How to restart Xiaomi without the power button: the full guide

When a physical power button on a smartphone stops responding or crashes, it can take anyone from Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco by surprise. It would seem that the device is locked in its current state, and it is impossible to perform a standard reboot using the classical method. However, the Android operating system underlying the MIUI or HyperOS shell provides many software alternatives for power management.

In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways you can successfully restart or turn off your device, even if the hardware button is completely out of order. From built-in accessibility features to advanced debugging tools, you will find a solution that will suit your situation.

It's important to understand that software techniques require that the screen at least partially respond to touch or the image is present. If the display is completely black and the touchscreen doesn't work, the situation gets complicated, but even then there are options for action, which we'll talk about below.

Using the special options menu

The simplest and most affordable method, which does not require a connection to a computer or installing third-party software, lies in the depth of system settings. In the shells from Xiaomi, a special menu for people with disabilities is implemented that duplicates the basic functions of the buttons on the screen. To activate this feature, you need to go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Capabilities.

You should find the Special Opportunity Menu and activate the slider. After you turn on the screen (usually in the navigation bar or floating button), you will see a human icon or geometric figure. When you click on it, you will open a control panel, where, among other things, the Power button will be available.

• 📱 Click on the icon of the special features menu on the screen.
• ⚡ Select “Food” or “Block” in the menu that appears.
• 🔄 In the window that opens, select the “Reset” or “Switch off” action».

This is a regular and safe way to do this, because it doesn't require root rights, but if the touchscreen is also damaged, it's useless, and you should consider whether you can control your voice or external input devices.

⚠️ Warning: If the special feature menu doesn't appear after activation, check if it's hidden in the display settings. Sometimes the system hides the floating button if the full-screen app is running.

Using built-in accessibility is the first step to take when a button breaks, a regular mechanism that does not violate warranty and works consistently on all versions of MIUI.

Reboot through the developer menu and ADB

For more advanced users with access to a computer, the ideal solution is to use USB debugging. This method allows you to send system commands directly to the operating system, bypassing the physical interfaces. First, you need to activate the developer mode: go to Settings → About phone and quickly press 7 times on the build number (MIUI version).

After activation in the Advanced Settings menu → For developers, turn on Debugging over USB. Connect your smartphone to a PC with an ADB installed (Android Debug Bridge). Open the command line or terminal in the ADB tool folder and enter the command to reboot.

adb reboot

If the shutdown is required, the command is used:

adb shell reboot -p

This method is particularly effective when the touch screen is intermittent, but the image is there. The computer takes control, and you can reboot even if the phone interface is getting stuck.

Automatic reboot on schedule

Owners of Xiaomi devices have a unique advantage – built-in auto-reboot function. It is not just a way to turn off the phone right now, but also a great preventive solution to extend the life of a device with a faulty button. You can set this feature up in the Settings menu → Battery and Performance → Battery (depending on the firmware version, the path may be slightly different, sometimes it is Settings → Advanced Settings).

Here is Scheduled on/off. You can set a time like 3:00 a.m. and choose the frequency, daily or on certain days of the week, and the phone will turn off and on at a set time, which helps clear RAM and reset system errors.

• ⏰ Set the turn-on time, for example, at 03:05.
• 📅 Choose the days when you need an automatic reboot.
• ✅ Save the settings so that the system starts to execute the command automatically.

Using a task scheduler allows you to not depend on a physical button for everyday use, you can be sure that once a day the device will update its system processes.

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Set up the on 5 minutes after the off, such as turning off at 03:00 and turning on at 03:05, giving the system time to complete all processes before starting.

Use of third-party applications and widgets

If you find regular funds uncomfortable, Google Play offers a host of apps that add a turn off button to your desktop or notification bar. Utilities like Power Button to Volume Button or Assistive Touch can be a lifesaver. They create a virtual button that emulates the power tap.

Some apps require special permissions via ADB (pm grant command), as Android restricts third-party software from accessing power functions for security purposes. Once set up, you get a full-fledged button on the screen that works even when your phone is locked (if the app allows).

The choice of a particular application depends on your needs and access rights, and for most users, there are enough applications that work through special rights, since they do not require complex configuration.

Reboot with Recovery Mode

In critical situations, when the system is completely got stuck and the touchscreen is not responding, but the phone is on (lights or indicator), it can help to enter Recovery mode. Usually this requires a combination of buttons, but if the power button does not work, you can try to enter this mode through ADB command adb reboot recovery.

Once you enter the recovery menu (where volume buttons often control and power buttons select), you may have the problem of not responding to Power. However, in some custom receptacles (such as TWRP), you can control it via a touchscreen. In a Xiaomi stock recavaria, you sometimes have a long pressing of the volume button up or down to simulate the choice.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to do a "Wipe Data reset" in Recovery if your goal is simply to restart your phone.This will result in the complete removal of all photos, contacts and applications without the possibility of recovery.

If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to use the methods described in the previous sections, which do not carry the risk of data loss.

Hardware tricks and connection to the PC

There are a number of hardware techniques that can help if software methods are not available, for example, connecting the original charger can sometimes trigger a system to restart if the settings are “Switch on screen when charging” and the system responds to a power event by restarting services.

Also worth mentioning is the battery drain method. If the phone is stuck and doesn't react to anything, leave it on the table until the charge is completely exhausted. After the device turns off, put it on charge. Many Xiaomi smartphones automatically turn on when connected to the network when off or offer to select boot mode.

• 🔋 Leave your phone until it is completely discharged and auto-switched off.
• 🔌 Connect the charger to the phone turned off.
• 📱 Wait for the logo or menu to appear to select the download mode.

This is the most time-consuming method, but it's completely data-safe and requires no technical skills. It's a lazy method that ensures you discharge static electricity and restart all the controllers.

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Full battery discharge is the longest, but guaranteed working way to reboot with a complete failure of the interface and buttons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)