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

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular gadgets for tracking activity, despite the release of new models, its simplicity, reliability and affordable price attract users even in 2026. However, many people wonder how to properly turn on the Mi Band 3, especially if the device has been idle for a long time or discharged to zero?

In this article, we will discuss not only the standard activation method, but also alternative start methods, as well as typical errors that prevent the bracelet from turning on. You will learn what to do if the Mi Band 3 does not respond to charging, how to reset to factory settings and why it is sometimes necessary to reconnect to the Mi Fit or Zepp Life application.

Before you start, make sure your bracelet is at least 20 percent charged, which is the minimum threshold to turn on. If the charging indicator is not on, the problem may lie in the cable or contacts. Next, we will go into detail each step.

1. Standard way to include Mi Band 3

If your Mi Band 3 is new or just dead, the easiest way to turn it on is to use a physical button.

1. Connect the bracelet to charge for 10-15 minutes, even if it seems completely discharged. Use the original cable or certified analogue. The charging indicator (red or green LED) should light up.
2. After the indicator appears, disconnect the bracelet from the charger.
3. Press and hold the touch button under the screen for 3-5 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
4. Wait for the system to fully load (usually 10-20 seconds) and a time or welcome message will appear on the screen.

If the bracelet does not turn on the first time, repeat the procedure by holding the button for up to 10 seconds - this can help with deep discharge. Note: Mi Band 3 does not have a mechanical button, so you need to press the touch area under the display.

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If the screen is empty after these actions, move to the next section – you may need to reset your settings or diagnose malfunctions.

2.How to turn on Mi Band 3 after deep discharge

One of the most common scenarios is that the bracelet has been lying idle for months and is completely discharged, in which case the standard on may not work.

1. Charge the bracelet at least 30 Just a minute. USB-port 5V/1A. Avoid fast charging – it can damage the battery.
2. If the indicator is not on, try to clean the contacts on the bracelet and cable with an alcohol wipe. Oxidation or dirt can block charging.
3. After 30 minutes of charging, hold the touch button for 10-15 seconds. Sometimes it takes several attempts.
4. If the bracelet still does not turn on, connect it to charging and simultaneously hold the button for 20 seconds - this can start a forced boot.

Important: in a deep discharge, the Mi Band 3 battery may temporarily "forget" its firmware, in which case, after turning on, you will need to re-synchronize with the Mi Fit or Zepp Life application.

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If the bracelet is not charged, try using another bracelet. USB-cable or port. Sometimes the problem lies in the lack of power source (for example, when connecting to a power source). USB-hub).

⚠️ Note: Do not use wireless chargers or adapters with higher voltage to charge the Mi Band 3 5V. This can disable the power controller of the bracelet.

3. Forced resetting of settings (Hard Reset)

If the bracelet doesn't turn on or is stuck on the logo, you may need to reset hard, which will return the device to factory settings and often helps with software failures.

1. Connect the bracelet to charging and wait for the indicator (red or green LED) to appear.
2. Unplug the cable and press the touch button 5 times in a row (the interval between presses is no more than 1 second).
3. After the fifth press, hold the button for 10-15 seconds until you feel the vibration and see the Mi logo.
4. The bracelet will reboot and return to factory settings, and now it needs to be reconnected to the app.

Reset removes all data from the bracelet, including:

• 📊 Statistics of steps, sleep and training
• ⏰ Settings of alarm clocks and notifications
• 🔒 Paired devices (will have to be reconnected)

If the reset did not help, the problem may be in the hardware (for example, a faulty battery or controller), in which case it is recommended to contact the service center.

4. Connection to the application after activation

Once successful, Mi Band 3 will need to be synced to the app, and in 2026, two apps will be officially supported:

• 📱 Mi Fit (Old, but still working)
• 📱 Zepp Life (recommended for new firmware)

Instructions for connection:

1. Install one of the apps on your smartphone (Android or iOS).
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Go to the Profile section → Add the device.
4. Select Mi Smart Band 3 from the list.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions: Allow notifications, geolocation, and contacts (if necessary).
6. Wait until the synchronization is complete. The bracelet vibrates when you connect successfully.

If the bracelet is not in the annex:

• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (hold the button for 5 seconds).
• 📶 Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and make sure the bracelet is no more than 10 meters away.
• 🔋 Check the charge level of the bracelet (must be at least 20%).
• 🔄 Reinstall the app if the problem persists.

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Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful activation, users are faced with common errors, and we have collected the most common cases and ways to fix them:

If your problem is not listed in the table, check the following points:

• 🔌 Charging cable: Use only original or certified cable. Cheap analogues may not provide the required voltage.
• 🌡️ Temperature: Mi Band 3 may not turn on at temperatures below 0°C or higher than 45°C.
• 🔄 Firmware: Outdated software may cause malfunctions. Update the bracelet through the app.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet has fallen into water or been subjected to severe mechanical stress, do not try to turn it on without first drying (at least 24 hours in a dry place.

Battery replacement and repair

If the Mi Band 3 doesn't turn on even after a long charge, it could be a worn-out battery, the average battery life is 2-3 years when used actively, and you can replace it yourself, but you need to be careful.

To replace the battery, you will need:

• ⚒️ Plastic blade or mediator
• 🔧 Clay. B-7000 or similar
• 🔋 New battery for Mi Band 3 (capacity 110 mAh)

Step-by-step:

1. Carefully apply the plastic bracelet cover with a spatula starting at the button side. Be careful, the case is mounted on the latches.
2. Disconnect the battery plume from the motherboard. Use tweezers to keep the contacts from being damaged.
3. Remove the old battery and clean the installation site of glue residues.
4. Stick a new battery and connect the plume.
5. Close the case, making sure all latches are in place.

After replacing the battery, the bracelet may require re-synchronization with the application. If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact a service center - the cost of replacing the battery usually does not exceed 1000-1500 rubles.

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Self-replacement of the battery will void the warranty (if it is still valid).If the bracelet is warranty, contact the official Xiaomi service.

7. Alternative ways of inclusion

If the standard methods don’t work, you can try the less obvious options:

• 🔌 Charging from another source: Sometimes the bracelet does not respond to charging from USB-It's a port of the computer, but it's powered by a network adapter. Try using a smartphone charger (5V/1A or 5V/2A).
• 🕒 Long-term button retention: Hold the touch button for 30 to 40 seconds without interruption.This can work in deep software failures.
• 📱 Connect to another smartphone: If the bracelet isn’t detected on your phone, try connecting it to another device with the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app installed.
• 🔄 Manual firmware update: In rare cases, it helps to firmware the bracelet through a PC using special utilities (for example, Mi Band 3 Tools.

If none of these things worked, it's probably hardware, and in this case, it's recommended that you:

1. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (if warranty is in effect).
2. Buy a new strap with electronic filling (cost about 1500-2000 rubles).
3. Consider buying a new model (e.g. Mi Band 7 or Mi Band 8) if the repair is not cost-effective.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band 3 inclusion