When the display of a Xiaomi smartphone stops responding to touch or goes out completely, users are often taken by surprise.If the device continues to work, but you can not control the interface, there is an urgent need to force the system to shut down, this is especially true before transporting a damaged gadget to a service center or to stop heating the case.
There are several proven ways to solve this problem, from simple hardware button combinations to using specialized software on a computer.The choice of a particular method depends on the degree of damage to the sensor and the availability of additional tools such as: USB-lintel.
In this guide, we will discuss all current options, including using Recovery mode and debugging by ADB. It is important to act consistently to avoid damaging the file system and save personal data, if this is still possible.
Forced reboot through physical buttons
The fastest and most affordable way to turn off a touchscreen device is to use hardware control buttons. Xiaomi and Redmi have a mechanism that allows you to reset power even when the system is getting stuck, you need to pinch the power button and hold it for a long time, usually 10 to 20 seconds.
If standard retention doesn't work, try a combination of volume buttons. On many models, holding the Power and Volume Up (or Volume Down) together for 15 seconds will trigger a hard reset. The screen can flash the logo or vibrate, signaling a successful completion of the process.
⚠️ Warning: Forced shutdown does not save open documents or unsaved progress in games.
Some users have noted that models with a side fingerprint scanner (which is paired with an on button) require a stronger press, and if the phone is in the case, it is better to remove it to ensure direct contact with the button mechanism.
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Holding the power button for more than 15 seconds is a universal method for all Android smartphones, allowing you to simulate battery extraction.
Using Recovery Mode to Turn Off
If the system does not respond to normal commands, you can try to put the smartphone in recovery mode (Recovery Mode), in this mode, the touchscreen is often not required, since the navigation is carried out by the volume buttons. To get there, the device turned off (or in a reboot cycle) you need to hold the Power + Volume Up combination until the Mi logo appears.
Once you log into the Recovery menu, you'll see a list of options in English or Chinese. Even if the screen is partially working but the touch is not responding, you can choose Power off or Shutdown using the audio adjustment buttons to move and the power button to confirm. In some versions of MIUI, the menu may be touch-sensitive, but often button-based.
- 🔌 Connect the charger before entering mode so that the phone does not run out in the process.
- 🔘 Use the Volume Down button to descend the menu list.
- ✅ The Power button performs the Enter function or the selection confirmation function.
It is important not to confuse this mode with Fastboot, which is called by the Power + Volume Down combination. In Fastboot mode, you can also turn off the phone by selecting the appropriate option or simply holding the power button for about 10 seconds until the screen goes out.
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
Connection USB-mouse-wise OTG steer
One of the most effective methods to fully control a smartphone without a touchscreen is the use of an adapter. OTG (On-The-Go by connecting a regular computer USB-If you go to the mouse to the charging connector through the adapter, you get a cursor on the screen. This works even if there's an image, but the sensor doesn't respond.
To do this, you'll need the adapter itself (often bundled with new models or sold separately) and any wired mouse, and when you connect, you'll have a cursor arrow on your screen, which will allow you to unlock your phone (by entering a pattern lock or pin code), go to settings, and select a standard shutdown.
This technique also allows you to copy important data to a flash drive or to the cloud before you turn it off. USB-receiver, it is also suitable, but wired more reliable, since there is no need for power and pairing.
⚠️ Note: Make sure your adapter is OTG Cheap adapters may not support data transmission, working only to charge.
Shutting down via computer and Mi PC Suite
If the touchscreen doesn’t work, but the phone is defined by the computer as a media device or USB debugging has been previously enabled, you can use software. The official Mi PC Suite utility (or the international version of Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools) allows you to manage some of the device’s functions from a PC.
To successfully connect, USB Debugging mode must be activated in the developer menu before the screen breaks. If this condition is met, connect the smartphone with a cable to the computer. In the program interface, a reboot or turn off button is often available that sends the system command to the device.
If the official tools can not see the phone, you can use the command line ADB. This is a more advanced method that requires the installation of drivers. the command adb reboot the device, and to completely shut down (on some models) can work adb shell reboot -p.
adb shell reboot -pUsing third-party programs such as Vysor or Scrcpy also allows you to broadcast the screen on the PC and control it with your mouse, which makes it possible to permanently turn off the gadget through the menu.
☑️ Check before connecting to the PC
Full battery discharge method
When none of the software or hardware methods work, the easiest, albeit long-lasting, way is to wait for the battery to run out completely: If the screen is on or the phone vibrates but doesn't turn off, it will continue to consume power until the charge drops to a critical level (usually 0-1%).
To speed up this process, you can leave the device in active mode. For example, if the phone is connected to Wi-Fi and heavy applications are running, the discharge will go faster. Some users specifically turn on a flashlight or video if the sensor partially responds to run out of battery life faster.
Once the phone turns off, don't be in a hurry to charge it if you plan to carry it for repairs. It's better to leave it off. However, this method has a serious drawback: the deep discharge of Xiaomi lithium polymer batteries is harmful to their durability.
- 📉 Deep discharge can cause voltage to fall below the permissible minimum.
- 🔋 The battery can go into "sleep mode" and stop charging without special equipment.
- ⏳ The process can take from a few hours to a day depending on the capacity.
⚠️ Warning: Do not leave a discharged phone in storage. If you have used this method, charge the device as soon as possible to avoid deep discharge.
Comparison of methods and compatibility table
The choice of the optimal method depends on the specific model of your device and the nature of the malfunction. Below is a table that will help you navigate the available options for various crash scenarios.
| Method | Conditions required | Efficiency | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons (Power + Vol) | Correct physical buttons | Tall. | Low (unsaved only) |
| Recovery mode | Working display (image) | Medium | Low. |
| USB-mouse (OTG) | USB port, serviceable display | Very high. | No. |
| ADB / PC Suite | Included debugging over USB | Tall. | No. |
| Battery discharge | Absent. | 100% (with time) | No, but it's bad for the ABC. |
As can be seen from the table, the use of OTG-The adapter is the safest and most functional way to not only turn off the phone, but also save data. However, if the display is completely black and shows no signs of life, you have to rely on button combinations or wait for the discharge.
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If you plan to take your phone for repair, be sure to turn it off completely, which will prevent possible overheating and fire during transportation, and also make it easier for the master to diagnose.