Restore settings on Xiaomi watches: from reset to manual settings

Xiaomi smartwatches are not just an accessory, but a full-fledged gadget that stores data about your activity, notifications and personal settings. But what if the device has started to glittle, does not sync with your smartphone or simply requires a clean start? Resetting is a universal solution for most problems, from firmware bugs to bugs after an update. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to reset and restore, including hidden features that are not written in the official instructions.

It is important to understand that the procedure differs depending on the model: Mi Band 7, Amazfit GTR 4 or Redmi Watch 3 have different menus and button combinations. We'll look at universal methods, as well as nuances for popular devices. If you're afraid of losing data, don't worry: in most cases, it can be saved or restored through backup. The main thing is to follow the instructions and not miss important steps.

When to restore the settings on the Xiaomi watch

Resetting is not a panacea, but it helps in 80% of unstable work, and here are the key situations where the procedure is justified:

  • ⚑ The watch will freeze on the logo or not respond to touches (even after a reboot).
  • πŸ”„ The device does not sync with Mi Fitness or Zepp Life despite repeated attempts.
  • πŸ“± After updating the firmware, bugs appeared: the battery is discharged in an hour, sensors do not work or functions are lost.
  • πŸ”’ You forgot the screen unlock password (relevant to Amazfit) GTR/GTS).
  • πŸ“¦ The watch no longer recognizes gestures, vibrations or screen lights.
  • πŸ”„ You sell or transfer your device to another person and want to delete personal data.

But resetting isn't always necessary. For example, if the problem is just the lack of notifications, check the settings in the companion app on your smartphone first. Or if the watch doesn't hold the charge, it might be the worn-out battery, not the software failure, in which case restoring the settings won't help.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Watch models S3 and Amazfit T-Rex Ultra reset via the menu can result in the bootloader being blocked if the device is linked to the Mi Account.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi Watch Model Are You Using?
Mi Band 7/8
Redmi Watch 3/4
Amazfit GTR/GTS
Xiaomi Watch S2/S3
Another model

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before resetting your settings, follow the mandatory preparatory steps to avoid data loss and synchronization issues:

  1. Sync your data with the app. Open Mi Fitness or Zepp Life, wait for full sync (the cloud icon at the top of the screen should disappear), which will preserve your training, footsteps, and sleep history.
  2. Take screenshots of settings. Take pictures of screens with notification settings, alarms and activity profiles, and this will speed up the resetting.
  3. Check the battery. Make sure the charge level is at least 50% - a low charge reset can damage the firmware.
  4. Untie the watch from your account (if you plan to sell" β†’ "Untie".

If you use Amazfit with autonomous function GPS, Export manual training tracks: go to Profile β†’ Activity history β†’ Exports on some models (GTR 4, GTS 4) this option is hidden in additional settings.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist before reset

Done: 0 / 5

⚠️ Warning: Redmi Watch 2 Lite may reset region, causing weather and time to be misrepresented. Write the current region in the settings in advance.

Ways to reset settings on Xiaomi watches

There are three main methods of restoring factory settings, and the choice depends on the model and condition of the device, and we will discuss each with step-by-step instructions and nuances.

1. Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

The safest way, which does not affect the firmware. Suitable for most models: Mi Band 5/6/7/8, Redmi Watch 3/4, Amazfit Bip 3/5.

  1. On the watch’s home screen, swipe up or press a button (depending on the model) to open the menu.
  2. Find the Settings section (cog icon) β†’ System system.
  3. Select Resetting or Restore Factory.
  4. Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter) PIN-code, if it is installed).
  5. Wait for the reboot (usually takes up) 1-2 minute).

On Amazfit. GTR 4 and GTS 4 Way Another: Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Data reset. Once confirmed, the watch will reset and show the greeting screen, just like after you buy it.

Hardware reset (hard reset)

Used when the watch does not respond to touch or menus are not available, the method works on all models, but requires strict adherence to the combinations of buttons.

Model clockButton combinationNotes
Mi Band 5/6/7/8Press the touch button on 15-20 A few seconds before the logo appears.The Mi Band 8 may require 3 short taps before holding.
Redmi Watch 3/4Press the physical button for 10 seconds, then release and hold for another 5 seconds.The screen will blink 3 times before resetting.
Amazfit GTR/GTSPress both buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds.Nana GTR 4 after reset, you will need to re-link to the account.
Xiaomi Watch S2/S3Press the power button. + 12-second top-button.After the reset, the watch will request a login to the Mi Account.

If the clock doesn’t turn on after a hardware reset or shows an error, try connecting it to a charge for 30 minutes – sometimes the battery runs down to a level that blocks the start.

3. Reset via a companion application

Some models (such as the Mi Band 7 Pro or Amazfit Falcon) allow you to reset your settings remotely via your smartphone.

  1. Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app.
  2. Go to the section of your device.
  3. Find the device settings β†’ Reset (in Zepp Life it may be called Restore Factory).
  4. Confirm the action on the phone and wait for the process to be completed.

Important: This method only works if the watch is connected to the phone over Bluetooth. If the connection is lost, use a hardware reset.

πŸ’‘

If the watch is not determined by the app after reset, remove it from the list of devices in the smartphone’s Bluetooth settings and re-bind.

Data recovery after resetting

Once you reset, you have to reset the clock, but you can recover some of the data.

  • πŸ“± Synchronize activity history: When you first connect to the application, it will prompt you to restore data from the cloud (if the synchronization was prior to resetting).
  • ⏰ Set up your alarms and reminders again – they don’t stay in the cloud.
  • 🎨 Personalize dials: download previously saved through Profile β†’ My dials.
  • πŸ”„ Update your firmware if the reset was caused by bugs after the update. Check the current version in Settings β†’ The phone.

On models of Amazfit with the function of autonomous music (for example, GTS 4) after reset, you will need to re-upload playlists through the Zepp Life application. The files are stored in the clock memory and can not be restored without a backup copy.

If you used payment features (e.g. Mi Pay on Xiaomi Watch) S3), You'll have to re-attach your bank cards after the reset. β†’ Payments and follow the instructions.

How to Restore Notifications After Resetting?
Once reset, notifications may not come due to permission resets. Go to your Bluetooth settings on your phone, find your watch, and turn on the "Show Notifications" option. Then, in the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app, check the "Notifications" section and allow access for the desired applications (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after the proper reset, there can be problems.-5 errors and ways of eliminating them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
The clock is not turned on after resettingBattery discharged or firmware failureConnect to the charger on 1-2 If it doesn't work, do the hardware reset again.
Can't tie a watch to a phone.Residual data in Bluetooth cacheRemove the watch from the list of connected devices on your phone and reboot both devices.
Training data missingSynchronization was not performed before resetting.Check the history in the app – sometimes the data is restored after 24 hours.
Watches require password after resetMi Account Protection ActivatedEnter the username and password from the Xiaomi account to which the watch was tied.
The touch screen is not working.Calibration failure after resetGo to Settings. β†’ Display. β†’ Calibration and follow the instructions.

If an Error 502 or Failed to connect error appears on the screen after the reset, this indicates problems with Xiaomi servers.

  1. Check your internet connection on your phone.
  2. Restart the Mi app Fitness/Zepp Life.
  3. Try to tie the watch through another device (like a tablet).

⚠️ Attention: On the Xiaomi Watch S3 Device locked error may occur after reset if they were linked to an account with two-factor authentication. SMS email.

Manual recovery of specific functions

Sometimes, after reset, some functions don't work properly, so let's figure out how to restore them without completely flashing them.

Reinstatement of notifications

If notifications do not arrive:

  1. On the phone: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Mi Fitness/Zepp Life β†’ Permits β†’ Notifications (include all toggles).
  2. Annex: Profile β†’ The device β†’ Notifications and select the desired applications.
  3. On the clock: check if the Do Not Disturb mode is activated (moon icon in the top menu).

2. Set up data synchronization

If the steps or training are not synchronized:

  • πŸ“± Restart the app and Bluetooth on your phone.
  • βš™οΈ On the clock: Settings β†’ Synchronization β†’ Manual synchronization.
  • 🌐 Check your internet connection – without it, data doesn’t go to the cloud.

3. Restoration of dials

The dials are lost after reset, but can be returned:

  1. Open the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app.
  2. Go to Profile. β†’ My dials.
  3. Find the saved ones earlier and click Install.
  4. If the dial is paid, you will need to re-purchase (free is restored automatically).

πŸ’‘

If your sleep data has been lost for the past month, check the archive in the web version of Mi Fitness (mi.com/fitness). Sometimes the cloud will store information longer than a mobile app.

Prevention: How to avoid resetting in the future

To avoid having to regularly restore settings, follow these recommendations:

  • πŸ”„ Update your firmware regularly, but don’t install beta unless you’re bug-ready.
  • πŸ“΄ Avoid battery discharge to 0% – this can damage the clock’s file system.
  • πŸ”Œ Use original charging cables to avoid voltage spikes.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Do not install third-party firmware (for example, through Amazfit Bip) OS), If you are not sure of their stability.
  • πŸ“± Periodically sync your data with the app (at least once a week).

On models with built-in memory (for example, Amazfit) GTR 4) avoid filling up the memory to the end - leave at least 10% of the free space.

If you are actively using GPS-Tracking, after a long training (5)+ Reboot the clock – this clears the cache and prevents hanging.

πŸ“Š How often do you update the firmware on Xiaomi watches?
Never.
Only with critical bugs.
Every month.
Immediately after the release of the new version

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I restore the settings without resetting?
Yes, if the problem is in a particular feature (e.g., notifications or pedometers are not working), try: Reboot the clock (hold the 10 seconds button). Update the firmware through the app. Reset only for the problem module (e.g., Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ If this does not help, a complete reset is inevitable.
Why does the clock not connect to the phone?
The reasons may be different: πŸ“± Bluetooth Cache: Remove the Watch from the Device List on the Phone and Reboot Both. πŸ”„ Outdated firmware: Update the clock through the app before binding. πŸ”’ Mi Account lock: If the watch was linked to another account, you will need authorization. If the problem persists, try linking the watch to another smartphone (e.g., a tablet) and returning it back to you.
How to recover training data from the past year?
Data is stored in the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life cloud for 12 months. To recover it: Sign in with the same account as before the reset. Connect the clock and wait for automatic sync (may take up to 24 hours). If the data does not appear, contact Xiaomi with the indication ID Devices (see Settings) β†’ For Amazfit, check out the web version of Zepp Life (zepp.com) - it sometimes displays a more complete story.
Can I reset my watch without my phone?
Yes, all Xiaomi models support hardware reset (see section above: ⚠️ Without a phone, you can’t recover data from the cloud. πŸ”„ After the reset, the watch will require re-association to the account. πŸ“± Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S3) Without a phone, it is impossible to update the firmware.
What if the clock shows a β€œNo Command” error?
This error indicates that the firmware is damaged. Solutions: Connect the watch to charge and wait 30 minutes. Try to reset the hardware again. If the error persists, you will need to flash it over the PC (you need to do this). USB-For Amazfit, download the firmware from the official website and use the Amazfit Firmware Updater utility.