How to reset Xiaomi smartwatch settings: the full guide

Xiaomi’s smart wearables are well-deservedly popular for their combination of affordable prices, stylish design and rich functionality. However, like any complex electronics, they are not immune to software failures, interface freezes, or data synchronization problems with a smartphone. In situations where the gadget stops responding to commands or displays incorrect information, the only effective solution is often to return to factory parameters.

A reset procedure known as Hard Reset completely clears the device’s internal memory of all user data, settings, and temporary files that may have caused the error, which returns the device to its state immediately after it left the assembly line. It is important to understand that once this operation is done, all workout tracks, stored alarm clocks, and personal preferences will be permanently deleted.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the various ways to restore the functionality of the gadget, relevant for different models of the Mi Watch line, Redmi Watch and activity trackers. You will learn about the nuances of software cleaning through the menu and hardware restart, and also understand when radical intervention is necessary in the system, and when a simple reboot is enough.

When you need a full reset of the clock settings

Before taking decisive action, it should be clearly determined whether your device really needs a complete memory cleanup. Often users confuse the need to reset with a normal system freeze, which is solved by a simple restart. Hard Reset is necessary in cases where software errors are systemic in nature and are not eliminated by standard methods.

One of the main signals to action is the constant desynchronization of data between the watch and the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life).If the gadget stops transmitting activity statistics, does not display notifications or incorrectly shows the time despite a stable Bluetooth connection, this may indicate damage to the system configuration files.

  • πŸ”΄ The device constantly hangs on the logo when turned on and does not respond to touch.
  • πŸ”΄ There is a critically fast battery discharge, not associated with physical wear of the battery.
  • πŸ”΄ You plan to sell the watch or transfer it to another user and want to delete personal data.
  • πŸ”΄ After the firmware update, new errors appeared or important functions disappeared.

⚠️ Warning: Before starting the procedure, make sure that the battery level is at least 50%. interruption of the reset process due to battery discharge can lead to irreversible damage to the software and turn the device into a brick".

It is also worth noting that the reset is necessary when selling the device, and in the memory of modern gadgets, unique information about the user is stored, including: MAC-Addresses, connection history and biometrics, and ignoring this step puts your privacy at risk.

Preparation of the device for recovery

Good preparation is key to successful completion of the procedure. Incorrect actions at this stage can lead to loss of important health data or inability to complete the reset. The first step should always be to back up the data if the model of the watch and the application used support this function.

Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app on your smartphone and go to your device profile. Check your sync status: If your data hasn't been updated in a long time, force the update to run, ensuring that all your activity history recorded in recent days is stored in the cloud.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist before reset

Done: 0 / 4

It is also important to turn off all active alarm clocks and timers, although they will still be deleted when fully reset, but this will help avoid confusion in the system logs. PIN-The unlock code of the screen, make sure you remember it, as in some models the system may require confirmation before cleaning.

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Take screenshots of important dial settings or training configurations before reset to quickly restore the familiar interface after the procedure.

Another important aspect is the disconnection of communication with the smartphone. Although the reset will be automatically terminated, it is better to remove the device from the list of paired Bluetooth phone settings in advance, which will prevent the phone from automatically reconnecting to the clock during the reset process, which can cause crashes.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu on the clock

The safest and most recommended method is to reset through the built-in menu with the clock operating system, which is available for models with a full OS, such as the Mi Watch Lite, Mi Watch, Redmi Watch 2/3 and newer versions. The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic of actions remains the same.

To start, unlock the screen and go to the main app menu. Find the Settings icon (usually a gear) and swipe through the menu to System or General Settings, and that's where the software management options are hidden.

In the list that opens, look for Reset or Factory Reset. The system will alert you that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action by clicking on the appropriate button. The process takes from 30 seconds to 2 minutes, during which the brand logo or progress indicator can be displayed on the screen.

What to do if the menu item is blocked?
Sometimes the reset option may be inactive (gray) if the watch is connected to the phone. Try temporarily disabling Bluetooth on your smartphone or selecting the "Switch off phone" option from the watch menu, after which the reset point will be available.

Once the procedure is complete, the device will automatically restart, and a welcome message will appear on the screen suggesting that you choose a language and connect to the smartphone, which means that the factory settings have been successfully restored, and the gadget is ready for a new setup.

Method 2: Hard Reset for push-button models

For models without a touch screen, or in situations where the interface is completely frozen and does not respond to touch, the hardware reset method is often used for Mi Band series trackers (although they rarely have a menu for a full reset except through an app) or budget watches with a physical button.

If the device responds to pressing but doesn’t load to the end, try a button combination. On many Xiaomi and Amazfit models, holding a single physical button for longer than 15-20 seconds leads to a forced reboot.

Model of the deviceResetting methodDuration of retentionThe result
Mi Watch LiteMenu Settings-Total reset
Redmi Watch 2 LiteMenu System-Total reset
Mi Band 6/7/8Through the app-Uncoupling and resetting
Amazfit BipSettings -> Systemic-Resetting settings

In the rare cases where the sensor doesn't work, but the touch-skin is partially responsive, you can try to get into the menu blindly, focusing on the vibration. However, this is risky. If the menu is not available, go to the software methods through the application on your smartphone.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use sharp objects to press on the screen or buttons in an attempt to invoke a hidden menu.This can damage moisture membranes and deprive the device of warranty.

Using the Mi Fitness app to reset

The most versatile method, which is suitable for almost all devices of the Xiaomi ecosystem, including those that do not have their own full menu settings (for example, fitness bracelets).

Launch the Mi Fitness app on your phone and go to the Device (or profile of the gadget). Scroll down to the bottom of the page where the service options are usually located. Find Unbind or Unbind. This feature initiates the process of removing pairing keys and often offers the option of clearing data on the device itself.

When you click the undock button, the system will give you a warning, some versions of the software will have a checkbox called Clear Device. Make sure it is activated if your goal is a complete reset. If you just untie the device without cleaning, the data will remain in the clock's memory, which can cause conflict when you reconnect.

πŸ“Š How do you most often reset devices?
Through the clock menu
Through the app on the phone.
Waiting for the battery to run out.
I never drop.

Once confirmed, the app will send a command to the watch, the device vibrates, reboots and returns to factory status, and the app will disappear from the active list, and it can be added again as a new device.

Possible problems and solutions

Even with a clear follow-up to the instructions, there may be unforeseen circumstances, understanding the possible errors will help avoid panic and respond correctly, and users often find that the reset process hangs on the logo.

If the screen is on for more than 5-10 minutes, try connecting the watch to the original charger. Sometimes a lack of voltage at a critical point in the recording of system files stops the process. Power connection can "push" the system and complete the procedure.

  • πŸ”΄ Cyclical reboot: The clock is constantly off and on.Solution: Put the battery to zero, then charge to 100% when off (if possible) or try resetting through the app right away.
  • πŸ”΄ Post-reset pairing error: The phone sees the watch but can't connect.Solution: Remove the device from the Bluetooth list in the phone's settings and re-start the search in the app.
  • πŸ”΄ Sensor fails after reset: Rare software glitch Solution: Repeat reset procedure 2-3 successively.

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If none of the software methods work, the problem may be hardware, and then acting on your own can make things worse, and you'd better go to a service center.

Also, remember that after resetting the hours associated with your Mi Account, you may need to re-activate your account login and password, which is Action Lock. If you forget your account information, it can be difficult to restore access.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will my health and training data be deleted when reset?
Yes, all data stored directly in the watch memory will be deleted. However, if you have performed regular sync with the Mi Fitness or Google Fit application, your history will be stored in the cloud and in the application on your smartphone. Once you reconnect, the data can be downloaded back, but local settings (alarm clocks, step goals) will have to be re-set.
Do I need to repay my subscription after the reset?
No, paid subscriptions (such as Xiaomi Sports or music services) are tied to your account, not to a specific device state, and once logged in to your account on a reset watch, all purchased features will be available automatically.
Can I stop the reset if I change my mind?
It's almost impossible and extremely dangerous. Once the memory formatting process is started, interrupting it (by battery drain or button) is likely to damage the system partition. The device can stop turning on altogether, and then only flashing through the engineering software in the service center will help.
Does the step counter reset when Hard Reset?
The step counter on the watch itself will be zeroed, but in the app on the phone, the total user-time statistics will be preserved, because it is summed up on the server, and the clock reset only affects the local data buffer of the gadget.