How to turn Xiaomi on if the power button does not work: all the ways from charging to disassembling

The broken power button on Xiaomi’s smartphone is one of the most unpleasant breakdowns that can completely paralyze a device. Even if the screen is working and the battery is charged, without physically pressing the power button, the phone seems dead. However, there are at least 5 alternative ways to run Redmi, POCO or Mi without using a mechanical button, from software tricks to hardware manipulations.

In this article, we’ll break down all the current methods (including hidden firmware features and engineering menus), assess their complexity and risks, and give checklists for each option. Importantly, some methods require pre-preparedness (for example, enabled debugging over USB), so if your Xiaomi is already turned off, start with the simplest solutions.

If the phone is discharged to 0% or has hardware damage to the board, none of the methods described will work, in such cases, you will need to disassemble the device to directly connect to the power contacts or change the button in the service center.

1. Starting through the charger (the easiest way)

If your Xiaomi power button is out of order but the phone is not yet fully discharged, try turning it on with a network adapter, which works on most models (Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12) thanks to the Auto Power On feature built into MIUI firmware.

Algorithm of action:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to the original charger (preferably with Quick Charge support).
• ⏳ Leave the device on charge for at least 15-20 minutes (even if the indicator does not burn).
• 🔄 After 20 minutes, turn off the cable and reconnect it. In some cases, the phone will automatically turn on.
• 📱 If the screen is on fire, but the phone hangs on the logo MI, Keep the Volume up. + Volume down simultaneously for 10 seconds for forced reboot.

This method works in 30-40% of cases, but only if:

• 🔋 The battery has a charge of more than 5%.
• 🛠️ The power button is not jammed in the pressed position (this blocks the start).
• 📲 The firmware is not damaged (if the phone previously “went into the bootloom”, the method will not help).

⚠️ Warning: Don’t use cheap, uncertified chargers – they can damage the power controller, which will permanently put the phone out of action.

2.Use of OTG cable and mouse (to unlock)

If the phone is turned on but you can’t unlock it because of a power button that is not working (for example, to turn off or restart), it will help. OTG-adapter USB-This is a method that's suitable for devices with a mouse. MIUI 12-14 and allows you to control the interface without physical buttons.

What you need:

• 🖱️ USB-mouse (wired or wireless with a USB-receiver).
• 🔗 OTG-Adapter (anything, even the cheapest, is suitable).
• 📱 Smartphone on (if it is turned off, use the method first) №1).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect. OTG-phone adapter.
2. Connect the mouse to the adapter. In 5-10 seconds, the cursor should appear on the screen.
3. Use your mouse to navigate the menu. To turn off or restart your phone: Open Settings → About your phone → Reboot. Or hold the Turn off button in the notification curtain (if you have one).

If the mouse is not identified:

• 🔄 Try another one. OTG-Adapter (some cheap models don’t support Xiaomi).
• 🔌 Connect your mouse to a charged phone (at low charge) OTG may not work).
• 📲 Check if the function is enabled OTG in settings (Settings) → Connections → OTG).

💡

If the mouse is working but the cursor is twitching, try using a wireless mouse with a USB-Receiver - it is more stable wired.

3. Including through ADB (for advanced users)

If your Xiaomi has previously been enabled debugging USB (USB Debugging, you can turn it on with the command ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires pre-configuration, but gives you full control of the device, including forced launch.

Requirements:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 The phone must be unlocked (not in the Fastboot state).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the computer.
2. Open the command prompt (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb devices If the device is identified (the serial number will appear), move to the next step.
3. Execute the command to simulate pressing the power button: Adb shell input keyevent 26 This command sends the POWER signal to the system as if you had pressed a physical button.
4. If the phone doesn’t respond, try a forced reboot: adb reboot

Critical: if debugging is on USB It wasn't activated in advance, it won't work. №4 or №5.

⚠️ Note: Do not use the adb reboot bootloader or fastboot commands unless you are sure of your actions – this can lead to a complete lock of the phone.

4. Testpoint closure (for experienced users)

If the software methods did not help, and the phone does not respond to charging, you can try to turn it on by directly closing the contacts on the motherboard. This method requires disassembling the device and is only suitable for models with a removable back cover (Redmi 4X, Redmi 5A, POCO F1, etc.).

What you need:

• ⚡ Thin screwdriver or plastic mediator for disassembly.
• 🔧 Tweezers or paper clip (to close contacts).
• 🔋 Charged battery (if the battery is removable).

Step-by-step process:

1. Turn off your phone (if it is not already turned off).
2. Remove the back cover by unscrewing the screws (some models will require a hair dryer to soften the glue).
3. Disconnect the battery plume (if it is removable) and remove the battery for 30 seconds, then set back.
4. Find test points on the board (usually a pair of contacts labeled PWR, KCOL or GND) and their location depends on the model: Where to look for test points on popular models? Redmi Note 8/9: next to the charging connector, two contacts under the protective film. POCO X3: left of the battery, marked as KCOL1 and GND. Mi 9/10: under the metal screen, you need a complete disassembly.