Video recorders from Xiaomi and its sub-brands like the 70mai or Mijia have proven to be reliable devices for fixing traffic conditions. However, like any complex electronics, they can encounter software errors, Wi-Fi connection problems or mobile app malfunctions, and in such situations, the only sure solution is to completely reset the settings to factory settings.
The original state recovery procedure eliminates many software glitches that accumulate during operation, which can be incorrect video recording, failure of the shock sensor (G-sensor), or the inability to pair with the smartphone. It is important to understand that after this operation, all user data will be deleted irrevocably.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the available ways to perform hard resets for different models, we will look at both software methods through the menu and hardware methods that require physical intervention, and we will also pay attention to the nuances of working with the Mi Home and 70mai application so that you can quickly bring the gadget back to life.
Preparatory stage before discharge
Before you start taking drastic measures, you need to make sure that the problem really requires a complete reset. Often users confuse the software failure with a discharged battery or a crowded memory card. Check the charge of the device and try to remove the microSD card to exclude its impact on the system.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting will delete all of your profiles, Wi-Fi settings and connection history.Make sure you have access to the account the registrar is linked to, as after the reset will require reauthorization.
Be sure to prepare the device for the procedure. If the recorder is powered by an integrated battery, make sure that it is charged at least 50-60%. Interrupting the system recovery process due to battery discharge can lead to the "bricking" of the device, after which it will be extremely difficult to restore it.
You will also need access to the Internet and a smartphone with the Mi Home or 70mai app installed. In some cases, the configuration is flashed through the manufacturer's cloud services.
☑️ Pre-reset check
Resetting methods through the device settings menu
The safest and most recommended method by the manufacturer is to use an embedded interface, so if the logger screen is functioning normally and the menu is responsive to touch, it's better to use a software method that minimizes the risks of file system damage.
To start, turn on the device and wait until the operating system is loaded. Find the gear icon or menu button on the screen. Depending on the model and firmware version, the path to the desired option may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same for the Xiaomi ecosystem.
Navigation in the menu is done either through the touch screen or through physical buttons on the case, and you need to find a section that is usually called General Settings or System, and inside this section, the desired function is hidden.
- 📱 Find the “Settings Reset” or “Factory Reset” item at the bottom of the list.
- 🔘 Click on it and confirm your action by selecting “Yes” or «OK».
- ⏳ Wait for the device to reboot, which can take 1 to 3 minutes.
- 🔄 After switching on, the registrar will return to the “out of the box” state».
It is important not to touch the control buttons or turn off the power, the system conducts internal file integrity checks and clears the user's memory partition, and if the process is interrupted, important system libraries may be lost.
What to do if the menu does not open?
Hardware reset with the Reset button
In situations where the interface is frozen, the screen does not respond to touch or the device goes into an endless reboot cycle, physical intervention is required. Most Xiaomi and 70mai models have a special Reset button, which is often hidden from random clicks.
Look carefully at the device body. The reset hole can be located near the USB port, under a plug with a memory card or on the side of the face. To activate the function, a thin object is usually required, such as a paper clip, toothpick or a special needle that comes with the kit.
The hardware reset procedure requires precise timing. Just pressing and releasing a button is not enough — you just turn off the device or take a screenshot. You need to hold the button in a clamped state for a certain time while the device is on.
| Model of the device | Positioning of the button | Retention time | Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Dash Cam | Near the power port. | 5-7 seconds | Voice message |
| 70mai A500S | Side, under a rubber cap | 10 seconds. | Blinking of the indicator |
| Mijia Smart Dash Cam | In the recess at the end | 15 seconds. | Sound signal |
| 70mai Lite | Next to the MicroSD connector | 5-10 seconds | Lack of screen response |
Once you hold the button for the required time, the device must issue a distinctive beep or voice message in English or Chinese, confirming the start of the process, the screen can go out, and then the device automatically switches on again.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal objects with a wide sting, so as not to damage the contacts inside the hole. SIM-map.
Remove the device from the Mi Home and 70mai app
Often the problem is not with the registrar itself, but with a stuck profile in the cloud service, so if you change your router, your Wi-Fi password, or your region of residence, the old binding may block the correct operation, in which case you need to remove the device from your account.
Open the Mi Home or 70mai app on your smartphone. Find your DVR on your device list, which usually appears on the home screen or under "My Devices." Click on the device icon to go to control it.
In the upper right corner of the screen, find the three-dot button or the gear icon. This is the input to the settings of a particular device. Scroll down the options list to the bottom, and there will be the Delete Device or Unbind button.
Once the deletion is confirmed, the registrar will break the connection to the cloud, so you can now try to reconnect it as a new device, which often resolves problems with the device is busy or unable to connect error.
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When reconnecting, try to use a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. Many Xiaomi recorder models do not support 5GHz, which can cause errors when initially set up.
Working with a memory card after resetting settings
A microSD memory card is a critical component for the DVR to work, and once the device itself has been reset, it is strongly recommended that the memory card be formatted to ensure that the file system is compatible with the updated registrar settings.
Formatting is best done by the device itself, not the computer. Put the card into the registrar slot, wait for it to turn on and go to the settings menu. Find "Format memory card" or "Format SD Card".
The system will alert you that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action. The process may take some time, depending on the size of the card, do not remove the card or turn off the device until the message of successful completion appears.
If the built-in formatting feature gives an error, try to perform the procedure on your computer. Use the SD Formatter program or standard Windows tools, selecting the FAT32 file system for cards up to 32 GB or exFAT for larger cards.
- 💾 Use only memory cards of class 10 (Class 10) and above.
- 🛡️ It is recommended to use High Endurance or Pro Endurance series cards for DVRs.
- 🔄 Regularly (once in) 1-2 month) format the card to extend its service life.
Solving Common Problems After Resetting
After performing the reset procedure, users may encounter a number of typical situations, such as a registrar may not see the Wi-Fi network or constantly require firmware updates, which is normal behavior, since the device is “clean” and tries to sync with the server.
If the device is not connecting to the phone, make sure you are close enough to the recorder (within 1-2 meters).When initially set up, the Wi-Fi signal from the gadget itself may be weak.
In some cases, you need to update the firmware immediately after the reset. The application will offer to download a new version of the software. It is critical to bring this process to the end, since older versions of firmware may contain bugs that caused the need to reset.
⚠️ Note: If after resetting and flashing the problem persists (for example, the device warms or turns off on its own), this may indicate a hardware malfunction of the battery or control board.
Remember that the interface language can return to English or Chinese after reset, you will need to re-select Russian in the Language settings, and some models offer language selection immediately upon first switching on after factory reset.
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If the device is unstable after all the manipulations, try using a different power supply and cable. Lack of voltage is a common cause of software failures in Xiaomi recorders.