The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 fitness bracelet remains a popular gadget even years after its release, with its reliability and functionality appreciated by millions of users. However, over time, the device can start to malfunction: not sync with the phone, show incorrect data or completely stop responding to touch, in 90% of cases, a complete reset to factory settings helps.
But how do you do this without turning the bracelet into a brick? In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to reset, through the Mi app. Fit/Zepp Life, the combination of buttons on the body, and also consider the typical errors and their solutions. 1.0.9.54 And newer where the algorithm has changed.
Important: the reset deletes all user data β steps, pulse, alarm settings and notifications. If the bracelet still has any response to the connection, try backing up first.
When do I need to reset Mi Band 4?
Don't rush to drop the bracelet the first time you fail, but here are the specific symptoms for which the procedure is warranted:
- π Bracelet doesn't sync with app for more than 3 days despite phone reboot and Mi Fit reinstallation.
- π± The screen does not respond to touch or shows artifacts (strips, flickering).
- π The battery is discharged 1-2 hours after full charging (with the exception of physical wear of the battery).
- π Notifications do not come to the bracelet, although everything is included in the settings.
- π After updating the firmware gadget hovers on the logo or cyclically reboots.
If the problem is mechanical damage (cracks on the screen, moisture), the reset is unlikely to help - it requires repair, and you should not reset the bracelet for the sake of experiment: each flashing reduces the life of the flash memory of the device (about 10,000 zc of recording).
Method 1: Reset via Mi Fit or Zepp Life
This is the safest method if the bracelet is still connected to the phone, suitable for firmware 1.0.7.XX and higher, the instructions are relevant for both official programs - Mi Fit and Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit), since the algorithm is identical.
Step-by-step:
- Open the app and wait for the data to sync with the bracelet (the cloud icon at the top of the screen should disappear).
- Go to Profile β Mi Smart Band 4 β Device Settings (or Device β Settings in Zepp Life).
- Scroll down and select Reset to factory settings.
- Confirm the action on the phone screen and wait for the process to be completed (the bracelet will reboot).
Reset time: ~2-3 minutes. After rebooting, the bracelet will show a welcome screen in Chinese/English, which is normal.
Disable Bluetooth on other devices|Charge the bracelet to minimum 50%|Update the Mi app Fit/Zepp Life|Check the stability of the Internet connection-->
β οΈ Warning: If the bracelet does not appear in the list of available devices for connection after resetting, try rebooting the Bluetooth module on your phone (disable/enable Bluetooth in the settings) or using another smartphone to bind.
Method 2: Hardware reset button (if bracelet does not respond)
If Mi Band 4 is not enabled, got stuck or detected by the app, you will need to use a hidden button combination, which works on all firmware versions, but requires accuracy:
- Remove the bracelet from your hand and disconnect the strap from the body (access to charging contacts is required).
- Connect the bracelet to the charger (it is not necessary to connect to the socket - it is enough to simply insert into the docking station).
- Press the touch button below the screen and hold it for 15-20 seconds until you feel the vibration and see the Xiaomi logo.
- Release the button β the bracelet will start the reset process (the screen will go out, then the progress bar will appear).
If nothing happens after 20 seconds:
- π Check if the bracelet is tightly seated in the docking station (contacts should touch the bracelet).
- π Try using another charger (sometimes a cable problem).
- π± Make sure the bracelet is not fully discharged (minimum charge for resetting β ~10%).
Critical detail: on firmware older than 1.0.9.54, a hardware reset may require confirmation through the application. QR-code but not connected β delete it from your Mi Fit account and add it again.
What if the bracelet does not vibrate when reset?
Method 3: Flashing through Mi Band 4 Tool (for experienced)
If standard methods did not help, and the bracelet is not determined by the system, you can try forced flashing through third-party software. This method is risky - if the bracelet fails, it can finally fail, but in 80% of cases it saves the "bricks".
What you need:
- π» Windows computer 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux method).
- π Firmware cable (you can use charging from a bracelet with soldered wires or a special adapter) FT232RL).
- π Mi Band 4 Tool and firmware for your version (e.g. 1.0.9.54).
Step-by-step:
- Download and unpack the Mi Band 4 Tool, as well as the firmware in.fw format.
- Connect the bracelet to your computer via an adapter (GND, TX, RX contacts must be soldered correctly).
- Run MiBand4Tool.exe on behalf of the administrator.
- Enter the command: flash --file C:\path\to\firmware.fw
- Wait until it is completed (the process will take ~5-10 minutes). The bracelet will reset automatically.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Device not found | Incorrect connection of contacts | Check the soldering connections, use a multimeter |
| Flash failed | A damaged firmware file | Download the firmware again from the official repository |
| The bracelet does not turn on after firmware | Incompatible version of the software | Repeat the process with another firmware (e.g. 1.0.8.12) |
β οΈ Warning: Flashing through the Mi Band 4 Tool will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and there is a risk of damaging the loader, making it impossible to restore the bracelet without specialized equipment.
π‘
Before firmware, take a photo of the contacts of the bracelet - this will help to solder the wires correctly. Use a thin solder and soldering iron with a power of no more than 30 watts, so as not to damage the board.
Frequent resetting errors and their solutions
Even when following the instructions, users face problems.-5 errors and ways of correcting them:
- π The bracelet stuck on the logo after being reset β Wait for a full discharge (1-2 days), then charge and reset.
- π± App doesn't see bracelet after reset β Remove it from the device list in your phoneβs Bluetooth settings, then reboot your phone.
- π The discharge is interrupted by 50% β Problem in unstable power supply β use the original Xiaomi charging 5V/1A.
- π There's no vibration after the reset. β Most likely, the motor is turned off in the settings - check in Mi Fit β Notifications.
- π The bracelet shows the hieroglyphs β This is normal for Chinese firmware. To change the language, update the software through the app.
If none of the methods worked, check the bracelet for physical damage:
- π§ Corrosion traces on charging contacts (cleaned with alcohol).
- π Bloated battery (noticeable by deformation of the body).
- π Damaged tracks on board (sweetening iron repairs required).
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If the bracelet does not respond to any manipulations, but when charging the red indicator is lit, the problem is most likely in the firmware. If the indicator does not burn at all, the hardware malfunction (battery, power controller).
How to save data before resetting
The reset deletes all user data, but some of the information can be saved.
- Export statistics from Mi Fit: Open Profile β Mi Smart Band 4 β Export data. Select period (e.g., βLast yearβ) and format (CSV or Excel). The file will be saved in the phoneβs memory, and it can be imported after the reset.
- Take pictures of settings: Take screenshots of the screens with alarms, notifications and training profiles. Write down the unlock password (if installed).
- Sync your data with the cloud: In Mi Fit, go to Settings β Sync your data and wait until it's done. Once reset, the data will be restored automatically when you re-tether the bracelet.
Note that sleep and pulse data from the last 30 days are stored only in the wristband memory and are not stored in the cloud. If critical, export them manually before reset.
Reset vs. firmware update: which is better?
Many users confuse reset with firmware updates, and let's look at when to use:
| Problem. | Reset | Firmware update |
|---|---|---|
| The bracelet is glitching but connects to the phone | β Yes. | β No (may make it worse) |
| No new features (e.g. monitoring) SpOβ) | β No. | β Yes. |
| The bracelet is not switched on or stuck on the logo | β Yes (hardware reset) | β No (requires firmware via PC) |
| Fast battery discharge | β Yes (if it's software) | β Yes (if the reason is old firmware) |
If you're not sure what to do, start with a reset, which is less risky. Updating your firmware only makes sense if:
- π± You want to get new features (e.g. support) SpOβ firmware 1.0.9.54+).
- π‘οΈ Manufacturer has released a patch for a critical vulnerability (check the information on the official forum Xiaomi).
- π§ Current firmware is clearly damaged (bracelet cyclically rebooted).
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Before updating your firmware, check for feedback on forums (such as 4PDA) β sometimes newer versions contain bugs that impair autonomy or stability.