The black screen on Xiaomi Redmi, which doesn't respond to touch, is one of the most unpleasant malfunctions. You can't unlock the device, call the power menu, or even tell if the phone is on at all. The reasons can range from software failure after upgrading to physical damage to the display plume, but in most cases, turning off the device without a working screen is quite feasible β and we'll tell you how to do it as safely as possible.
It is important to understand that the methods differ depending on the Redmi model (for example, the Redmi Note 9 Pro has a different button arrangement than the Redmi 10C) and the state of the device (whether it is getting stuck or simply does not display the picture). Some methods require preliminary preparation, for example, enabled debugging over USB. If you have never set these parameters, some of the instructions will be useless. But donβt worry: we have collected all possible options, including those that work on a completely dead screen.
Before you start, answer two questions:
- Is there any physical damage on the phone (cracks, dents, traces of moisture)?
- Does the device react to charging (does the indicator light up, does it vibrate when the cable is connected)?
It depends on which method is more effective. Now, to the point.
1. Hardware button shutdown (powers 90% of Redmi models)
The most versatile way is to force a keyboard reboot, which is suitable for most Xiaomi Redmi, Released smartphones after 2018, including the Note series, K and budget models like the Redmi 9A or Redmi A1. The main condition is that the phone must be turned on (even if the screen is black), and the battery is not completely drained.
The instructions are simple:
- Take the phone in your hand so that it is convenient to press the side buttons with your thumb.
- Press the power button (usually located on the right) and the volume button (top key on the left end).
- Hold them together for 10-15 seconds until the device shuts down (you will feel a short vibration).
If the phone doesn't show signs of life after that, try plugging it into a 10- to 20-minute charger, and then repeat the procedure. Some models (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro) may work with a power + volume combination β try both.
Why doesn't this method always work?
- π Battery is low β if the charge is below 5%, the phone may not respond to the buttons.
- π οΈ Damaged button plume β physical breakdown blocks signal from keys.
- π€ Firmware is hanging - in rare cases, even hardware reboot does not help (flashing is required).
β οΈ Warning: Do not hold the buttons for more than 20 seconds β this may cause a hard reset on some models, which will delete all data!
2. Shutdown via connection to PC (ADB method)
If your Redmi previously had USB debugging enabled (Settings β About Phone β MIUI version β 7 taps to unlock Developer Mode, then Additional β Developers β USB debugging), you can turn it off using your computer. This method is suitable for devices that do not respond to buttons, but are recognized by the PC when connected.
You'll need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux;
- π Cable USB (preferably original);
- π οΈ Installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download here);
- π¦ Tool. ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
Step-by-step:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive in any folder.
- Connect your phone to your PC. If the screen doesn't work, but the phone is defined as a device (you can check it in Device Manager), move on.
- Open the command line (Win + R β enter cmd) and go to the folder with ADB: cd C:\platform-tools (replace the path with your own).
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the phone appears in the list, type: adb shell reboot -p This will turn off the device.
What if the ADB canβt see the phone?
- π Try another one. USB-cable.
- π Restart your PC and phone (holding the power button 20)+ seconds).
- π οΈ Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select "Update driver" β "Perform a search on this computer" β Specify the folder with Xiaomi drivers).
Install Xiaomi | Download ADB Tools | Connect the original cable | Check for USB debugging (if the screen was working before) | Run the command line on behalf of the administrator-->
β οΈ Note: If you have never turned on the debugging USB, This method won't work. In that case, move on to the next one.
Removal of the battery (last resort for non-removable batteries)
On the modern Xiaomi Redmi, the battery is soldered into the case, so you can't just take it out, like in the old Nokia, but you can still force the power out, you have to disassemble the phone and temporarily disconnect the battery from the motherboard, which is guaranteed to turn the device off even when the system is completely freezes, but requires accuracy and the right tools.
What you'll need:
- π§ A set of screwdrivers (cross, flat, and specialized for Xiaomi - usually Y00 or T3).
- π§² Suction or plastic spatula for screen separation.
- π₯ Hair dryer (to soften glue if screen is glued).
- π§€ Gloves (optional so as not to leave prints on the interior parts).
Step-by-step process:
- Turn off your phone (if it still responds to the buttons).
- Heat the screen edge with a hair dryer (~60Β°C) for 1-2 minutes to soften the glue.
- Carefully apply a suction or spatula to the screen, starting at the bottom edge. Don't use force, you can damage the plume!
- Unscrew the screws that fix the metal cover above the battery.
- Find the battery connector (usually black or red, labeled BAT or Battery) and gently disconnect it with a plastic spatula.
- Wait 10-15 seconds and reconnect the connector β the phone will turn off completely.
Risks and warnings:
| Action. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Screen power compartment | Damage to the display plume or touchpad | Use a hair dryer and plastic tools |
| Touching the motherboard with bare hands | Static electricity can burn microchips | Working with gloves or touching grounded objects |
| Disconnecting the battery without turning off the phone | Short circuit, failure of the power controller | Always try to turn off your phone before a breakup. |
What happens if the battery is disconnected incorrectly?
4.Switch off via Recovery and Fastboot modes
If the phone vibrates when you press buttons or reacts to charging, but the screen remains black, you can try to go to Recovery or Fastboot modes, which operate at the firmware level and allow you to turn off the device even without a working display.
How to log in to Recovery Mode:
- Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Press the power button + increase volume and hold until you feel the vibration (usually 5-7 seconds).
- Blind mode (since the screen is not working): Press the volume button once (select "Stop"). Press the power button to confirm.
How to Sign In to Fastboot Mode:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the power button + volume reduction before vibration appears.
- Connect your phone to your PC and use the ADB command: fastboot oem off-mode-charge 0 This will turn off the device.
Instructions:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- Select your Redmi from the list of devices.
- Press Find the device. β Management β Turn it off.
- Confirm the action with a password from the account.
Limitations of the method:
- β It does not work if the phone is discharged or disconnected from the network.
- β Not all models support remote shutdown (e.g., Redmi). 9A This function may not be available).
- β If the screen is not working due to hardware failure (for example, a plume fell off), the command may not work.
π‘
Remote shutdown via Mi Cloud is the safest way, but it only works when you have an active internet connection and the Find Device feature enabled.
Alternative methods: discharge and charger
If none of the above methods work, there are two options:
- Wait for the battery to run out completely, leave the phone offline for 1-2 days. When the battery runs to 0%, the device will shut down automatically. Minus: a long process, and the next time you turn on, you may have problems with booting.
- Use a smart charger β some RAMs (such as those from Baseus or Anker) have the function of force-out power when holding a button for a long time. Connect the phone to this RAM, hold the button on the block for 10-15 seconds β this can simulate battery extraction.
Warnings:
- π Complete discharge of lithium battery to 0% reduces its service life.
- β‘ Using uncertified RMS can damage the power controller.
What do I do after the shutdown?
When you finally managed to turn off Xiaomi Redmi with a broken screen, follow this algorithm:
- Check for physical damage - inspect the body for cracks, dents or traces of oxidation (green plaque on the contacts).
- Connect to charging β if the charging indicator lights up, the problem is more software.
- Try to turn on: Hold the power button for 5-7 seconds. If the screen is black but the phone vibrates, maybe only the display is damaged.
Contact the service.
- The phone doesn't turn on at all;
- The screen remains black, but the device is heated.
- Artifacts (strips, flickering) appear when connected to a PC.
β οΈ Warning: After resetting, the phone may require you to enter the Mi Account that was previously linked.If you don't remember the password, the device will become a "brick".