How to turn on Xiaomi smartphone if the power button does not work: all the ways from simple to emergency

A broken power button on Xiaomi is one of the most frustrating breakdowns that can completely paralyze a device: You can't unlock the screen, reboot the phone, or even just turn it on. 80% of the time, the problem is solved without disassembling the case, and in this article we will discuss all possible methods, from basic (connection to charging) to advanced (working with test points and other devices). EDL-regime).

It's important to understand that the effectiveness of the method depends on the Xiaomi model and the cause of the malfunction. For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro uses the charging method, and for the POCO F3 you may need ADB. We tested all the instructions on the current MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS firmware, so they work even on new devices from 2023 to 2026. If your smartphone is discharged to zero, use the first method - it is the safest.

Warning: some methods require disassembling the case or working with a soldering iron. If you have never repaired electronics, you should contact the service center - the wrong actions can lead to complete loss of data or damage to the motherboard. For experienced users, we have prepared detailed diagrams with the location of test points for popular Xiaomi models.

Method 1: Enable via charger (works on 60% of models)

The easiest and safest method is to use the original charger, which is suitable if the battery is not completely discharged and the power button is not jammed mechanically (for example, after a fall), the algorithm works because some Xiaomi models automatically turn on when power is supplied if there is a critical update or unfinished processes in the system.

You'll need:

• 🔌 The original cable. USB Type-C (or Quality Certified)
• ⚡ Charger power from 18 W (preferably 33 W for new models)
• ⏳ 15-30 minutes of time (if the battery is completely drained)

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the charger to the outlet, and then insert the cable into the smartphone.
2. Leave the phone on charge for at least 15 minutes. On some models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3), the charging indicator will light up in 5-10 minutes.
3. If the screen remains black, try holding the volume button + charging at the same time for 10-15 seconds.
4. On new devices (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12) can work combination Volume up + Volume down + charging connection.

Try another charger.|Check the cable for damage.|Clear the port USB dusty|Wait 30 minutes (if the battery is discharged to zero)-->

If the phone doesn’t turn on after this manipulation, move on to the next method. On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 processor (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro, POCO F4 GT), this method only works at a charge level above 5%.

Method 2: Use of the ADB-commands (for unlocked loader)

If you've previously had USB debugging mode enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 taps → Additional → For developers), you can turn on your smartphone via your computer. This method requires pre-configuration, but it's one of the most reliable.

What do you need?

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 🔧 Installed drivers ADB Fastboot (download from the official website)
• 📱 Cable USB (preferably original)

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the computer.
2. Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder with ADB:
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is determined, execute: adb shell input keyevent 26 (this emulates the press of the power button).
4. If the phone doesn’t respond, try an alternative command: adb shell reboot.

This method works on all Xiaomi models with unlocked bootloader, including the Redmi K40, POCO X3 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 11. If ADB doesn't help, move on to the next method.

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Save this list of commands in a notebook on your computer so you don’t look for them in an emergency.

Method 3: Activate via the service menu (Engineer Mode)

On some Xiaomi models (mostly older ones, until 2020), you can turn on your phone via an engineering menu, which is suitable if the screen responds to touch, but the power button doesn’t work. You’ll need another phone with the Mi Remote app installed or a physical remote from Xiaomi TV (yes, it works!).

How to do this:

1. Download the Mi Remote app from Google Play to the second phone.
2. Choose a Xiaomi TV device (yes, even if you have a smartphone).
3. Point the second phone’s IR port to the front camera of a broken Xiaomi and hold the Power button in the app for 5-10 seconds.
4. If the screen catches fire, quickly go to Settings → Memory → Reboot (on older versions of MIUI).

This method works because some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 4X, Mi A1) support control via the IR port. On new devices (Xiaomi 13, POCO F5) this method will not work.

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The engineering menu is the most unpredictable method, and it can either turn the phone on or lock it on the boot screen, only if other methods have not worked.

Method 4: Close Testpoints (for experienced users)

If the software doesn't work, you have to physically intervene by closing the test points on the motherboard, which is an emergency method that requires disassembling the phone, and we don't recommend trying it without soldering experience, but if you're confident, follow the instructions.

What you need:

• ⚙️ Set of screwdrivers (star, cross)
• 🔥 A soldering iron with a thin sting (power up to 30 W)
• 🧲 Solder and flux
• 📸 Loupe or magnifying glass

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (if it is still responding to charging, wait for the full discharge).
2. Remove the back cover. On the adhesive-based battery models (POCO X3, Redmi Note 10), be careful - use a plastic spatula.
3. Unplug the battery plume (required!), then find the test points, which vary according to the model.

4. Close the testpoints carefully with tweezers or soldering irons for 1-2 seconds. If done correctly, the phone will go to EDL mode (the screen will remain black, but the computer will determine the device as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008).

5. You can now flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool or QFil (instructions are available on XDA Developers).

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Before closing the testpoints, take a photo of the board - this will help to avoid errors during the assembly.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect closure of contacts can lead to short circuit and failure of the motherboard. If you are not sure about the location of the test points, contact the service.

Method 5: Connect to a power source via USB-OTG

Little-known life hack: some Xiaomi models can be enabled by powering via USB-OTG. This method works if the battery is completely discharged and standard charging does not help.

• 🔌 USB-OTG cable (preferably with fast charging support)
• ⚡ External battery (power bank) or charger
• 📱 Second phone for control (optional)

Instructions:

1. Connect the USB-OTG cable to a non-functioning phone.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to the power bank or charger.
3. Hold the combination of Volume up + Volume down for 20-30 seconds.
4. If the screen doesn’t catch fire, try connecting the OTG to your computer and type in the command: fastboot oem edl (this will put the phone in firmware mode).

This method works on Xiaomi Mi A2, Redmi 7/8 and some other models with a Qualcomm processor. on devices with MediaTek (Redmi 9C, POCO C31), it works less often.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, you have three options:

1. The average cost of repairing the power button on Xiaomi is from 1,500 to 4,000 rubles (depending on the model). In official Xiaomi services, warranty repairs are cheaper, but take up to 14 days.
2. On AliExpress or in Russian stores (for example, Beru), you can buy a power button for most models (priced at 200-800 rubles), you will need a dryer to soften the glue and a set of screwdrivers to replace it.
3. Use your phone without a power button. If you've been able to turn the device on at least once, install the Button Mapper or Power Button to Volume Button app from Google Play: 🔊 Volume buttons 🖱️ Screen gestures 🔄 Double touch.

If you decide to repair your phone yourself, be sure to check out your model's disassembly on YouTube. For example, there are great guides for the Redmi Note 10 Pro from the RepairWorld channel.

⚠️ Note: On models with amoled screens (Xiaomi 12, POCO F4) If you are not sure about your skills, it is better not to risk it - it will cost 5-10 times more to repair the screen than replacing the button.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi powering up without power button