Why is it so hard to find the power button on Xiaomi smartphones?
You just bought a new Xiaomi Redmi and you can't find where the power button is? Or your old smartphone suddenly stopped responding to the clicks and you doubt that the problem is the button? This is a situation that many brand users know. The fact that the manufacturer regularly experiments with the location of controls, and in some models the Power button is combined with other functions or even hidden under the touchpad.
In this article, we'll not only show you where to look for the power button on popular Redmi models, but we'll also explain how it works in different scenarios, from a simple switch on to a forced reboot, and we'll also look at the typical problems of when the button doesn't work, or when it crashes, or when it doesn't act unexpectedly, and if you've ever been lost in search of this small but important detail, this guide is for you.
The standard Power button location on most Redmi models
In 90% of cases, the power button on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is on the right side of the case, a classic solution that most manufacturers use.
- 📱 On models with a physical button (Redmi Note) 10, Redmi 9, Redmi 8) she's standing over the hull on 1-1.5 mm and has a grooved surface for tactile recognition.
- 🔘 On new devices (Redmi Note 12, Redmi 11 Prime), the button can be touch-sensitive – no visible ledge, but with a dot or stripe designation.
- 🔄 On some models (e.g. Redmi) K50) Power button is combined with a fingerprint scanner – it is harder to find in the dark.
To identify the button accurately, look at its position relative to other elements: Loudness (+) → Power button → Loudness (−) – this is the most common sequence. If your model is different, it is likely one of the “experimental” lines (for example, Redmi A or Redmi Go).
How does the Power button on different generations of Redmi: photos and descriptions
The look of the power button has evolved with the design of smartphones, and here are the key differences across generations:
| Model range | Type of button | Colour and material | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 4/5/6 (2016–2018) | Physical, protruding | Metal, body color | Often squirrels for dust |
| Redmi Note 7/8/9 (2019–2020) | Physical, grooved | Metal-coated plastic | A more reliable mechanism |
| Redmi Note 10/11 (2021–2022) | Physical or sensory | Matte plastic/metal | On some models combined with the scanner |
| Redmi K40/K50 (2021–2023) | Touch, level with the body. | Glass or glossy plastic | Reacts to a light touch |
| Redmi A1/A2 (2022–2023) | Physical, simplified. | Plastic uncoated | Less durable but easily replaceable |
If your model didn’t make it to the table, check it with the official Xiaomi directory. Please note that on some devices (for example, Redmi 10C), the Power button may be red – this is not a marriage, but a design solution for individual regions.
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On Redmi K models, the Power button often merges with the surface, and to find it, swipe your finger on the right edge, and you will feel a slight deepening or change in texture.
What to do if the Power button does not work: diagnostics and solutions
If your smartphone doesn't respond to the power button, don't rush to bring it to the service.
☑️ Primary Diagnostics of the Power Button
If the button is stuck or not pressed, try cleaning it around with a toothpick (don't put it inside!). Often the cause is accumulated dirt. For models with a touch button (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) reset via Fastboot will help:
fastboot rebootThis is a forced reboot command that will work even if the Power button is faulty, and it will require a computer with ADB and Fastboot drivers installed.
⚠️ Attention: If after a fall or impact, the Power button stopped working, and the smartphone does not turn on even from charging - this may indicate damage to the motherboard.
How to turn on Xiaomi Redmi without the Power button: alternative ways
A broken power button is not a sentence. Here are 3 working methods for launching a smartphone without using it:
- Connect your phone to the grid and wait 10-15 minutes. Many Redmi models automatically turn on when they reach a certain level of charge (usually 5-10%).
- Through cable. OTG. If you have OTG-Adapter, connect the mouse to it, and the cursor's movement unlocks the screen, and then you can restart the device through the menu.
- Through ADB. If the debugging mode is enabled on the phone, follow the command: adb shell input keyevent 26 This simulates the pressing of the Power button.
For models that support Mi Band or other Xiaomi devices, you can use the “Unlock in proximity” feature, and if your smartphone recognizes your bracelet, it unlocks automatically when approached, and then you can restart it through the menu.
What to do if the smartphone is discharged to zero?
Hidden Power button features: what it does besides powering
The power button on Xiaomi Redmi performs more tasks than it seems. Here are 5 little-known features:
- 🔄 Forced reboot. Press the Power button. + The volume up for 10 to 15 seconds, even on a frozen phone.
- 📸 Quick camera start. Double press the Power button (setting is enabled in Settings). → Lock screen → Quick camera launch).
- 🔕 On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) hold the Power button + Volume down puts the phone into silent mode.
- 🛡️ Emergency mode (SOS). Five quick presses of the Power button activates an emergency call (configured in Settings) → Memory and emergency situations).
- 🔋 On a phone that is turned off, a brief press of the Power button will show the battery indicator (not working on all models).
On models with MIUI 14 and later, the Power button can be used to activate the Xiaomi voice assistant: hold it for 1-2 seconds to call Xiao AI (the feature is only available in Chinese and global firmware).
How to protect the Power button from breakdowns: prevention and care
The power button is one of the most vulnerable parts of a smartphone, to extend its life.
- 🧴 Clean regularly. Rub the button once a month with an alcohol towel to remove fat and dirt. Use compressed air (a canister to clean the appliances) for hard-to-reach areas).
- 🛡️ Use a cover. Even a thin bumper will protect the button from accidental impacts. Avoid high-sided covers, which can push the mechanism.
- 💧 Avoid moisture. If the phone is wet, turn it off immediately and dry it in rice or silica gel. Don't press the Power button until it's completely dry!
- ⚡ Do not abuse forced reboots. Each hard shutdown (holding a button) reduces the life of the mechanism.
If you notice that the button is creaking or jamming, don't ignore it. In the early stages, you can solve the problem with a drop of silicone lubricant (applied neatly around the button), but if the mechanism is already shattered, you better contact the service - self-disassembly without experience often ends in damage to the plume.
⚠️ Note: On models with glass body (for example, Redmi) K60) The Power button is often glued to double-sided tape. If you change the glass carelessly, it will cost 3-5 times more to repair than replacing the button itself.