How to turn on Xiaomi phone without a power button: from charging to service commands

A broken power button on a Xiaomi smartphone is one of the most frustrating breakdowns that can completely paralyze a device. Without physically pressing the power button, many users think the phone has become a brick and can only be carried to a service center. However, in 80% of cases, the smartphone can be launched without repair – using software methods, a charger or even a regular USB-Type-C cable.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways Xiaomi can enable (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models) without a power button, from the simplest methods for beginners to advanced technical solutions. Importantly, some methods require prior preparation (for example, enabled debugging over USB), so the sooner you read this manual, the better the chances of saving the phone without losing data.

If your Xiaomi is dead or the power button is broken after a fall, don’t panic: 9 out of 10 cases, the problem is solvable. The main thing is not to try to disassemble the phone yourself (the risk of damage to the plume) and not connect it to questionable chargers. Let’s start with the safest and most versatile ways.

1. Starting through a charger (the “forced charging” method)

The easiest way to turn Xiaomi on without a power button is to use forced charging followed by automotive start-up.

• 🔋 The battery is completely discharged (the phone does not react to the connection of the cable).
• 🔌 The power button is mechanically serviceable but not pressed (for example, after dust hits).
• 📱 The phone has not been previously turned off software (for example, via adb reboot).

This method will require the original Xiaomi charger (or Quick Charge 3.0/4.0 support) and a USB-Type-C cable.

1. Connect your phone to charge and leave it for 15 to 30 minutes (even if the indicator doesn’t burn).
2. After 15 minutes, turn off the cable, wait 10 seconds and plug again.
3. Repeat step 2 2-3 times, and on the 3-4th attempt, the phone can turn on itself (if the battery charge exceeds 5%).

⚠️ Warning: If after 5 attempts the phone does not respond, do not continue cycling - this can damage the power controller.

Original cable and power supply |Clean contacts of Type-C jack |No battery bloating (check the case for bulges) | Phone temperature (not higher than 30°C)

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2.Use of OTG + mouse cable (for OTG-enabled phones)

If your Xiaomi supports USB OTG (most models after 2018), you can turn it on with a computer mouse.This method works even if the screen is locked, but requires:

• 🖱️ OTG-Adapter (or USB-Type-C cable) → USB-A).
• 🔌 Charged battery (at least 10-15%).
• 📱 Function on USB OTG In the settings (if the phone was previously turned on).

Instructions:

1. Connect. OTG-Adapter to the phone, and to the adapter – wired mouse.
2. If the phone was in sleep mode (the screen is out), move the mouse or press the button, and in 5-10 seconds the cursor should appear.
3. Using the cursor, unlock the screen (if a pattern lock or PIN has been installed) and reboot the phone programmatically through the menu.

💡 If the cursor doesn’t appear, try connecting the keyboard instead of the mouse – sometimes Xiaomi is better at recognizing keys (such as Enter or Space).

3. Including via ADB (for users with debugging enabled)

If your Xiaomi has previously activated USB debugging, you can enable it using the ADB command (Android Debug Bridge).

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 🔌 USB-Type-C working cable (preferably original).
• 📱 A phone that has at least once connected to this PC in debugging mode.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the phone is determined (the serial number will appear), move to the next step. If not, try another cable or USB port.
3. Execute the switch on command: adb shell input keyevent 26 (this emulates the press of the power button).
4. If the phone doesn’t respond, try the alternative command: adb shell am start. -a android.intent.action.BOOT_COMPLETED

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not detected after the command adb devices, do not try to flash it through fastboot - this can lead to data loss.

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If ADB can’t see the phone, try installing Google’s Android SDK Platform-Tools or Mi Flash Tool driver. Also check if the antivirus is blocking the connection.

4. Use of service cable (method for power users)

For Xiaomi phones that do not respond to either charging or ADB, there is a service cable (or “test point cable”).

• 🔧 Special cable with a resistor 300-910 kΩ (you can make it yourself or buy ready-made).
• 🔋 Charged battery (minimum 20%).
• 📱 Knowledge of the location of test points on the board (for different models they differ).

How it works:

1. Take the phone apart (take the back cover off carefully).
2. Find test points on the motherboard (usually two contact platforms with the inscriptions GND and KCOL or TP).
3. Connect the service cable to the phone and close the contacts for 5-10 seconds. the phone should go to EDL (emergency boot) mode.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and use the Mi Flash Tool to run the stock firmware.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly closing test points can disable the motherboard. If you are not sure about your soldering skills, you should contact the service center.

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Service cable is an extreme method that should only be used if the phone doesn't respond to other methods. Once the firmware is run through EDL, all data will be erased!

5. Mi Assistant (official tool from Xiaomi)

Xiaomi has released the official Mi Assistant software, which allows you to control your phone from a computer, including forced start.The program works with most models (starting with the Redmi Note 5) and does not require root rights.

1. Download Mi Assistant from the official website.
2. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (preferably the original cable).
3. Start the program and select Unlock (unlock).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen - the program will send the command to turn on.

💡 Mi Assistant may not work if you:

• 🔒 The phone was manually switched off (not by discharge).
• 🔧 The phone's debugging disabled. USB.
• 📱 Model older than 2017 (check compatibility on Xiaomi website).

6. Alternative methods: charging station and wireless charging

If your Xiaomi supports wireless charging (e.g. Mi 11, Mi 13, POCO F4 GT), you can try enabling it with:

• 🔌 Charging station with Qi function (for example, Xiaomi Wireless Charging Pad).
• 🔋 Power Bank with wireless charging (if the phone is discharged).

Algorithm:

1. Place your phone at the charging station.
2. Wait 10-15 minutes (even if the light is not on).
3. Remove the phone from the station and put it back down again – sometimes it triggers a launch.
4. If the screen catches fire but the phone doesn’t turn on, try connecting the mouse via OTG (as in method 2).

⚠️ Note: Not all Xiaomi models support wireless charging. For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro charges only via cable, and the Mi 12 Pro charges both cable and wireless.

7. when to carry the phone to the service center

If none of these methods worked, it's likely that the problem goes deeper than just a power button that doesn't work.

• 🔋 The phone does not respond to charging (no indication, does not warm up).
• 💥 Before the breakdown, the phone fell into the water or was subjected to mechanical damage.
• 📱 Artifacts (strips, flickering) appear on the screen or it does not turn on even after firmware is flashed.
• 🔧 You have tried a service cable, but the phone is not determined by the EDL.

The cost of repairing the power button in Xiaomi varies from 800 to 2500 rubles depending on the model:

• 📱 Redmi 9/10 — 800–1200 ₽.
• 📱 POCO X3/X4 — 1200–1500 ₽.
• 📱 Mi 11/12 — 1800–2500 ₽ (due to the complexity of disassembly).

💡 Tip: Before visiting the service take a photo IMEI phone (on the box or under the battery) – this will help to avoid replacement of components.

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If the phone is warranty, do not open it yourself! contact the official Xiaomi service - repair of the power button is usually covered by the warranty (if the breakdown is not through the fault of the user).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi powering up without power button