Why your phone doesn’t turn on without a power button and what to do about it
A broken power button on Xiaomi Redmi is one of the most common hardware problems that can completely paralyze a smartphone. Unlike software failures, it won’t help to reboot or reset settings: without physical contact in the button, the system simply doesn’t get a start signal. But it’s not a verdict! Even if the button doesn’t work completely, there are at least 7 alternative ways to turn the device on – from simple (through charging) to complex (flashing through Fastboot).
It is important to understand that the methods differ in efficiency depending on the Redmi model (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro supports ADB, and the Redmi 9A does not) and the state of the phone (whether the battery is discharged, whether debugging is enabled on USB). In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including those that work even on a fully discharged device.
Before you start, check:
- 🔋 Is the phone really dead? Connect to charging for 10-15 minutes - sometimes the charging indicator doesn't burn due to a software failure.
- 🔌 Are the cable and power supply good? try another charger.
- 🛠️ Are there any physical damage (moisture, falls)? This can block alternative methods of inclusion.
Method 1: Enable via charger (works on 80% of models)
The most versatile method is forced charging, which works on most Redmi models (except the oldest models before 2018) and does not require additional tools. The bottom line is that when connected to a power source, the charging controller can initiate an on-off even if the power button is not pressed.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to the original charger (preferably with Quick Charge support).
- Leave on charging for at least 20-30 minutes – even if the indicator does not burn, the battery can gradually accumulate charge.
- After 30 minutes, turn off the charger and reconnect. Repeat 2-3 times, sometimes triggering the controller.
- If the Mi logo appears on the screen, but further loading has stopped, try holding the volume button (this can unlock the bootloader).
⚠️ Attention: If the phone doesn't respond at all (no vibration, charging indication), the problem may be deeper - for example, in a damaged power button plume or power controller. ADB or service menu.
Use the original Xiaomi cable|Wait at least 30 minutes on the charge|Try another charger.|Check if the phone is heating up (short circuit sign)-->
Method 2: Use ADB (only if USB debugging was enabled)
If your Redmi has previously been activated by debugging USB (USB Debugging, you can enable it via your computer ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method works even on a fully discharged phone if it responds even slightly to a PC connection.
Step-by-step:
- Install Platform Tools on PC (includes ADB and Fastboot).
- Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder and type: adb devices If the phone is identified (the serial number appears), move to the next step. If not, try another cable or USB port.
- Enter the command to simulate the power button: adb shell input keyevent 26 This is the equivalent of a short press on the power button.
- If the phone is not responding, try the command for long press: adb shell input keyevent --longpress 26
🔹 What to do if ADB can't see the device?
- 🔌 Try another one. USB-port USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
- 📱 Make sure your phone is unlocked. OEM Unlock (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → Additionally. → For developers → Unlocking OEM).
- 🖥️ Reinstall Xiaomi drivers via Mi PC Suite.
How to turn on USB debugging if the phone is not already turned on?
Method 3: Going to Fastboot and Forced Downloading
If the phone is responsive to a PC connection (e.g., it makes a connection sound or is defined as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008) but doesn’t turn on, you can try to put it into Fastboot mode and run it from there. This method works on most Redmi on Qualcomm processors (e.g., Redmi Note 9 Pro, Redmi K40).
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the cmd in the folder with Fastboot.
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, move on. If not, try holding the volume button when connecting.
- Start the phone with the command: fastboot reboot
- If that doesn’t work, try an alternative command to simulate the push of a button: fastboot oem powerkey (not working on all models).
⚠️ Note: Fastboot commands can reset or damage data if entered incorrectly. Do not use commands like fastboot erase or fastboot flash without fully understanding the consequences!
| Model Redmi | Support for Fastboot | Does fastboot oem powerkey work? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (on most firmware) |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No (required) ADB) |
| Redmi K40/K50 | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (to unlock the bootloader) |
| Redmi 8/8A | ⚠️ Partially (depends on firmware) | ❌ No. |
Method 4: Enable via Mi Account (authorized devices only)
If your Redmi was linked to your Mi Account and Find Device was activated, you can try to turn it on remotely, which works even if the phone is dead, but requires:
- 📱 Linking the device to the Mi Account.
- 🌐 Internet access on your phone (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).
- 🔋 Minimum battery charge (at least 5-10%).
How to do this:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- Select your Redmi from the list of devices.
- Click Find the device → Control → Reboot.
- If the phone is connected to the network, it will receive a command and turn on.
🔹 What to do if the phone is not responding?
- 🔄 Try sending a command Sound signal – if the phone makes sound, it means it is online, but the screen is not working.
- 📡 Make sure your phone is on mobile data or connected to a known Wi-Fi network.
- 🔋 Connect your phone to charge for 10-15 minutes and try again.
💡
If the phone is enabled via Mi Account, but the power button is still not working, activate USB debugging and OEM unlocking immediately in the developer settings. This will help in the future to use ADB without physically accessing the button.
Method 5: Test Point – the last resort for experienced users
If all previous methods failed and the power button physically fell off or broke, you can try turning the phone on via the service menu (Test Point), which requires disassembling the device and is only suitable for models where Test Point is available (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi K30).
⚠️ Attention: The wrong actions can completely disable the phone! If you are not sure about your skills, you better contact the service center.
The following is the example of Redmi Note 9 Pro:
- Remove the back cover of the phone (need a mediator and a hair dryer to soften the glue).
- Find the Test Point on the motherboard (usually signed as TP or circled in a red circle).
- Connect the phone to the charger.
- Close Test Point to the mass (body) with tweezers or a screwdriver for 5-10 seconds.
- The phone should go to Fastboot mode or turn on.
📌 Where to find Test Point?
- 🔍 On the Redmi Note. 8/9/10 — near-charger.
- 🔍 On the Redmi. K20/K30/K40 — under the battery, next to the memory chip.
- 🔍 On the Redmi. 9A/9C — It may not be available (alternative points should be sought).
💡
The Test Point is an emergency method that should only be used if other methods have failed. Once switched on, it is recommended to immediately take the phone to the service to repair the power button.
Method 6: Connect keyboard or mouse over USB (for Redmi with USB OTG support)
Few people know, but some Xiaomi Redmi models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi). K40) support the connection USB-keyboards or mice through OTG-This allows you to simulate the power button press without physical contact.
How it works:
- Buy it. USB OTG-adapter (stands) ~100-200 rubles).
- Put it on the phone. USB-keyboard (wired or wireless with USB-receiver).
- Press the Power button on the keyboard (usually Ctrl + Alt + Del or a special key in the upper right corner).
- If the phone doesn’t respond, try the Win + Power combination.
⚠️ Limitations of method:
- ❌ Does not work on Redmi with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A, Redmi 8A).
- ❌ The phone needs to be at least a little charged (otherwise). OTG non-activated).
- ❌ Not all keyboards are supported – it is better to use the simplest keyboard. USB-keyboard without additional drivers.
Method 7: Firmware via EDL Mode (for advanced users)
If the phone doesn't respond fully to charging, ADB or Fastboot, the last chance is to flash it in EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode.
- 🖥️ Computers with Qualcomm drivers installed.
- 📄 Firmware for your Redmi model (you can download it on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
- 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
Instructions:
- Install Qualcomm drivers (e.g. via QC Firehose).
- Connect your phone to your PC in EDL mode (this may require closing Test Point).
- Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
- After the firmware, the phone should automatically turn on.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware in EDL It erases all data and can result in the Mi Account being blocked if the phone was linked to the account!
💡
Firmware through EDL is an extreme measure that should only be done by experienced users. If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the Xiaomi service center.