Resetting Xiaomi Mi Band 5 to factory settings can be necessary in a variety of situations, from the banal glitch of the interface to preparing the gadget for sale. But many users are afraid of this procedure, fearing to lose accumulated data about training, sleep or pulse. In fact, a complete reset is not a sentence for your statistics, if you know a few tricks.
In this article, we will discuss all the official and hidden ways to reset the Mi Band 5, including recovery via Mi Fit and Zepp Life, as well as the manual method using hardware buttons. Particular attention will be paid to saving data before the procedure and the typical mistakes that beginners make. If your bracelet is getting stuck, not synchronizing or just acting strange, here you will find a solution.
Note: the instructions are valid for firmware 1.0.6.14 and later. For older versions (before 2021), some menu items may differ, as we will also mention separately.
Why would you need to reset your settings?
Resetting the Mi Band 5 to factory status is an extreme measure, which is resorted to in several cases:
- 🔄 The bracelet glitches or freezes: does not respond to touch, spontaneously reloads, shows incorrect data (for example, steps or pulse).
- 📱 Synchronization problems: Mi Fit or Zepp Life can’t see the device, data isn’t updated, notifications don’t come.
- 🔒 Change of ownership: before selling or transferring the bracelet to another person, you need to remove the binding to the Xiaomi account.
- 🔧 Errors after the update: if the firmware is installed curved, the bracelet may not work correctly (for example, do not show the time or discharge in an hour).
- 🛡️ Resetting your password: If you forgot PIN-code to unlock the screen (relevant for firmware with Screen Lock function).
It is important to understand that resetting does not always solve hardware problems – if the bracelet does not turn on, does not charge or is physically damaged (for example, after a fall), then the reasons lie deeper.
But software failures are the case where hard reset works 90 percent of the time, and the key is to save the data properly before the procedure.
What happens after the reset: consequences and risks
Before you drop the Mi Band 5, you need to be clear about what data is lost and what can be recovered.
| Type of data | Will it survive? | How to repair |
|---|---|---|
| Training data (steps, calories, distance) | ❌ No. | Sync with Mi Fit/Zepp Life before reset |
| A history of sleep and pulse | ❌ No. | Only through the Xiaomi cloud (if synchronized) |
| Settings of alarm clocks and notifications | ❌ No. | We'll have to re-set it. |
| The dials (watch faces) | ✅ Yes. | They will stay in the app, but the bracelet will drop to the standard. |
| Linking to Xiaomi account | ❌ No. | Repeated authorization will be required |
The critical nuance is that if you haven't synced data to the cloud in the last 30 days, it will be permanently lost after reset. The bracelet only stores history locally for a limited period, and a complete reset clears internal memory.
Another important point: once reset, the Mi Band 5 will automatically upgrade to the latest firmware if you’re connected to the Internet. If you’ve used old firmware on purpose (for example, because of bugs in the new one), you’ll have to roll back.
⚠️ Note: If the bracelet was tied to a Xiaomi account with two-factor authentication (2FA), After reset, you may need to enter a code from SMS or email. Make sure you have access to the linked number/mail!
Method 1: Reset via Mi Fit or Zepp Life
The easiest and safest method is to use an official app, which is suitable if the bracelet still responds to commands and connects to the phone.
Instructions for Mi Fit (relevant to versions 4.6.0 and later):
- Open Mi Fit and go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 5.
- Put three points on it (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Disable the device.
- Confirm the action - the bracelet will begin the reset process (the download animation will appear on the screen).
- After restarting (~30 seconds), reconnect the bracelet via Add the device.
For Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit):
- Go to Profile → Mi Band 5 → Device settings.
- Select Remove the device and confirm.
- The bracelet will automatically reset and be ready for a new tie.
If the bracelet does not appear in the list of available devices after reset:
- 🔋 Check the charge level (must be at least 20%).
- 📶 Make sure your phone has Bluetooth and geolocation enabled (required to search for devices).
- 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
Synchronize data with the cloud|Check the bracelet's charge (>20%)|Shut down. VPN/firewall on the phone|Remember current settings (alarm clocks, notifications)-->
Method 2: Hardware reset (if the bracelet does not respond)
If the Mi Band 5 is stuck on the logo, not on or determined by the phone, you will have to use hard reset through hardware buttons, which works even on fully dead bracelets (provided they are charged).
Step-by-step:
- Remove the bracelet from your hand and place it on a flat surface with the screen up.
- Connect the charging cable (even if the charge is full – this is necessary to activate the reset mode).
- Press the touch button (below the screen) for 10-15 seconds until you feel the vibration.
- Without releasing the button, touch the screen 5 times (anywhere).
- Release the button – the bracelet vibrates 3 times and starts to reboot.
If it didn't work out the first time:
- 🔌 Try using another charging cable (sometimes contact issues).
- 🕒 Increase the button retention time to 20 seconds.
- 🔋 Make sure the bracelet is charged (the indicator should flash when the cable is connected).
Unique life hack: If the bracelet doesn't vibrate when holding the button, try putting it in the fridge for 10 minutes (not in the freezer!).
⚠️ Warning: Do not use foreign objects (clips, toothpicks) to reset - this can damage the touch layer of the screen!
What if the bracelet does not vibrate when reset?
Method 3: Reset via engineering menu (for advanced)
This method is suitable for experienced users who want to not just reset their settings, but, for example, roll back firmware or delete unnecessary system files.
To get into the engineering menu:
- Activate the developer mode: go to the bracelet settings → About the device and tap 5 times on the firmware number.
- Return to the main settings menu – a new item for developers will appear.
- Select the Engineering Mode → Factory Reset.
- Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter) PIN-code).
The engineering menu can also include:
- 📊 Review system logs (useful for diagnosis).
- 🔧 Turn on/off debugging functions (e.g., screen or accelerometer test).
- 🔄 Forced to update the firmware through Firmware Update.
⚠️ Warning: Unknown items in the engineering menu can lead to a complete loss of functionality of the bracelet. BLE Configuration without knowledge will make the bracelet invisible to the phone.
💡
If the bracelet stops turning on after resetting through the engineering menu, try resuscitating it like this: plug it into charging, hold the touch button for 30 seconds, then tap it 10 times in a row, which will work in 60% of the bricks.
How to recover data after resetting?
If you sync the bracelet to Xiaomi's cloud in advance, most of the data will be automatically re-assigned.
What's recovering:
- 📊 Training history of the last 30 days (if synchronized).
- 💤 Sleep data from the last 7 days.
- ❤️ Pulse measurements (only if stored in the cloud).
What's NOT being regenerated:
- 🔔 Settings of alarm clocks and notifications.
- 🎨 Replacement of the dials (will have to be re-downloaded).
- 🔋 Battery discharge statistics.
To maximize the data retention:
- Before reset, force the bracelet to sync with the application (in Mi Fit: Profile → Mi Band 5 → Sync data).
- Take screenshots of important screens (such as weekly sleep statistics).
- Export your history to Google Fit or Apple Health (in Mi Fit settings).
If the data is not recovered:
- 🔄 Reset the bracelet (hold the button for 10 seconds).
- 📱 Reinstall the Mi app Fit/Zepp Life.
- 🌐 Check your internet connection (data is loaded from the cloud).
💡
The most common mistake users make is to reset without first synchronizing. Even if the bracelet is buggy, find a way to connect it to your phone for a minute to save data!
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even in a simple procedure like resetting the Mi Band. 5, And users make mistakes. Here's the top.-5 most common:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Discharge < 10% | The bracelet may turn off during the procedure and "brick" | Charge to a minimum of 30% before resetting |
| Interrupting the process (disconnecting from the phone) | Data loss or incomplete reset | Do not close the Mi Fit before the procedure is over. |
| Use of informal firmware before resetting | The bracelet may not turn on after resetting | Reverse to the stock firmware in advance |
| Resetting through the engineering menu without knowing the parameters | Loss of functionality (e.g. Bluetooth shutdown) | Do not change your settings if you do not know their purpose. |
| Ignoring updates after reset | The bracelet may not work smoothly. | Update the firmware immediately after binding |
Another common problem is that once you reset, the bracelet is not detected by the phone.
- 📱 Reboot your phone and turn Bluetooth on/off.
- 🔄 Reset the network settings on your phone (Settings) → System system → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth).
- 🔋 Try connecting the bracelet to another phone (to rule out smartphone problem).
If nothing works, check if your bracelet is blacklisted (sometimes with frequent resets), in which case you will have to contact Xiaomi support and provide proof of purchase.