How to turn on Xiaomi Redmi without a power button: from charging to service mode

A broken power button on Xiaomi Redmi is not a death sentence for your smartphone. Even if the mechanical key has stopped responding to presses, there are at least 5 alternative ways to start the device without resorting to expensive repairs. In this article, we will discuss all possible methods, from elementary charging to advanced technical techniques using ADB and service utilities.

It is important to understand that the effectiveness of each method depends on the phone model (for example, the Redmi Note 8 Pro and POCO X3 may require different approaches), the current battery status and even the version of the MIUI firmware. We have tested all of the methods described on devices from 2019 to 2023, so the instructions are relevant for most modern Xiaomi.

If your phone is completely discharged and does not respond to charging, first check the cable and power supply - in 30% of cases, the problem lies in them, not in the button. USB.

1. Energizing through the charger (the easiest way)

This method works on most Redmi models thanks to the built-in automatic power-on feature when connected to power.

1. Connect your phone to an original or quality charger (at least 10W).
2. Leave it on charge for at least 15-20 minutes – even if the indicator is not on.
3. If the screen remains black, try holding the volume button for 10-15 seconds.

On some models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro), this only works when the battery is completely drained. If the phone has been manually turned off, a key combination may be required.

• ⚡ Suitable for: Redmi 9/9A/9C, Note 8/9/10, POCO M3/M4.
• ❌ It will not work if: the battery is completely dead or the motherboard is damaged.
• 🔋 Tip: Use Xiaomi charging with Quick Charge 3.0 support – it initializes the process faster.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone starts to vibrate or the indicator flashes, but the screen does not turn on, the problem may be in the display plume, not in the power button.

2. Use of hardware button combinations

Many Xiaomi Redmis have hidden keyboard shortcuts to force or reboot, which mimic the signal from the power button through other controls. Try the following options (hold the buttons simultaneously for 10-15 seconds):

If the combination works, the phone will either turn on immediately or go to Fastboot mode (a black screen with a rabbit and the inscription FASTBOOT), in the latter case, you will need to select the Reboot item using volume buttons and confirm the choice (usually by locking button, but in your case - with a camera or touch button, if any).

On some devices (e.g. Redmi K40), the combinations may be different. If neither option worked, move on to the next method.

3. Connect to PC via ADB (for advanced users)

If the phone is recognized by the computer when connected via USB (even if the screen is black), you can try to turn it on via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires pre-activating the debugging over USB in the developer settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
2. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
3. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and do:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, enter:

adb shell input keyevent 26

This command simulates the pressing of the power button.

• 🖥️ Works on: All Redmi models with unlocked bootloader and enabled debugging.
• 🔌 If the phone is not identified: Try another USB-port or cable, check the drivers.
• 🛠️ Alternative: Use the Mi program PC Suite (about her in the next section).

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They can reset or cause errors if you type in incorrectly. Don't use this method unless you're sure you're doing it. For models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 12 and later), you'll need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

4. Enable via Mi PC Suite or Mi Flash Tool

Xiaomi’s official software allows you to control your phone even when the power button is broken. Mi PC Suite is suitable for standard operations, and Mi Flash Tool is suitable for flashing in critical cases.

Instructions for Mi PC Suite:

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite.
2. Connect your phone to a PC (should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB... or the like).
3. In the program, select Troubleshooting → System Restore.
4. Follow the instructions of the wizard - the utility will try to restart the device programmatically.

If Mi PC Suite doesn’t help, try the Mi Flash Tool (power users only!):

1. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (see section 2 for how to get this mode).
4. Select the firmware folder and press Flash.

The Mi Flash Tool is an extreme method, because it completely reinstalls the firmware, erasing all data, and only use it if other methods have failed and there is no important information on the phone.

5 Hard Reset without a power button

If the phone doesn't respond to charging or button combinations, you'll have to reset it with Recovery Mode, which will delete all the data, but return the device to working order.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (if it is on, hold the volume button up + down 20 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Camera (for Redmi Note 10/11) or Volume Up + Volume Down (for POCO).
3. Hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and recovery menu appear.

From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (manage volume buttons, confirm camera button or touch key) and the phone will reboot automatically after resetting.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) K50, POCO F4) If you don't remember Xiaomi account details, the phone will become a brick! Before reset, make sure you know the username and password.

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If after resetting the phone requires a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, try to restore access through the official website.

6. Alternative methods: from mouse to service mode

If none of the above methods worked, try these non-standard solutions:

• 🖱️ Connection USB-Mouse: If the screen is working but the power button is not, plug the mouse through OTG-Adapter, some firmware. MIUI cursor allows you to unlock the phone and restart it through the menu.
• 🔧 Service mode: Type on the keyboard (if the screen is active) code ##4636## → Choose Battery Testing → Reboot.
• 🔌 Power bank charging: Sometimes phones respond to a connection to an external battery but not to an outlet.
• 📱 Wireless charging: For Qi-enabled models (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro), try turning your phone on via a wireless charging station.

If the phone turns on but turns off immediately, the problem may be the contacts of the power button or a damaged plume, in which case only disassembling the device or contacting the service will help.

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Before disassembling the phone, be sure to turn off the battery (if possible) and use plastic tools to keep the board intact. On most Redmi, the power button is soldered to a flexible plume that can be replaced by yourself if you have experience.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to turn on Xiaomi Redmi without the power button, users often make these mistakes:

• ❌ Use non-original cables: Cheap USB-Cords may not transmit data necessary to recognize a PC device.
• ❌ Interrupt the firmware process: If you’ve started reflashing your phone through the Mi Flash Tool, don’t turn it off until the Success message appears.
• ❌ Ignoring backup: Even if the phone doesn't turn on, data can be saved via ADB pull TWRP (if established).
• ❌ Fastboot and Recovery are confusing: Fastboot has a phone that connects to a PC, Recovery has a standalone phone!

If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact the service center. The average cost of replacing the power button with Xiaomi Redmi is 800-1500 rubles (depending on the model).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions