How to reflash Xiaomi watches: official and alternative methods

Reflashing Xiaomi smartwatches is a process that can both improve the functionality of the device and lead to its failure if you do something wrong. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update firmware on Mi Band models. 3/4/5/6/7/8, Amazfit Bip, Xiaomi Watch and others, including official methods through the app and manual through the app ADB third-party.

Many users are faced with having to reflash the clock due to bugs in the current version of the software, the desire to get new features or even to bring the device back to life after a failure. However, not all methods are equally safe: official updates through Mi Fitness or Zepp minimize risks, while custom firmware like Notify & Fitness require experience and can be deprived of warranties.

If your Xiaomi watch is getting glitzy, running out quickly, or not syncing with your smartphone, flashing is often the only solution, but before you start, it's important to understand that not every model supports manual updates, and some versions of the software may be region-specific, for example, firmware for the Chinese version of the Mi Band 7 is not compatible with the global one, and installing them will lead to an Invalid firmware error.

Another key thing is data retention, and when you officially update it through the app, you usually save the settings and the statistics, but you manually update it through fastboot or ADB The clock will reset to factory settings, so sync your data to the Mi Account cloud or export it manually before starting the procedure.

1. Official Update via the Mi app Fitness/Zepp

The easiest and safest way to update your firmware is to use Xiaomi’s branded apps. 5/6/7/8, Xiaomi Watch S1/S2) Updates come automatically, but they can be manually run.

To check for updates:

1. Open the Mi Fitness app (for Mi Band) or Zepp (for Amazfit).
2. Connect the watch to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
3. Go to the Profile section → My devices. → [Name of the clock] → Update of the PO.
4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until the process is completed (usually takes 5-15 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Do not turn off Bluetooth during the upgrade and monitor the charge level of the watch - it should be at least 50%. If the battery runs out in the process, the watch can turn into a brick".

Some users experience a "failed to update" error, and the reasons may be different:

• 📶 Unstable Internet connection – switch to Wi-Fi or mobile data with a good signal.
• 🔄 Older version of the app – Update Mi Fitness or Zepp on Google Play/App Store.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions – if the watch is purchased in China and you use global software, you may need to change your region of account.

2. Manual update via firmware file (for experienced)

If the official update doesn't come or you want to install a specific version of the software, you can download the firmware manually, which is suitable for most models, but requires caution.

Instructions for Mi Band 5/6/7/8:

1. Download the current firmware from the official Xiaomi website or verified sources (for example, XDA The file must have a.fw or.bin extension.
2. Connect your watch to your PC via Bluetooth (use Mi Band Tools or Notify & Fitness for Android).
3. In the application, select the option Install custom firmware and specify the path to the downloaded file.
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the device to restart.

⚠️ Note: Installing firmware from another model (e.g. Mi Band 6 on Mi Band 7) will cause permanent damage to the device. Always check that the file is compatible with your version of the watch!

For Xiaomi Watch models (such as the Watch) S1 Pro) the process is more complicated:

• 🔌 Connect the watch to the PC through USB-cable (if the model supports wired connection).
• 🖥️ Use MiFlash or Fastboot to install firmware in recovery mode.
• 🔄 After the update, reset the settings through Settings. → System system → Reset.

Download the firmware from an official source|Check the compatibility of the file with the watch model|Charge the clock until 100%|Synchronize data with the cloud|Prepare the cable./Bluetooth-adapter-->

3. Alternative firmware: pros and risks

In addition to the official software, there are custom firmware, such as Notify & Fitness for Mi Band or Amazfit Bip Mod. They add new features (for example, support for Google Fit, additional dials or notifications from third-party applications), but have a number of drawbacks:

You can install custom firmware through applications like Mi Band Master or Tools & Mi Band. However, before you do, make a backup of the original firmware to be able to roll back.

1. Connect the watch to your PC via Bluetooth.
2. Use the MiBandBackup utility (available on GitHub) to back up your current software.
3. Save the backup file in a safe place (e.g., in the cloud).

Critical information: Firmware from third-party developers often contains vulnerabilities that can be used to steal data. Never install files from unknown sources - only use trusted repositories (for example, an official forum). XDA or Telegram chat developers).

4. firmware through ADB: for advanced users

The method is Android Debug Bridge (ADB) Wear-based watches OS (For example, Xiaomi Watch S3). It allows you to install firmware that is not available through standard channels, but requires command line skills.

Step-by-step:

1. Install. ADB and drivers for your watch model (you can download from the Android Developers website).
2. Put the debugging on. USB in the settings of the clock: Settings → The phone. → Build Number (click 7 times), then For Developers → Debugging by USB.
3. Connect the watch to the PC through USB and execute the command: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
4. Download the firmware in.zip format and place it in the folder with ADB.
5. Execute the command to install: adb sideload firmware.zip

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models are blocked ADB If the commands are not working, try to roll back to the previous version of the software or use alternative methods (for example, Fastboot).

For a Zepp-based watch. OS (Like Amazfit. GTR (4) the process is different:

• 🔗 Use the Amazfit Tool (available on GitHub).
• 📁 The firmware should be in.fw format and conform to the exact model.
• ⚡ Before firmware, disable all background applications that may interfere with the connection.

💡

If the clock is not determined by ADB, Try rebooting them to recovery mode by holding the power button + Volume increase (for models with physical buttons).

5. Restoring the clock after a failed firmware

If the watch has stopped responding to charging or shows a white screen, do not panic - in most cases it can be restored.

Resuscitation methods:

• 🔌 Hard reset: Connect the watch to charge and hold the button (if any) for 15-20 seconds. For the Mi Band without buttons, try repeatedly touching the sensor.
• 🖥️ Firmware through EDL: This will require disassembling the clock and closing the test points (contacts on the board). 4PDA or XDA.
• 📡 Bluetooth Update: If the watch is on but not working properly, try reflashing it through Mi Band Tools in Restore Mode.

If neither method works, there are two options:

1. Contact Xiaomi Service Center (but the warranty will be canceled if you installed custom software).
2. Buy a new fee on AliExpress (for popular models like Mi Band 6 it is worth it). ~1000-1500 rubles and replace it yourself.

Important: When working with test points (EDL-Use an antistatic bracelet to avoid damaging the board with static electricity. A fault when closing contacts can permanently disable the watch.

💡

If the watch is not turned on after firmware, 80% of the time it helps to re-install the original firmware via Fastboot or EDL. The main thing is not to use damaged software files.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make firmware mistakes, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

Another common problem is that you're constantly rebooting after you install custom firmware, and it's because of a kernel conflict or a lack of memory.

• 🔄 Reverse to the official firmware.
• 🧹 Clear the cache via Recovery Mode (if available).
• 📉 Reduce the number of installed dials and applications.

If you encounter an error that is not in the table, check the firmware logs.

1. Connect the watch to the PC.
2. Open the Command Prompt and enter: Adb logcat > log.txt
3. Repeat the error and examine the log.txt file.

7. How to check firmware version and compatibility

Before updating, be sure to know the current version of the software and the watch model, this will help to avoid installing incompatible firmware.

How to find out the firmware version:

• 📱 Through the app: Profile → My devices. → [Name of the clock] → POS version.
• ⚙️ On the watch itself: Settings → About the device → Firmware version.
• 🔍 Through ADB: adb shell getprop ro.build.version.incremental

Compatibility of firmware for popular models:

| Model clock | Supported versions of software | Firmware method |

|--------------------|-------------------------------|------------------------------|

| Mi Band 7 | 1.20.0.14 and newer | Mi Fitness, ADB |

| Mi Band 6 | 1.0.6.54 – 1.16.0.18 | Mi Band Tools, Fastboot |

| Amazfit Bip U | 1.1.6.32 – 2.1.0.10 | Zepp, Amazfit Tool |

| Xiaomi Watch S1 | 2.15.1 and newer | Wear OS Flash Tool, ADB |

If your model is not listed in the table, check the information on the official Xiaomi website or forums (4PDA, XDA). For new devices (for example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) may require waiting for custom firmware.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions