How to turn on the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 fitness bracelet after completely switching off: 5 working methods

Xiaomi Mi Band 8 fitness bracelet can suddenly turn off due to battery drain, firmware failure or accidental pressing of a button combination. Unlike smartphones, smart bracelets do not have a physical power button, which causes confusion among users. If your Mi Band 8 stopped responding to touch or the screen remains black after charging, do not rush to carry it into service - in 90% of cases, the device can be brought back to life on its own.

In this article, we will look at all possible causes of disconnection, from banal discharge to software failures, and give step-by-step instructions for turning on the bracelet in each case, focusing on the hidden function of forced reboot through the charger, which is not written about in the official documentation, and you will learn how to avoid repeated failures and what to do if the bracelet does not respond even to charging.

Why Xiaomi Mi Band 8 could shut down on its own

Before you try to turn on the bracelet, it is important to understand the reason for the disconnection, which will help you choose the right method of recovery and avoid repeated problems.

• 🔋 Full battery drain is the most common reason. The Mi Band 8 automatically shuts down when the charge level is below 3% to prevent battery damage, in which case the screen will not even respond to touch until the bracelet is plugged into charging.
• 🔄 Software failure — can occur after a firmware update, sync with the Mi Fitness app, or because of a data conflict, often manifesting as a "hang" on the logo or a black screen with a vibration.
• 💧 Moisture intrusion – despite the declared protection level of 5 ATM, condensation or a sharp temperature drop (e.g., after a pool) can cause the sensors to temporarily shut down.
• 🔌 Charger problems – unoriginal cables or contaminated contacts on the bracelet result in intermittent charging, which can cause the device to shut down during recharging.
• 🛠️ Mechanical damage – falls or severe impacts sometimes disrupt the battery’s connection to the board, which simulates a “switch off.”

If the bracelet is turned off after a firmware update, don’t panic – this is a regular situation. Xiaomi sometimes releases updates that require a complete reboot of the device, in which case it is enough to wait 5-10 minutes and try to turn on the bracelet in the standard way.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet overheated before turning off (e.g. during charging) or if artifacts (strips, flickering) appeared on the screen, do not try to turn it on yourself - this may be a sign of battery damage.

Method 1: Standard activation after battery discharge

If the Mi Band 8 is turned off due to a full discharge, the switching algorithm is as simple as possible, however, many users make mistakes at this stage, which leads to a false impression of "breakdown."

1. Connect the bracelet to charge. Use the original Xiaomi cable (there is magnetic charging included). Make sure the contacts on the bracelet and charger are clean - wipe them with a dry cotton swab if necessary.
2. Wait 5-7 minutes. Even if nothing is displayed on the screen, the battery starts charging, the minimum charge level to turn on is 5%, so the first minutes of the bracelet may not show signs of life.
3. Tap the screen or press a button. After the charging indicator (battery icon) appears, briefly press the touch button below the screen. If the bracelet does not respond, wait another 10 minutes.
4. Wait until the bracelet is fully charged. If it switches on but switches off again, it's a sign of a deep discharge. Charge it for at least 30 minutes before you try again.

If after 15 minutes the charge indicator does not appear on the screen, check:

• 🔌 The port's /USB- socket is operational (plug in another device).
• 🔋 Cable integrity (try another charging cable from the Mi Band).
• 🧲 Position of the bracelet on charge - magnets should tightly pull.

If the bracelet still doesn’t turn on, move on to the next method – forced reboot.

Method 2: Forced reboot via charger

This works if the Mi Band 8 doesn't respond to charging or if it's stuck on the logo, it mimics hard reset, but it doesn't erase user data. Importantly, it requires accurate timing!

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger. Use the original cable.
2. Hold the touch button for 20 to 25 seconds. Nothing happens on the screen, that's OK. Count the time with the stopwatch.
3. Release the button. In 3-5 seconds, the Mi logo or charging indicator should appear.
4. Wait for the full load. It can take up to 2 minutes. Don't turn the bracelet off the charge!

If the screen is black after the button is released:

• Repeat the procedure by holding the button for 30 seconds.
• Try using another charger (such as the Mi Band 7).
• Check if the bracelet is heated while holding the button – if so, stop trying and contact the service.

⚠️ Warning: Don't hold the button for more than 30 seconds, which can cause the settings to reset to factory. If the bracelet vibrates three times in a row, it's a signal to start the reset procedure, in which case release the button and try again later.

Method 3: Enable via the Mi Fitness app (if the bracelet is determined)

If the bracelet is determined by the Mi Fitness app (displayed in the list of devices but not turned on), you can try running it through software. This method works if the problem is due to a software failure, not a hardware malfunction.

1. Open the Mi Fitness app. Make sure your Xiaomi account is logged in.

If the bracelet is not displayed in the annex:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and try again.
• 📱 Make sure your phone is enabled with Bluetooth and location permission (required for Mi Fitness to work).
• 🔗 Try connecting to the bracelet from another phone.

If the bracelet is switched on after reconnecting, but immediately switched off again, this may indicate firmware damage, in which case only flashing through Mi Fit or service center will help.

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If the bracelet is detected in Mi Fitness but doesn’t turn on, try untie it from your account (in your device settings) and reconnect it. This often solves software freeze problems.

Method 4: Checking and cleaning charging contacts

Often the reason for not turning on is not the bracelet itself, but contaminated or oxidized contacts, and over time, sweat, dust, or residues of the cream accumulate on metal sites, which disrupts the current transmission, and cleaning the contacts can bring the bracelet back to life without complex manipulation.

You'll need:

• 🧻 Cotton swabs (2-3 pieces).
• 💧 Alcohol medical or alcohol wipes (at least 70%).
• 🔍 Lupa (optional, to inspect contacts).

Step-by-step cleaning:

1. Disconnect the bracelet from the strap. Carefully pull the capsule from the case (do not put too much effort!).
2. Look at the contacts. On the back of the capsule, you'll see 4 metal dots (2 for charging, 2 for data transmission) that should be shiny, without green or black plaque.
3. Clear the contacts. Drink the cotton swab in alcohol and gently wipe each point with rotational movements. Don't press hard!
4. Dry the bracelet. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature. Don't use a hair dryer or heater!
5. Check the charger. Wipe the contacts on the magnetic connector in the same way.

After cleaning, connect the bracelet to charge and wait 5 minutes. If the problem was in the contacts, the charging indicator will appear within 1-2 minutes.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet is still not charged after the contacts are cleaned, but is determined by the computer as a device (when connected via USB), this may indicate a malfunction of the power controller, in which case repairs are required at the service center.

Method 5: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If all previous methods have failed, the last option is a complete reset, which will remove all data from the bracelet (steps, settings, alarm clocks), but often helps with serious software failures. Xiaomi Mi Band 8 offers two ways to reset:

Method 1: Through the bracelet menu (if the screen is responsive)

1. Slide the bracelet screen down to the Settings (cog icon).
2. Select the System → Resetting settings.
3. Confirm the action by touching the tick.
4. Wait for the reboot (the bracelet vibrates and shows the Mi logo).

Method 2: Forced reset (if the bracelet does not respond)

This method works even if the screen is not turned on:

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger.
2. Hold the touch button for 30 seconds until you feel three vibrations in a row.
3. Release the button. The bracelet will start the reset procedure (it will take 1-2 minutes).
4. After the reboot, reset the bracelet through Mi Fitness.

If the bracelet is not turned on after reset:

• 🔌 Try charging it from another source (e.g., power bank).
• 📱 Reinstall the Mi Fitness app on your phone.
• 🛠️ Contact Xiaomi Service Center – there may be a hardware problem (battery, board).

Frequent User Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many of the problems with the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 are caused by the wrong actions of users, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

• ⚡ Use of non-original chargers: Cheap cables may not provide the required voltage, which causes the bracelet to fail to charge or to charge intermittently. Always use the original cable or certified accessories.
• 🕒 Insufficient charging time.
• 💦 Charge a wet bracelet. If the Mi Band 8 is wet, dry it for at least 1 hour before charging. Moisture on the contacts can cause a short circuit.
• 🔋 Storage of the bracelet discharged. If you leave the device with zero charge for a few days, the battery can go into "deep discharge", after which it will be difficult to "resuscitate." Charge the bracelet at least once every 2 weeks.
• 📱 Ignoring firmware updates. Older versions of software may contain bugs that cause spontaneous shutdowns. Check for updates to Mi Fitness regularly.

To prolong the life of the bracelet, follow simple rules:

• 🔄 Reload the bracelet once a month (hold the 10 seconds button until vibration is triggered).
• 🧼 Wipe the charging contacts once every 2 weeks with an alcohol towel.
• 🌡️ Avoid overheating (do not leave the bracelet under direct sunlight or near heaters).

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If your Mi Band 8 is turned off after a firmware update, don't panic, it's a regular situation. Wait 10-15 minutes, then plug the bracelet into charging, and 90% of the time it will turn on itself after the update is completed.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions