The 2016 Xiaomi Mi Band 2 fitness bracelet is still popular with users because of its simplicity and reliability, but over time, the device may start to malfunction, not sync with the phone, show incorrect data or stop responding to touch altogether, in which case a complete reset, a procedure that returns the bracelet to a factory state, helps.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset for the Mi Band 2, including the software method through the Mi Fit application and the hardware (through the button on the body). Particular attention will be paid to the typical errors that users make when resetting, and give recommendations on how to avoid them. If your bracelet is “hang”, not determined by your smartphone or requires reconnection, this guide will help bring it back to life.
When do I need to reset the Xiaomi Mi Band 2?
Factory reset is a last resort only in case of serious malfunctions, and here are the main signs that the bracelet needs a “reset”:
- 🔄 Bracelet does not sync with the smartphone despite multiple attempts to connect.
- 📱 Mi Fit app doesn't detect device, though Bluetooth is enabled.
- ⚡ The screen does not respond to touch or shows distorted characters.
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge (less than 2 days of operation) in the absence of physical wear of the battery.
- 🔄 After updating the firmware bracelet is unstable.
You will also need a reset if you transfer the bracelet to another user and want to delete all personal data (steps, pulse, notifications). Unlike the new Mi Band models, the second version does not have a “detachment” function through the menu - only a full reset.
Method 1: Reset via Mi Fit application (software method)
The safest and most recommended way is to use the official Mi Fit app, which is suitable if the bracelet is at least partially functional and is determined by a smartphone.
- Open the Mi Fit app on your smartphone and make sure the bracelet is plugged in (the Mi Band 2 icon is active at the top of the screen).
- Go to Profile → Mi Band 2 → Additional (or device settings depending on the version of the application).
- Scroll down and select Remove the device or Untie the bracelet.
- Confirm the action – the bracelet will be automatically reset to factory settings.
After that, the device will reboot and return to the “out of the box” state, you will need to re-connect it to the smartphone via Mi Fit, as the first connection.
Make sure the bracelet is charged (at least 50%)
Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone
Update the Mi Fit app to the latest version
Close background applications that may interfere with synchronization-->
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet does not appear in the list of available devices for reconnection after unbundling, try restarting your smartphone or turning off/on Bluetooth. Sometimes removing the Mi Fit app cache in your phone settings helps.
Method 2: Hardware reset through a button on the body
If the bracelet doesn’t respond to touch, doesn’t connect to your phone, or hangs on the Xiaomi logo, use the physical reset button. On the Mi Band 2, it’s hidden under the capsule (removable with a screen) and is a small hole labeled Reset.
You'll need:
- 📍 Paperclip or thin needle (not metal so as not to damage contacts).
- 🔋 Charger (the bracelet must be charged at least 30 times%).
Step-by-step:
- Remove the bracelet capsule from the strap, flip it over and find the Reset hole next to the charging contacts.
- Carefully insert the paperclip into the hole and hold for 5-7 seconds until you feel a slight vibration.
- Release the button – the bracelet should reboot (the Xiaomi logo will appear on the screen).
- After restarting, connect the bracelet to charging for 10-15 minutes, even if the battery is not discharged.
What to do if the Reset button doesn’t work?
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The bracelet does not vibrate after resetting | Weak battery charge or damaged vibrator | Charge the bracelet for 1-2 hours, repeat the reset |
| The screen flashes and goes out. | Firmware error or display damage | Try resetting via Mi Fit or update your firmware |
| The bracelet is not turned on after resetting. | Deep discharge or battery failure | Connect to charging for 30+ minutes, if it doesn’t help – replace the battery |
| Not determined in Mi Fit after reset | Conflict with the app cache or Bluetooth | Clear the Mi Fit cache, reboot your phone, try another smartphone |
Method 3: Reset via third-party applications (for advanced users)
If standard methods don’t work, you can try resetting the bracelet with third-party utilities like Mi Bandage or Notify & Fitness for Mi Band, which allow you to manage hidden Mi Band 2 settings, including forced reset.
Instructions for Notify & Fitness:
- Install the app from Google Play (Android 5.0+ is required).
- Connect the bracelet via Notify & Fitness (in the Devices menu).
- Go to Settings → Commands → Factory Reset.
- Confirm the reset, the bracelet will reset.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party applications may contain vulnerabilities or conflict with official software. Use them only if other methods do not help, and disable the antivirus during installation (false positives are not uncommon).
💡
Before using third-party utilities, back up the bracelet data via Mi Fit (if possible), and after resetting, all statistics will be deleted without recovery.
Typical Mistakes When Resetting Xiaomi Mi Band 2 and How to Avoid Them
Many users are not experiencing problems because of a malfunctioning bracelet, but because of the wrong actions when resetting.
- 🔋 Reset with low battery charge. If the charge level is below 30%, the bracelet may not complete the procedure or "block." Always charge the device before resetting.
- 📱 Use an outdated version of Mi Fit. Older versions of the app (up to 4.6.0) may not have the bracelet detachment option.Update Mi Fit via Google Play or App Store.
- 🔄 Interrupting the reset process: If you remove the paper clip from the Reset hole early or close the Mi Fit during the detachment, the bracelet may freeze.
- 📶 Ignoring Bluetooth conflicts: If the bracelet was previously connected to another phone, the new smartphone may not see it.
Another common problem is that the bracelet resets, but it doesn't reconnect.
- Remove Mi Fit and install it again.
- Try connecting the bracelet to another smartphone (such as friends or relatives).
- Check if the phone is power-saving mode is turned on - it can block the background work of Mi Fit.
💡
If the bracelet does not turn on or respond to charging after reset, the problem is most likely in the hardware (battery, board, contacts), in which case repair or replacement of the device is required.
What to do after resetting: set up Mi Band 2 from scratch
After a successful reset, the bracelet will return to the factory settings.
- Attach the bracelet to your Xiaomi account: Open Mi Fit and click Add Device. Select Mi Band 2 from the list. Follow the on-screen instructions (you need to confirm the connection on the bracelet by pressing the sensor).
- Update firmware: Once anchored, check for updates in Profile → Mi Band 2 → Firmware update. This will fix any bugs.
- Set up notifications and settings: In the bracelet menu in Mi Fit, set up: Display notifications (calls, SMS, instant messengers). Step and sleep goals. Alarm clocks and sedentary reminders.
If the bracelet does not show time or other data after reset, sync it to the phone manually:
- In Mi Fit, go to Profile → Mi Band 2 → Sync data.
- Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 5 minutes).
⚠️ Warning: Once reset, the bracelet can show data in English, even if the Mi Fit has Russian. This is normal - the interface language of the bracelet depends on the firmware and is not always synchronized with the application. To change the language, update the firmware to the latest version.