How to turn on the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet after a complete reset

Resetting the settings on Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is a standard procedure when selling a device, fixing software failures or preparing for a new firmware. However, after it, many users face a problem: the bracelet ceases to respond to pressing, does not turn on or sync with the smartphone. Unlike the newer models (Mi Band 5/6/7), the fourth version requires a special approach to re-activation due to the features of the firmware and compatibility with the Mi Fit and Zepp Life applications.

In this article, we’ll look at not only the basic steps to turn on the bracelet after reset, but also the nuances that aren’t mentioned in the official instructions, such as why the bracelet may not be determined by the app even after a successful reboot, how to get around the “Device not found” error, and what to do if the screen is black, and what versions of the apps support the Mi Band 4 in 2026 and how to avoid conflicts with other Xiaomi gadgets.

Why Mi Band 4 doesn't turn on after reset: the main reasons

Before we get into the instructions, it's important to understand why the bracelet might not respond, and most often, one of three things is the problem.

• 🔋 Battery discharge: Once reset, the bracelet spends additional energy restarting the modules, and if the charge was at 10-15%, the device can completely shut down.
• 📱 Mi Fit has been actively replaced by Zepp Life since 2022, but not all of the features of the Mi Band 4 work correctly in the new program.
• 🔄 Incomplete reset: If the procedure is interrupted (for example, the bracelet is disconnected from the phone), some system files may remain corrupted.

Less commonly, the problem is hardware malfunctions, such as oxidation of charging contacts or damage to the display. If the bracelet does not show signs of life even after a long charge (more than 2 hours), it is worth checking it on another charger or cable.

Preparation for Including: What to Do Before Activation

Before you try to turn on the bracelet, follow a few mandatory steps, which will save time and help avoid typical mistakes:

1. Charge the bracelet to at least 30%. After reset, the Mi Band 4 may require more power for the first synchronization. Connect it to charging for 15-20 minutes, even if the indicator is not on.
2. Remove the old binding in the app. If the bracelet was previously paired with another phone, remove it from the list of devices in Mi Fit/Zepp Life.
3. Update the app. Mi Band 4 is up to date with Mi Fit 4.6.0 and higher (but not newer than 5.2.0, there may be bugs there). Zepp Life 5.10.0 and higher (with limited support).

Turn on Bluetooth and geolocation

Critical detail: If you use an iPhone, turn off the “Tracking Limit” feature in Bluetooth privacy settings before connecting. Otherwise, the Mi Band 4 will permanently shut down.

Charge the bracelet at least. 30 minute|Remove the old device from the Mi Fit/Zepp Life|Update the application to the current version|Enable Bluetooth and geolocation on your phone|Turn off the “Tracking Limit” on your iPhone (if applicable)-->

Step-by-step: how to turn on Mi Band 4 after reset

If you're done, you can move on to the basics, and the instructions are good for both applications (Mi Fit and Zepp Life), but with their specifics in mind.

Step 1: Physically activate the bracelet

After resetting, the Mi Band 4 should automatically restart, but sometimes manual activation is required:

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger for 5-10 seconds (even if it is charged).
2. Press and hold the touch button under the screen for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. If the screen is not responding, try triple tapping the display, which is an alternative way to wake up.

Step 2: Synchronize with your smartphone

Now connect the bracelet to the phone:

1. Open Mi Fit or Zepp Life and go to Profile → Add Device.
2. Select the Mi Smart Band 4 from the list. If you don't have a model, update the app.
3. Confirm the pairing on the phone and bracelet (it will appear on the code that you need to compare).
4. Wait until the sync is complete. At this point, the bracelet can reboot again, which is normal.

Important! If the app asks you to update your firmware immediately after you connect, refuse and check the basic features (stepmer, notifications) first. Updating on an unstable connection can lead to a device "brick."

Step 3: Configure after activation

After successful connection:

• 🕒 Set the time and date (they may get lost after the reset).
• 🔔 Activate notifications for calls and messages (in Bracelet Settings) → Notifications).
• 🏃‍♂️ Calibrate the pedometer (take 20-30 steps with your phone in your hand to synchronize data).
• 🔒 Install. PIN-code to unlock the screen (optional).

💡

If you have lost your old data (steps, sleep, workouts) after reset, check backups in your Xiaomi account. In Mi Fit, go to Profile → Cloud → Recover data.

Table: Common mistakes and their solutions

What to do if nothing helps: advanced methods

If the standard methods didn’t work, try the following solutions (for power users):

1. Forced flashing

If the bracelet is switched on but not synchronized, the firmware may be damaged.

1. Download the official firmware for Mi Band 4 (select the version for your region).
2. Unpack the archive and rename the firmware file to fw_XXX.bin (where XXX — version).
3. Place the file in the root folder of the phone.
4. In Mi Fit, go to Bracelet Settings → Firmware Update → Local File and select the downloaded file.

⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the upgrade process! If the bracelet goes off during firmware, it can turn into a brick. Charge it up to 50% and ensure a stable connection to the phone.

2.Dumping through the engineering menu

If the bracelet responds to touch but does not connect to the app, try hard reset:

1. On the bracelet, go to Settings → About Phone → Firmware version.
2. Touch the firmware version 5 times in a row - this will open a hidden menu.
3. Select Reset Band and confirm the action.

Note: This method does not work on all firmware versions. If the menu does not open, use a standard reset (button retention).

3. Checking for compatibility with the phone

The Mi Band 4 may conflict with some smartphone models, especially those on Android 12+ or iOS 16+.

• 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco — Turn off the dual applications for Mi Fit.
• 🍎 iPhone – in Bluetooth settings, allow the application to use geolocation data.
• 🤖 Android with a shell EMUI/ColorOS — Add Mi Fit to the list of Protected Apps.

💡

If the bracelet doesn't turn on after all the manipulations, the problem is probably hardware, and 80 percent of the time, oxidized charging contacts or a bloated battery are to blame.

How to avoid problems in the future: tips for operation

To avoid having to re-think the Mi Band 4 after reset, follow these guidelines:

• 🔋 Charge the bracelet regularly. Do not let the discharge below 10% - this can lead to memory failures.
• 📲 Update your firmware only through a stable connection. Use Wi-Fi, not mobile Internet.
• 🔄 Reset your settings only through the app. Avoid "hard" button resets unless absolutely necessary.
• 🛡️ Turn off automatic sync with unnecessary apps (such as social media) to save power.

Also, it is necessary to regularly clean the charging contacts with an alcohol napkin - oxidation can lead to unstable work and spontaneous reboots. If the bracelet is used in wet conditions (for example, in a pool), then be sure to dry it for 1-2 hours.

⚠️ Warning: Do not store the Mi Band 4 near magnets or devices with strong electromagnetic radiation (such as speakers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about turning on Mi Band 4 after reset