How to reflash Xiaomi Mi Band 3: official and custom methods

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet is still popular with users due to its reliability and functionality. However, over time, standard software can become obsolete and official updates from the manufacturer cease to come out, in which cases, flashing becomes the only way to get new features, fix bugs or even bring the device back to life after a failure.

You can stream the Mi Band 3 through official channels (if updates are still available) and custom firmware from enthusiasts. The latter option offers access to advanced settings, alternate dials, and even support for languages that are not available in the original version. But it is important to understand that any interference with the firmware is fraught with risks, from loss of warranty to full “bricking” of the device.

In this guide, we will discuss both methods – official updates through the Mi Fit app and manual flashing using third-party tools, and learn how to avoid typical errors and what to do if something goes wrong.

1. Preparation for flashing: what you need to know

Before you start updating your firmware, make sure your bracelet is ready for the procedure. Incorrect preparation is one of the main reasons for failure when flashing.

First, check the current firmware version of your Mi Band 3. You can do this in the Mi Fit app:

1. Open the Mi Fit and connect to the bracelet.
2. Go to Profile. → Mi Smart Band 3 → About the programme.
3. Find the firmware version string – it usually looks like a combination of numbers and letters (e.g. 1.5.6.14).

Second, make sure the bracelet has a sufficient charge level of at least 50%. If the battery runs out during firmware, the device may fail, and it will also be useful to reset the settings to the factory (if you plan to custom firmware) to avoid conflicts with the new software.

Finally, prepare the necessary tools:

• 📱 Smartphone with Mi Fit installed (for official update) or PC with Windows/macOS (hand-stitch).
• 🔌 The Mi Band 3 charging cable (also used to connect to a PC).
• 💾 Backup data (if important) – after firmware all settings will reset.
• 🛠️ Firmware: Mi Fit, Notify & Fitness (for custom firmware) or Gadgetbridge.

⚠️ Note: If your bracelet was purchased in China, there is a high risk that official updates are not available for it, in which case custom firmware may be the only way out.

2. Official firmware update via Mi Fit

The easiest and safest way to upgrade to Mi Band 3 is to use the proprietary Mi Fit app.

• You want to get the latest stable version of the software from Xiaomi.
• Your bracelet is not modified (no custom firmware).
• The device connects to Mi Fit without errors.

Instructions for updating:

1. Open the Mi Fit and make sure the bracelet is connected to your phone via Bluetooth.
2. Go to the Profile section → Mi Smart Band 3.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select the firmware update.
4. If the update is available, click Download and wait for the process to end.
5. Do not disconnect the bracelet from your phone or close the app until the installation is complete.

Usually, the process takes 5-10 minutes. After a successful upgrade, the bracelet will reboot automatically. If Mi Fit says that "firmware is relevant", but you are sure that there is a newer version, try the following steps:

• 🔄 Reconnect the bracelet to the application (forget the device) → plug in).
• 📱 Update the Mi Fit app to the latest version.
• 🌍 Check out Xiaomi account region – some updates coming out first for China.

⚠️ Note: If the bracelet starts to work incorrectly after the update (for example, data is not synchronized or vibration is lost), try resetting it to factory settings via Settings. → Reset to Mi Fit.

3. Manual flashing through custom software

If official updates are not available or you are not satisfied with the functionality of standard firmware, you can install custom firmware from the community.

• Notify & Fitness for Mi Band – Adds notifications from any apps, new dials, and advanced settings.
• Mi Band 3 Custom Firmware – Firmware with support for additional languages and bug fixes.
• Amazfit Mod is ported from Amazfit bracelets, but requires firmware experience.

For manual firmware you will need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (recommended) or macOS.
• 🔌 Cable to connect Mi Band 3 to PC (using charging socket).
• 📦 Archive with firmware and utility for its installation (for example, MiBand3Tools or flashtool).

Step-by-step:

1. Download firmware from a trusted source (for example, from the forum) 4PDA Pay attention to the version, it should be suitable for your model (XMSH07HM for the global version or XMSH08HM Chinese).
2. Unpack the archive and install the bracelet drivers (usually bundled with the utility).
3. Connect the Mi Band 3 to your PC using a cable. Make sure the device is identified in the system (check in Device Manager).
4. Start the firmware utility (for example, MiBand3Tools.exe) Select the firmware file (.fw or.bin).
5. Press Start and wait until the process is complete. The bracelet will reset automatically.

Critically, do not disconnect the bracelet from the PC while you are firmware! this can damage the bootloader and completely inoperable the device.

4. Popular custom firmware for Mi Band 3

The enthusiast community offers several proven firmware, each with its own pros and cons, below is a comparison table of the most popular options:

Before choosing a firmware, check out reviews on thematic forums. For example, Notify & Fitness is suitable for most users, whereas Amazfit Mod requires deep knowledge and willingness to experiment.

It is better to download firmware from verified sources:

• 🔗 Official repository MiBand3Tools on GitHub.
• 🔗 The subject is 4PDA (section about Mi Band 3).
• 🔗 Forum XDA Developers (search for the bracelet model).

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Before installing custom firmware, save the original version of the software! To do this, download the official firmware from the Xiaomi website or use the utility. MiBand3Tools backup.

5.Restore the bracelet after a failed firmware

If something goes wrong during flashing and the Mi Band 3 stops turning on or is identified as an unknown device, don't panic. In most cases, the bracelet can be restored.

Symptom 1: The bracelet is not turned on, but is defined by the PC as Unknown Device.

1. Install drivers for Mi Band 3 (you can download in the archive with firmware).
2. Run the firmware utility in Recovery Mode (usually Recovery Mode or Force Flash).
3. Select the original firmware and wait for the process to be completed.

Symptom 2: The bracelet vibrates when connected to a charger, but does not respond to the button.

• This is a sign of a damaged bootloader. You'll need to flash the bootloader manually.
• Download a special utility (for example, MiBand3_FlashTool) and bootloader file (bootloader.bin).
• Connect the bracelet to the PC and execute the command in the terminal: flash_tool.exe --bootloader bootloader.bin --port COMX (where COMX — port to which the bracelet is connected).

Symptom 3: The bracelet is switched on but constantly rebooted.

• It's probably not compatible with your version of the bracelet. Try flashing a different version of the software.
• If the problem persists, do a full reset via fastboot: fastboot erase system fastboot flash system original.fw

⚠️ Note: If the bracelet does not respond to any manipulation, the memory chip may be damaged, in which case only repairs at the service center will help (but note that the warranty after the firmware is canceled).

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes experience problems when reflashing the Mi Band 3, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

Error 1: "Device not found" when connecting to a PC

• 🔌 Check the cable – it must be original and serviceable.
• 🖥️ Try another one. USB-port USB 2.0).
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.

Error 2: The firmware ends with the “Flash failed” error.

• 📁 Make sure the firmware file is not corrupted (check checksum) MD5).
• 🔄 Try another version of the firmware utility.
• 🔋 The charge of the bracelet should be 100% – sometimes a low charge interferes with the recording of data.

Error 3: After firmware, the bracelet does not sync with the Mi Fit.

• 📱 Remove the bracelet from the application and connect again.
• 🔄 Reset the bracelet settings to factory (Settings) → Reset).
• 📋 Check firmware compatibility with your Mi Fit version (sometimes you need to roll back the app).

Mistake 4: The bracelet discharges quickly after custom firmware.

• ⚙️ Disable unnecessary functions (e.g., constant data synchronization).
• 🔋 Try another firmware – some builds are optimized better.
• 📊 Check which apps send notifications to the bracelet - extra alerts eat up charge.

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If the bracelet is unstable after the firmware, the first thing you should do is try to return the original firmware, which often solves problems with synchronization and battery.

7. Alternative ways to upgrade without PC

Not everyone has the ability to connect the Mi Band 3 to a computer, and fortunately, there are ways to update the firmware directly from your smartphone.

Method 1: Notify & Fitness App

• Download and install Notify & Fitness for Mi Band from Google Play.
• Connect the bracelet to the application (in Mi Fit it must be turned off!).
• Go to Settings. → Firmware and select the available version.
• Click Update and wait for the process to be completed.

Method 2: Through Gadgetbridge (for power users)

• Install Gadgetbridge, an open app for working with wearable devices.
• In the settings, select Mi Band 3 and plug in the bracelet.
• Download the firmware in.fw format and place it in the folder Gadgetbridge/firmware phone-on.
• In the application, select Update firmware and specify the downloaded file.

Both methods require you to disable the bracelet from Mi Fit, otherwise conflicts may arise. Also note that not all custom firmware is supported by these applications - check compatibility in advance.

8. Tips for choosing firmware and optimizing work

The choice of firmware depends on your goals. Here are some recommendations:

• 🎯 If you want a stable bracelet with minimal bugs, stay on the official firmware or choose proven custom builds (for example, Notify & Fitness).
• 🌍 If the support of the Russian language is important, look for firmware marked "RU" or "Multilanguage".
• 🏃 If you want advanced training features, pay attention to modified firmware from Amazfit.
• 🔋 If battery consumption is critical, avoid assemblies with lots of extra features.

After installing a new firmware, optimize the work of the bracelet:

• ⚙️ Turn off unnecessary notifications in Mi Fit settings or alternative app.
• 📊 Keep your data synced regularly to avoid losing it.
• 🔄 Reset your bracelet once a month (if the bracelet starts to glitches).
• 🛡️ Install. PIN-bracelet code to protect data in case of loss.

If you're experimenting with custom firmware, keep a change diary -- write down which version, when you installed it, what problems you've had -- and it can quickly roll back to the working version if something goes wrong.

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To extend the life of the battery after firmware, turn off constant monitoring of heart rate and reduce the frequency of data synchronization to 1 time per hour.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions