How to lock Xiaomi phone if the lock button does not work

A broken lock button on Xiaomi is a problem that many users face, especially after falls or prolonged use. But what if the screen needs to be urgently locked and the physical button does not respond? Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several alternative ways, from standard MIUI features to hidden Android features.

In this article, we will discuss 7 working methods, including blocking with gestures, voice commands, through the power menu and even using third-party applications, describe the nuances for different models from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14, and also tell you how to configure automatic locking so that you no longer depend on a mechanical button.

Important: Some methods require pre-tuning. If the button stops working suddenly, try the unprepared methods first (sections 2 and 3) and then move on to more complex solutions.

1. Blocking through the power menu (works without a button)

The most versatile way is to use the software shutdown menu, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones, regardless of the model and version of MIUI.

How it works:

• 📱 Press the power button (what doesn’t work) on 2-3 seconds – even if it is broken, sometimes the software trigger works.
• 🔄 If the physical button doesn’t respond at all, call the menu via Settings. → The phone. → Power button (on some firmware).
• 🔒 In the window that appears, tap the “Blocking” icon (usually at the bottom left).

On models with MIUI 14+, the power menu can be called by double pressing the volume button – check this function in Settings → Special features → Button Management.

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If the power menu doesn’t appear, try connecting your phone to charge – sometimes this will activate the software button.

2. Lock gesture (the fastest way)

The default option for Double-Tap to Lock is in MIUI, but you have to pre-enable it, and if you haven't, skip this section and move on to the next one.

How to set up (if the button is still working):

1. Open the Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select Additional Locking Settings.
3. Activate the option "Double touch to lock".

How to use:

• 👆 Twice touch the empty space on your desktop (not on icons!).
• 🔐 The screen will immediately go out and be blocked.
• ⚠️ Does not work on a locked screen – only when the phone is unlocked.

Double touch enabled in settings | Screen responds to touch |No conflicts with other gestures | Phone is not in power saving mode-->

On the POCO F5 and Redmi K60, this gesture may conflict with the "Rise to Wake Up" function. If the lock doesn't work, turn it off in Settings → Display → Awaken when lifting.

3. Voice blocking via Google Assistant

If your Xiaomi has Google Assistant installed (all Google Mobile Services models are default), you can lock the screen with your voice, which works even if the sensor completely refuses to respond to touch.

Instructions:

1. Say “OK Google” or hold the home button (if you have one).
2. Say the command: "Block the phone" or "Lock screen".
3. Confirm the action (if required).

Important nuances:

• 🔊 Voice lock only works when the screen is unlocked.
• 📶 Internet connection required to process the command.
• 🔒 On some firmware, you must first allow blocking in the Assistant settings (Google Settings). → Voice assistant → Settings → Screen locking).

On Xiaomi 13T and later, voice lock may not work due to MIUI 14.5+ limitations, in which case use alternative methods from the following sections.

4. Automatic locking by timer

If you don't have to lock the screen right now, you can set up automatic locking after a certain time of inactivity, which won't replace manual locking, but it will eliminate the need to use the button in everyday scenarios.

How to set up:

• 🕒 Go to Settings. → Lock screen → Son.
• 🔢 Select a minimum time, such as 15 seconds.
• ⚡ Enable the option "Blocking at sleep" (if any).

On the Redmi A2 and other budget models, too short sleep can lead to self-reboots, with 30 to 60 seconds optimal.

5.Blocking through the notification panel

In MIUI 12-14, there is a hidden lock button in the notification bar, and many users are unaware of its existence, even though it works when the power button is turned off.

Step-by-step:

1. 📲 Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. 🔍 Slide down to the end - there should be an icon "Blocking" (locklock).
3. 👆 Slip on it - the screen will immediately lock.

If no button:

• ⚙️ Go to Settings. → Notification panel.
• 🔧 Click "Configure the control panel".
• 🔒 Find the “Blocking” icon and drag it to the active area.

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The lock button in the notification panel works even if the power button is turned off or the sensor is broken (provided that the panel opens with gestures).

6. Special features: blocking through AssistiveTouch

For users who don't have a lock button, but also a sensor, AssistiveTouch is a good option, which mimics physical keys and allows you to lock your phone with a single touch.

How to turn on:

1. Open Settings → Special features → AssistiveTouch.
2. Activate the slider "Enable AssistiveTouch".
3. 🎯 There will be a floating button on the screen – tap it.
4. Select "Blocking" (lock icon).

Additional settings:

• 🖼️ You can change the size and transparency of the button in the AssistiveTouch settings.
• 🔄 Set up a double-press action – for example, locking + switch off.
• 📍 Move the button around the screen so it doesn’t interfere.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi 12 Pro and 13 Ultra AssistiveTouch can conflict with navigation gestures. If the button does not appear, turn off Full-screen gestures in the display settings.

7. Third-party applications for blocking

If standard methods don't work, you can install specialized utilities that offer advanced features, such as locking on a schedule or via a widget.

Top.-3 tested applications:

How to set up Screen Off and Lock:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and grant permission to the Administrator of the device.
3. 📱 Add the app widget to the main screen.
4. 👆 Now one touch of the widget will block the screen.

⚠️ Attention: Some apps require you to disable battery optimization for Xiaomi.Do it in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Battery → No restrictions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about locking Xiaomi without a button