The power button on Xiaomi smartphones isn't just a way to unlock the screen. MIUI And the new firmware HyperOS, she overgrown dozens of hidden functions: from calling voice assistant to emergency SOS-However, many users do not even realize that a standard press can be reconfigured to suit their needs — or that problems with the response of the button are often solved without visiting the service center.
In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios for working with the power button on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO: From basic setup to fault diagnosis, we will focus on the differences between models with a physical button, a touchpad (like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra) and devices with a side fingerprint scanner, which often acts as an on button. MIUI 12–14 and HyperOS (2023–2026.).
1. Basic functions of the power button: what it knows "out of the box"
On most Xiaomi smartphones, the default power button performs 4 basic functions:
- 🔘 Short press: Lock/unlock screen (unless a print or Face is configured) ID).
- 🔲 Long press (3-5 seconds): call the switch off / reset / flight mode.
- 🔳 Double tap: Launch the camera (on some models, for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+).
- 🔴 Triple press: challenge SOS (requires pre-configuration).
On touch-button devices (such as the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3), a hold-touch is used instead of a physical tap. Importantly, the sensitivity of the touch button can be adjusted in the settings, more on this in the next section.
The power button is also involved in emergency combinations:
- 🛑 Power button + Volume increase (10 seconds) – forced reboot when getting stuck.
- 🔧 Power button + Volume reduction – login to Fastboot (for firmware).
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi 12T The combination for the Fastboot and new models with HyperOS may differ. Before using, check the current instructions for your firmware.
2. How to reassign the action of the power button
If you don't like standard features, MIUI and HyperOS allow you to reconfigure your response to pressing, for example:
- 📸 Start the camera with one tap instead of a double tap.
- 🆘 Activate SOS double-press.
- 🔇 Disable the response to accidental taps in your pocket.
To change the settings:
- Go to Settings → Special Features → Physical buttons (the HyperOS path may differ: Settings → System → Gestures and buttons).
- Select the Power Button.
- Set up actions for one tap, double tap and long hold.
On some models (for example, POCO F5), the option “No pressing in your pocket” is available – it blocks the response to accidental touches if the light sensor detects darkness (for example, when the phone is lying in your bag).
☑️ Setting up the power button
For touch-button devices (such as Xiaomi 13), the option “Touch Sensitivity” has been added. If the button works once more, try increasing sensitivity or calibrating the sensor in the Settings menu → Screen → Touch button.
3. Problems with the power button: diagnosis and solutions
If the power button has stopped responding or is not working properly, the reasons can be both software and hardware.
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The button doesn't work on pressing. | Contamination of machinery or wear | Alcohol cleaning (for physical buttons) or replacement |
| The button “sticks” or works itself | Moisture or deformation of the shell | Drying (24+ hours) or repairs in the service |
| Double-pressing doesn't start the camera | Disabled function in settings | Include in Settings → Gestures and buttons |
| The button only works after a few clicks. | Failure of the plume or contacts | Diagnostics at the service center |
Before you carry your phone for repair, try the software diagnostic methods:
- Reboot the device forcefully (Power button + volume up 10 seconds).
- Check the button in Safe Mode (press the power button → hold “Switch off” → confirm the transition to safe mode). If the button is working properly in it, the problem is in a third-party application.
- Update the firmware to the latest version (sometimes bugs with buttons are fixed in patches).
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with AMOLED-With screens (e.g. Xiaomi 14), long-term power button retention can activate Always On Display even if it is disabled in the settings.
What to do if the button is physically broken?
4. Hidden functions of the power button: SOS, voice assistant and not only
In addition to basic actions, the power button on Xiaomi can perform hidden functions that are not enabled by default.
- 🚨 Emergency. SOS: A triple tap sends a coordinate message to pre-specified numbers. → Passwords & security → Emergency SOS.
- 🎤 Calling voice assistant: Long-term power button retention can run Google Assistant or Xiao AI (Depending on the region. Included in Settings → Annexes → Default assistant.
- 🔋 Quick access to battery mode: on some models double press + Retention opens up the energy saving menu.
On devices with HyperOS, the Smart Retention feature appeared: if you hold the power button for more than 5 seconds, the phone will offer not only a turn off, but also a transition to Do Not Disturb mode or activation of a mobile hotspot.
For owners of POCO and Redmi with unlocked bootloader, you can set the button through ADB. For example, you can reassign a long press to start any application:
adb shell settings put global power_button_long_press_action 1Where 1 is the action identifier (a list is available in the MIUI documentation).
5. Features of settings on different Xiaomi models
The function of the power button can vary greatly depending on the model and type of button.
| Model/Series | Type of button | Unique functions | Typical problems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14, Mix Fold 3 | Touch panel. | Sensitivity settings, swipe gestures | False positives with wet hands |
| Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 | Physical button + fingerprint scanner | Quick camera launch with double press | The wear of the mechanism after 2-3 years of use |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | Physical button without scanner | Support for gestures while holding | Sticking due to dust in connectors |
| Black Shark 5 | Physical button + game triggers | Reassignment to play activities | Conflict with gaming software |
On Xiaomi with a fingerprint scanner in the button (e.g. Redmi 10C), there is often a problem when the button stops working after a fall, in which case the scanner could shift, blocking the mechanism, the solution is disassembling and centering the scanner (requires experience).
For Xiaomi tablets (such as the Pad 6 Pro), the power button is often combined with a volume button to activate multitasking. For example, holding the power button + increasing the volume can open a list of recent applications.
💡
If your Xiaomi model doesn’t respond to the power button settings, check if custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu or Pixel Experience) is installed. The button reassignment menu can be located in the Settings → System → Additional.
6. Alternative control methods without a power button
If the power button is completely out of order, but the screen is working, you can temporarily control the phone without it.
- 🔌 Auto-on when charging: Many Xiaomi models turn on when connected to the network. → Battery → Auto-onlying when charging.
- 📱 Gestures: Set up Double Touch to Wake Up in Settings → Screen. → Gestures.
- 🖥️ ADB-teams: if USB-debugging was enabled earlier, you can send commands from PC: adb shell input keyevent 26 # Emulation of pressing the power button adb shell reboot #Reboot
- 🔄 Smart devices: If your phone is connected to Mi Band or Xiaomi Smart Home, you can use them to unlock it.
To permanently fix the problem without repair, you can install applications like Button Mapper (requires root) or Tasker to emulate clicks through other buttons (for example, volume).
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with HyperOS has some ADB-In order to unlock them, you need to activate Developer Mode (7 times press Version). MIUI in the settings of the phone) and enable debugging by USB.
7. How to protect the power button from breakdowns
The power button is one of the most vulnerable parts of a smartphone, and to extend its lifespan:
- 🛡️ Use a button protection case (especially relevant for Redmi and POCO button-protruding).
- 🚿 Avoid getting moisture, even if the phone has protection. IP53, Buttons are often vulnerable.
- 🧴 Once every 3-6 months, clean the button with isopropyl alcohol (do not use water!).
- 🔄 Do not press the button unnecessarily – for example, use a double touch or swipe gesture to lock the screen.
On models with a fingerprint scanner in the button (for example, Xiaomi 11T), avoid high pressure, this can lead to a shift in the scanner and jamming of the mechanism. If the button becomes tight, do not try to “develop” it with multiple clicks – this will exacerbate the problem.
On Xiaomi 13 Pro and newer, the power button is integrated with the vibro speaker, so replacing it costs 2-3 times more than on budget models. If the warranty is still valid, it is better to repair it in the official service.