Note: This only works if the watch has not fully crashed. If the screen is black, perform the force reboot above first.
If you can see the screen but touch is broken:
For the Redmi Watch 3 Exclusive, a “hard reset” can mean two different things:
Most people asking for a “hard reset” actually want a factory reset to fix bugs, battery drain, or syncing issues, or to unpair from a previous phone.
For 99% of issues, Method 1 (Settings) or Method 2 (Force reboot + Settings) will solve the problem. The Redmi Watch 3 Exclusive is a stable device, but a hard reset every 6–12 months can keep it running smoothly, especially if you’ve installed several watch faces or notice battery drain.
Pro tip: Before resetting, always sync your data to the Mi Fitness app one last time. You won’t lose historical stats, but the watch’s local cache will be wiped clean.
Have you tried all these methods and still have a bricked watch? Drop a comment below or check the official Xiaomi community forums for the latest firmware recovery tools.
Last updated: October 2025 – Firmware version 1.4.25 and above.
The process for hard resetting a Redmi Watch 3 Active (sometimes referred to as the "Exclusive" edition in specific markets) varies slightly depending on whether your watch is responsive or locked. Method 1: Using Settings (Preferred) Use this if you can still access the watch menu. Open Menu: Press the side button. Settings: Tap the gear icon. System: Scroll down and select 'System'. Reset: Tap 'Factory Reset'. Confirm: Tap the checkmark to wipe all data. Method 2: Using the Mi Fitness App how to hard reset redmi watch 3 exclusive
Use this if the watch is paired but you don’t want to touch the screen. Open App: Launch Mi Fitness on your phone. Device Tab: Go to the 'Device' section. Manage: Select your Redmi Watch 3 Active. Unpair: Scroll to the bottom and tap 'Unpair'.
Wipe: This typically triggers a reset on the watch hardware. Method 3: Forced Reset (If Screen is Frozen)
If the device is stuck or the screen is black, use the physical button. Long Press: Hold the side button for 15+ seconds.
Vibration: Wait for the watch to vibrate and the logo to appear. Release: Let go once the "Pairing" screen returns. ⚠️ Critical Reminders 🔋 Battery Check: Ensure you have at least 20% charge.
🗑️ Data Loss: This erases all steps, sleep data, and custom faces.
☁️ Sync First: Open the app and sync one last time to save your progress.
Are you resetting it because of a syncing error or are you preparing to sell the watch?
To hard reset your Redmi Watch 3 (including the Active model), you can perform a factory reset directly from the device settings or via a long-press of the power button if you need a quick shortcut. Method 1: Direct Reset via Settings Note: This only works if the watch has not fully crashed
This is the most reliable way to wipe all data and return the watch to its original state. Wake the watch by pressing the side button.
Open the Menu: Press the side button again to access the application list.
Navigate to Settings: Scroll down and tap the Settings icon (it looks like a gear). Select System: Scroll to the bottom and tap System. Factory Reset: Tap Reset (or Factory Reset).
Confirm: Tap the check mark or "Ok" to confirm. The watch will vibrate and restart. Method 2: Quick Reset using the Side Button
If you are having trouble navigating the menu, use the physical button shortcut.
Long-Press (3 seconds): While the watch is on, press and hold the side button for about 3 seconds.
Select Restore Factory: A menu will appear on the screen with options to Power Off, Restart, or Restore Factory Settings. Tap the factory reset option. Method 3: Reset via the Mi Fitness App
Unpairing the watch from your phone will automatically trigger a factory reset on the device. REDMI Watch 3 FAQ - Xiaomi For the Redmi Watch 3 Exclusive, a “hard
Here’s a deep, step-by-step review of how to hard reset (force restart or factory reset) the Redmi Watch 3 Exclusive — covering when it’s needed, methods, limitations, and what to watch out for.
Use this method if you are having trouble navigating the watch screen or want to unbind the device.
A hard reset is not a daily tool. Only use it when:
Do not hard reset just because a step counter seems inaccurate or a heart rate looks odd. Those are sensor issues, not software issues.
This is the most critical method in this guide. If your Redmi Watch 3 Exclusive is completely frozen—the screen is stuck on a logo, unresponsive to touch, or black but vibrating—you cannot use the menus. You need a button-based hard reset.
Note: This method works slightly differently than Android phones. Here is the proven sequence for the Redmi Watch 3 Exclusive:
Important: For the Redmi Watch 3 Exclusive, there is no dedicated "recovery mode" menu (like holding Volume Down + Power on a phone). The button-only method simply forces the hardware to cut power and restart. If the software corruption is severe, you may need to let the battery drain completely (leave it for 2–3 days), then charge it and try again.