How to turn on Xiaomi smartphone if the power button does not work

When a smartphone is completely discharged or turned off and the physical Power button is no longer responsive, it causes panic in any owner. In Xiaomi brand devices, including the sub-brands Redmi and POCO, this key is the main trigger for starting the system. However, engineers have provided several software and hardware workarounds for such emergencies.

First of all, you need to understand the reason for the failure: it can be mechanical wear of the plume, moisture entering the housing or software "hang" of the power controller. If the device simply discharged to zero, the process of "waking up" the battery can take longer than usual, even with a serviceable button. In some cases, the system blocks the activation due to a critical discharge, requiring a certain voltage to start the controller.

In this article, we will look at all the known ways to activate a device, from simple manipulations with charging to complex commands through a computer. The most effective method for MIUI 12/13/14 is to use the function of “Switch on the alarm” or connect to a PC at a pressed volume. It is important to act consistently so as not to aggravate the situation and not damage the motherboard with the wrong actions.

Use of the function "Switching on the alarm clock"

One of the most reliable ways to start a phone if the power button is broken but the battery has at least a minimal charge is a system alarm. The MIUI and HyperOS shells allow the device to be turned on autonomously at a given time even from a completely off state, and this method only works if the phone has been turned off programmatically through the menu, rather than shutting down itself due to a discharge.

To take advantage of this method, you had to set your alarm beforehand while the phone was still running. If you didn't do it in advance, this method will only help in the future, after you somehow (for example, through Recovery) turn the phone on. However, if the phone just got stuck off or went into deep sleep, setting the alarm through the computer (if there is access to synchronization) or trying to simulate the signal may work.

⚠️ Warning: The alarm function only works if there is a residual battery charge. 1-2%), The phone will not be able to physically start the processor to check the time.

The activation process is as follows:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to the charger and wait for the charge indicator to appear.
• ⏰ Make sure that the system has an active alarm clock for the near future (you can set the test on the device). 1-2 Minutes in advance if you have access to the interface).
• 🔋 Leave the device alone; at the appointed time it should vibrate and turn on on on itself.

This method often saves users who have an unstable Power button (contact).The system perceives the timer signal as a hardware interrupt, similar to the press of a button, and initiates the boot of the operating system.

Starting through a connection to a computer (USB-trigger)

Many Xiaomi and Redmi models have the architecture to enable the device to be turned on when connected to a power source or PC, if certain conditions are met, often in conjunction with volume buttons, a technique that is particularly effective when the power button is physically broken or malfunctioned.

The essence of the method is to provide a signal to the power controller through USB-Unlike conventional charging from an outlet, connecting to an active one USB-The computer port causes an interrupt, which, in combination with a clamped volume button, can initiate a system start or transition to Fastboot mode.

Algorithm for forced start:

• 🔌 Prepare quality. USB-cable and connect it to a working computer or laptop.
• 📱 Press the volume button ("Loudness") +») And without letting go, connect the second end of the cable to your smartphone.
• 🔄 Hold the volume button until the Mi logo or bunny appears in an orange jacket (Fastboot mode).

If the device is in Fastboot mode (you'll see an image with Android repair), you can try rebooting it software if the touch screen is reacting in this mode, or just wait for the discharge. However, the main goal is to push the phone, sometimes it helps to simultaneously clamping both volume buttons when you connect the cable.

Enter Recovery Mode for Reboot

Recovery mode is a diagnostic partition that boots separately from the main operating system, and is often logged in without a serviceable power button, using only the volume rocker, and once you enter this menu, you gain access to the device's power management.

To log into Recovery on Xiaomi switched off, you need to press the Volume + button and plug in the power cable. Some models (especially older ones) require the Volume - to be pressed. The screen should light up and a menu with a black background and a few lines will appear. The navigation here is done with volume buttons, and the choice is with a power button (which we don't have), but there are workarounds.

Recovery menus often have a Reboot or Reboot to system option, but the problem is that you usually need a Power button to choose from. However, some versions of Recovery (especially custom or old stock ones) have a touch screen that allows you to click on the reboot with your finger. If the sensor doesn't work, you can try the blind navigation method:

There is also a command that can be sent from a computer if the phone is determined in ADB mode (it requires pre-enabled debugging over USB).

Method of discharging the battery to zero

This method requires patience and is suitable if the phone is “hung off” and the screen is black, but the charging indicator may burn or the phone is warming. The essence of the method is to wait for the battery to completely deplete energy, after which the device can be turned on automatically when connected to the network.

If the phone is in a “soft shutdown” state (the screen is not on, but processes are underway), leave it alone for a few days until the battery is completely dead. Once the device finally goes out and no longer responds to any action, plug in the original charger.

Often, after a full discharge-charge cycle, the power controller resets the error and the phone turns on itself as soon as the voltage reaches a threshold, which is because many Xiaomi controllers go into low-current pre-charging mode at deep discharge and then initiate a system start without the Power button.

Use of the ADB-Teams for Advanced Users

If your smartphone has been pre-enabled debugging USB (USB Debugging, and you've authorized your computer, you can turn the phone on software even if it's off (standby). ADB PC-only.

Connect the phone to the computer, and if the device goes into debugging mode (which is rare on a completely switched-off phone without a bootloader), you can send a command, but the more realistic scenario is that the phone is getting stuck and not turning off, or is in bootloader mode.

adb reboot

This command sends a signal to reboot. If the phone is in Fastboot mode, the command will look different:

fastboot reboot

For ordinary users, this method is difficult because it requires preparation, but if you are a Xiaomi owner, it is recommended to connect the phone to the PC at least once and allow debugging "just in case", which can be the only salvation if the power button fails at the wrong time.

Hardware methods and plume repair

If software methods fail, the problem lies in the hardware. Most often, the power button plume fails or the contacts on the board oxidize. In Redmi Note and Poco X models, the button plume is often combined with volume buttons and even with a charging connector (in budget models).

For a temporary solution, you can try to gently press the button area with great effort (no fanaticism), while connecting the charging. Sometimes this helps to close the contact. You can also try the method of heating: slightly warm the top of the phone (where the button is often located) with a hairdryer at a minimum temperature. The thermal expansion can temporarily restore contact within the mechanism.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use an open fire or a building hair dryer to heat! overheating can damage the battery, screen or unstick the frame. 60-70 degrees Celsius.

If the phone is turned on, immediately back up the data and take the device to the service. Replacing the plug of the power button is one of the cheapest and fastest procedures in Xiaomi repair. In some cases, wizards can solder the button to the other side of the board or display an external button if the original can not be found.

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Try connecting your phone to Power Bank. Some external batteries supply current differently than network charging, which can trigger the device to turn on.

Prevention and adjustment of double tap

To minimize the impact of a button break in the future, configure alternative controls. MIUI has a dual tap screen turn on feature. Although it won't turn on a phone that's completely off, it will wake up the device without a button if it's just gone out (sleeping).

To activate, go to Settings → Always On and Lock Screen → Double-tap to turn on the screen. It is also useful to set a schedule for on and off. Go to Settings → Battery → On/off schedule and set the time. The phone will turn on itself every morning, allowing you to use it even if the button finally stops working.

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Setting up the power schedule is the only guarantee that you can use the phone after a full discharge without the Power button.

Also, use a voice assistant. "OK, Google, turn on the flashlight" or other commands can activate the phone's functions when the screen isn't on yet. Remember, it costs less to replace the plume on time than buying a new smartphone because of the inability to save data.