How to flash Xiaomi Mi Band 3: official and custom software in 2026

The 2018 Xiaomi Mi Band 3 fitness bracelet is still popular with users due to its functionality and affordable price. However, over time, official updates from Xiaomi stop coming out, and bugs or limitations of standard software can be annoying.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to run the Mi Band 3 firmware in 2026, from official updates through the Mi Fit app to custom firmware installations like Amazfit Mod or Notify & Fitness. You’ll learn what tools you need, how to avoid “bricking” the device and what to do if something goes wrong. Importantly, custom software firmware deprives you of official warranty and can lead to irreversible consequences – assess the risks in advance.

If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with the official method.Savvy users can immediately go to the sections about custom firmware or bracelet recovery after a failed update.

1. Firmware Preparation: What You Need to Know Before You Start

Before you start firmware, make sure your Mi Band 3 is ready for the procedure. Failure to comply with basic requirements can lead to loss of communication with the bracelet or its complete inoperability.

First, check the current firmware version.

1. Open the Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life for newer versions).
2. Go to the profile of the bracelet (Profile → Mi Smart Band 3).
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select About.

If the firmware version is below 1.6.0.54, the official update is available through the app itself. For custom firmware, the relevance of the version is not as critical, but some modifications require specific basic builds.

Second, prepare the equipment and software:

• 📱 Android smartphone (version 6.0 and above) or iOS (for official updates).
• 🔌 Charger for Mi Band 3 (bracelet must be charged at least 50 times%).
• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS (custom-fix).
• 🔧 Programs: Mi Fit, Notify & Fitness for Mi Band, Gadgetbridge or Amazfit Mod Tools.

⚠️ Note: If you use an iPhone, custom firmware installation can be difficult due to the limitations of iOS.Most tools are developed for Android.

Also note that after the firmware:

• 🔄 All data on the bracelet will be reset (steps, pulse, settings).
• 🔒 Some features (such as Mi Pay) may stop working.
• 📵 Communication with the original Mi Fit app may be broken.

2. Official firmware via Mi Fit: the safest way

If your goal is simply to upgrade to the latest stable version from Xiaomi, this method is best suited. It does not require a computer and is minimally risky.

Instructions:

1. Make sure that the smartphone has Mi Fit (or Zepp Life for new regions) installed.
2. Connect the bracelet to your phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and go to the device profile (Profile → Mi Smart Band 3).
4. Slip on three dots in the top right corner and select Firmware Update.
5. If the update is available, click Download and wait until it is completed (the bracelet will reboot automatically).

The process takes 5 to 15 minutes.Do not turn off Bluetooth or remove the bracelet from the charger (if the upgrade requires recharging).

⚠️ Note: If after the update the bracelet stopped synchronizing data, try reconnecting it to Mi Fit: Profile → Disable the device → Reconnect.

💡

Official updates via Mi Fit are the only way to keep the warranty and full compatibility with the Xiaomi ecosystem.

3.Castom firmware: Amazfit Mod and Notify & Fitness

If you don't like the official software, you can install an alternative firmware.

• Amazfit Mod, a ported firmware from Amazfit bracelets, adds new dials, widgets and improved notification management.
• Notify & Fitness is an open source firmware that supports advanced settings, including changing fonts and animations.

The installation will require:

• 📲 Notify & Fitness for Mi Band app for Android).
• 🖥️ Mi Band 3 Tools or Amazfit Mod Tools (for PC).
• 🔗 Firmware file (download only from verified sources, for example, XDA Developers).

The following is a guide for Notify & Fitness:

Disable the bracelet from Mi Fit| Install Notify & Fitness on your phone | Download the firmware file (.fw) | Charge the bracelet to 100% | Connect the bracelet to Notify & Fitness

-->

1. Open Notify & Fitness and connect the bracelet (Plug device → Mi Band 3).
2. Go to the firmware section and select the downloaded.fw file.
3. Press Set and confirm action. The bracelet will reset.
4. After reset, reset settings (Settings → Reset).

For Amazfit Mod, the process is more complex and requires the use of a PC. Detailed instructions from the video can be found at 4PDA (search for "Amazfit Mod for Mi Band 3").

4.Restore the bracelet after a failed firmware

If the Mi Band 3 stopped turning on, not syncing or showing a white screen after the firmware, don't panic. In 80% of cases, the device can be brought back to life.

Try a soft reset first:

1. Put the bracelet on the charger.
2. Press the touch button for 10-15 seconds until you feel the vibration.
3. Release the button and wait for the reboot.

If that doesn't work, you'll need a forced firmware on your PC.

• Download Mi Band 3 Recovery Tool (available on GitHub)
• Connect the bracelet to your computer via a charging cable (use it). USB-hub, if the port is not recognized).
• Start the utility and select the original firmware file (1.6.0.54.fw).
• Press Start Flash and wait until it is completed (the bracelet must vibrate).

⚠️ Note: If the bracelet is not computer-defined, try using another one. USB-port or disable the signature driver in Windows (instruction: Execute) → gpedit.msc → User configuration → Administrative templates → System system → Installation of the driver → Disable signature verification).

If none of these methods work, the last option is to go to a service center, and in some cases, you need to flash the microcontroller with a programmer, which you can't do at home.

💡

Before you recover, check if the bracelet is not discharged. Keep it charging for 1-2 hours - sometimes the "dead" device simply does not have enough power to turn on.

5. Comparison of firmware: which to choose in 2026

The choice of firmware depends on your goals, and below is a comparison of key features:

For most users, Notify & Fitness is the best choice – it is regularly updated, has open source and broad community support. Amazfit Mod is suitable for those who want an interface similar to Amazfit bracelets, but be prepared for more frequent recharging.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even with the exact following of the instructions, there can be problems.

• 🔴 Cannot connect to band error: Solution: Reboot your bracelet and phone, turn Bluetooth on/off, check permissions for the Notify & Fitness app → Annexes → Permits → Geodata and Bluetooth).
• 🔴 The bracelet vibrates and turns off after you've been firmware: Solution: Most likely, the firmware file is corrupted. Download it again and repeat the process.
• 🔴 Notifications do not work after installing custom firmware: Solution: In Notify & Fitness go to Settings → Notifications and enable permissions for applications manually.
• 🔴 Bracelet doesn't sync with Mi Fit after custom firmware: Solution: Return official firmware or use only Notify & Fitness for sync.

If the error is not listed, check the firmware logs (in Notify & Fitness they are available in Settings → Journal) and look for a solution on the 4PDA or XDA forums.

💡

90% of firmware errors are due to incompatible software versions or interrupted updates. Always use stable builds and don't turn off the bracelet during installation.

7. Alternative ways to update: without a computer

If you don't have access to a PC, you can upgrade or reflash Mi Band 3 directly from your smartphone.

• Gadgetbridge is an open-source fitness bracelet management app that supports custom firmware and dials.
• Mi Band Master is a utility for advanced Mi Band configuration, including firmware.
• Tools & Mi Band is an application with the function of bracelet recovery after failures.

Instructions for Gadgetbridge:

1. Install the app from F-Droid (not available in Google Play).
2. Turn off the bracelet from Mi Fit (Profile → Disable the device).
3. In Gadgetbridge, click Add Device → Mi Band 3.
4. Go to Settings → Firmware and select the.fw file.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

The advantage of this method is that you don't need a computer, but not all custom firmware is supported through Gadgetbridge, so check the compatibility on the developer's website first.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions