How to Reflash Xiaomi Mi Band 3: From File Selection to Failure Recovery

Xiaomi Mi Band 3

flashing

In this article, we will analyze all methods of flashing - from the official update through the Mi Fit application to manual installation of custom firmware through the ADB Special attention will be paid to the recovery of the bracelet after a failed firmware, the choice of compatible files and the nuances of working with different versions of the Mi Band 3 (including Chinese and global modifications).

If your bracelet is no longer responsive to touch, is not synced with your phone, or is constantly rebooting, don't throw it away. 90% of the time, the problem is solved by software, the main thing is to follow the instructions and not miss the steps.

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1.When do I need a Xiaomi Mi Band 3 flash flashing?

Not every bracelet problem requires drastic measures. Before you start flashing, make sure your situation does require a software update. Here are the key signs that it's time to act:

• 🔄 The bracelet is cyclically rebooted (stuck on the Mi logo and turned off).
• 📵 Cannot connect to your phone, but Bluetooth is working properly.
• ⚡ The battery is discharged in a few hours, although previously held 5-7 days.
• 🖱️ The screen does not respond to touch or is triggered with a delay.
• 🔧 Mi Fit App Apps Error: “Update Unavailable” or “Device Not Supported".

If the bracelet is just “glutching” (for example, it counts steps incorrectly or does not show notifications), try resetting the settings via Mi Fit first. → Device profile → Reset. It's more likely to help than a complete flashing.

⚠️ Attention: Flashing will not help if the problem is a physical breakdown, for example, a screen plume has broken off or the battery has failed.

Also note that the Chinese version of the Mi Band 3 (with the labeling) XMSH07HM) Check your bracelet model in the Mi Fit app settings before starting the process.

2. Preparation for flashing: what to do in advance

Unprepared flashing is a surefire way to get a brick. To minimize the risks, follow these steps:

Download official firmware from Xiaomi website or verified source|

Check the bracelet charge (at least 50%)|

Disable the antivirus on your phone/PC (it can block firmware files)|

Backup your data in Mi Fit (if the bracelet is still working)|

Prepare. USB-charging cable (you will need it for recovery)-->

The most important thing is to choose the firmware. There are several file types for the Mi Band 3:

• 📦 Official firmware from Xiaomi (extension.fw).
• 🛠️ Custom firmware (e.g. Amazfit Mod or Notify & Fitness).
• 🔄 Files for recovery (if the bracelet is not turned on).

For beginners, we recommend starting with official firmware. Custom versions may offer additional features (for example, Russian on Chinese bracelets), but require experience and often lack warranty.

If you download firmware from third-party resources, be sure to check the hash amount of the file (for example, through the hash). MD5 This will protect you from fake or corrupt files.

Official global|

Official Chinese|

Custom (Amazfit) Mod/Notify & Fitness)|

Recovery (bracelet not included)|

I haven't decided yet.-->

3. Method 1: Update via the Mi Fit app (the most secure)

If the bracelet is still on and syncing with your phone, try updating it in the official way, which is the easiest and least risky method.

Instructions:

1. Open the Mi Fit app and connect the bracelet.
2. Go to Profile. → Xiaomi Mi Band 3 → Firmware update.
3. If a new version is available, click Update.
4. Wait until the process is complete (the bracelet will reboot several times).

Updating via Mi Fit usually takes 5-10 minutes.

• ❌ Don't turn off Bluetooth.
• ❌ Don't leave the app.
• ❌ Do not discharge the bracelet below 30%.

⚠️ Warning: If you see a "Disconnected to the device" error during the update, try: Reboot your phone and bracelet. Disable VPN Or proxy (they can block Xiaomi servers) Install Mi Fit on another phone (sometimes helps).

If the official update doesn’t solve the problem (for example, the bracelet still bugs), go to manual methods.

Method 2: Hand-held firmware through Mi Band 3 Tools utility

When a standard update doesn’t work or you need custom firmware, Mi Band 3 Tools (available for Windows and Linux) will help you install any version of the software, including modified ones.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable for charging the bracelet (needed to connect to the PC).
• 📁 Firmware file (.fw or.bin).
• 🛠️ The Mi Band 3 Tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and unpack Mi Band 3 Tools.
2. Connect the bracelet to charging and insert USB-computer-wire.
3. Launch the file. MiBand3Tools.exe (for Linux, via the terminal).
4. In the program, select File → Open and specify the path to the firmware file.
5. Press Flash Firmware and wait until the bracelet is completed.

It can take up to 15 minutes. If the program produces a "Device not found" error, try it.

• Reconnect the bracelet to USB.
• Launch the utility on behalf of the administrator.
• Disable the antivirus (it can block access to ports).

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If the bracelet is not identified, try using another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0). Ports USB 3.0 (blue connectors) sometimes cause conflict.

After successful firmware, the bracelet will automatically reboot, and if the screen remains black for more than 5 minutes, something has gone wrong (see the recovery section).

5. Method 3: Firmware through ADB (power-user)

This method is suitable if you want to install custom firmware or restore the bracelet after a failure.Requires knowledge of the command line and installed Android SDK.

Preparation:

1. Install Android Studio or download the Platform Tools package.
2. Enable USB debugging on your phone (Settings → About Phone → Assembly Number – press 7 times, then go back to Settings → Developers → Debugging by USB).
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Firmware process:

1. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools.
2. Check the connection of the device by command: Adb devices should appear serial number of your phone.
3. Download the firmware for Mi Band 3 in.fw format and place it in the folder with ADB.
4. Run the firmware command (replace firmware.fw in your file name): adb push firmware.fw /sdcard/miFit/bleFirmware/ adb shell am start -n com.xiaomi.hm.health/com.xiaomi.hm.health.upgrade.UpgradeActivity

After the commands are executed, the bracelet should start updating. USB — Wait 10-15 minutes.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through ADB This can cause you to lose contact with the official Mi Fit app if you use custom files, in which case you will need third-party software to manage the bracelet (for example, Notify & Fitness).

6.Restore the bracelet after a failed firmware

If after flashing the Mi Band 3 does not turn on, hovers on the logo or does not respond to charging - do not panic. In most cases, it can be restored with special utilities.

Signs of "bricking":

• 🔋 Bracelet does not respond to charging (the indicator does not burn).
• 🔄 It hangs on the Mi logo and does not load any further.
• 📵 Not defined by phone or PC.

Recovery methods:

Method 1: Forced resetting

Sometimes hardware reset helps:

1. Connect the bracelet to the charger.
2. Press the button (the touch area under the screen) for 15-20 seconds.
3. If the bracelet vibrates, let it go. It has to reset.

Method 2: Firmware with Mi Band 3 Recovery Tool

If the reset did not help, use the recovery utility:

1. Download Mi Band 3 Recovery Tool.
2. Connect the bracelet to the PC through charging.
3. Start the program and select Recover.
4. Wait until the bracelet is completed (rebooted several times).

Method 3: Manual stitching through nRF Connect (for advanced)

If the bracelet is defined as Unknown Device but is not stitched in standard ways, try:

1. Install the nRF Connect app on your phone.
2. Connect to the bracelet (it should be displayed as MI...).
3. In the section DFU Select the firmware file and start the update.

If neither method worked, contact the Xiaomi service center or the electronics repairman, and in some cases, the replacement of the bracelet board helps (cost is about 1000-1500 rubles).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Most of the problems with flashing are due to negligence or file incompatibility, and here are the most common errors and solutions:

If you encounter an error that is not in the table, look for a solution in the forums (for example, for a solution, 4PDA Often users have faced this problem and found a workaround.

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Always check the version of your bracelet (global or Chinese) and the firmware file's compliance before you run the firmware. Incompatible files are the main reason for "bricking."

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions