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

A broken power button on Xiaomi is not a verdict for a device. Even if the mechanism is completely out of order or jammed, there are at least 7 alternative ways to launch the smartphone. The main problem is not the lack of a physical button, but that most users are unaware of the built-in emergency switching features or do not risk using them for fear of damaging the device even more.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from the simplest (connect to charging) to the technically complex (working with ADB or disassembling the case). It is important to understand that the effectiveness of each method depends on the Xiaomi model, the MIUI version and the current battery status. For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro with a discharged battery will not work the method through the Fastboot, and the POCO F3 may not start recovery through the Mi PC Suite due to the bootloader lock.

Before proceeding with the instructions, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (if there is an indication when connecting charging)
• 🔌 Correction of the cable and power supply (try another charger)
• 🛠️ Physical damage to the body (cracks, dents near the button)

1. Energizing through the charger (the easiest way)

If the power button is not responding, but the Xiaomi smartphone is still capable of taking charge, try turning on automatically when connecting to the network. This method works on most models (Redmi 9A, POCO X3, Mi 11 Lite, etc.), but requires two conditions:

1. The battery is not completely discharged (at least 5-10% of the charge).
2. The device was not in deep sleep mode (if the smartphone turned off itself - the chances are lower).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to an original or high-quality charger (at least 10 watts).
2. Leave it on charging for at least 15-20 minutes (even if the indicator does not burn).
3. If the screen doesn’t catch fire after 20 minutes, try pressing and holding the volume button for 10-15 seconds.
4. On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi 9T) the combination of Volume up + Loud down (hold 20 seconds) helps.

Why does it work? MIUI's firmware has a mechanism for emergency start-up when power is detected if the system is not turned off correctly, but on newer models (Xiaomi 13, POCO F5), this mechanism can be turned off due to optimizing power consumption.

⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone heats up after being connected to charging but doesn't turn on, disconnect the cable immediately! this may indicate a short circuit in the power chain.

2. Use of hardware button combinations

Many Xiaomi devices have hidden button combinations for forced on or reboot, which differ depending on the model and firmware version, but the most versatile options are:

• 🔊 Loudness up + Power button (hold 10-15 seconds) – works on 70% of models.
• 🔊🔊 Loudness up + Loudness down + Power button for older devices (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1).
• 🔋🔊 Connect the charger + Volume up – an alternative for devices with a faulty power button.

If the standard combinations don’t work, try Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off your smartphone (if it is on, hold the power button for 20 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power button for 10-15 seconds.
3. If the Mi logo appears, release the buttons – the Recovery menu should open.
4. Select Reboot → System (manage volume buttons, confirmation – power button).

Make sure your smartphone is off |

Try Volume Up + Nutrition (15 seconds) |

Try both volume buttons + Power (20 seconds) |

Connect charging and repeat combinations

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Critical nuance: on devices with a locked bootloader (Bootloader), forced login to Recovery can reset the settings to factory. This applies to models purchased in official stores (Mi Store, Xiaomi Russia), where the lock is activated by default.

3. Including through ADB (for advanced users)

If you previously enabled USB debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to unlock developer options), you can try turning it on via your computer using Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

• 🖥️ Connected to the PC earlier (there is a debugging permit).
• 🔋 They have at least 10% charge.
• 🛠️ No hardware damage to the port USB.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (the official package from Google).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
3. Open the command prompt (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb devices If the device is identified (the serial number will appear), proceed to the next step. If not, debugging was not enabled.
4. Execute the command to force reboot: adb reboot or turn on (if the device is turned off): adb shell input keyevent 26 (emulation of the power button press)

If adb devices returns an empty list, try:

• 🔌 Reconnect the cable or use another port USB.
• 🔄 Restart the PC and try again.
• 🛠️ Install Mi drivers PC Suite (see next section).

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB This can cause a reset if the device is unstable. Do not use adb reboot bootloader on locked bootloaders - this will cause a hard brick (complete inoperability).

The Mi PC Suite: The Official Way From Xiaomi

The official Mi PC Suite software allows you to control a Xiaomi smartphone from a computer, including forced reboot, which works even without USB debugging enabled, but requires:

• 🖥️ Computer running Windows 7/10/11.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (not all third-party cables support data transmission).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 20%.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi PC Suite from the official website and install it.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC. If the device is turned off, hold Volume Down + Power 10 seconds (attempt to log in to Fastboot).
3. Run the Mi PC Suite and wait for the device to be determined.
4. In the main menu of the program, select Device → Reboot.
5. If the smartphone is not determined, click Update drivers in the program settings.

If the Mi PC Suite does not see the device:

• 🔧 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers through Device Manager (find the device with an exclamation mark).
• 🛠️ Use Fastboot Mode (Hold Volume Down) + Power when connecting to a PC).

Limitations of the method:

• It does not work on devices with a damaged USB port.
• You may not be able to identify your smartphone if the battery is completely discharged.
• Some models (POCO F4 GT, Xiaomi 12T) require unlocking the bootloader.

5 Hard Reset (Hard Reset) through Recovery

If Xiaomi doesn’t turn on any of these ways, it’s a hardware reset via the Recovery Mode, which will delete all the data on the device but return it to working order. Use it only as a last resort!

How to perform the reset:

1. Turn off your smartphone (if it is on, hold the power button for 20 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power (10-15 seconds). For POCO and some Redmi: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Loudness up

Reboot → System

What happens after the dump:

• 📱 All data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted.
• 🔒 The device will return to factory settings (reconfiguration will be required).
• 🔑 If you have enabled a Mi Account, you will need authorization after the reboot.

⚠️ Note: On devices with locked bootloader (Xiaomi 12, POCO F4) Recovery resets may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account, even if you don't remember it, and require official unlocking through the service center.

Disassembly of the hull and closure of contacts (extreme method)

If all software methods are exhausted, then you can mechanically turn on by closing the contacts of the power button.

• 🛠️ Skills of working with small electronics.
• 🔧 Special tools (plastic blade, tweezers, multimeter).
• 📄 Understanding the device’s schema (for each model it is unique).

The following is the example of Redmi Note 9 Pro:

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-memory-card.
2. Heat the back cover with a hairdryer (60–70°C) to soften the glue.
3. Carefully tuck the lid with a plastic spatula, starting at the bottom edge.
4. Unplug the battery plume (use plastic tweezers!).
5. Find the contacts of the power button (usually signed) on the motherboard PWR_KEY or KPP).
6. Shortly close the contacts with tweezers or a screwdriver (no more than 2 seconds).
7. Connect the battery and check if the device is switched on.

Risks of the method:

💡

Before disassembling, take a picture of the location of all the plumes and screws, this will help to properly assemble the device back and avoid unnecessary damage.

If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact the service center. The cost of replacing the power button in Xiaomi is from 800 to 2000 rubles (depending on the model).

7. Contacting a service center: when nothing helps

If none of these methods work, there's an official repair, and the benefits of using the service are:

• 🔧 Warranty service (if the device is under warranty).
• 🛡️ Use of original spare parts.
• 📝 Diagnostics of other possible malfunctions (for example, damage to the motherboard).

How to choose a service center:

• 🏢 Xiaomi Official Centers – Reliable, but Expensive (listed on mi.com).
• 🔧 Unofficial workshops are cheaper, but the risk of using unoriginal parts.
• 📦 Self-replacement – only if you are an experienced user (parts can be ordered on AliExpress or in specialty stores).

The cost of repairing the power button:

💡

If the smartphone is warranty, do not try to repair it yourself - this will void warranty obligations. Xiaomi official service centers provide free repair in the factory defect power buttons (if the defect is not mechanical).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi powering up without power button