How to turn on Xiaomi smartphone if the power button does not work: all working methods

A broken power button on Xiaomi is one of the most frustrating breakdowns that can completely paralyze a device. Without the ability to physically press the power key, many users think that the smartphone has become a “brick” and only remains to be carried to the service center. However, this is not true: there are at least 5 alternative ways to turn on Xiaomi, even if the power button does not respond to presses.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current methods, from the simplest (connect to charging) to the advanced (using ADB or test mode). It’s important to understand that the effectiveness of each method depends on the smartphone model (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3), the firmware version (MIUI 14 vs HyperOS) and even whether the battery is dead, and we’ll also tell you how to avoid repeated problems and what to do if none of the methods worked.

Before you start, check that the button may have just stuck to the surface due to moisture or dust, try tapping the button area gently or blowing it with compressed air, and if the mechanical action doesn't work, read on.

1. Initiation through charging connection

The easiest and most versatile way is to use a charger. Many Xiaomi models (especially those released after 2018) automatically turn on when connected to a power source if the battery is discharged to zero or the device was in a deep discharge state.

How it works: When you connect a charger, the smartphone receives a signal to start charging, which can trigger a system start-up, which does not work on all devices, but it is worth trying it first.

• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to the original charger (preferably with Quick Charge support).
• ⏳ Leave the device on charge for 10-15 minutes – sometimes the screen does not turn on immediately.
• 🔄 If after connecting, a charging indicator (light bulb or battery icon) appears, but the screen does not turn on, try holding the volume button for 10-15 seconds.
• 📱 Some models (e.g. Redmi 9 or POCO M3) Helps the combination Loudness+ + Loudness-- (at the same time).

⚠️ Warning: If the battery is completely discharged (0%), this method may not work.

2.Use of OTG cable and mouse/keyboard

If you support Xiaomi OTG (On-the-Go, you can connect USB-And the mouse or keyboard and turn the device on with it. This method works on most of today's models, including the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+, POCO F4 others.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect. OTG-Smartphone adapter (if you have a Type-C, use an adapter) USB-C → USB-A).
2. Connect to the adapter USB-mouse.
3. If the smartphone was turned off but not discharged, the screen should turn on automatically after a few seconds.
4. If the screen doesn’t respond, try pressing any button on the keyboard or moving the mouse.

On some firmware (MIUI 13+) plug-in OTG-You can have a menu that suggests unlocking the screen. If the smartphone has been locked with a password, you'll need to enter it using the keyboard.

OTG-supported cable (check in model specifications)

USB-mouse or keyboard (better wired)

Charged battery (minimum 10-15%)

Type-C Adapter → USB-A (if needed)

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3. Launch through the service menu (Test Mode)

On some Xiaomi models (mostly older ones like the Redmi 4X or Mi A1), you can turn on the device via a hidden service menu, a technique that requires certain skills, but can save the day if other methods don’t work.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to charging.
2. Press the button combination: Volume + Volume + Loudness + Connect Charging Hold for 10-15 seconds until the menu appears.
3. In the service menu (usually in English or Chinese), find Reboot or Power On.
4. Select it with the volume buttons and confirm the choice (sometimes you need a short press on the power button that is not working - try to press it slightly).

If the menu doesn't appear, your model doesn't support this method, and don't try the combinations at random, which can cause a reset.

4. Including through ADB (for advanced users)

If your Xiaomi has previously been enabled debugging USB (USB Debugging, you can enable it via your computer using the tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge – This method is suitable for users who have previously configured development features.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-Drivers and Platform Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (if previously activated).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer.
2. Open the command line (cmd) and enter: Adb devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), go further.
3. Enter the command to turn on the screen: adb shell input keyevent 26 (code 26 corresponds to the power button).
4. If the screen is not responding, try the reboot command: adb reboot

⚠️ Attention: if debugging is USB It wasn't activated in advance, it won't work. Also, don't try to connect to a locked smartphone through a device. ADB — This can lead to a data dump.

5. Hardware reset (if nothing helps)

If all the previous methods have failed, the last option is hardware reset, which will delete all the data on the device, but can bring it back to life. Use it only as a last resort!

How to make a hard reset on Xiaomi:

1. Turn off your smartphone (if it is on, keep Volume on).+ + Loudness until it's turned off).
2. Hold on to the combination: Volume+ + Power button for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. In the recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Yes.
5. After completion, select Reboot.

Some models (e.g., POCO F3 or Redmi K40) require that the Loud + + Power button be held until vibration occurs to enter recovery, and then release the power button while continuing to hold Volume +.

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If the smartphone doesn’t turn on after hard reset, try connecting it to charging for 1-2 hours. Sometimes after reset, it takes time to initialize the system.

What to do if none of the methods worked?

If you’ve tried all the ways, but Xiaomi still doesn’t turn on, the problem could be deeper than just a broken power button.

• 🔋 Fully discharged battery: leave your smartphone on charge for 2-3 hours, even if the indicator does not burn.
• 🔌 Damaged charging connector: Try another charger or cable. If the smartphone doesn't respond to charging, the power controller may be the problem.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction: if the power button is not only not pressed, but also not fixed (for example, after a fall), you will need to replace the micro-switch.
• 💻 Damaged firmware: If you were updating software or installing custom firmware before breaking, you may need to flash it through Fastboot.

In such cases, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center or a proven wizard.The average cost of repairing the power button on models Redmi/POCO form 800–1500 If the smartphone is warranty, repair can be free - but only if the breakdown is not the fault of the user.

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Before visiting the service center, make a backup of the data (if the smartphone is at least somehow responsive to connections).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi powering up without power button