How to reset the Xiaomi smart light bulb to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi smart light bulbs (Mi LED Smart Bulb, Yeelight, Aqara series) have become an integral part of the smart home ecosystem, but even they sometimes require a complete reset. It may be that the device has stopped connecting to Wi-Fi, does not respond to commands from the Mi Home app, or you plan to transfer the lamp to a new owner. In any of these situations, a factory reset is the first thing to try.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (via the app, physical button and alternative methods for “hang” devices), and also explain how to avoid typical errors. Particular attention will be paid to models with Bluetooth Mesh support (for example, Xiaomi Mi LED Smart Bulb Essential), where the process is different from classic Wi-Fi bulbs. If you have not previously encountered Xiaomi smart appliances, do not worry – the instructions are adapted for beginners.

When do I need to reset a Xiaomi light bulb?

Resetting a smart lamp is not the first problem — often enough to restart the router or update the application. But there are 5 clear reasons for a complete reset:

• 🔌 The light bulb does not connect to Wi-Fi after changing the router or password of the network.
• 📱 Application Mi Home/Yeelight It does not detect the device, although it is connected to the network.
• 🔄 The lamp flashes, spontaneously changes color or does not respond to commands (symptom of "hang" firmware).
• 🏠 You transfer the lamp to another user and you want to delete your accounts.
• ⚡ After the firmware update, errors appeared (for example, the lamp turns on only after 10 seconds).

It is important to understand that the reset removes all user settings: saved scripts, schedules, anchors to Alice’s voice./Google Assistant, and network connection data. MAC-The lamp address and firmware remain intact, meaning that after resetting, you can reconnect the device to the same Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: If the light bulb is connected to the smart home system via the Xiaomi Gateway, resetting the bulb on the lamp itself will not remove it from the gateway device list.

Method 1: Reset via Mi Home (official method)

This is the safest and most recommended method, as it does not require physical access to a light bulb, and is suitable for all models connected to a Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. Open the Mi Home app and go to Devices section.
2. Find your light bulb on the list and tap it by its name.
3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select the device settings.
4. Scroll down and select Remove Device (or Reset Settings in newer versions of the app).
5. Confirm the action. The light bulb will flash three times yellow, signaling a successful reset.

If you don't have Delete, the lamp is connected through the gateway.

1. Go to the Xiaomi Gateway settings.
2. Select Zigbee Devices (or Connected Devices).
3. Find the light bulb on the list and remove it from there.

Once reset, the Xiaomi light bulb will automatically go into pairing mode, it will start flashing slowly white and blue (for Wi-Fi models) or yellow (for Bluetooth Mesh), and now it can be added to the app again, as when you first connect.

Method 2: Hardware reset through a button on the body

If the light bulb doesn't show up in the app or doesn't respond to commands at all, you'll have to use a physical button, and most Xiaomi models have it hidden under a plastic case, but it's available indiscriminately.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the light bulb from the socket for 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
2. Find a small recess on the case with the inscription RESET or a dot next to the base (Yeelight models may have a button on the side).
3. Take a paper clip, toothpick or other thin object and hold the button for 5-10 seconds until the lamp starts flashing.
4. Release the button. The light bulb should flash three times yellow (successful reset) or red (error).

For Bluetooth Mesh models (such as Xiaomi Mi LED Smart Bulb Essential), the process is slightly different:

• Put the lamp on the network.
• Turn it off and turn it on 5 times in a row at intervals of 1 second.
• After the fifth turn on, hold the power button for 5 seconds until the blinking begins.

⚠️ Note: Do not use metal objects to press a button. RESET — It can damage your contacts. The best option is a plastic paper clip or a toothpick.

Method 3: Alternative methods for dead light bulbs

If the light bulb doesn’t turn on at all (it doesn’t light up, it doesn’t flash), but you’re sure that the problem isn’t with the socket, try these methods:

Cycling on/off method

Suitable for Yeelight and some Mi LED models:

1. Put the lamp in the socket.
2. Turn it off for 2 seconds, then turn it back on.
3. Repeat step 2 10 times in a row (exact number is important!).
4. After the 10th turn on, the lamp should flash red and green - this is a signal to switch to recovery mode.

Reset via command line (for advanced)

If the light bulb is connected to the network but does not respond to the application, you can try sending a reset command via Telnet or HTTP API (works only for Yeelight):

echo -n "set_default" | nc -w1 -u [IP_ address of the bulb] 55443

To find out IP-The address of the lamp, use a network scanner (for example, Fing or nmap!

💡

If the light bulb flashes red after reset, it means an error of connection to the network (WPA3, filtering MAC-address) and repeat settings.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the right reset, users face problems. Here's the top-3 mistakes and their decisions:

• 🔴 The light bulb flashes red after being reset → The problem is connecting to Wi-Fi. Make sure the router is running at 2.4GHz (Xiaomi light bulbs don't support 5GHz.
• 🔄 Reset does not help - the lamp still does not connect → It may be damaged firmware. Try updating it through the Yeelight app (if the model is supported) or contact Xiaomi for support.
• 📵 App doesn't see light bulb after reset → Remove the Mi Home app cache and restart the phone, and check if the lamp is connected to another account.

Another common problem is that the light bulb resets, but it doesn't save the new settings.

• Weak Wi-Fi signal (level should be at least -70 dBm).
• Conflict IP-Addresses on the network (reboot the router).
• Outdated lamp firmware (update it before setting up).

💡

If the light bulb is unstable after reset (spontaneously switches off, flashes), the problem is most likely in the power supply. Try connecting it to another outlet or use a voltage stabilizer.

How to restore the light bulb after resetting?

After a successful reset, Xiaomi's light bulb is ready to reset. Here's a step-by-step algorithm:

1. Add to Mi Home: Open the app and click + → Add the device. Select Lighting category and find your model. Follow the on-screen instructions (usually you need to enter a Wi-Fi password).
2. Connection setting: Make sure your phone is connected to a 2.4GHz network. If the light bulb flashes blue but doesn't connect, check if the router is blocking new devices (turn off AP Isolation).
3. Recovery: If you had automation setups (e.g., time-on) before reset, you will have to recreate them. Go to Profile → Automation in the Mi Home app.

Yeelight models can be used with Yeelight’s proprietary app, which offers more color and brightness settings than the Mi Home. Once you add a lamp to Yeelight, it can be synced with the Mi Home via Add Device → Other devices.

Reset of Xiaomi light bulbs with support for Zigbee (Aqara)

Aqara light bulbs (such as the Aqara Smart LED Bulb) use the Zigbee protocol and connect via the Xiaomi Gateway.

1. Open the Mi Home app and go to the gateway settings.
2. Select Zigbee Devices and find your light bulb.
3. Click on it, then select Remove the device.
4. For physical reset, turn the lamp on/off 4 times in a row (with intervals of 1 second). After the 4th turn on, hold the power button for 5 seconds.

Once it's dropped, the Aqara light bulb will flash green and go into pairing mode, and you can add it back to the gateway.

1. In the Mi Home app, click + → Add the device → Through the gateway.
2. Select Add Zigbee Device and follow the instructions.
3. When the light bulb starts flashing yellow, press Ready.

⚠️ Note: If you have multiple Xiaomi Gateways, make sure the light bulb is added to the same gateway it was previously connected to.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions