If the Mi Band 4 is slowing down, doesn't sync data, or reboots frequently, resetting can bring it back to speed.
  • πŸ”Œ Synchronization errors: Sometimes the bracelet stops interacting correctly with the Mi Fit app, reset helps restore communication.
  • πŸ”’ Forgotten password. If you set the screen lock and forgot PIN-Resetting will be the only way to unlock the code.
  • πŸ“± Changing your smartphone. When you switch to a new phone, you sometimes have problems re-tethering your bracelet, and resetting solves that problem.

It is important to understand that resetting is a last resort. If the problem is due to synchronization, first try reinstalling the Mi Fit app or updating the bracelet firmware. However, in cases of hardware freezes (for example, when the screen does not respond to touch), there is no alternative to reset.

Also note: once reset, the bracelet will automatically unplug your Mi Account and all activity data (steps, pulse, sleep) will be deleted without recovery. If you care about statistics, export it in advance through Profile β†’ Devices β†’ Data Export in the Mi Fit app.

πŸ“Š Why you want to lose Mi Band 4?
Preparing to sell/gift
The bracelet is slugging or slowing down
I can't sync the data.
Forgot. PIN-code
Another option

The easiest and safest method is to use an official app, which is suitable if the bracelet is on, charged and synced with the smartphone.

  1. Open the Mi Fit app on your smartphone and make sure the bracelet is connected (the device name should be displayed at the top of the screen).
  2. Go to the Profile section β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 (or the name of your bracelet).
  3. Scroll down and select Untie the device.
  4. Confirm the action, and the system will suggest that you save the data to the phone before you unplug.
  5. Once untie, go back to the main menu of the app and add the bracelet as a new device again. During the setup phase, select Restore Factory Settings.

This method ensures that the bracelet is completely free of personal data and ready for a new binding, but it only works with a stable Bluetooth connection. If the bracelet is not synchronized, move on to the next method.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for discharge via Mi Fit

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Hardware reset (if the bracelet does not respond)

If the Mi Band 4 is stuck, not activated or synced, you will have to use a hidden combination of buttons, which works even without a phone connection, but requires accuracy:

  1. Place the bracelet on a flat surface with the screen up.
  2. Find the touch button on the case (it is located under the screen, indicated by a dot).
  3. Press the button for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears on the screen.
  4. Without releasing the button, tap the screen 5 times in a row (it is important to do it quickly, within 2 seconds).
  5. Release the button, the bracelet vibrates and starts the reset process, and the screen displays the progress bar.

If done correctly, the bracelet will reboot in 30 to 60 seconds and return to factory settings, and importantly, this method doesn't work if the battery is below 10%, so recharge the device first.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the reset process even if the screen is turned off. If you turn off the bracelet during surgery, it may stop turning on - you will need firmware through the device. USB-debugging.

If the hardware reset didn’t work the first time, repeat the steps, paying attention to the speed of touching the screen.Some users note that the Mi Band 4 NFC (the contactless payment version) may require 6-7 touches instead of five.

What if the bracelet does not respond to the button?
If the touch button doesn’t work, try: 1. Connect the bracelet to charge for 30 minutes – sometimes a discharged battery blocks hardware functions. 2. Use a paper clip to gently press the button (without excessive effort). 3. If the screen is completely dead, you may need to disassemble the device to check the button plume (not recommended without experience).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Band Tools (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use a third-party Mi Band Tools app (available for Android) that allows you to perform a deep reset, including cleaning the memory of the bracelet from residual data.

  1. Install Mi Band Tools from Google Play.
  2. Connect the bracelet to the app (you will need permissions to access Bluetooth and notifications).
  3. Go to the Tools section β†’ Factory Reset.
  4. Select the type of reset: Soft Reset (saves firmware, removes settings) Hard Reset (removes everything, including firmware).

Confirm the action and wait for the completion (bracelet reboot).

The advantage of this method is that you can choose the reset level. Soft Reset, for example, is useful if you want to save the current firmware version but delete personal data. However, note: Mi Band Tools requires root rights on some versions of Android to fully access the features of the bracelet.

Resetting methodPhone required.It keeps the firmware.Deleting the accountDifficulty
Through Mi Fit.Yes.Yes.Yes.⭐
Hardware (button)No.Yes.Yes.⭐⭐
Mi Band Tools (Soft)Yes.Yes.Yes.⭐⭐⭐
Mi Band Tools (Hard)Yes.No.Yes.⭐⭐⭐⭐

After any type of reset, the bracelet will appear in Mi Fit as a new device. When re-associated, you will need to enter your Mi Account details and adjust the settings from scratch.

1. Reboot the smartphone.

2. delete the Mi Fit app cache in Android settings.

3. Disconnect. VPN Firewall – they can block the connection to Xiaomi servers.-->

What to do after resetting: setting up from scratch

When the bracelet returns to factory settings, it needs to be re-attached to the account and set up.

  1. Account binding: Open Mi Fit and click Add Device. Select Mi Smart Band 4 from the list. Follow the on-screen instructions - you'll need to scan. QR-bracelet code or enter it manually.
  2. Firmware Update: Once anchored, check for updates in Profile β†’ Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Firmware Update. Installing the latest version will fix any possible bugs.
  3. Data recovery: If you backed up through Mi Fit, restore your activity history to Profile β†’ Settings β†’ Restore data.
  4. Personalization: Set up dials (Display β†’ Dials). Activate notifications (Notifications β†’ Select Apps). Set your goals by step and sleep (Goals β†’ Edit).

If you are selling a bracelet, don’t reconfigure it – leave it in a post-reset state so the new owner can link the device to their account without any problems.

⚠️ Note: After resetting, Mi Band 4 may require reconfiguration of settings NFC (If your model supports contactless payment, go to Mi Fit for this. β†’ Payments β†’ Set up and follow the instructions of the bank.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the reset done correctly, users sometimes encounter problems, and here are the typical errors and ways to fix them:

  • πŸ”΄ Bracelet not reset via button: Check battery charge (should be) > 20%.If the button doesn't respond, try using Mi Band Tools or plug the bracelet into charging for 1 hour, then try again.
  • πŸ”΄ After resetting, the bracelet doesn't connect to the phone: Remove the device from the smartphone's Bluetooth device list, reboot both gadgets and try to re-tether.If the problem persists, upgrade the Mi Fit to the latest version.
  • πŸ”΄ The screen shows "Error" after the reset: This indicates firmware damage. Try updating the bracelet with Mi Fit. If the error persists, you'll need to flash it through the firmware. USB (instructions are available on the forums 4PDA).
  • πŸ”΄ NFC Stopped working after reset: Open Mi Fit, go to Mi Smart Band 4 β†’ Payments and re-attach your bank card. If the option is not available, update the bracelet firmware.

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged battery or button plume).In this case, contact Xiaomi service center or consider buying a new bracelet - repairing the Mi Band 4 often proves unprofitable.

πŸ’‘

If the bracelet is unstable after reset (reboots itself, does not hold charge), most likely the problem is in the battery. The average battery life of the Mi Band 4 is 2-3 years when used actively.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band 4 reset

Can I drop my bracelet without my phone?
Yes, with hardware reset (pressing the button + 5 touches the screen) this method works autonomously, but requires a battery charge of > 10%.
Will the steps and sleep data be reset after resetting?
Yes, all personal data will be deleted, including activity history. If you care about statistics, export it to Mi Fit before resetting: Profile β†’ Devices β†’ Data export.
Why does the bracelet ask to update the firmware after resetting?
The reset returns the bracelet to the factory version of the firmware, which may be outdated.The update via Mi Fit will install the latest stable version, fixing bugs and adding new features.
Can I cancel the reset if it has already started?
No, the process is irreversible. Interrupting the reset (for example, turning off the bracelet) can lead to a blink (complete failure) of the device.
How to reset Mi Band 4 if you forget your lock password?
The only way is to completely reset through the hardware button or Mi Fit, and then the lock will be removed, but all data will also be erased.