Why You Should Reset Mi Band 4 and When to Do It
The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet is one of the most popular wearables, but even it sometimes requires a complete reboot. Factory reset solves most problems, from synchronization glitches to notification display errors. However, not everyone knows that an incorrect reset can lead to data loss or even locking the device.
The main reasons for discharge are:
- π The bracelet does not sync with the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app despite repeated attempts.
- π± After updating the firmware appeared lags, spontaneous reboots or sensor stopped responding.
- π You sell/give a bracelet and want to delete all personal data (steps, pulse, sleep history).
- π The battery is discharged for 1-2 day instead of the declared 20 day-day.
It's important to understand that resetting is a last resort. Before you start, check:
- β Is the bracelet firmware updated to the latest version.
- β Have you rebooted your smartphone (sometimes the problem lies in it, not in the Mi Band).
- β Have experimental functions in the application been disabled (e.g. Developer Mode).
Method 1: Reset via Mi Fit or Zepp Life
The safest method is to use an official app, which is suitable if the bracelet is connected to the phone and responds to touch, and the instructions are relevant for both programs (Mi Fit and Zepp Life), since the interface is almost identical.
Step-by-step action:
- Open the application and go to the Profile section β Mi Smart Band 4.
- Scroll down and select Disconnect the device (in Zepp Life - Delete the device).
- Confirm action. The bracelet will automatically reset to factory settings.
- To reconnect, click Add Device and follow the instructions on the screen.
Turn off Bluetooth on other devices (tablet, laptop)
Charge the bracelet to at least 50%
Make sure the internet is on on the phone.
Close the background applications (especially messengers)
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β οΈ Note: If the bracelet does not appear in the list of available devices after reset, try it:
- π Reboot your smartphone.
- π± Delete the Mi app cache Fit/Zepp Life in the phone settings.
- π Manually reset the bracelet (clutch the sensor for 10 seconds).
Method 2: Hardware reset through a button on the bracelet
If the Mi Band 4 doesn't connect to your phone or is getting stuck on your logo, a physical reset will help, which works even without an app, but requires precise steps to be taken.
Instructions:
- Remove the bracelet from your hand and place it on a flat surface with the screen up.
- Find a touch button on the back (under the Mi logo).
- Hold it for 15-20 seconds until the Xiaomi logo and vibration appear on the screen.
- Release the button. The bracelet will reset and be ready for a new setup.
What if the bracelet does not respond to the button pressing?
β οΈ Warning: Don't confuse hardware reset with reboot. A short press (3-5 seconds) just turns off and on the bracelet without erasing data.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The bracelet doesn't drop. | Battery discharged | Charge at least 30 minutes. |
| After reset, the screen flashes | Firmware damaged. | Update the software through the app |
| Not defined as a new device | Bluetooth conflict | Remove all saved Mi Band devices in your phone settings |
| The discharge is interrupted | Bad button contact | Try pressing harder or contacting the service |
Method 3: Reset via engineering menu (for power users)
This is a good method if the standard methods don't work, and be careful: the wrong actions on the engineering menu can permanently disable the bracelet.
How to open the hidden menu:
- Go to Bracelet Settings β About the device.
- Click 5 times in a row on the firmware version.
- The Engineer Mode menu will appear.
- Select Reset All and confirm.
β οΈ Attention: In the engineering menu:
- π« Don't change the parameters. BLE Sensor β This can disrupt sensors.
- π§ If you see a Chinese text, donβt touch it without an interpreter.
- π² After reset, be sure to update the firmware through the app.
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If the bracelet gives a Failed to bind error after reset, remove it from the list of Bluetooth devices in the phone settings, then repeat the synchronization.
What to do after resetting: setting up from scratch
After a successful reset, the Mi Band 4 will be clean, just like when you buy it.
Steps for initial setup:
- π± Install Mi Fit or Zepp Life (if removed).
- π Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and allow notifications.
- π In the app, click Add Device β Mi Smart Band 4.
- πΆ Bring the bracelet to the phone (distance not more than 10 cm).
- β Confirm the pairing on both devices.
β οΈ Note: If the bracelet is glitching again after setting up:
- Check the phoneβs compatibility (some Huawei or Samsung models need additional permissions for the app).
- Turn off battery savings for Mi Fit/Zepp Life.
- Make sure that the phone has the latest version of Android/iOS installed.
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Once reset, all data (steps, sleep, pulse) is erased forever, and if it's important, export the story to Google Fit or Apple Health before reset.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users make the same mistakes when resetting the Mi Band 4, which leads to new problems.
Error 1: Reset via the app when the bracelet is discharged.
- π Consequences: The device may freeze during the recovery phase.
- π Solution: Charge the bracelet to 100% before resetting.
Error 2: Interrupting the reset process (e.g., turning off Bluetooth).
- π Consequences: The bracelet may stop turning on or require firmware via PC.
- π‘ Solution: If the reset is interrupted, repeat it through the hardware button.
Error 3: Use of unofficial firmware before resetting.
- β οΈ Consequences: The bracelet may be permanently reloaded or not determined by the application.
- π§ Solution: Return the official firmware through Mi Fit or service center.
How to recover data after resetting
Unfortunately, a full reset erases all data from the bracelet without the possibility of recovery, but some information can be returned from backups:
Recovery methods:
- π Activity statistics: If you previously enabled sync with Google Fit or Apple Health, the data is stored there. Go to the app's settings and import it back.
- β° Alarms and Reminders: They will have to be reset, but you can take pictures of the old settings before resetting.
- π Unblock password: If it was set PIN-code, after resetting it will need to be reset.
β οΈ Note: If you used Mi Band 4 for contactless payments (in some regions), you will have to re-link the card in the bank application after the reset.