Where the power button on Xiaomi phone: location and secrets of use

Have you just purchased a new Xiaomi smartphone and can't find where the power button is? or has your old device suddenly stopped responding to a tap? This problem is familiar to many brand users - especially those who are moving from other manufacturers or facing a non-standard arrangement of controls. Unlike iPhone or Samsung, where the power button is usually in the same place, Xiaomi is experimenting with design, which sometimes causes confusion.

In this article, we will not only show you where the power button is on all popular Xiaomi models (from budget Redmi to flagship Mi and POCO), but also reveal hidden features of this key that you may not know about, such as how to use it to take a screenshot without soft buttons or activate the voice assistant.

The standard location of the power button on Xiaomi: where to look?

Most modern Xiaomi smartphones follow the classic layout of the control elements, but there are exceptions.

• 📱 Right side face - here the power button is located on 90% Models including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13). It is highlighted in texture or color so that it is easy to find by touch.
• 🔄 Left side face is rare, but occurs on some left-handed models (e.g. Mi Mix). 2S usually accompanied by the transfer of the slot for SIM-card.
• 🔝 Top edge – typical of older models (before 2016) or compact devices (e.g. Redmi) 4A). This location is considered inconvenient, so it was abandoned.

To determine exactly where the button is on your model, look for visual markers:

• 🔴 Red or orange insert – trademark of Redmi (for example, on Redmi Note 9 Pro).
• 🖤 Matt texture - used on the flagships Mi and POCO F-series for better grip.
• 📏 Deepening or protrusion - helps to find the button blind (relevant to the POCO M3/M4).

If you're holding the phone in your hand and you can't see the button, try swiping your finger on the right side from top to bottom, which should be about 1/3 of the body height from the top edge, and on some models (like the Redmi 10C), the power button is combined with the fingerprint scanner, in which case it will be slightly recessed into the body.

Features of the power button on different Xiaomi series

Each line of Xiaomi smartphones has its own nuances in the design of the power button.

On Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Mi Mix Fold 2, the power button is equipped with a pressure sensor that recognizes not only the facts of the press, but also its strength, which allows you to use it to quickly start the camera (light press) or voice assistant (long-term retention).

If you have a foldable smartphone (like the Mix Fold 3), the power button can be on the outside of the case – this is done for ease of use in the folded state. On some devices (like the POCO F4 GT), the button has a dual purpose: in addition to turning on, it activates game mode when held.

Hidden Power Button Functions: What Does It Do?

The power button on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a way to turn the device on or off, it can perform many additional actions if you know the right combinations:

• 📸 Quick camera start - double press the power button (works even on a locked screen). POCO X5 Pro, it works even in a case.
• 🔍 Activate the voice assistant – hold the button 1-2 Seconds (configured in Settings) → Special facilities → Power button).
• 🔄 Forced reboot – Hold the power button + loudening 10-15 Seconds (works even when the system is getting stuck).
• 📱 Screenshot - press the power button + Volume reduction (alternative to three-finger gesture).
• 🚨 Emergency call – five quick presses of the power button (configured in Settings) → Emergency functions).

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the “Double-Tap to Wake Up” feature has been introduced, which allows you to turn on the screen by touching the power button twice (even without pressing it completely), which is convenient if you carry your phone in your pocket and want to quickly check the notifications.

On POCO F and Black Shark gaming smartphones, the power button can be used as a hardware trigger in games, for example, in PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile, it can be assigned to shoot or squat.

1. Start the game.
2. Open the control settings menu.
3. Select Assign hardware buttons.
4. Assign the action to the power button (hold or double press).

What to do if the power button does not work?

If your Xiaomi doesn't respond to the power button, don't panic - 80 percent of the time, the problem is solved without repair.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone has fallen into water or been subjected to a strong vibration (such as in a backpack while cycling), do not try to turn it on forcefully.This can lead to a short circuit.

• 🔋 Check the charger - plug the phone into the charger for 30 minutes. on some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) at full discharge, the power button is blocked until the minimum charge appears.
• 🔌 Use alternative ways of enabling: Connect to the PC via USB And hold the power button for 20 seconds. If you have wireless charging, put it on the charging station.
• 🛠️ Reset via Recovery: Hold the power button + loudening 10-15 In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (erase data!). Reboot the device.
• 🔧 Check the physical condition of the button - shine a flashlight into the gap between the button and the case. If you see debris or oxidation, clean gently with a toothpick (not metal objects!).

If nothing helps, the problem may be:

• The plume of the power button - often departs after falls (repair will cost in the future). 800-1500 ₽).
• Food Controller – requires diagnostics in the service center (price from 2000) ₽).
• Firmware – If the phone turns on but the button doesn’t respond, try flashing it over Fastboot.

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If the power button works "once again", try updating the firmware through Settings → About Phone → System Update. Some versions of MIUI had hardware button pressing bugs.

How to turn on Xiaomi without a power button: 5 working ways

If the power button is completely out of order, but the phone is in good working order, you can turn it on using alternative methods.

1. Connect the phone to the original Xiaomi charger (power from 18W). After 5-10 minutes, the screen should light up automatically. On some models (for example, the POCO X3 NFC), this only works when connected to the outlet, not to the PC.
2. ADB-Team via PC If the phone was enabled Developer Mode and Debugging USB, Connect it to your computer and execute the command: adb shell input keyevent 26 This simulates pressing the power button.
3. Wireless charging Put your phone on Qi. On the Mi 11/12/13 and POCO F3/F4, this can automatically turn on the screen. If not, wait 15-20 minutes and try swiping your finger across the screen.
4. Connection to TV on the HDMI If you support Xiaomi USB-C to HDMI (So, for example, Black Shark 5 Pro, plug it into a TV, and sometimes it activates the display.
5. Use of the OTG-Cables and mice Connect USB-mouse-wise OTG-Adapter. Some models will have a cursor on the screen, so you can unlock the phone software.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using ADB-Make sure that the phone is allowed to debug by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers. Without that, teams won't work.

If none of the methods worked, but the phone is showing signs of life (vibrates, warms), most likely the problem is in the display plume or motherboard, in which case you should contact the service center.

• Redmi — 1200-1800 ₽;
• POCO — 1500-2200 ₽;
• Mi/Black Shark — 2000-3500 ₽.

How to protect the power button from breakdowns: prevention

The power button is one of the most vulnerable elements of a smartphone, as it is used dozens of times a day. To prolong its life, follow these tips:

• 🛡️ Use a cover with a neckline under the button, it will protect against dust and moisture. Avoid silicone cases without cutouts - they create excessive pressure.
• 🧴 Clean the button regularly, wipe it once a month with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Do not use liquid cleaning products!
• 🔥 Avoid overheating – do not leave your phone in direct sunlight or on charging near heat sources.
• ⚡ Don't press too hard - the power button on Xiaomi is designed to be easy to press. Excessive force can damage the micro-switch.
• 🔄 Update the firmware - in new versions MIUI Frequently fix bugs associated with processing button presses.

If you drop your phone frequently, consider models with shock protection:

• POCO X5 Pro - polycarbonate case with reinforced corners.
• Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
• Black Shark 5 Pro is a metal frame with shock absorbing inserts.

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The most reliable power buttons on smartphones with a metal body (for example, Mi 11 Ultra or POCO F3 GT).

If you notice that the button has started to "fall down" or requires a stronger press, this is the first sign of wear.

1. Try blowing the button with compressed air (a canister for cleaning equipment).
2. Apply 1 drop of WD-40 to the mechanism (carefully, without hitting the body!).
3. If it doesn’t work, contact the service before the button stops working completely.

Frequent questions about the power button on Xiaomi