A broken power button on Xiaomi is one of the most frustrating breakdowns that can completely paralyze a device. Especially critical is when the phone is turned off: without a physical button, it seems impossible to bring it back to life. However, there are at least 5 alternative launch methods that work on most models, from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi and POCO.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to turn on a switched-off Xiaomi smartphone without using a power button, from the elementary (connect to charging) to the technically complex (activation via ADB or testpoints). Importantly, the effectiveness of methods depends on the cause of the failure (mechanical damage to the button, plume drop, software failure) and the device model. For example, on the Xiaomi Mi 11 with fast charging 120W, the chances of success are higher than on the old Redmi 4X.
Before you start, check whether the phone is completely off, not in deep discharge mode (black screen, but vibration when connecting the cable). If the device responds to charging at all, the problem may be in the display, not in the button.
1. Connecting to a charger: the simplest method
The most obvious but often overlooked way is to connect Xiaomi to a power source, and many models (especially those released after 2018) have automatic charging when the battery is completely drained.
- 🔌 Use the original cable and power supply – unoriginal accessories may not start the process.
- ⏳ Wait 10–30 minutes: Some models (e.g., some models, POCO X3) only activate after a minimum charge is set (5-10%).
- 🔄 Try different ports: USB-Type C on your computer may not work, and the socket - yes.
- 📱 On some devices (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro) you need to hold the volume button up while charging.
If after 30 to 40 minutes, the Mi logo or charging indicator does not appear on the screen, move on to the following methods: On models with a Snapdragon 8xx processor (Mi 10, Mi 11), the chance of successful activation through charging is higher than on devices with MediaTek (Redmi 9, POCO M3).
⚠️ Note: Do not use wireless charging for this method – it is not stable enough to activate the device turned off.
2. Combination of volume buttons and PC connection
If charging didn't work, try the hardware button combination. Most Xiaomi smartphones (except the oldest models) have a hidden turn on function via a volume key combination.
- Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable USB 3.0 is preferable).
- Press the volume button (+) and hold it for 10-15 seconds.
- If it does not work, repeat by holding the volume button (-).
- On some models (such as the Mi 9T), you need to press both volume buttons at the same time.
The success of the method depends on the version of the MIUI firmware. On devices with MIUI 12.5+, the chance is higher, because these versions support alternative ways of turning on. If the phone vibrates or the logo appears on the screen, release the buttons and wait for the full load.
If the combination didn’t work, try connecting the phone to a PC with Xiaomi drivers installed (you can download it on the official website). HS-USB QDLoader 9008 means that the phone is ready to be firmware-wired EDL-The regime (we will tell you below).
3. Use of Fastboot Mode (for unlocked bootloader)
If your Xiaomi has previously unlocked a bootloader, you can turn it on via Fastboot even without the power button.
- 🖥️ Installed drivers ADB/Fastboot PC-only.
- 🔧 Unlocked bootloader (checked by the command fastboot oem device-info).
- 📋 Knowledge of the device model (e.g., surya for POCO X3).
Instructions:
1. Connect the phone turned off to the PC.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux).
3. Enter the command:
fastboot devices
(If the device is determined, proceed to step 4)
Enter:
fastboot continue
or for compulsory inclusion:
fastboot rebootIf the fastboot device command returns a blank list, try holding the up/down volume button when you connect the cable. On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro), this forcefully transfers the device to Fastboot.
⚠️ Note: This method only works on devices with an unlocked bootloader. If you've never done fastboot oem unlock, this method is not suitable.
Install ADB/Fastboot driver|Download Mi Unlock Tool (if bootloader is blocked)|Check the device model through code ##4636##|Prepare original USB-cable-->
Activation through Testpoints (for power users)
If the software doesn't work, you have a physical effect on the board, which is to close the test points, and this is suitable for devices that don't respond to charging or buttons, but require disassembling the phone, and the advantage is that it works even when the power button is completely dead.
The algorithm (as an example of Redmi Note 7/8/9):
- Remove the back cover and disconnect the battery (required!).
- Find testpoints on the motherboard (usually signed as TP, TEST, or circled in white).
- Close them with tweezers or a screwdriver for 1-2 seconds.
- Connect the phone to charge - it should turn on.
The location of the test points depends on the model.
| Xiaomi model | Location of testpoints | Photo (guidance) |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 7/8 | Next to the battery connector, two contacts labeled TP1 | Black circle next to flexible plume |
| POCO X3 | Under a metal screen, next to the processor | Two golden contacts in the shape of a triangle |
| Mi 9/9T | Left of the camera, under the protective film. | White circle with a dot in the middle |
Important: Don't lock test points for longer than 3 seconds - this can damage the fee. If you are not sure about your skills, you better contact the service center.
What happens if you make the wrong contacts?
5. Firmware through EDL-regime (last chance)
If all previous methods fail, the emergency firmware is left with EDL (Emergency Download Mode), which allows you to "resuscitate" a phone even with a completely dead firmware, but requires:
- 💻 Computer with Windows and Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- 📄 Firmware for your model (download at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
- 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
Step-by-step:
1. Install the EDL driver (e.g., through the QDLoader Driver Installer program).
2. Connect the phone turned off to the PC.
3. Press the volume buttons up + down and hold for 10 seconds (on some models you need to close the test points).
4. Device Manager should display a device "Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008".
5. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press "Flash".It takes 5 to 15 minutes. Once you've done a successful firmware, the phone should automatically turn on. If you haven't, try the testpoint method again.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL If you have important files on your phone without a backup, you can't recover them after that.
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Before you run through EDL, check the version of your Xiaomi CPU. On devices with a MediaTek chip (Helio G85, G90T, etc.), this method does not work - instead of QDLoader, you will need the SP Flash Tool program.
What do you do if nothing helps?
If neither method worked, the problem could be deeper than just a faulty power button.
- 🔋 Battery damaged - does not hold charge or is completely discharged (replacement is needed).
- 📱 The plume dump of the power button - requires soldering or replacement of the plume.
- 🔌 Failure of the power controller (e.g, PMIC) — Repair is possible only in the service.
- 💥 Short circuit on board – often occurs after falls or moisture.
In these cases, self-repair can exacerbate the problem.
| Type of breakdown | Cost of repair (₽) | Repair time |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement of the power button | 800–1 500 | 1-2 hours |
| Ride the button plume | 1 200–2 500 | 2-4 hours |
| Battery replacement | 1 500–3 000 | 1 day |
| Repair of the power controller | 3 000–6 000 | 3-5 days |
Before you carry your phone to the service, check if the warranty is valid. If so, do not disassemble the device yourself, otherwise the warranty will be lost.
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If the phone does not turn on in any way, but when connecting to charging is current (you can check with a multimeter), the problem is most likely in the display or screen plume, and not in the power button.