How to reboot Xiaomi if the lock button doesn’t work: working methods for 2026

A broken lock button on Xiaomi is one of the most frustrating breakdowns that can completely paralyze a smartphone. Without the ability to turn off or reboot the device in the standard way, users face freezes, battery discharge to zero or inability to update firmware. Fortunately, there are alternative methods of forced reboot that work even when the button physically malfunctions.

In this article, we will look at all the relevant ways - from software solutions through recovery mode and ADB-Teams to hardware tricks using charging cable or battery, special attention will be paid to the nuances for different Xiaomi models (including Redmi, POCO And the flagship series, and the risks that are important to consider before you start manipulating, and if your smartphone is stuck, doesn't respond to touch, or just needs to be rebooted, you'll find a working solution here.

Why the lock button doesn’t work and what to do first

Before you start a forced reboot, it is worth investigating the cause of the malfunction.The power button on Xiaomi can fail for several reasons:

• 🔧 Mechanical damage: Falling, hitting, or getting moisture often causes the micro-switch under the button to break.
• 🔋 Wear of contacts: over time, metal contacts oxidize or wear off, especially on older models (e.g. Redmi). 4X or Mi A1).
• 🖥️ Software failure: rarely, but it happens that the button is blocked at the firmware level (for example, after a failed update) MIUI).
• 🔌 Problems with the plume: on some models (for example, POCO F1) The power button plume moves away from the motherboard over time.

If the button doesn’t work partially (e.g., the smartphone is turned on but not off), try the following steps before forced reboot:

1. Connect the charger – sometimes the lock button temporarily “comes to life” when power is applied.
2. Try pressing the button with force or at different angles (it is possible that the contact will be restored).
3. Check if Do Not Disturb or Lock Screen is activated in the settings (sometimes this interferes with the press response).

⚠️ Warning: If the power button is not working due to fluid intake, do not connect your smartphone to charging and do not try to reboot it - this may cause a short circuit.

Method 1: Software reboot via menu (if the screen is running)

If your Xiaomi is switched on but the lock button is not responsive to retention, the safest way to reboot is through the system menu.This method works on all models with MIUI 10 and later, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 and Mi 11.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About phone section (in some firmware - About the device).
3. Slip on the item Reboot or Turn off and restart.
4. Confirm the action by selecting Reboot.

If the About phone section is missing, try an alternative path:

• 📱 Open the Notification Panel (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).
• 🔄 Find the Reboot icon (may be hidden under the Shutdown button).
• 🖱️ Hold your finger on the switch off icon – sometimes an additional menu appears.

⚠️ Note: On some models (such as Black Shark), rebooting via the menu may reset performance settings.If you use Game Mode, save a profile before rebooting.

Method 2: Forced reboot via charging cable (for suspended devices)

If the smartphone is completely frozen (“brick”), does not respond to touch or the lock button broke when turned off, you can use the hardware reset via charging. This method works thanks to the features of the power controller on most Xiaomi devices.

You'll need:

• 🔌 Original charging cable (better with Quick Charge support).
• 🔋 Power supply (outlet or power bank).
• ⏱️ Patience – the process can take up to 10 minutes.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the charging cable to the smartphone when it is off (if it is turned on, first remove the battery, if possible).
2. Hold the Volume Up button for 15-20 seconds after the cable is connected.
3. Without releasing the volume button, connect the cable to the power source (outlet or Power Bank).
4. Hold Volume Up for another 30 to 40 seconds. If your smartphone doesn't respond, try again by holding Volume Down.

On some models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), this method only works when both volume buttons are held at the same time. If nothing happens, try the combination:

Volume Up + Volume Down + Charging Connection

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ This method can cause you to reset your lock screen settings (password, fingerprint). If you have important data, try other ways first.

Method 3: Reboot via Recovery Mode (for advanced users)

If previous methods have failed, you can use Recovery Mode, which is suitable for devices that respond at least partially to volume buttons. Importantly, on some models (POCO F1, Mi Mix 2S), logging into Recovery can result in a data reset if you select Wipe Data!

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off your smartphone (if it’s on, remove the battery for 10 seconds if possible).
2. Press the Volume Up button and the Lock button at the same time.
3. Hold both buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo or Recovery menu appears.
4. In the recovery menu, select Reboot or Reboot system now using volume buttons (use the lock button or touch button if the screen is working to confirm).

If the lock button is completely inoperable, try an alternative way to log in:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.


2. Enter in the command line (ADB):




adb reboot recovery




3. After rebooting in Recovery, select "Reboot".

On the new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi K50), the Recovery menu can be in Chinese, and the icon of the arrow in a circle (reboot) or check marks (confirmation) will help to recognize the desired item.

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If after logging in to Recovery, the smartphone requires a password, but the screen does not work, connect OTG-keyboard.

Method 4: Use ADB-teams (for PCs)

If you have access to a computer and debugging is enabled USB (USB Debugging, you can restart Xiaomi with the help of ADB (Android Debug Bridge is the most reliable method, but requires pre-configuration.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB developer-setting.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC.
2. Open the command line (cmd) and enter:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed. If not, install the driver or check the cable.)

1. Enter the command to reboot:

adb reboot

If the device needs to be turned off:

adb shell reboot -p

For forced reboot in Fastboot (if the smartphone does not respond):

adb reboot bootloader

If USB debugging wasn’t enabled in advance, this method won’t work, leaving only hardware methods (see next section).

⚠️ Note: Adb reboot bootloader or fastboot reboot commands on some models (Redmi Note 7, Mi 9) can reset the bootloader unlock settings. If you don't plan on flashing the device, avoid these commands.

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ADB-commands are the safest way to reboot, but it requires pre-tuning. USB not included, this method will not work.

Method 5: Disassemble the device and turn off the battery (extreme case)

If all software methods are exhausted and the smartphone doesn't respond to anything, then you have to physically shut down the battery, which is guaranteed to work, but it requires care and is only suitable for devices with a removable battery or if you're ready to disassemble the case.

⚠️ Warnings before disassembly:

• 🛠️ Disassembly will void the warranty (if it is still valid).
• ⚡ Risk of damage to plumes or motherboard.
• 🔋 On models with a non-removable battery (Xiaomi 12, Redmi) K40) You will need to disconnect the battery.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the smartphone (if it is turned on, wait for the battery to drain completely).
2. Remove the back cover with a plastic shoulder blade or mediator (on removable models, such as the Redmi 4A, just tuck it in).
3. Carefully disconnect the battery plume (on models with a non-removable battery) or remove the battery (if it is removable).
4. Wait 30 to 60 seconds, then reconnect the battery.
5. Assemble the device and turn it on in the standard way (if the lock button is partially working) or through charging (see Method 2).

For models with a non-removable battery (e.g. POCO F3 or Mi 11 Ultra):

• 🔧 Use a needle or tweezers to gently lift the battery connector (usually under a black insulation tape).
• 🕒 Wait 1-2 minutes, then return the connector to the place.
• ⚠️ Do not touch other components of the board – this can cause a short circuit.

On Xiaomi models with a “fast charging” function (for example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+), after turning off the battery, the protection of the power controller may work, in which case the smartphone will not turn on until it is connected to the original charger.

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Before disassembling, take a picture of the location of the plumes and screws - this will help to properly assemble the device back.

What to do if nothing helps: service centers and alternatives

If none of these methods worked, the problem could be more serious than just a faulty lock button.

• 🔋 Full failure of the power controller (requires replacement of the motherboard).
• 🔌 Short circuit after moisture or falling.
• 🖥️ Firmware damage (for example, after a failed update) MIUI).

In such cases, it is recommended to contact the official service center Xiaomi or an authorized workshop.

Alternatives:

• 📱 Using a smartphone without a lock button: set up gestures or voice assistant to turn off the screen (in the MIUI 12+ There is a function called "Double touch to wake up").
• 🔄 Purchase of external power button: AliExpress sells adapters that connect to the connector USB-C and simulate the press of the lock button (suitable for Redmi 9, POCO M3 etc.).
• 🔧 Self-replacement button: YouTube has detailed guides for popular models (for example, replacing the button with Redmi Note 10).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reboot without lock button