How to turn off the fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band 3: all the ways and hidden functions

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular activity-tracking gadgets, despite the release of new models, and its simplicity and functionality attract users, but even with such a device, questions can arise - for example, how to turn it off completely. At first glance, the task is trivial, but the Mi Band 3 has features: no physical power button, hidden gesture combinations and nuances of working with firmware.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can turn off your bracelet, from the standard menu to forced reset if your device is stuck, and why sometimes turning off the Mi Fit app doesn’t work properly, how to avoid accidental battery drain, and what to do if the bracelet doesn’t respond to taps, and instructions are suitable for all firmware versions, including the latest official and custom builds.

Method 1: Standard shutdown through the bracelet menu

The most obvious method is to use the device’s built-in menu, which doesn’t require additional apps or a computer, but it will take a little bit of skill, as the Mi Band 3 touch screen doesn’t always respond accurately to touch.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Activate the bracelet screen by touching it or pressing the touch button below the display.
  2. Flick the menu down with swipes until you find the Settings item (cog icon).
  3. In the settings section, select Turn Off (Power icon).
  4. Confirm the action by touching the tick or swiping to the right (depending on the firmware version).

If the "Off" option is not available, then your bracelet has a modified firmware (for example, Notify & Fitness).

  • 🔧 Settings → System system → Shutdown
  • 🔄 Additionally. → Power regimen → Shut down.

💡

If the bracelet doesn't respond to swipes, try moistening your finger with water or using a stylus. The Mi Band 3 sensor is better at recognizing wet surfaces.

Once confirmed, the screen will go out, and after 2-3 seconds the device will completely shut down. Importantly, when you turn off through the menu, the bracelet stores all the data (steps, pulse, notifications) and restores it after turning on. Except that if the battery is discharged to 0%, then you may lose some of the statistics.

Method 2: Turn off via Mi Fit or Zepp Life

Xiaomi’s official app allows you to control the bracelet remotely, including turning it off, a method that is convenient if the sensor of the bracelet is damaged or you prefer not to interact with the small screen.

Instructions for Mi Fit (relevant to versions 4.6.0 and above):

  1. Open the app and connect to the bracelet via Bluetooth.
  2. Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 3.
  3. Select Device Settings → Additionally.
  4. Find the item Turn off the bracelet and confirm the action.

In the Zepp Life app (the successor to Mi Fit), the path is a bit different:

  • 📱 Devices → Mi Band 3 → ⚙️ Settings
  • 🔋 Nutrition management → Turn it off.
📊 What app do you use to manage Mi Band 3?
Mi Fit
Zepp Life
Notify & Fitness
Other
Not using.

Please note: Remote shutdown may not work if:

  • 🔌 Bracelet discharged below 10% (power saving mode is activated).
  • 📵 Communication with the phone is unstable (check Bluetooth and app permissions).
  • 🔄 Installed an unofficial firmware that blocks remote commands.

⚠️ Warning: If you click Turn off the bracelet in the app but Mi Fit displays status Unplugged, try restarting your smartphone. Sometimes the error is related to the Bluetooth cache.

Method 3: Forced button shutdown (emergency method)

The Mi Band 3 doesn’t have a physical power button, but the touch button under the screen can be used to force the device to shut down if it’s frozen, a technique that should only be used in extreme cases, as it’s similar to a “hard reset” on smartphones.

How to do this:

  1. Press the touch button under the screen for 10-15 seconds.
  2. Wait until the screen goes out and the bracelet doesn’t vibrate three times.
  3. Release the button and the device will turn off.

This method works even if:

  • 🖥️ The bracelet does not respond to touching the screen.
  • 🔄 Firmware update hung.
  • 📛 Cannot connect through the application.
What if the bracelet does not vibrate when holding the button?
If after 15 seconds of holding the button Mi Band 3 does not vibrate or turn off, this can mean: 1. Full battery discharge (plug to charge for 10 minutes, then try again). 2. Hardware failure of the power controller (repair required). 3. Lock the button with unofficial firmware (try resetting via Mi Fit).

A critical nuance: forced button shutdown resets all unsaved data (e.g., current-day steps if synchronization with your phone fails) and can damage the bracelet file system if the data was being recorded at the time of shutdown. Use it only if other methods fail.

Method 4: Turn off by resetting (hard reset)

If the bracelet is stuck in a reboot cycle or does not respond to any commands, the last option is a complete reset, which is also used before selling the device to delete all personal data.

Instructions for hard reset:

  1. Connect the bracelet to the charger (even if it is not discharged).
  2. Press the touch button for 20-30 seconds until you feel a triple vibration.
  3. Release the button – the Xiaomi logo and the Reset inscription will appear on the screen.
  4. Confirm the reset by touching the screen (if required).

After the bracelet is dropped:

  • 🔄 Back to factory settings.
  • 📱 Re-link to your Mi Account.
  • 🗑️ Delete all stored data (except for statistics in the cloud).
Way of turning offImplementation timeData retentionRisks.
Through the wristband menu5-10 seconds✅ Preserve.No.
Through the Mi Fit app10-15 seconds✅ Preserve.Synchronization errors
Forced (button)15-20 seconds❌ The current day is lost.Damage to the file system
Resetting settings (hard reset)30-40 seconds❌ All data is deletedReconfiguration is required

⚠️ Note: If you sell or transfer the bracelet to another person, it is not enough to just turn it off. be sure to perform a hard reset to delete the associated Mi Account and personal information (sleep history, pulse data, etc.).

Method 5: Alternative methods (for advanced users)

For those who use custom firmware or like experiments, there are additional ways to manage the power of the Mi Band 3. These techniques require technical knowledge and can lead to a loss of warranty.

1.Switch off via ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

If the bracelet is connected to the computer through a special adapter (for example, Mi Band 3 USB Tool), you can send a deactivation command via the console:

adb shell reboot -p

This will require:

  • 🖥️ Installed drivers ADB and Fastboot.
  • 🔌 Adapter for connecting the bracelet to USB (non-standard charging cable!).
  • 🛠️ Unlocked Developer Mode on the Bracelet.

2. Disconnection through the file system

Some firmware (such as Custom Firmware by Alex) has a hidden option to turn off via file editing /system/power.cfg.

  1. Connect to the ADB bracelet.
  2. Open the file with the command: adb pull /system/power.cfg
  3. Change the shutdown=1 parameter.
  4. Download the file back: adb push power.cfg /system/

Install ADB drivers on PC

Download Mi Band 3 USB Tool

Enable the developer mode on the bracelet

Make a data backup

-->

These methods are only suitable for experienced users; incorrect actions can lead to the "bricking" of the bracelet (complete loss of performance); if you are not sure of your skills, you should use standard methods.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users face problems when turning off the Mi Band 3.

1.The bracelet does not turn off through the menu

Possible causes and solutions:

  • 🔋 Low battery charge (less than 5%) – connect to charge for 10-15 minutes.
  • 🖐️ Faulty sensor – try using another finger or stylus.
  • 🔄 Firmware freeze - perform forced shutdown with a button.

2 Mi Fit app doesn't see bracelet

What to do:

  • 📱 Restart Bluetooth on your phone.
  • 🔄 Remove the bracelet from the list of devices in Mi Fit and add again.
  • 📋 Check the permissions of the application (access to location and contacts is mandatory!).

3. The bracelet does not turn on after it is turned off

Algorithm of action:

  1. Connect the bracelet to charge for 30 minutes.
  2. Press the touch button for 20 seconds.
  3. If it doesn’t help, try resetting your settings through the charger (see Method 4).

💡

If the bracelet is not responsive to charging, check the cable and power supply. Use the original Xiaomi adapter (5V/1A) - cheap counterparts may not provide enough current.

4. The bracelet is spontaneously switched off

This may be related to:

  • 🔋 Battery worn out (if the device is more than 2-3 years old).
  • 💧 Moisture intake (even if the bracelet has protection) IP68, Long-term exposure to water can damage contacts).
  • 🔄 Firmware failure - try to update the software through Mi Fit.
Can I turn off Mi Band 3 overnight to save power?
Yes, but it's not practical. In sleep mode, the bracelet consumes minimal energy (about 1-2% per night); frequent on/off, on the contrary, will discharge the battery faster due to peak loads; it is better to activate the Do Not Disturb mode in the settings.
Why does the bracelet lose data for the day after switching off?
This happens if you have used a forced shutdown (button) or reset. When you switch off from the menu, the data is saved. To avoid loss, regularly sync the bracelet with the Mi Fit application (it is enough 1-2 times a day).
How to turn off the bracelet if the screen is broken?
There are two options: Use the Mi Fit app (if the bracelet is still connected via Bluetooth); perform a hard reset via the charger (press the button for 30 seconds); If none of the methods work, contact the service center - you may need to change the screen.
Can I turn off Mi Band 3 without my phone?
Yes, all methods except for controlling through Mi Fit work autonomously, and the most reliable option is to turn off the wristband menu or force the button to hold.
What to do if the bracelet is turned off and not turned on?
Follow this algorithm: Connect to the original charger for 1-2 hours. Try to pinch the touch button for 20-30 seconds. If it doesn't work, reset the settings (hard reset) through charging. If you don't react, contact the service if the battery or power board may malfunction.