Sometimes users of smart bracelets face situations when the device starts to work incorrectly, loses communication with the smartphone or simply requires transfer to another owner. In such cases, a standard shutdown is not enough, and it becomes necessary to perform a complete reset of the Xiaomi Band 3. This action will return the gadget to factory parameters, clean up accumulated data and often solve software errors.
A reset procedure may be required if the tracker has stopped transmitting pulse or step data, has stuck on the logo or refuses to connect to the app after updating the phone's operating system. It's important to understand that Hard Reset is a last resort that removes all local activity history stored in the wristband's memory, but does not affect data already synchronized with the cloud.
Before we take any action, we will consider all the available methods of recovery, we will discuss the usual methods through the menu and the application, and also discuss the nuances that will help to avoid losing important statistics. Proper preparation of the device ensures the successful execution of the procedure without having to carry the gadget to the service center.
Preparation for the resetting procedure
Before you start the memory cleanup process, you need to make sure that the battery is sufficiently charged. If the battery runs out at the time of overwriting system files, this can lead to a software failure, after which the device will turn into a “brick”, the optimal charge is at least 50%, which will ensure stable operation during all operations.
It is also critical to check the sync status with the Mi Fit (or Zepp Life) app, make sure that all your steps, pulse and sleep have been successfully transferred to the server in recent days, and if the bracelet has not been connected to the phone for a long time, the data can only be stored in its internal memory, and its loss will be irreversible after reset.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting does not delete the Mi Account account, but completely untie the bracelet from the current smartphone.
To make all the steps comfortable, it is recommended to have a stable Internet connection on your smartphone at hand, which will allow the application to quickly update the status of the device and correctly complete the detachment procedure. In some cases, the security system may request confirmation of actions, so access to the network is mandatory.
☑️ Preparing Xiaomi Band 3 for reset
Reset via the menu of the bracelet itself
The fastest way to bring the Xiaomi Band 3 back to factory settings is to use the device's built-in menu, which is ideal if the bracelet is functioning normally, the screen is responsive to touch, and you can navigate the interface seamlessly. You don't need a smartphone or additional apps.
First, you need to unlock the screen if you have PIN protection installed. Then you need to find the More icon (three dots) or go to the Settings section (cog icon) by swiping the screens. The interface may differ depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same.
- 📱 Click on the Settings icon in the main menu of the bracelet.
- 🔄 Scroll through the list of options to Reset or Break the link (Unbind).
- ✅ Press and hold the touch button to confirm the action.
- ⏳ Wait for the vibration and appearance of the Mi logo, which signals the beginning of the reboot.
Once confirmed, the device vibrates and reboots, which takes no more than 30 seconds to do, and if the bracelet just disconnected from the phone but the data remained, it's a soft reset, and if the device welcomes you to choose the language, the full reset is successful.
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If the menu on the bracelet is locked or unresponsive, try restarting the device by putting it on charge for 5-10 seconds, and then try to log in again.
Uncoupling and resetting via the Mi Fit app
A more controlled way to reset is to use the official Mi Fit app (now Zepp Life), which is preferred because the app automatically backs up data before the connection breaks and cleans the pairing cache correctly on the smartphone side.
Open the app on your smartphone and go to the Profile tab. In the My Devices list, select your Xiaomi Band 3. It’s important not just to remove the device from the Bluetooth list in your phone’s settings, but to use the app’s functionality to ensure cleanup.
In the device menu, scroll down to the bottom of the options list, and you'll find the Unbind or Ununt button, and pressing that button initiates a two-way process, where the app sends a command to clear the memory of the bracelet, and then removes the encryption keys from its database.
| Action. | The result on the bracelet | The result in the annex |
|---|---|---|
| Removal from Bluetooth | No change. | Synchronization error |
| The uncoupling at Mi Fit | Complete data reset | Removal from the list |
| Resetting the bracelet menu | Complete data reset | Requires a re-search. |
Once successfully uncoupled, the bracelet screen will go out and in a moment turn on with the language selection welcome screen, which means that the device is ready for a new pairing as new. All user settings, such as step target or alarm clocks, will be reset.
What to do if the bracelet is frozen and does not respond
The situation when the Smart Band stops responding to touch and does not display the image is rare, but requires a specific approach. In this case, standard methods of resetting through the menu are not available, most often the problem lies in a software failure or deep battery discharge.
The first thing you need to do is to charge the device. Use the original cable or a proven analog connected to the device. USB-port of the computer or adapter with current 1A. Sometimes the bracelet "goes to sleep" at critical discharge and does not respond to the buttons until the first volts appear.
If charging didn't work and the screen stayed black, you can try the cold reboot method, so you can put the bracelet on charge, wait for the battery icon to appear (if it does), and then quickly tap the touch area several times, in rare cases, this can wake the system up.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to disassemble the case or close the contacts on the board yourself.This will lead to loss of warranty and final breakage of water protection.
If a software failure prevents the device from booting, the only way out is to wait for the bracelet to completely discharge. Leave the bracelet to lie down until it is guaranteed to discharge to zero, and then put it back on charge. Sometimes the full discharge and charge cycle resets the power controller.
Why can the bracelet freeze?
Problems finding a device after resetting
Once you have successfully completed Hard Reset, you may experience a situation where your smartphone doesn’t see the bracelet when trying to pair it again, a common problem with caching old security keys on Android or iOS.
To solve this problem, you need to go to your phone's Bluetooth settings, find the Mi Band 3 or Mi Smart Band record in the list of previously paired devices, and click "Forget this device" or "Delete." Only then you can start the search again.
Also, make sure that the Mi Fit app doesn't have any tails left from the old connection. If you didn't untie the device through the app, but only reset the bracelet itself, there may be an old gadget hanging in your profile. Remove it from there before you start the new setup.
- 📶 Turn Bluetooth on and off on your smartphone to update the communication module.
- 📍 Make sure the bracelet is near the phone (no more than 1 meter).
- 📲 Check if the process of searching for another device is running in the background.
- 🔋 Make sure the bracelet does not go into energy saving mode immediately after resetting.
Direct pairing via phone settings is impossible and is a mistake many users make.
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The main rule of reconnection: first remove the device from the Bluetooth settings of the phone, then delete the profile in the application (if left), and only then start the search again.