How to launch a Xiaomi smartphone without the power button: from charging to disassembling

Why the phone doesn’t turn on through a button and what to do about it

A broken power button on Xiaomi is one of the most common hardware problems after a drop or wear. Unlike software failures where the phone just hovers, a physical break of the button requires alternative ways to turn on. The main difficulty is that without a working Power button, you can't even go into recovery mode or fastboot using standard methods.

In this article, we’ll look at 7 proven ways to run a Redmi, POCO, or Mi without an on button, from simple (charging, connecting to a PC) to radical (disassembling and closing contacts). Importantly, some methods require an unlocked bootloader or root rights, so first check if the method is suitable for your model. If the phone has never turned on after falling or getting moisture, the problem may be deeper — in damage to the board or battery.

Before you start, answer the key question:

Method 1: Starting through a charger (for fast-charging phones)

The safest and most versatile method is to use the original Quick Charge or Fast Charge charger. Many Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) automatically turn on when connected to the network if the battery is completely drained. Here's how it works:

1. Connect the phone to 18W+ charging (preferably the original adapter).
2. Wait 5-10 minutes, sometimes the screen doesn’t light up right away.
3. If the charge indicator (light bulb or battery on the screen) appears, press Volume up + Volume down simultaneously for 10-15 seconds. On some models this simulates the pressing of the power button.

⚠️ Note: If the phone does not respond to charging at all (no indication, does not warm up), the problem may be damaged. USB-The power port or the power controller, in which case the method will not work.

Connect the original cable and power supply|Try another charger (20W+)|Make sure the cable is not damaged.|Wait 15-20 minutes – sometimes the turn-on is delayed-->

Method 2: Use of the ADB-Teams (for unlocked phones)

If your Xiaomi has USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to unlock the developer menu), you can turn it on via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works even if the power button is completely broken, but requires pre-setting.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (File Transfer or MTP mode must be enabled).
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) and type: adb devices If the device appears in the list, proceed to the next step.
3. Execute the command to simulate the power button: Adb shell input keyevent 26 This is the equivalent of a short Power press.
4. For long-term pressing (off/reset) use: adb shell input keyevent --longpress 26

🔹 If ADB can't see the device:

• 🔌 Install Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers (download from the official website).
• 🔄 Switch the mode. USB on the phone (if the screen is working) PTP or MIDI.
• 🖥️ Try another one. USB-port.

💡

If the phone was previously connected to a PC and USB debugging is allowed, but the screen is not working now, try adb reboot command – this can reboot the device even without physically pressing the button.

Method 3: Activate via service menu (for some models)

Some Xiaomi smartphones (e.g. Redmi 9, Mi) A3) They support hidden service commands that can be called even from the screen off (USB-OTG) mouse.

Procedure:

1. Connect the keyboard to the phone through OTG-adapter.
2. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del (on some models Windows + Power works, but instead of the power button use Del).
3. If you have a menu, select Restart or Power Off with the keys.

⚠️ Note: This method does not work on all firmware MIUI. Nana POCO with a clean Android One (for example, POCO F1) If the keyboard is not identified, check the support. OTG model-specific.

Method 4: Contact closure (testpoint) - extreme method

If the software doesn't work, it's mechanically powered by a test point on the motherboard, which requires disassembling the phone and is only suitable for advanced users, and if you don't properly circuit, you can completely disable the phone or burn the board.

Instructions (for Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO F2 Pro and similar models):

1. Remove the back cover (need a mediator and a hair dryer to soften the glue).
2. Turn off the battery (required!), then plug it back in.
3. Find a testpoint — usually two metal dots next to the power connector signed by TP or Power Test.
4. Lock them with tweezers or screwdrivers for 2-3 seconds. The phone should vibrate and turn on.

📌 Where to look for testpoint:

• 🔍 On the Redmi Note series – next to the camera or under the screen plume.
• 🔍 Nana POCO — usually near the charging connector.
• 🔍 On Mi flagships (for example, Mi 10) – under a metal screen, a complete disassembly is required.

Method 5: Connecting to a docking station or wireless charging

If your Xiaomi supports wireless charging (e.g. Mi 11, Mi 13, POCO F4 GT), try turning it on via Qi charging. Some models automatically start when placed on a station if the battery is completely drained.

Algorithm:

1. Place your phone on wireless charging (10W+ power).
2. Wait 5-7 minutes – the charge indicator should appear.
3. If the screen remains black, try tapping the body next to the power button (sometimes helps with contact oxidation).

🔹 For models without wireless charging: use a USB-Type C docking station (e.g., for Redmi). K40 or POCO X5). Connecting to a dock can initiate system start-up.

💡

Wireless charging only works if the power controller is in good condition. If the phone doesn't respond to Qi charging, the problem may be short circuit on the board.

Method 6: Recovery with the Mi Flash Tool (for bricks)

If the phone doesn’t turn on even after the testpoint is closed, but the PC detects it in Qualcomm 9008 or EDL mode, you can try flashing stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and the firmware for your model (for example, the fastboot version for the Redmi Note 9).
2. Connect your phone to your PC in EDL mode (this may require you to close the testpoint or use Deep Flash Cable).
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
4. After successful firmware, the phone should automatically restart.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL It erases all data on the phone, and it also erases all data on new models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Pro) may require an authorized Xiaomi account (unlock the bootloader).

Method 7: Contacting a service center when nothing helps

If none of these methods worked, the problem could be more serious than just a broken button.

• 💥 Short circuit on the motherboard (often after falling or getting moisture).
• 🔋 Faulty power controller (phone not charging, does not respond to charging).
• 🔌 Oxidation of contacts of the power button or charging connector.
• 🖥️ Firmware damage (for example, after a failed update).

In these cases, self-repair is fraught with the complete loss of the device. The cost of replacing the power button in the Xiaomi service center is from 800 to 2500 rubles (depending on the model).

🔹 How to choose a service:

• 🛠️ Xiaomi official centers (repair warranty, but more expensive).
• 🔧 Unofficial workshops (cheaper, but risk of poor repairs).
• 📦 If the phone is warranty, do not disassemble it yourself - this will void the warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi powering up without power button