How to Turn on Xiaomi Mi Band 3: 5 Ways to Start and Solve Problems

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet remains a popular gadget even years after its release — its reliability, autonomy and functionality still compete with new models. However, many users face a basic problem: the bracelet does not turn on after purchase, prolonged storage or discharge. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to turn on the Mi Band 3, from the standard procedure to forced reset, and explain why the device may not respond to the button.

It's important to understand that the Mi Band 3 doesn't have a traditional "off" mode, it goes into deep sleep mode to save charge, but if the screen stays black even after charging, it can signal a software failure or hardware malfunction, and we've put together proven methods to help bring the bracelet back to life, and we'll also give you tips to prevent such situations.

Standard way of turning on: button and charging

If your Mi Band 3 is out of service or has been lying around for a long time, try the standard on-line procedure first.

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger (use the original cable or certified analogue). Make sure the contacts on the back of the bracelet and on charging are clean - oxidation or dirt can block charging.
2. Leave the device on charge for at least 30 minutes. Even if the indicator does not burn, the battery could run to zero, and it takes time to recharge first.
3. After recharging, press and hold the touch button under the screen for 5-7 seconds.

If the screen is not responding, check:

• 🔋 Battery condition: In deep discharge, it may take up to 1 hour to charge before the bracelet gives signs of life.
• 🔌 Cable and Power Unit: Try another charger (like from a smartphone) or USB-computer-port.
• 📱 Phone connection: Sometimes the bracelet wakes up only after synchronization with the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app.

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If the charging indicator is not on, gently clean the contacts of the bracelet and charger with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Oxidation is a common cause of a dead bracelet.

Forced reset: what to do if the bracelet freezes

If the Mi Band 3 doesn't turn on after charging or hangs on the logo, forced reboot will help. This method resets temporary data in the device's memory, but does not remove the account binding.

1. Unplug the bracelet from charging.
2. Press and hold the touch button under the screen for 20 to 25 seconds until you feel the vibration or see the Mi logo.
3. Release the button and wait for the full download (it can take up to 1 minute).

If the reboot didn't work:

• 🔄 Repeat the procedure 2-3 times with an interval of 10 seconds.
• 📵 Make sure the bracelet is not in Do Not Disturb mode (try connecting to it via the app).
• 🔋 Try charging the bracelet from another source (e.g. power bank).

Charge the bracelet for at least 30 minutes |

Turn off Bluetooth on your phone |

Make sure the button is not stuck (click carefully several times)|

Try to connect the bracelet to another smartphone-->

⚠️ Attention: If the bracelet is rebooted cyclically after a forced reboot (hangs on the logo), this may indicate firmware damage.

Resetting to factory settings: an extreme measure

If standard methods fail, you'll be left with a hard reset, which removes all the data from the bracelet, including the account binding, so use it only as a last resort.

1. Charge the bracelet to 50% or more.
2. Open the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app on your phone.
3. Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 3 → Untie the device.
4. On the bracelet itself, perform a forced reboot (hold the button for 20 seconds).
5. After rebooting, the bracelet will be ready for a new binding.

Alternative reset method (if the application does not see the bracelet):

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger.
2. Hold the button for 30 seconds until the reset menu appears (the wrench icon will appear on the screen).
3. Press the button briefly to confirm the reset.

⚠️ Note: After a hardware reset, the bracelet may require a firmware update. If you do not have access to the original Xiaomi account associated with the device, you will not be able to use certain features (for example, notifications).

First time |

Regularly (once a month) |

Sometimes (once every six months) |

Never had a problem.-->

Battery problems: when the bracelet is not charged

If the Mi Band 3 doesn't show signs of life even after a long charge, the problem may lie in the battery or power chain.

• 🔋 Deep discharge: Lithium-polymer batteries in bracelets lose their ability to hold charge after full discharge. If the bracelet has been discharged for more than 3 months, it may not be possible to restore it.
• 🔌 Damaged cable: Original Mi Band 3 charges often break at soldered contacts.
• 💧 Moisture intrusion: Despite the declared level of protection IP68, If the bracelet has been in contact with water, dry it in rice or silica gel for 24 hours.

How to diagnose the problem:

1. Try charging the bracelet from different sources: USB-port of the computer, network adapter, power bank.
2. Check the voltage on the charging contacts with a multimeter (should be ~5V).
3. Connect the bracelet to charging and slightly press the contacts – if the charging indicator flashes, the problem is poor contact.

If the battery is working, but the bracelet does not turn on, try to "wake" it with a pulse current:

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger.
2. Shortly (for 1-2 seconds) turn off and reconnect the cable. Repeat 3-4 times.
3. Leave the bracelet on charging for 1-2 hours.

Firmware update: if the bracelet is cyclically rebooted

If the Mi Band 3 turns on, but immediately turns off or freezes on the logo, the cause may be a damaged firmware, in which case the flashing through the official app will help.

1. Install the latest version of the Mi Fit app (for Android) or Zepp Life (for iOS).
2. Connect the bracelet to your phone via Bluetooth.
3. Go to Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Update firmware.
4. If an update is available, follow the instructions on the screen. Don't unplug the bracelet from your phone during the process!

If the automatic update does not work:

• 📱 Remove the Mi Fit app cache in your phone settings.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone and bracelet.
• 🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes updates are blocked by corporate networks).

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If the bracelet stops syncing data after updating the firmware, reset the settings through the application, which will return compatibility with the current version of the software.

⚠️ Note: Do not use unofficial firmware for Mi Band 3, which can lead to device lock or loss of functionality. Official updates are distributed gradually, so if the update is not available, wait 1-2 weeks.

Hardware malfunctions: when to contact the service

If none of the methods worked, the problem could be hardware.

• 🔥 The bracelet heats up during charging.
• 💥 Artifacts appear on the screen (stripes, flickering).
• 🔋 The battery is discharged in a few hours (with proper software).
• 📵 The touch button does not respond even after resetting.

Typical hardware breakdowns of Mi Band 3:

Where to repair:

• 🛠️ Official Xiaomi service centers: Warranty repair (if the bracelet was purchased less than a year ago) or paid maintenance: mi.com/ru/service.
• 📦 Self-repair: Only possible with soldering experience SMD-Parts (batteries, screens) can be found on AliExpress.

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Before visiting the service, back up your data via the Mi Fit app (Profile → Mi Smart Band 3 → Backup) and this will save your activity history and settings.

Prevention of problems: how to prolong the life of a bracelet

To avoid problems with the inclusion of Mi Band 3 in the future, follow the following simple rules:

• 🔋 Charging: Charge the bracelet every 10 to 14 days, avoiding full discharge. Use only the original cable or certified analogues. Do not leave the bracelet on charging for more than 2 hours after reaching 100%.
• 💦 Waterproof: Do not wear the bracelet in a bath, sauna or under a hot shower (despite the fact that you are in a hot shower). IP68, If you get water, dry the charging contacts.
• 📱 Software: Update your firmware regularly through the app. Don't install unofficial firmware.

Also note:

• 🌡️ Temperature: Do not leave the bracelet in the cold (below) -10°C) or under direct sunlight (above) +40°C).
• 🛡️ Mechanical damage: Avoid shocks and severe compression (such as during sleep).
• 🔄 Sync: Reload the bracelet once a month (hold the 10 seconds button) to clear the cache.

FAQ: Frequent questions about incorporating Xiaomi Mi Band 3