How to turn on Xiaomi smartphone if the power button broke: all ways from charging to ADB

A broken power button on Xiaomi is one of the most frustrating breakdowns that can completely paralyze a smartphone. Without physically pressing the power button, many users think the device has become a brick and can only be carried to a service center. However, in 80% of cases, the phone can be turned on by alternative methods without disassembling and soldering iron.

In this article, we’ll break down 5 proven ways Xiaomi launches (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models) with a power button that’s out of order, from elementary charging to advanced methods via ADB and service menus, each method tested on real devices and accompanied by step-by-step instructions, risk warnings and tips to prevent relapses.

Important: If your smartphone is discharged to zero, first use the method №1 (Charging with button retention) If the battery is charged but the phone is not responding, go to the methods. №2-5. for owners of devices with unlocked bootloader (bootloader) available additional options, which we will also tell you about.

1. Energizing through the charger (the easiest way)

If Xiaomi’s battery is completely drained, the smartphone may not respond to any manipulation, in which case try forced charging.The method works on 90% of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models released after 2018.

You will need an original or quality charger (preferably Quick Charge-enabled) and connect your smartphone to the network and do the following:

• 🔌 Connect the charger to the socket, and then insert the cable into the smartphone.
• ⏳ Wait 10-15 minutes – this is enough time to charge the battery a little.
• 🔄 At the same time, press and hold the volume button (+) + Volume reduction button (-) for 15-20 seconds.
• 📱 If the logo of Mi appears on the screen or POCO, release the buttons – the smartphone will start loading.

⚠️ Note: Do not use cheap chargers without protection from voltage drops. On some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 or Redmi Note 10 Pro) unoriginal charges can cause hardware resets of settings.

Wait 30 minutes – the battery may be deeply drained

Try another charger (preferably original)

Check the cable for damage

Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB (sometimes starting helps)

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If the method didn’t work, move on to the next method. On some devices (such as POCO F3 or Black Shark 4), instead of holding the volume buttons, you may need to press Volume Up once you connect the charge.

2.Use of OTG cable and mouse (for unlocked devices)

If your Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader or mode is enabled USB Debugging, you can try to turn it on with OTG-cable USB-This method works even in a completely dead screen, if the smartphone recognizes the connected devices.

You'll need:

• 🔌 OTG-adapter (or cable with support) OTG).
• 🖱️ USB-mouse (wired or wireless with a USB-receiver).
• 📱 Charged smartphone (at least 10-15%).

Instructions:

1. Connect. OTG-smartphone adapter.
2. Put it in the adapter. USB-mouse.
3. Wait 30 to 60 seconds – sometimes it takes time to initialize the device.
4. If the screen is turned on, move the mouse cursor to “wake up” the smartphone.
5. On some models (Redmi Note 9, POCO X3) you may need to press the left mouse button to simulate a tap across the screen.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader (most Xiaomi smartphones by default), this method will not work if it was not previously enabled. USB Debugging in the Developer Settings.

If you have not unlocked the bootloader, but was previously enabled USB Debugging, you can try to connect to the smartphone through ADB (about it - in the way №4).

3. Launch through the service menu (Hard Reset)

If Xiaomi’s smartphone doesn’t turn on but responds to charging (e.g., the indicator lights up), you can try logging into the Recovery Mode and performing a forced reboot, a method that doesn’t erase data unless you choose the Wipe Data option.

Instructions for entering Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off your smartphone (if it’s on, hold the Power + Volume Up until it’s turned off).
2. Hold and hold at the same time: 🔼 The Volume Up button (Volume Up) 🔽 Power button – even if it is broken, sometimes the contact is triggered by pressing.

10-15 seconds

Mi

Recovery

Reboot → System

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi Mi) A1, Redmi 5 Plus) Long-term button retention can cause resets. If a menu with Wipe Data appears on the screen, don't select it, otherwise all data will be deleted!

If the power button is not pressed completely, try tapping gently on the location of the power button (such as a pen or blunt object), sometimes helping to restore contact.

Redmi Note 8/9/10/11

POCO F1/F2/F3/4

Xiaomi Mi 10/11/12

Black Shark

Another model

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4. Including through ADB (for advanced users)

If your Xiaomi has previously been enabled debugging mode USB (USB Debugging, you can try to turn it on through ADB (Android Debug Bridge.This method requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and a program ADB.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Platform Tools (includes ADB and Fastboot).
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
4. Enter the command: adb devices If the smartphone is determined (serial number will appear), enter: adb shell input keyevent 26 This command simulates the pressing of the power button.
5. If the screen is not responsive, try: adb shell input keyevent 82 (emulation of the power button holding).

⚠️ Attention: If ADB Can't see the device, check it out:

• 🔌 Quality. USB-cable (try another one).
• 🖥️ Are Xiaomi drivers installed (you can download on the official website).
• 🔄 Restart your computer and smartphone (if possible).

On some models (for example, Redmi Note 7) after the command adb shell input keyevent 26 requires additional input adb shell input keyevent 3 (simulated click on "Home") to unlock the screen.

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If ADB doesn’t identify the device, try connecting in Fastboot mode. To do this, hold Volume Down + Power when connecting to USB. Then type in the command for fastboot devices and check if the device appears on the list.

5 Hardware methods (disassembly and closure of contacts)

If the software didn't work, the mechanical method is to disassemble the smartphone and close the contacts of the power button, which is only suitable for users with experience in repairing equipment, as it requires accuracy and tools.

You'll need:

• 🔧 Screwdriver kit (cross, flat, Pentalobe for some models).
• 🧲 Screen removal suction cup (optional).
• 🔗 Tweezers or thin metal object for closing contacts.
• 📸 Camera (to photograph the location of the parts before disassembly).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone (if it is on).
2. Remove the back cover (on most Xiaomi it is attached to latches and glue).
3. Disconnect the battery (unplug the plume if possible).
4. Find the contacts of the power button on the motherboard (usually signed as PWR_KEY or POWER_SW).
5. Carefully close the contacts with tweezers or a screwdriver for 1-2 seconds.
6. Connect the battery and check if the smartphone is turned on.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect closure of contacts can lead to:

• 🔥 Short circuit and failure of the motherboard.
• 💥 Loss of warranty (if the device is warranty, it is better to contact the service).
• 🔋 Damage to the battery (if not to turn it off before manipulation).

If you are not sure about your skills, do not take risks - contact the service center. The average cost of replacing the power button on Xiaomi is 800-1500 rubles (depending on the model).

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Disassembling a smartphone is an extreme method, and if you're not sure about your abilities, you'd better use software or take the device to the service.

What to do after successful inclusion?

If you manage to turn on Xiaomi without the power button, the next step should be to solve the problem on a permanent basis.

• 🔧 Replace the power button in the service center (the most reliable option).
• 🔄 Configure alternative ways to turn on: Enable Double Tap to Wake in the screen settings. Activate Raise to Wake. Install the Gravity Screen app to automatically turn on/off the screen.
• 🔋 Check the battery – sometimes the power button breaks due to the bloating of the battery that presses on the motherboard.
• 📱 Make a backup copy of the data in case the smartphone stops turning on again.

If you have temporarily solved the problem by software methods, remember: the power button can finally fail at any time.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi powering up without power button