Xiaomi Redmi smartwatches are reliable tools for tracking activity, but even they sometimes fail: they stop syncing, “hang” on the logo or refuse to charge. The reasons can be different from software errors after updating to mechanical damage after a fall. Fortunately, in 90% of cases, the device can be brought back to life on its own without going to a service center.
This article will help you understand how to reboot, reset or reflash Redmi Watch 2/3/4, Mi Band 6/7/8 and other models of the brand. We will look at both soft methods (for example, forced reboot) and hard ones – like manual firmware via PC. Importantly, the recovery algorithms differ depending on the firmware version and model, so check the instructions for your device carefully.
If the watch doesn't respond to buttons or charging at all, don't rush to write them off. Maybe the problem is a dead battery or a stuck sensor, and let's start with the simplest diagnostics and gradually move on to complex manipulations.
1. Diagnosis of the problem: why does the clock not work?
Before you start a recovery, identify the symptoms of a malfunction, which will help you choose the right method of repair and avoid unnecessary actions.
- ⏳ The watch hung on the Mi or Redmi logo - firmware failure, interrupted update, conflict with the Mi Fitness app.
- 🔋 Not turned on after discharge - deep battery discharge, damage to charging contacts or failure of the power controller.
- 📱 Not synced with the phone – Bluetooth error, outdated version of the app, failure in the settings of the clock.
- 🔄 Spontaneous reboots – file system damage, overheating, mechanical damage to the board.
- 🚫 Do not respond to touch – sensor contamination, damage to the screen plume, software failure.
Pay special attention to the latest steps before a break, for example, if the watch stopped working after updating the firmware, you will most likely need to roll back or flash it. If the device fell into water (even if the model has IP68 protection), the problem may be corrosion of the contacts.
Critical: If the Redmi Watch 3 or Mi Band 7 doesn't respond to charging, check the cable and power supply.Use the original 5V/1A adapter - more powerful chargers can damage the controller.
2.Soft reboot: the first step to recovery
If Xiaomi’s watch is hanging, but the screen is still displaying information (albeit incorrectly), try a forced reboot.
Instructions for most Redmi Watch and Mi Band models:
- Connect the watch to charging (even if it shows 100% charge).
- Press a single physical button (or touch zone under the screen for models without buttons) for 10-15 seconds.
- Wait for the vibration or the appearance of the Mi logo - this is a signal of a successful reboot.
The Redmi Watch 2 Lite and Mi Band 6 may require a double-press with hold.If the screen is out and doesn't turn on for longer than a minute, disconnect the charge and try again.
☑️ Preparations for reset
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If the Redmi Watch 3 Active doesn’t respond to a button, try holding it for 20 to 25 seconds – sometimes it takes longer to reset.
⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse soft reboot with hardware reset (which we'll discuss later) Forced reboot doesn't delete data, whereas resetting will return the clock to factory settings.
3. Reset to factory settings: when it can not do without it
If a soft reboot doesn't work, the next step is hard reset, which is a complete reset.
- 🔄 Loaded Loading (Endless Logo).
- 📵 Loss of communication with the Mi Fitness app.
- 🔒 Forgotten. PIN-code (for models with locking).
The methods of resetting differ depending on the model:
| Model clock | Resetting method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Watch 2/3 | Press the button for 20 seconds, then select Reset from the recovery menu. | The menu appears after a double vibration. |
| Mi Band 6/7/8 | Connect to charging → press the touch zone for 10 seconds → release after vibration. | The reset is confirmed by the flashing of the screen. |
| Redmi Watch 3 Active | In the Mi Fitness app: Device profile → Additional → Reset. | You need a phone connection. |
| Mi Band 5 | Remove the capsule from the bracelet → Press on the charging contacts 3 times with an interval of 1 sec. | The method works only with a discharged battery. |
Important: After reset, Xiaomi watches automatically reboot and require re-tethering to the phone. If the device does not turn on after reset, this may indicate firmware damage - you will need to flash it (see section 5).
What to do if the reset does not work?
4.Recovery through the Mi Fitness app
If the clock is on but not running smoothly (e.g., data is not synchronized or time is lost), try software recovery via the official app, which is suitable for fixing minor crashes without losing user data.
Step-by-step:
- Open Mi Fitness on your smartphone.
- Go to Profile. → Your device. → Settings (⚙️).
- Select Firmware Update (if available) or Restore Settings.
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (the clock will reboot automatically).
⚠️ Note: If the application shows an error "Can not connect to the device", try:
- 📱 Reinstall Mi Fitness (remove the cache and app data in your phone settings).
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and watch.
- 📶 Shut down. VPN switch to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes Xiaomi servers are blocked by the provider).
For Redmi Watch 4 and later, the app may include the "Device Diagnostics" option, which allows you to check the performance of sensors and screens, and if the test shows a Sensor Failed error, you will likely need repairs at the service center.
5. Flashing the clock over the PC: a last resort
If the Xiaomi Redmi watch does not respond to the reset or freezes again after the reboot, there is a manual flashing, which requires a computer, special software and exact follow-up instructions. Firmware errors can turn the device into a brick!
What you need:
- 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (for Mac/Linux You will need a virtual machine).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (to connect the clock to the PC).
- 📁 Firmware for your model (download only from official sources, for example, en.miui.com).
- 🛠 MiFlash or Fastboot Tools (depending on the model).
The following is a step-by-step guide for Redmi Watch 3:
- Download the firmware (file with extension.tft or.bin) and unpack it in the folder.
- Install Qualcomm drivers (if the watch is on this platform) or Mediatek.
- Connect the watch to your PC in Fastboot mode: (a) Turn off the watch. (b) Press the button and plug it into a USB - the screen should go out. (c) Release the button in 5 seconds.
- Start MiFlash, select the firmware folder and click Flash.
- Wait until the process is completed (the process takes 3-10 minutes).
⚠️ Warning: Don't disconnect your watch from your PC while you're firmware! If the process is interrupted, the device may fail. Also make sure the firmware version matches the model - the firmware from Redmi Watch 2 won't work for the Mi Band 7.
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Flashing is the last chance to bring the watch back to life, and if it doesn't turn on, it's probably hardware (damage to the board, battery or screen).
6. Hardware malfunctions: when you need the help of a specialist
If all software methods are exhausted and the Xiaomi Redmi watch still doesn’t work, it could be a physical breakdown.
- 💧 Getting moisture – even if the model has protection IP68, Salt water or prolonged exposure to moisture can cause corrosion.
- 🔥 Overheating or bloating of the battery - the watch is heated even when turned off, the screen "bubbles».
- 📉 Mechanical damage - cracks on the screen, dents on the body, broken buttons.
- 🔌 Charging problems – cable is not fixed, contacts are blackened or oxidized.
The cost of repairs in official Xiaomi services (for 2026):
| Type of repair | Cost (₽) | Date(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen replacement | 1 500–3 000 | 1–3 |
| Battery replacement | 1 200–2 500 | 1–2 |
| Repair of the board (cleaning, soldering) | 2 000–5 000 | 3–7 |
| Replacement of the button/sensor | 800–1 500 | 1 |
⚠️ Warning: If the Redmi Watch or Mi Band has been in water for longer than 30 minutes, don't try to turn it on! immediately remove the battery (if possible) and dry the device in rice or silica gel for at least 48 hours.
7. Failure prevention: how to avoid problems in the future
To make Xiaomi Redmi watch last longer without failure, follow the simple recommendations:
- 🔄 Update your firmware regularly through the Mi Fitness app (but not at low battery times!).
- 🔋 Avoid deep discharge – recharge the device at 20-30% charge.
- 🚿 Do not wear a watch in a bath / sauna - despite protection IP68, steam can damage seals.
- 📱 Sync data once a week to avoid losing statistics when crashing.
- 🛡 Use covers and protective glasses for models with touch screen.
It’s also worth turning off automatic firmware updates in the app’s settings if your model is prone to crashes after updates. For example, the Mi Band 7 had firmware issues of 1.16.0.14 – many users complained about spontaneous reboots.
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If the Redmi Watch 4 is starting to run out quickly, check the active features in Mi Fitness: disable the permanent pulse monitor and notifications from unnecessary apps.