How to disable the lock button call on Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Do you accidentally call subscribers when you pull your phone out of your pocket or lock the screen? The power button on Xiaomi smartphones can by default be programmed to quickly call SOS or last contact - a feature that often works inappropriately, and a particularly pressing problem for owners of models with a physical lock button (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, Mi 11 Lite and others).

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to disable the lock button call, from standard MIUI settings to hidden settings for advanced users. Also explain why the feature exists at all (spoiler: this is not just a whim of developers), and what to do if the settings reset after the firmware update. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12, 13 and 14 on all Xiaomi devices, including Redmi and POCO.

Why does the lock button cause calls?

The power button quick call feature appeared in MIUI 10 as part of the Emergency Call System (SOS), originally designed to:

• 🆘 Calling the rescue service when holding the button (in some regions automatically dials 112).
• 📞 Quick dial to last contact (convenient for older users or in emergency situations).
• 🔒 Protection against theft – when you repeatedly press a button, the phone can send SMS coordinates to trusted contact.

But in practice, it's more likely to get in the way than it helps. For example, in the Redmi 9A and POCO M3, 5 short taps in a row are enough to get the phone to dial the last number, and in the pocket, these taps are constantly happening, either because of friction on the fabric or random touches.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for the European market) the quick call feature is disabled by default. If you don't have it, don't look for it: it's not a bug, it's a feature of the regional version.

Before disabling the function, check if it is used for SOS-In some countries (India, China), manufacturers are required to keep this option active, in which case a complete shutdown may require unlocking the bootloader.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in system settings. It works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later, including Redmi and POCO:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the Password and Security section → Emergency call SOS.
3. Click on Press the power button 5 times (or Quick Call in older versions).
4. Move the slider to the off position.

If there is no SOS emergency call, your firmware is not supporting this feature (or it is already disabled).

• 🔧 Settings → System system → Gestures and buttons → Power button.
• 📱 Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → Universal access → Quick call (for) MIUI 13).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Mi) 10T, Redmi K40) If the power button stops responding, press it for 10 seconds to force it to shut down.

Make sure the slider is in the settings SOS switched off|Try pressing the power button 5 times – the call should not work|Restart your phone if the button stops working.|Check if the item appears in the menu "Gesturies and buttons"-->

Method 2: Using Developer Mode (for Hidden Functions)

If the standard settings didn’t help, it may be hidden in the developer menu, which works even on custom firmware (xiaomi.eu, PixelExperience):

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on the MIUI Version (you will be notified "You became a developer").

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Disable emergency calls with the power button

Power key ends call

Activate it and restart the phone.

If you don't have the right item, try searching for it in the settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top). Enter the power button or power key request.

For the POCO F3 and Redmi Note 11 Pro+ models, an additional step is sometimes required: after disabling the function in developer mode, you need to reset the Gesture settings (Settings → System → Gestures → Reset).

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If none of the previous methods worked, it is still possible to disable it via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and minimal command line knowledge, but is guaranteed to work on all versions of MIUI.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB debugging on your phone (Settings → Developers → USB debugging).
2. Connect your phone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.
3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type:

adb shell settings put global power_key_ends_call 0


adb shell settings put global power_key_emergency 0

After you execute the commands, restart the phone. If the function is still active, try the additional command:

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.CLOSE_SYSTEM_DIALOGS

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause phone malfunctions on models with a locked bootloader (e.g. Xiaomi). 12T In China, these teams may not work without unlocking.

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If ADB If you don't recognize the device, try reinstalling the drivers through the Mi Flash Tool or using an alternative cable. USB-squirt-cable.

Method 4: Remove system application (routed devices only)

If you're willing to take drastic measures and your phone has root access, you can uninstall the system app that handles emergency calls.

• 🔓 The loader's already unlocked.
• 🛠️ Install Magisk or another root rights manager.
• 📦 Have a backup copy of the data.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/EmergencyInfo.
3. Remove or rename the EmergencyInfo folder (for example, in the EmergencyInfo_bak).
4. Reboot the phone.

Once removed, all functions associated with emergency calls (including the power button) will stop working, and to return them back, you just need to rename the folder back or restore it from backup.

Method 5: Alternative solution – reassign button

If you can't turn off the call, you can reassign the power button to another function, and you can do that with apps like:

• 🔄 Button Mapper (allows you to assign a camera, flashlight or other action to the button).
• 🎛️ Tasker (to create complex automatic scripts).
• 🔧 Xposed Framework (Routed Devices Only).

Example of settings in Button Mapper:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Give him the rights Special features (in the settings of the phone).
3. Select the Power button → Action when pressed.
4. Assign a new action (such as Launching Google Assistant or Opening an App).

The downside of this method is that button reassignment applications require constantly running services, which can slightly increase battery consumption, but you get rid of random calls and get additional functionality.

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Reassigning the button is the only way to trick the system if you can't turn off the call through the settings, but after updating the MIUI, you may need to reconfigure it.

What to do if the settings reset after the update?

After installing the new version of MIUI (especially major updates like MIUI 13 → MIUI 14), all user settings can be reset, to avoid returning the power button function:

1. Before updating, back up your settings via Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. After the update, check immediately: Section Emergency SOS Call. Menu Gestures and buttons. Settings for developers (if you used ADB).

If the function is active again, repeat the shutdown in the previously selected way.

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI China Stable) will have a new option in the settings after the update, Quick Power Button Actions. It should also be turned off.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone stopped responding to the power button after the update, it's not a bug, but a feature of the new firmware. Try pressing the button for 15 to 20 seconds for a forced reboot. If this doesn't help, you'll have to reset the settings via Fastboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about calling the lock button