How to restart Xiaomi phone if the power button does not work: all the ways from software to hardware

Introduction: Why Xiaomi’s power button fails and what to do

The power button on Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi series) is one of the most vulnerable spots after the battery. According to service centers, up to 15% of calls are due to mechanical failure of this key. The reasons range from banal wear (especially on models older than 3 years) to moisture or falls. But what if the phone freezes, does not respond to presses, and the power button completely fails?

In this article, we’ll look at 7 proven ways to reboot Xiaomi without using a physical button, from software tricks to hardware solutions. Importantly, some methods require pre-tuning (for example, enabling debugging over USB), so if your phone is still working, prepare for possible failures. For owners of devices with an unlocked bootloader (bootloader), there are additional options available that most users do not even know about.

And the warning is, if the phone doesn't respond to any manipulation, doesn't warm up when charging, and doesn't make sounds, the problem could be deeper than just a faulty button, and it's a motherboard or power controller that's broken, and you can't do without a service center.

Method 1: Software reboot via menu (if phone is on)

If the Xiaomi screen is working and the power button is just stuck or stopped working, try the standard reboot menu first.This method is suitable for all models on MIUI (including the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, Mi 11 and later).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone.
• 🔄 Slip on the item Reboot (on some firmware - Shut down and restart).
• ⏳ Confirm the action and wait until the process is complete (usually takes 20–40 seconds).

If the About menu is not available (for example, due to a MIUI failure), try an alternative route:

1. Hold the volume button up + volume button down at the same time for 10-15 seconds. On some models (POCO F3, Redmi 9T) this triggers the reboot menu.
2. If you have a Fastboot menu (a black screen with a rabbit and the words FASTBOOT MODE), select Reboot using volume buttons and confirm the selection (usually by long pressing the volume button up).

⚠️ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader, a forced reboot via Fastboot may cause a reset. Before using this method, make sure you have a backup of the data.

Method 2: Reboot via charging connection (for dead phones)

If Xiaomi is completely discharged or unresponsive, but when charging, the indicator shows (a red/orange LED flashes), you can try to wake it up through power. This method works on 80% of models thanks to the features of the Qualcomm Power Controller and MediaTek.

Step-by-step:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to the original charger (preferably with Quick Charge support).
• 🕒 Leave to charge for 10-15 minutes (even if the indicator does not burn).
• 🔄 After the battery icon appears on the screen, hold the volume button up. + volume button down 20-30 seconds. On some models (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1) It causes a forced reset.
• 🔋 If the phone starts to load but freezes again, repeat the action, but hold the buttons with short pulses (press and release every 2 seconds).

This method works because the Xiaomi power controller, when it detects charging, sends a signal to turn the system on, if the phone shows no signs of life (no vibration, light, heat), the problem may be in the battery or motherboard.

Method 3: Use ADB (for advanced users)

If your Xiaomi has enabled debugging on USB (USB Debugging, you can restart it via your computer using the tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge.This method is suitable for devices that are enabled but do not respond to the power button.

What you need:

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

Instructions:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Connect the phone to your computer and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command: adb devices If the phone is determined (the serial number will appear), type: adb shell reboot
4. If you need to turn off your phone, use: Adb shell reboot -p

For devices with locked screens (unless USB debugging is enabled), this method will not work, and it is useless if the phone is completely discharged or a “brick” (does not even boot into the Fastboot).

⚠️ Note: Adb shell reboot bootloader or adb shell reboot recovery commands put your phone into Fastboot and Recovery modes, which can cause data to be reset on locked devices. Use them only if you are sure of the consequences.

Method 4: Forced Resetting through Recovery Mode

If the Xiaomi phone is turned on but stuck on the MI logo or cyclically rebooted, you can try to enter Recovery Mode and reset. This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or official firmware.

How to log in to Recovery:

• 🔄 Turn off your phone (if it responds to charging, wait until 0% discharge and connect to the network).
• 🎵 Hold the volume button up. + power button 10-15 seconds (on some models – only the volume button up).
• 📱 A menu with the Mi Recovery logo will appear on the screen. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button (or touch screen) to select.

Further action:

If the Recovery menu is not available (the phone does not respond to button combinations), try connecting it to your computer and using Fastboot:

fastboot reboot recovery

💡

If the phone is getting stuck on the Mi Recovery screen and does not respond to buttons, plug it into charging and wait 5-10 minutes.

Method 5: Hardware reset (disassembly of the phone)

If all software methods are exhausted and the power button is physically broken (unpressed, dangling, falling off), the last option is hardware reset by turning off the battery, which requires disassembling the phone and is only suitable for users with experience in electronics repair.

What you need:

• ⚒️ Plastic blade or mediator.
• 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (usually Phillips #00 and Y00).
• 🧲 Magnetic propeller substrate.
• 🔋 New battery (if the old one is swelling).

The following is the example of Redmi Note 8 Pro:

1. Turn off the phone (if possible) and remove it. SIM-map.
2. Heat the back cover with a hairdryer (temperature not higher than 60°C) to soften the glue.
3. Carefully tuck the lid with a plastic spatula, starting at the bottom corner.
4. Unscrew all the screws (usually 10-15 pieces) and disconnect the battery and screen plumes.
5. Turn off the battery connector for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
6. Put the phone back together.

⚠️ Note: Disassembling Xiaomi phone voids warranty. If you are not sure about your skills, contact the service center. Also remember that turning off the battery on soldered devices (for example, Mi 11 Ultra) requires soldering and special equipment.

💡

If the phone is warranty, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center, as self-disassembly will deprive you of the right to free repairs.

Method 6: Use of an external battery (Power Bank)

If the Xiaomi phone isn’t responding to a charge from the network, but there’s a suspicion that the power supply or cable is the problem, try connecting it to an external battery (Power Bank).This method often helps to “reanimate” devices that have refused to turn on due to a power controller failure.

How it works:

• 🔋 Use Power Bank with Quick Charge Support 3.0/4.0 (Xiaomi Mi Power Bank, for example 3 Pro).
• 🔌 Connect your phone with the original cable and hold the Power Bank button for 5-10 seconds (this triggers forced charging mode).
• 🕒 Leave on charging for 20-30 minutes, even if the indicator does not burn.
• 🔄 Try restarting your phone with a combination of volume buttons (as in Method 2).

This method is effective if the problem is related to:

• 🔌 Faulty charger.
• 🔋 Battery discharge below critical level (when the phone doesn’t turn on even when connected to the network).
• 📉 Failure of the power controller (for example, after updating the firmware).

Method 7: Contact a service center (when nothing helps)

If none of these methods worked and the phone still doesn’t respond to manipulation, it’s likely that the problem lies deeper than just a faulty power button, in which case self-repair can make things worse, so it’s best to consult a professional.

When exactly you need to bring your phone to the service:

• 🔥 The phone is overheated even when it is off.
• 💧 There were signs of moisture (oxidation of connectors, condensation under the screen).
• 🔋 The battery is swelling (the back cover is raised).
• 📵 Phone is not defined by computer even in Fastboot.
• 🔧 Power button physically broken (fell off, cracked).

The cost of repairing the power button in Xiaomi service centers:

Before the service visit:

1. Check if they have original parts for your model.
2. Ask for a warranty for repairs (standard 3-6 months).
3. Back up your data if the phone is responding.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reboot without power button