How to completely turn off Xiaomi Mi Band 3: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is one of the most popular fitness bracelets, but even such a proven gadget has situations when it needs to be completely turned off. To do this is not as obvious as it seems: the manufacturer did not provide a classic power button, and there is no item on the menu “Switch off.” In this article, we will analyze all the working methods of deactivating the bracelet, from standard to emergency, and also explain why sometimes Mi Band 3 does not respond to commands and how to fix it.

It is important to understand that turning off the bracelet completely is different from power saving or disabling notifications. Once deactivated, the device will stop tracking steps, pulse and time, in fact turn into a “brick” before the next turn on.

Why to turn off Mi Band 3: the real reasons

Many users mistakenly believe that a fitness bracelet should work around the clock, but there are several good reasons for a complete shutdown:

• 🔋 Savings in charge during prolonged non-use (e.g. during vacation or repairs) Even in sleep mode, the battery discharges in 2-3 months.
• 🔄 Reset to factory settings before selling or transferring to another user.
• 🛠️ Fixing software failures: If the bracelet is buggy (not synchronized, not showing notifications), a complete shutdown sometimes helps to return the functionality to work.
• ⚡ Battery replacement: Disassembly of the device requires a power outage to avoid short circuits.

However, regular shutdown is not recommended: each on/off cycle slightly wears out the battery. If the bracelet is used daily, it is better to leave it in energy saving mode (we will discuss it below).

Method 1: Turn off via the bracelet menu (official method)

This is the easiest and safest way, but it only works if the Mi Band 3 is not locked and responds to touch.

1. Wake up the bracelet screen by touching the sensor or pressing the physical button under the display.
2. Scroll the menu to the right until you find the item More (three dots).
3. Select Settings → Turn off (icon with a cross or power icon).
4. Confirm the action by clicking the tick. The bracelet vibrates and goes out in 3-5 seconds.

If you don't have the option to turn off, you have outdated firmware on your bracelet. Update it through the Mi Fit app (Profile → Mi Band 3 → Firmware Update).

Synchronize data with Mi Fit

Battery charge > 20%

Make sure the bracelet is not blocked.

Update the firmware if necessary-->

⚠️ Note: If the bracelet is turned off during the firmware update, it may stop turning on. In this case, a forced reset will be required (described in method 4).

Method 2: Turn off via Mi Fit (remote)

If you're physically uncomfortable interacting with the bracelet (for example, it's on a child's arm or in a case), you can turn it off via your smartphone.

1. Open the Mi Fit app and connect to the bracelet (it should be in Bluetooth range).
2. Go to Profile → Mi Band 3 → Device settings.
3. Scroll down and select Turn off the bracelet.
4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

This method does not work on all firmware versions. If you don't have an option, try untie the bracelet from your account (Device Management → Delete) and then manually turn it off.

Method 3: Emergency button shutdown (if the bracelet is getting stuck)

If the Mi Band 3 doesn’t respond to touch, but the screen is on or flashing, try forced shutdown:

1. Press and hold the physical button under the display for 15-20 seconds.
2. The bracelet should vibrate and go out. If that doesn't happen, repeat the action again.

This method simulates hardware reset and helps in 80% of freezes, but it does not guarantee data safety - after turning on, you may need to re-synchronize with Mi Fit.

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If the bracelet doesn't turn off with a button, try plugging it into a 10 minute charge, and then try again. Sometimes, the battery is dead and blocks the execution of commands.

⚠️ Attention: Frequent use of forced shutdowns can damage the file system of the bracelet.

Method 4: Complete reset (if the bracelet is not switched off)

If none of the previous methods worked, there's a hard reset, and it erases all the data from the bracelet, but it's guaranteed to turn it off.

1. Place the bracelet on the charger and make sure it starts charging (the battery indicator will appear).
2. Press and hold the button under the display for 30 seconds until you feel three short vibrations.
3. Release the button. The bracelet will reset and turn off.

After a hard reset, the bracelet will return to factory settings. The next turn on will require re-association to the Xiaomi account and settings (time, notifications, pedometer).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you turn off Mi Band 3, you often have a problem with the most common ones.

• 🔌 The bracelet doesn't turn off when you charge. USB So, the device automatically goes into charging mode and ignores commands. Solution: turn off charging and try again.
• 📱 Mi Fit can't see the remote shutdown bracelet. Check if your smartphone's Bluetooth is on and if your password is locked.
• ⚡ When you turn off the bracelet, it doesn't turn on. It's possible that the battery is completely discharged. Place it on charge for 1-2 hours, then press the button.
• 🔒 Forgot the lock password. In this case, only hard reset (mode 4) will help, but all data will be lost.

If the bracelet turns on spontaneously after switching off, check the button for sticking or mechanical damage. Sometimes cleaning the contacts with alcohol helps.

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Before any shutdown (except emergency) synchronize data with Mi Fit. This will save a history of activity, pulse and sleep in case of reset.

Energy Saving vs. Total Shutdown: Which to Choose?

Many users confuse energy saving mode and shutdown completely.

To activate the energy saving mode:

1. Go to the bracelet menu: More → Settings → Energy saving mode.
2. Select the time of automatic activation (for example, from 23:00 to 7:00).

In this mode, the bracelet will display only the time and date, but will not expend charge on tracking activity or vibration.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions