Reset Xiaomi watches to factory settings: 3 working methods

Why would you need to reset Xiaomi smartwatches?

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartwatch to factory settings is a procedure that solves most software problems, and users typically resort to it in three ways: when selling a device, after a malfunction, or before handing it over to another person. For example, if your Mi Band 7 is no longer synced with your smartphone, shows the wrong time or does not respond to touch, a reset can bring things back to normal.

It’s important to understand that a full reset deletes all the data from the clock: steps, pulse, alarm settings, and even a tied account. However, this does not mean that the information will be lost forever – some of the data (for example, activity history) can be recovered from the Mi Account cloud if you have previously synchronized. In this article, we will analyze all the current reset methods for different models, from Mi Band 3 to Xiaomi Watch S3.

Before you start, make sure you have access to either Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Fit) or Zepp Life - without them, smartphone reset is impossible. Also prepare the charger: some models require a minimum charge level (usually 20%) to perform the operation.

Method 1: Reset via Mi Fitness/Zepp Life

The safest and most recommended method is to use an official app, which is suitable for most models, including the Mi Band 5/6/7/8, Xiaomi Watch S2 and Redmi Watch 3. The main advantage of this method is that there is no risk of "blocking" the device, since the process is controlled by software.

Instructions are Step-by-step:

1. Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app on your smartphone.
2. Go to the Profile section → My devices and choose your watch.
3. Scroll down and find Unplug device or Reset settings (the name may vary depending on the version of the application).
4. Confirm the action - the system will offer to reset to factory settings.
5. Wait until the process is completed (usually takes 1-2 minutes).

Once reset, the watch will automatically reset and be ready for a new binding, so if there is no reset button in the app, try first untie the device and then re-attach it, which often has the same effect.

Make sure the watch is at least 20% charged.

Update the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app to the latest version

Find the original cable to connect (if required)

- Remember the Mi Account data for re-assignment

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⚠️ Note: If the watch was linked to the Mi Account, you may need to enter your login and password to unlock it after reset!

Method 2: Hardware reset via buttons (for models with physical keys)

Some Xiaomi models, such as the Xiaomi Watch S3 or Redmi Watch 2, feature a physical button that allows you to reset without a smartphone.This method is useful if the watch does not respond to touch or connect to the application.

For most models, the algorithm is as follows:

1. Turn off the clock (press the power button for 5-10 seconds until the off menu appears).
2. Press and hold the physical button (usually 10-15 seconds) until the Mi logo or Reset appears on the screen.
3. Release the button and wait for the reboot. It can take up to 3 minutes.

On models without a button (for example, Mi Band 7), the hardware reset is performed via the touch screen:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → About the device → Resetting settings.
• 🔋 Hold your finger on the screen for 10 seconds until confirmation appears.
• ✅ Confirm the action with a touch.

Method 3: Reset via ADB (for advanced users)

This method is suitable for Wear OS-based watches (such as the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) and requires command line skills. It is useful if standard methods have failed or you need to perform a deep reset with the removal of all memory partitions, you need a computer with ADB drivers installed and USB debugging on the watch is enabled.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the clock to the computer through USB-cable.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

adb devices

If the device is determined, execute the reset command:

adb shell recovery --wipe_data

For a complete reset (including cache):

adb shell recovery --wipe_all

Once you've done the commands, the clock will reset, and this is a risky method, because if you don't type the commands correctly, you can damage the firmware, and only use it if other methods have failed.

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Before using ADB, back up your data via the Mi Fitness app. To do this, go to Profile → Settings → Backup and save the data to the cloud.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• ❌ The watch is not reset via the app → Check your Bluetooth connection, reinstall the app, or try another smartphone.
• ❌ After reset, you need an old Mi Account. → If you don’t remember the data, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

If none of the methods worked, perhaps the problem is a hardware malfunction, in which case we recommend contacting the Xiaomi service center - self-repair can deprive you of warranty.

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App reset is the most reliable method for 90% of cases, and use physical reset and ADB only if the standard methods do not work.

How to recover data after resetting

Once reset, all the local data from the watch is deleted, but some of the information can be returned.

• 📊 Activity history → Synced from the Mi Account cloud when re-assigned.
• ⏰ Alarm clocks and reminders → Configure again in the app.
• 🎨 Dials → You can download again from the store in the application.
• 🔋 Notification settings → We'll have to reconfigure.

To minimize losses, before resetting:

1. Sync your data with the cloud manually (Profile → Sync).
2. Take screenshots of important screens (such as sleep statistics).
3. Save alarm settings in your phone notes.

If you have used a Google Fit or Apple Health account to sync, data can be imported back through these services.

Models for which resetting may be different

Some Xiaomi smartwatches have unique reset features. Let's take a closer look at them:

• 📱 Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (on Wear) OS) → Reset is performed through Settings → System system → Reset, like on an Android smartphone. You can also use it. ADB.
• 💎 Mi Band 8 → Supports the discharge through NFC (If the watch is tied to a phone with a chip NFC). Just hold the watch to the back of the smartphone and confirm the action.

For models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S3) After reset, you may need to calibrate the display – follow the instructions on the screen.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions