Xiaomi Power Button: Where it is and how it works on different models

Why are users looking for a power button on Xiaomi?

Xiaomi smartphones are some of the most popular in the world, but their design sometimes confuses users, especially when it comes to the power button (on / off), unlike the iPhone or Samsung, where its location is standardized, Redmi, POCO and Mi can be in different places — or even absent in the usual form.

The problem is compounded by the fact that the manufacturer often changes the design of the cases. For example, in Xiaomi 13T models, the power button is combined with a fingerprint sensor, and in POCO F5 it is brought to the right. If you first pick up a Xiaomi smartphone or switch from another brand, it can take a few minutes to find this button.

We're going to look not only at where the power button is on different models, but also what to do if it doesn't work, how to reassign its functions, and even how to turn on the phone without it, and also at the hidden buttons in frameless models.

Standard locations of the power button

Most Xiaomi smartphones follow the classic layout, but there are nuances.

• 📱 The right side is the most common place. Here the button is located in Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 12, POCO X5 And most of the other models, it's a little recessed to avoid accidental tapping.
• 🔝 The upper edge is rare, but is found in older models (e.g. Redmi). 4A) Or some Xiaomi Pad tablets, which is not convenient for large screens.
• 👆 Coupled with a fingerprint sensor – in flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3), the power button often performs a dual function: pressing turns on the screen, and touching unlocks it.
• 🔄 Physically absent – in some conceptual models (for example, Xiaomi Mix Alpha) the power button is virtual and activated by gestures.

If you can't find a button, look for the texture: it's usually different from the other keys (smooth or riffled). In IP-certified models (water protection), the button may be less protruding to prevent moisture from entering.

What does the power button look like on different Xiaomi models

The appearance of the button depends on the series and year of release.

In models with backlit buttons (such as the POCO F5 or Black Shark), it is easier to find in the dark. If the button is not shining, try to hold the phone to the light source - sometimes it is indicated by a barely noticeable dot or embossing.

⚠️ Attention: In some replicas (fakes) Xiaomi power button may be located outside the box or not work properly. Check the serial number in the settings (Settings) → The phone. → All parameters, if you doubt the authenticity.

What to do if the power button does not work

If the button doesn't respond to the press, don't panic.

Check if the button sticks (click several times)

Connect charging – the phone can turn on automatically

Try to press the button for 10-15 seconds (forced reboot)

Make sure your phone is not discharged (wait 10 minutes on charge)

Check if there are any physical injuries (cracks, dents)-->

If the button sticks or doesn't press, the problem may be mechanical damage.

1. Try to clean the button with compressed air (a canister for cleaning equipment).
2. If the phone was in a wet environment, place it in rice or silica gel for 12-24 hours.
3. Use the temporary solution ADB-commands to turn on the screen (you need a PC and debugging on the USB).

In the models with NFC-Power button (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro) sometimes there is a function conflict. To return the standard behavior, go to Settings → Display. → Power button and turn off the option «NFC retain».

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If the phone doesn’t respond to the power button but vibrates when you connect the charger, try turning it on via Restore Mode. To do this, press the Power Button + Volume up for 10 seconds.

How to turn on Xiaomi without a power button

If the button is broken or not (as in the Xiaomi Mix Fold), there are several ways to turn on the phone:

• 🔌 Charger: Connect your phone to the network. Many models (Redmi 9, POCO M4) activate automatically when charging starts.
• 🖱️ OTG-cable + Mouse: Connect USB-Mouse through adapter. Motion of cursor can wake up screen (not all models).
• 💻 ADB-Teams: If the debugging is enabled USB, Adb shell input keyevent 26 (26 - Power button event code»)
• 📱 Gestures: In models with Always On Display (such as Xiaomi 13), double-tapping the screen can unlock the device.

To solve the problem, you can reassign the button functions through an engineering menu or applications like Button Mapper, for example, assign the screen to turn on double volume.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB-commands require unlocking the bootloader, which can lead to loss of warranty.On models with Mi Account after reset, you may need to enter a password from your Xiaomi account.

Hidden functions of the power button

The power button on Xiaomi can do more than just turn your phone on/off. Here are the hidden features:

• 🔍 Quick camera start: Double pressing the power button opens the camera (configured in Settings) → Camera. → Quick launch).
• 🔇 Do Not Disturb: In some models, the power button is held + Increased volume activates silent mode.
• 🔄 Forced reboot: Press the power button + Volume up for 10 seconds to reboot (works even on a frozen screen).
• 🔐 Lockdown SIM-In older models (Redmi 5) triple pressing blocked SIM (function disabled in new firmware).

On the POCO F4 GT and other gaming smartphones, the power button can trigger game mode when held. To disable this feature, go to Settings → Special Features → Buttons.

Frequent questions about the power button on Xiaomi

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If the power button on Xiaomi does not respond, first check the software reasons (hang, battery discharge), and then the hardware. In 60% of cases, the problem is solved without disassembling the phone.