Why would you need to reset your bracelet without a phone?
Xiaomi fitness bracelets are some of the most popular wearables on the market, but sometimes users face situations where they need to return the device to factory settings without access to a tied smartphone or Mi Account. For example, you bought a used Mi Band 7 with a tied account, forgot the password from the Xiaomi profile, or the bracelet simply stopped syncing with the phone after updating the firmware.
Fortunately, Xiaomi engineers have developed alternative resets that work directly with the device. In this article, we will discuss three proven methods that will allow you to return the bracelet to its original state without a phone, computer or registering a new account. All instructions are relevant for the Mi Band models 3/4/5/6/7/8, as well as the Xiaomi Smart Band Pro and Mi Band Lite. Importantly, the procedure will remove all data from the device β steps, calories, alarm settings and notifications.
Before you start, make sure that the bracelet is at least 30% charged, which will prevent failures during reset. If the device is discharged to zero, connect it to charging for 10-15 minutes.
Method 1: Hardware reset via hidden menu (works on all models)
This is the most versatile method, which does not require a phone or PC connection, and it is based on activating the service menu through a combination of taps to the touch button of the bracelet. 5/6/7/8 Smart Band Pro:
- Turn off the bracelet from the charger (if it was connected).
- On the main screen of the bracelet (where the time is displayed), quickly touch the touch button five times (without holding your finger).
- After the fifth touch, the screen will blink and you will see a menu labeled Reset (some models have an exclamation point icon).
- Confirm the reset by touching the button again. The bracelet vibrates and resets.
It takes about 30 to 60 seconds, and when you reboot, it's like a new bracelet, and you'll need to re-attach to your account (if you need to sync with your phone).
βοΈ What to do if the hidden menu is not opened
β οΈ Attention: On the Mi Band 3/4 Mi Band Lite and this method may not work β use the method for them 2 method 3. Also, do not try to activate the hidden menu on bracelets with a damaged display: this can lead to a complete locking of the device.
Method 2: Reset via charger (for older models)
If your bracelet is Mi Band 3, Mi Band 4 or Mi Band Lite, and the first one didn't work, try hardware reset via charging contacts. This method simulates a low-level command to restore factory settings.
You'll need:
- π Bracelet charger (original or compatible).
- π Paperclip or thin metal object (e.g. unbended stationery bracket).
Step-by-step:
- Unplug the bracelet from the strap to access charging contacts.
- Connect the bracelet to the charger, but do not insert the USB into the socket.
- On the back of the bracelet module, find two gold pins (usually signed as GND and 5V).
- Gently close the GND and CLK contacts (third contact, usually located on the right) with a clip for 5-7 seconds.
- Release the paperclip and wait 10 seconds.The screen should show the Xiaomi logo - this is a signal of a successful reset.
If the bracelet does not respond, try repeating the procedure by holding the contacts longer (up to 10 seconds).Be careful: do not close the 5V and GND contacts - this can cause the device to fail!
What if the bracelet does not vibrate when the contacts are closed?
| Model bracelet | Supported discharge method | Time of procedure | Tools required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 3/4/Lite | Reset via charging contacts | 1-2 minutes | Paperclip, charger |
| Mi Band 5/6/7/8 | Hidden menu (5 touches) | 30-60 seconds | No. |
| Xiaomi Smart Band Pro | Hidden menu or ADB | 2-5 minutes | Computer (for ADB) |
| Mi Band 1/2 | Not supported (only via the app) | β | β |
Method 3: Reset via ADB (for advanced users)
If the two previous methods didnβt work (e.g., on Xiaomi Smart Band Pro or damaged screen bracelets), you can use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), which requires a computer and a bit of technical skills, but is guaranteed to work on all models except the Mi Band 1/2.
What you need:
- π» Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- π USB-cable (to connect the bracelet to the PC).
- π₯ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
- π§ Initiated debugging mode USB on the bracelet (activated via a hidden menu).
Instructions:
- Download and unpack the platform-tools in any folder on your computer.
- Connect the bracelet to your PC via USB (use the original cable!).
- Open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and go to the folder with the platform-tools: cd path to folder/platform-tools
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the bracelet is determined (the serial number will appear), go further. If not, check the drivers or cable.
- Reset by command: adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MASTER_CLEAR
- Wait for the bracelet to reboot (it vibrates and will show the Xiaomi logo).
Important: on some models (for example, Smart Band Pro) ADB-Reset, you need to activate debugging through the hidden menu. To do this, tap the touch button five times, then select Debug Mode and confirm the activation.
π‘
If the adb device command does not find the bracelet, try reconnecting it. USB-cable or install Mi Band drivers manually through Device Manager (Windows). macOS/Linux You may need to add a rule to the udev.
What to do after resetting: the first steps with a bracelet
After a successful reset, Xiaomi will return to factory settings.
- π± Link to a new Mi Account via the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app.
- π Use without binding (clock, pedometer and alarm clocks will work locally).
- π§ Reconfigure: language, units of measurement, notifications.
If you are not planning to sync the bracelet with your phone, consider:
- β Will work: time, pedometer, pulsemeter, alarm clocks, timer.
- β Notices will not work: notifications, GPS-tracking (on models with GPS), firmware update.
To link to a new account:
- Download Mi Fitness (Android) or Zepp Life (iOS/Android)
- Register a new Xiaomi account or sign in to an existing one.
- In the app menu, select Add Device and follow the instructions.
β οΈ Note: If the bracelet was previously linked to another account, after reset, it may require you to enter the old Mi Account password at the first synchronization, in which case the only way out is to contact the previous owner or use the bracelet without being tied to the phone.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you reset a Xiaomi bracelet without a phone, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The bracelet does not respond to 5 touches | Incorrect speed of pressing or dirt on the sensor | Wipe the screen with alcohol, touch faster (less than 1 second between touches) |
| After resetting the bracelet requires an old account | The device remained tied to the Mi Account at the firmware level | Use a bracelet without a tether or contact Xiaomi for support |
| The screen flashes and goes out after the contacts close. | Insufficient battery charge | Charge the bracelet to at least 50% and repeat the procedure |
| ADB doesn't see the bracelet | There are no drivers or debugging mode is not turned on | Install drivers, activate Debug Mode in the hidden menu |
Another common mistake is to try to reset the bracelet through forced discharge (full battery drain), a method that doesn't work on current Xiaomi models and can damage the battery. Don't use it!
If after resetting the bracelet stopped turning on, check:
- π Charge level (plug in charge for 10-15 minutes).
- π Quality of charger contacts (clean them with a cotton swab).
- π οΈ Integrity of the plume (if the bracelet fell or got wet).
π‘
If the bracelet does not turn on after reset for more than 5 minutes, and the charging indicator does not burn, most likely, the problem is in the hardware (battery or power controller), in this case only the service center will help.
Alternative methods: when nothing helps
If none of the methods described have worked, there are two options:
- Fastboot firmware. This method requires a computer and special software (such as Mi Band Tools or Notify & Fitness) and is suitable for advanced users, as incorrect firmware can permanently disable the bracelet.
- If you have a warranty bracelet, you should use official Xiaomi support. In Russia and CIS, authorized centers are engaged in repairs (the list can be found on the mi.com website).
For firmware via Fastboot:
- Download the firmware for your model (for example, from the 4PDA forum).
- Connect the bracelet to your PC in Fastboot mode (usually activated by holding the touch button when connecting to USB).
- In the command line, run: fastboot flash all name file firmware.bin
Warning: Fastboot removes all data without recovery and can result in loss of functionality if the firmware file is selected incorrectly.